#they don’t make things like my beloved very old and heavy and inconvenient for travel but also very indestructible laptop anymore *sighs*

[catastrxblues]

there’s no way i’m actually watching a youtube video on how to right click with the touchpad like a grandma what

[ramzawrites]

Wherever the world takes us Part 1 - A SBI!Reader insert

GN

Pairings: none Characters included: Philza, Wilbur, Tommy, Tubbo, Cpt Puffy, Schlatt, Captain Sparklez, (mentioned) Fundy Warnings: small mention of death Series: Yes, planned slow updates but this happens in a slight AU world of the official lore of the dsmp and follows along the plot only this time the reader gets included as the middle hybrid child of the SBI Part 2

Summary: A small introduction to the SBI family dynamic including the reader! Today is Techno’s big day at the local festival! He get’s to participate in a fighting tournament but until that happens there is still a ton of time to somehow still get into trouble, isn’t there?

Word count: 4380

Shapeshifters aren’t as rare as many people think. In fact many carry that gene but not everyone ends up showing the properties of one. If you have the active gene you may show first changes during your early childhood which then stretches out until your late teens where the changes will stop resulting in the persons usual animal like form. These changes can range from a whole body covered in fur to having goat like eyes or just horns on their head.

As far as scientists know there isn’t a real reason as to what the final form will be since Shapeshifters who are directly related to one another can have complete and drastically different forms to each other. Though an old myth has been going around for as long as people know that the form a Shapeshifter takes is a result of their subconscious, something that mirrors their true self. Sadly due to this belief many Non-Shifters hold stereotypes and prejudice towards them.

Philza was a Shapeshifter himself. As a kid two stubs slowly appeared at his back and settled in over the years as beautiful huge black wings that he could use for takeoff and a bit for flying but mostly functioned better for gliding around. He used these wings to later travel around the world, learning everything about it and training himself.

At some point he did settle down again and ended up fathering four children alone of whom two showed Shapeshifter properties as well.

There were the twins Technoblade and Wilbur. Technoblade showed from an early age on a deeper interest in fighting. Always asking to learn more than the self-defense techniques their father was teaching them, so Philza took the time to teach him everything he knew. Gifting him later on a proper iron sword which Techno then used to train almost daily with. Philza later had to put mending on that sword since it was chipped and scratched in a short time over heavy use. He is also one of the two children of Philza who ended up being a Shapeshifter. They first noticed when two of his teeth in his lower jaw tended to peek out of his mouth. Over the years these two teeth turned into full blown tusks, flappy pink ears would appear on his head, his hair slowly turned into a soft pink, as well as bristle like fur begun growing on his arms. It were the characteristics of a pig as they soon realized.

Wilbur the younger of the twins by two minutes was more interested in music and books. Philza gifted him a guitar the same time he gave Techno his first sword. From that point on it was a rare thing if you didn’t see Wilbur’s guitar around him. Either on his person or laying close by him. Over time he got really proficient with the instrument and begun writing amazing songs as well as singing them himself.

The middle child Y/N was the more mellow of the whole bunch though this didn’t mean much in the context of the whole family. While they happily took part in whatever trouble their siblings got up to they were at the end the first person that would try to help solve these troubles as well and took care of any wounds. To that end they soon learned how to grow their own herbs to make medicine. This was something Philza taught them. Both would spent a ton of time in the garden, so much so, that the garden was dubbed Y/N’s and Dad’s garden. Techno would sometimes help out as well but that was a more rare occurrence. Y/N was the second kid with the active Shapeshifter gene. Just like their father, two stubs appeared at their back that too would turn into huge black wings. Y/N still remembered how perplexed but proud Philza was when he understood what was happening. They didn’t know what they expected from their father but this reaction wasn’t it. But they weren’t mad about it.

The youngest of the family was Tommy and he was the number one reason why the kids got into trouble in the first place. He would wake up, make weird plans and rope the others into it as well. Wilbur was the first he would usually try to recruit to which Techno then would reluctantly join knowing that if the two are together they will need help later on. Getting Y/N on board was pretty easy as well. It was either a thing of them knowing they will one hundred percent get hurt so best to join in now or they were feeling particularly chaotic that day and wouldn’t even hesitate to join.

Back when they all lived together in their old cottage home their daily lives would always start in the same way.

Philza would be the first awake. He would wake the children up and continue downstairs to work on breakfast for everyone.

There was no real order to who would be the first downstairs for food but it was always Y/N who would be the last to join the group. Moving in front of their designated chair only to stretch before properly sitting down.

“Ew! Gross! Your wing touched my food!” Wilbur exclaimed angrily, pulling the plate with his food closer to himself and farther away from his sibling.

Y/N rolled their eyes “I’m not poisonous, Wilbur.”

“Still gross.” He muttered more to himself as he reluctantly took a bite from his toast.

Phil eyed the two but looked back down to his food and coffee “Your wings are getting pretty big. I’m sure it won’t take long until you can do more than just gliding about.”

“So, that means you can teach them to fly soon?” Tommy was the one to ask surprisingly. Sure, that was on Y/N’s mind as well so they didn’t mind Tommy saying what they thought but they still felt like it was a bad sign and a call for trouble though they couldn’t think how nor did they care enough to find out.

Philza raised one of his eyebrows, obviously taking note of that fact as well. It was something you learned to look out for once you spend enough time with Tommy. “I’m not sure how soon but I think so, yeah.”

“Cool.” Was all Tommy remarked. He then proceeded to stare at his food so his family would get their suspicion off of him. Acting as if he didn’t just figuratively plant a huge red flag on the table with the words “I have a plan!”.

Y/N on the other hand couldn’t help to smile. They were excited for the eventual day when Philza could finally teach them how to fly. For the longest time now they have only learned to use their wings to glide and got really good at changing directions while doing so. Taking care of their wings was already a pain so they wanted to get at least something good out of having them in the first place and being able to properly fly is a huge plus since getting into positions where you could actually  glide around was a difficult and a bothersome thing.

Philza sighed choosing to ignore Tommy and instead turned to look at Wilbur and Y/N “What is your plan today? Want to join me and Techno when we go into town for the tournament?”

After a few seconds of confused expressions between the two Wilbur suddenly shouted “Oh! Techno’s tournament! Of course! I wanna see him beat up other people for a change!”

Techno snorted “Really feeling the support here right now, bro.”

“I’m guessing you both are coming too?” Philza was now addressing the other two of his kids.

Both were fast and eager to agree. Wilbur was right. Usually Techno tried sparring with his siblings though using the word sparring was maybe an overstatement. He would mercilessly beat them up and complain they didn’t last long enough. At rare times where all of them were bored enough they would play a game of >Who can last the longest against Techno<. Y/N really wasn’t too big a fan of this game since they ended up being the only one who would address the wounds later including their own since they didn’t trust the others to properly apply a band aid.

From this point on the breakfast was more alive than before. Tommy and Wilbur would constantly ask questions to Techno about who he will be fighting or how everything will work. To which he all just gave a very non-committal “I dunno”.

After they all cleaned up the breakfast table, they got ready and grabbed everything they needed.

The town wasn’t super far away but it was a long enough walk that it would be inconvenient to get back for things you might have forgotten.

Techno grabbed his sword while Wilbur made sure to take his beloved guitar with him. Y/N made sure to grab all kinds of medicine and bandages with them. They knew Techno will get treated at the tournament should he get hurt but they felt better if they brought some stuff with them as well. Tommy on the other hand made sure to grab all kinds of things including a few pages of paper, pens, string and more. Philza wanted to just write it down to Tommy probably meeting up with Tubbo in town and doing harmless crafts but the chances were slim.

As they made their way to the tournament and Philza was preaching to them to not cause any trouble since there would be a lot of people there today, Y/N soon noticed how Techno would nervously play around with the hilt of his worn out sword.

They affectionately put their arm around their older brother for a short side hug, including putting their wing around him “You’ll do fine. I know it. Don’t worry too much and just imagine you are beating one of us up.”

Technoblade had to roll his eyes at that “I’ll try to take that advice to heart.”

As they arrived in town the kids looked around in awe. Everywhere were stalls set up selling food or little decorative things or toys. People where weaving in and out between stalls, loudly talking with each other. Laughter and yells filled the air.

In the middle of the town square there was a huge box marked on the ground. This is where the fights would happen. As far as Techno explained the rules were simple. Get your opponent on their back, get them out of the box or beat them unconscious. Tommy was absolutely loving the idea of Techno beating all of his opponents unconscious and said he wouldn’t take any other result as acceptable.

“Alright kiddos. Techno and I have to talk with the organizer. You three can go and have some fun but you have to promise me a few things. Whatever you guys do stay together! Don’t talk to strangers and as soon as the fights start you come over. I will find you then, okay? I will only let you guys go if you agree to this.”

“I can still try to find Tubbo, right?” Tommy asked.

“Of course but only if you all stay together.” He was looking at Wilbur when he said the last part. This meant Wilbur was the boss for today. Well until they met up again with their dad.

Wilbur put his hands on each shoulder of his younger siblings “We will! Don’t worry dad!”

Philza gave them a last nod before walking off. Before Techno followed him he looked at the three “Don’t… cause too much trouble. At least for me so nothing happens to the tournament.” With that Technoblade turned around and followed Philza closely.

“Well, what should we start with?” Y/N asked their brothers.

Tommy threw his arms in the air “Tubbo!”

Wilbur laughed “Alright. We’ll try to find your Tubbo. I’m sure he and his siblings should be around here as well.”

Tubbo was Tommy’s best friend and honestly he hangs around their home so much they almost consider him a family member as well. He had an older sister Puffy and an older brother Schlatt though. They were a curious case. All three of them carried the active Shapeshifter gene and all three begun growing horns, their ears turned into that of goats and they all had the horizontal iris’.

Y/N liked to spend time with Puffy. Just like Y/N Puffy too acted more like a caretaker to her siblings which the two soon bonded over while Schlatt and Wilbur soon hit it off as well. It was actually quite amusing to see them interacting since Wilbur was known for loving art and freedom. Schlatt on the other hand tried to see how he can scam the most people in the most effective manner in the shortest amount of time. Trying to turn in a profit at every turn. You wouldn’t immediately think they would end up being such good friends.

The three were raised by their father as well who everyone just referred to as Captain Sparklez though his real name was Jordan. He coincidentally also helped with setting up this little festival for the town.

Tommy suddenly took a deep breath in as he cupped his hands around his mouth “Tubbo!”

Wilbur furrowed his brows “Tommy, there are a ton of people around here! There is no way he heard you.”

“Tommy! Over here!” a different voice called out, away from all the stalls and people.

Wilbur and Y/N looked surprised while Tommy almost proudly smirked at them. The bond Tommy and Tubbo had was something else.

Together the three ran through the crowd to finally meet up with Tubbo and apparently his siblings. As a greeting Tubbo softly headbutted Tommy while Puffy did the same to Y/N. Schlatt never did this with Wilbur. Said he might have goat like characteristics but he is still more human than goat hence why he didn’t do this whole headbutting thing. It has been a whole ordeal with Wilbur once where he demanded to get a headbutt from Schlatt as well for a greeting. After enough prodding and being a general nuisance Schlatt decided to straight up headbutt him as hard as possible almost knocking him out and gave him a good bruise on his forehead. Wilbur never asked for another headbutt greeting since then.

Y/N gave Puffy an additional hug, making sure to wrap their wings around her as well “I’m glad to see you Puffy!”

“So am I! I heard Techno is taking part in the tournament, isn’t he?”

Schlatt was for some reason cackling at that “Oh I bet he will win, won’t he? This would be the best time for some betting!”

Tommy, Y/N and Wilbur all nodded saying things like “Of course he will win. My brother is the best”

Soon the group begun to fall into their usual banter. Tommy and Tubbo were doing something next to them, only sometimes getting back into the conversation. Schlatt and Wilbur on the other hand were talking about how they could start bets and maybe earn some money because surely Techno will win. Y/N and Puffy listened in only to interject at times to root them back down. Both made sure they wouldn’t end up doing anything too stupid, though they too were in on it and ready to help out.

In the end the whole group was sitting on the ground and writing their plan down on the paper Tommy brought with him as suddenly a loud voice boomed over the crowd announcing that the fighting tournament will soon begin.

Tubbo looked absolutely horrified “No! I didn’t have a chance to check out the candy yet!”

Schaltt sighed and gave Tubbo a reassuring pat on his back “Don’t worry kiddo they will still be here after the tournament.”

With that the group begun walking to the marked place for the fighting. All the while Schlatt was grumbling that this was way too early and he couldn’t act on his betting plans.

“There are a lot of people.” Y/N noted as they came closer to their goal.

Indeed there were a surprising amount of people standing around the place. If it was difficult to get through the crowd before, now it seemed almost impossible. It was almost comical how the crowd seemingly turned into a wall of steel as the announcer begun his speech in order to greet all the people watching.

“Ugh, I can barely see anything.” Wilbur whined as he moved on his toes. Wilbur was the tallest of the group so when he had problems seeing anything Y/N instinctively already gave up. Maybe one day it would be the other way around seeing as they all were still growing but for now this was the reality of the situation.

Tommy was frantically jumping into the air trying to see anything that happened. He didn’t say it but he wanted to make sure to not miss out on any second of Techno’s fights. He was his older brother after all.

“Hey, Schlatt?” Tubbo almost whispered as he tugged at his older brother’s shirt.

Schlatt barely made any proper attempt to look over the crowd probably still busy thinking about his lost business opportunity. He tilted his head down to look at Tubbo “Hm?”

Suddenly Tubbo’s unsure expression turned into a serious one. While Wilbur, Tommy and Y/N were confused about this, Puffy begun to snicker.

“Aw, come on!” Schlatt drawled out but as soon as Tubbo got his pouting face out it was over for him.

He rolled his eyes and knelt down. With the help of Puffy, Tubbo was soon sitting on Schlatt’s shoulders, overlooking the crowd.

For some reason Tommy looked absolutely betrayed “This is unfair!”

“And why is that?” was all that Tubbo asked smugly. He was grabbing onto Schlatt’s horns which lead to him involuntarily yanking around his head whenever Tubbo himself moved around. Annoyed Schlatt gave his younger brother a playful slap on his arm as a sign to knock it off.

Tommy crossed his arms “Hey, Wilby! Wait no, I’m not a child anymore.”

Before Wilbur could even do his obligatory cooing whenever Tommy used his nickname or before Y/N could remind him that he was indeed still a child and younger than Tubbo he turned towards them instead.

“Y/N! You carry me and fly up that is way cooler than sitting on someone’s shoulders like some two year old.”

This took Y/N quite by surprise “What?”

“Dad said you are ready to fly and you spent like most of your free time already gliding or flying about so like basically the same thing right?”

“No! This is completely different! Besides I’m pretty sure my wings right now are barely able to carry my own weight! To that I have no idea how to take off from ground!”

Tommy’s bottom lip begun to quiver. Both Wilbur and Y/N knew it was fake but it was still a weakness for the two.

Y/N tried grabbing Wilbur’s sleeve for support but he was already looking at them with sad eyes himself “I mean Tommy just wants to see his big brother win, which is understandable right? At least worth a try?”

It was Y/N’s time to look betrayed but their expression soon got exchange by that one of defeat “One… One try. If that doesn’t work out I will give up.”

So the group walked back away from the crowd to have more space, Tubbo still happily sitting on Schlatt’s shoulders. He looked annoyed but Puffy knew that he was just as happy as she was that Tubbo had obviously a good time.

Y/N would spent a few minutes just trying to take off the ground on their own saying that they would first need to be a bit in the air before being able to grab Tommy. Wilbur was just watching with an amused smile on his face. Oh he was almost certain how this will end in disaster but he was just too curious to see how exactly.

After multiple running starts Y/N managed to get a few feet off into the air, flying directly towards Tommy so they could pick him up. They more or less bodychecked into their younger brother but still managed to pick him up and for a short moment it looked like the two were indeed a few feet above the height of the crowd.

Tommy was screaming partially out of fear but partially out of excitement. Y/N was so concentrated on flying and holding onto Tommy they didn’t even try to look out for Techno on the ground. They stayed semi stable in the air for good two seconds before both suddenly noticed they were losing altitude rapidly.

Now both were screaming as Y/N desperately tried to glide towards the hay bails that the town put up as decoration but with the added weight of Tommy they still plummeted towards the ground pretty fast.

The next thing Y/N remembers was that they were surrounded by hay and that their whole body was feeling heavy and sore. Tommy was groaning as he tried his best to get out of the hay and off their sibling while Y/N first made sure to calmly fold their wings back against their back as they slowly got out of the hay as well.

Suddenly two strong hands grabbed the still disoriented Y/N and helped them properly back to their feet only to be met by an angry looking Philza.

“What on Ender were you thinking?”

“Oh hey dad!” Y/N croaked out as they avoided any eye contact with him. Instead they were busy plucking hay out of their wings. Due to the fall there was a lot of hay trapped between feathers, there were also a few bent feathers that felt uncomfortable at best.

Tommy was sheepishly standing next to them also avoiding eye contact.

“I told you to get to the tournament and wait for me! I told you guys I would make sure to find you so why did you do whatever the hell you just did?” Philza rambled off.

“Yeah guys why did you two do that?” Wilbur was now approaching his family as well, including their other three friends who followed suit.

Y/N let go of their wing as they turned towards their older brother with an angry frown “You encouraged us! Don’t act like you are the only innocent person here! Aren’t you as our big brother supposed to stop us or something when we are stupid?”

Philza sighed “Okay, we deal with this later but at least tell me why?”

“We wanted to see Techno but we couldn’t get past the crowd!” Tommy answered.

“My fights will only start in like half an hour dude. Didn’t you guys listen to the announcements?”

To their surprise Technoblade appeared from behind Philza. He looked bored but still had a somewhat smug smile on his face. Who wouldn’t feel a tiny big smug when your younger siblings gets into trouble with dad for something that was absolutely their fault and you were luckily this time no part of it.

“You three are in trouble! We will go back so Techno won’t be too late for when it’s his turn but once we are back home it’s three weeks of chores for all of you.”

This earned him a murmur of “Okay, dad.” And “But we didn’t do anything bad!”

After that the day ended up pretty normally. They had their trouble for the day so they continued on with following Philza back to the tournament place. He made sure that all the kids had the best places in front so they could watch as Techno absolutely destroyed the other kids.

Jordan joined them as well. Philza didn’t spend any time waiting on telling him how Y/N and Tommy crashed into one of his decorations. He wasn’t angry but did chew out his own kids a little bit for not even attempting to stop them.

For some reason this was the day Y/N always fondly thought back on. They got into their typical trouble that day but also spend a ton of time with their family and friends back in their hometown. Enjoying seeing Techno beat others up and of course winning the tournament to which then Phil and Jordan bought the kids a ton of candy from the stalls.

Yes, they loved their family so dearly and would do anything for them.

So when a letter arrived from Wilbur that informed them that a few days ago a friend betrayed him which led to him losing his first life of three as well for Tommy, Tubbo and their nephew Fundy it felt like their heart got ripped out of their chest.

Y/N was still living at their old childhood home with Philza but both were only rarely at home. The two traveled around the world independently from each other using the old cottage as a place to rest in between. Wilbur probably addressed the letter knowing that this was the most reliable way to contact his family.

Reaching Technoblade who was training out of country was almost impossible at this point in time.

Y/N got out a piece of paper and wrote a letter for their father.

“Dad, I’m going to visit Wil and Tommy. Love, Y/N”

This was all that needed to be said.

They put the letter including the letter from Wilbur visibly on the table so Philza would see it as soon as he got back home. They did this sometimes in order to talk to Philza as well as the other way around so both were always looking out for messages on the table once they got back home.

Y/N grabbed their old netherite sword they got way back from Techno as a gift and begun thinking about what to take with them for the flight towards L’Manberg. If they fly it would only take a few days to reach the place but they also couldn’t carry a lot of things with them.

“Hell of a reason to visit your family after a long time, huh.”

[bibliocratic]

soft domestic jonmartin

-

“Jon!” Martin is shouting with his head shoved in the under-stairs closet. Tone deadened to a loud mumble, and he's knocked something heavy over that sounds like the ironing board or the drying rack in his attempt to grab things that he always inconveniently shoves away right at the back.  “You got your raincoat?”

“I won't need it,” comes the low response from the kitchen.

“The weather said it might rain.”

“It'll be fine,” Jon replies, only half listening really, with a willfully misplaced confidence in the weather.

(And it will rain when they get off the train, a spatter of showers that they get caught in, and the coat will be in the suitcase, inaccessible. Martin won't say anything as Jon huddles against him as they share the single umbrella, but the smugness will be in the tone of his voice as he comments on the laden clouds – looks like it might be a proper downpour, Jon, shame the weather man didn't predict anything like this – and Jon will run his hands through his thinning hair already dripping into his face and weather this with the appropriate amount of mild chagrin, knowing Martin will take pity and relent momentarily, fuss over the damp and the cold and Jon's endless ability to catch whatever bug is going round, and bundle him into a cafe to dry off.)

“I'll pack it anyway,” Martin calls back, kicking something else with his foot that sounds like the hoover. “In case.”

Jon sighs, but it is a long-worn gentle sound that did not expect to win this ground. He resumes his task, folding and rolling a weeks worth of their combined shirts, sweaters and trousers neatly and efficiently into their modest suitcase. He is very good at this, packing. Always has been good at finding room for things when he thought nothing else would fit.  It brings him a self-satisfied pride, knowing each thing has its place, that there will be space for more.

(Martin will insist on buying a fridge magnet from the first tacky shop they see on the seafront, a few postcards to send to Basira, Daisy, Georgie and Melanie. Jon will find a way to sneak off as he always does and buy another souvenir spoon to add to his expansive collection, one for every place he's been with Martin, this one with a blue and silver crest adorning the top, and he'll play innocent when Martin comes across it cleaning a month later – I thought I told you I got another one /  Jon, we don't have the room, you're going to have to start putting them in boxes up the loft / I will, fine, I will, tomorrow. )

Tucked subtly at the bottom of the case where Martin won't think to look, Jon's placed two smart dress shirts and matching ties. The dress shirt is the mint coloured one with the little embroidered flourishes on the collar tips, Martin's favourite, the one he always wears when he wants to impress; it's worn at the under-arms a little, the button right at the bottom lost somewhere and Jon knows Martin will look dashing in it. He'll need help with the tie because he always does but that's where Jon comes in. Martin doesn't know Jon's booked a table at a nice restaurant tomorrow, theatre tickets for the early evening, and Jon's giddy in his own way to reveal it like a bouquet of flowers from a magician's sleeve.

(Jon will touch the ring on Martin's right ring finger – with the tenderness of the joints in his hands, the way they sometimes swell in the cold, it's too small to be worn on the traditional place; but then again when has tradition ever really mattered – and Martin will call him soft, and Jon will know Martin is looking at him like that and Jon will not disagree).

“Socks?” he shouts out, wondering if Martin's left the closet yet or if he's found another umpteen things he's thought that they should bring. He has already argued Martin out of bringing an extra book (You won't have time to read it, it'll just take up room), walking boots (It's Dorset, Martin, not the Peak District), and his Polaroid camera (You're already bringing the digital one, and we've only got a few shots left, we should save them for Georgie's birthday party).

“I put them with the boxers. Next to the toaster.”

Jon huffs and moves away from the suitcase spread-eagle on the kitchen table to grab the messy, teetering pile of boxers and socks on the counter-top. He hums off-key and mindless as he brings them back to his workspace, refolding them to stuff them down the sides of the suitcase, smoothing over rucks and bumps, double checking on the ties stuffed into the spare pair of shoes Martin had won the argument for.

A flump in front of him and Martin is dropping things onto his carefully organised packing. Jon frowns, and touches at the wool. They're going to Bournemouth, he thinks with another internal eye-roll, not the Outer Hebrides.

“Really, we won't need all this.”

“Just in case.”

This is Martin's mantra. He's an 'everything-goes' sort of packer. There is a reason Jon is the one responsible for wielding an iron-fisted utilitarian hand over this aspect of the holiday.

Jon runs a hand over the fabric, bobbling in places, darned at the fraying edges of the sleeves. Well-loved and well-washed.

“Another jumper?” he says, ready to dismiss it with another lecture on saving space.

“It's to wear now. It'll be cool all morning, I checked. You'll be cold on the train.”

Jon concedes this battle as to his circulation like he does every time, and does as he's bid, shoving it over his head without complaint. Martin fixes his collar so it sticks out over the neckline, smooths down any hair that's been disrupted, making some comment about that barber down the road doing a nice job with the cut this time, before declaring with a cheeky smirk that 'he'll do'. Jon makes an affected moue, and cups his face, kisses his cheek, making a comment that he'll just have to try harder. These things are routine now. Beloved in their repetition.

“Have you got the tickets?” Martin asks. It's the third time he's checked, but Jon replies with steady patience.

“In the backpack, at the front.”

“Pills? There should be enough. I went to Boots to fill up your prescription this morning.”

“Same place. What about you? You have enough?”

“I've got enough for another week before I have to go back.”

“You taken yours for the journey?”

“I'll see how I go.”

“Martin,” Jon says. Not admonishing but with an echo of his old battle-axe charm he used to possess in his earlier days.  “Come on.” He knows Martin won't have taken any, doesn't like to feel too dependent on them. But travelling is stressful at the best of times, never mind in London, what with the traffic and the noise and the people and the jostling, and the crowds can unsettle him.

Jon's pulling them out of his trouser pocket, a little packet still mostly full, and passing them over.

“They make my mouth dry,” Martin complains, but he goes and fills a glass of water from the tap and dutifully swallows one he pops out of the crackling foil.

“We can buy something nice to drink before we get onboard,” Jon promises, tucking the pills into the front pocket of the backpack next to Jon's.

“You spoil me,” Martin says dryly and Jon feels his face crinkle in a smile. He zips the suitcase shut and gives a little voila.

“Taxi should be here in ten,” he says. “Oh, remind me that we're going to need some more tea bags for when we get back.”

“Jon?”

“Hmm?”

“We're going to need more tea bags for when we get back.”

“Oh hahaha.”

Jon had made a checklist on his phone, mostly to appease Martin, and he hears him running down what's been noted as essential, muttering to himself to clarify – so we've got all the t-shirts, sandals for the beach, you've got the tickets and if not there's the email confirmation, checked the train line websites, all networks running as usual and on time.....

Jon puts his arms around Martin's back as he reads, letting his head rest against him. Martin's used his nice body wash this morning, sandalwood and citrus, the stuff he uses when he thinks the day's going to be a particularly good one. He's put on a little too much aftershave as usual.

“You should have a nap on the train,” he says, interrupting Martin's review. “Heard you moving around all night.”

“Just my leg giving me grief. I got a heat pack, it helped some. I'll be ok,” Martin hums in reply. Jon doesn't respond, but he is quietly confident in the knowledge that once they've found their seats, Martin will drop off like a cliff-edge, and Jon will get to listen to his audiobooks until he has to nudge him awake to say they're nearly there.

(Martin will fall asleep on him, head a solid weight on Jon's shoulder and not even out of London yet, and Jon will thread their hands together before he starts up his current Le Carre book, one headphone dangling out so he can both listen for the stops and to hear the staff with the drinks trolley in advance. Martin will wake up with a jolt and a snuffle and a 'wethereyetJon?' and Jon will say 'Only just passed Southampton' and press a mediocre, still cooling cup of tea into his hand.)

There's a chirp and a brush by Jon's trouser leg.

“Hello you,” he says to the Duchess.

You fed her?” he asks Martin.

There's a hopeful cry that implies that eons have passed since she was last given sustenance.

“She's been fed and she knows it.” Martin replies, sounding as though he is immune to the charms of their cat (he is not), and that he won't be tempted into giving her a few more treats before they leave (he will).

“I've given Tom house keys,” Martin says finally, checking that last one off the list. “He'll pop in tonight to feed her and change the litter tray, make sure no one robs us or anything.”

“All your books,” Jon replies without intonation. “How could they resist?”

Martin makes some snarky comment about how he hopes any hypothetical thief might help Jon slim down his spoon collection, and Jon snorts and gives his back a little headbutt to show he doesn't approve.

“We'll have to get him something to say thanks,” Martin continues, returning to their previous topic. “A stick of rock or something.”

“Hmm,” Jon says and doesn't move away from the heat of Martin's back, his arms still bracketing around Martin's stomach.  He slept badly last night as well. Disturbed by Martin's restlessness and his own unforgiving dreams. Martin stands like a foundation stone before he turns around, the phone set next to the suitcase and fixes the situation to his liking, embracing Jon in a loose hug.

“You tired, love?”

“Hmm.”

“We can have a nap then, when we get to the hotel.”

“We aren't that old,” Jon grumbles, although his heart isn't really in it because honestly, a nap sounds great right about now.

Martin's hair, growing out on the long side now, scratches soft against Jon's face. It is still a vibrant carrot-top in Jon's head. He'll run his hands through springy curls still thick and knotted, or bestow sleep-slow kisses on it, and the recollection of that particular shade has never left him. Martin's hair hasn't been entirely ginger since the Watcher's Crown failed, to believe Martin, or Basira, who has always been entirely honest about the shipwrecks their life in the service of eldritch fear entities made of their youth, but Jon doesn't care. That's the memory he has, no matter how many laugh lines begin to grace and soften Martin's face, how often Martin wonders idly if he should dye his hair, get rid of the white. (He never will). Jon hasn't been able to see the mess of his own hair in a mirror for a long time now, but he doesn't need to know it's lost the war of attrition against the grey.

Two men who both look old before their time. Jon didn't even think they'd get this lucky.

There's a ping from Martin's phone.

“That'll be the taxi,” he says and grabs the suitcase, hefting it down off the table. “You got the tickets?”

“Yes, Martin,” Jon says, a little exasperated, but mostly fond, ever ever so fond. (He will say it like this for the rest of his life).

Jon grabs his stick, folded up and pockets it. Bends down, scratches the cat behind the ears, double-taps his own pockets to check on the theatre tickets.

“Let's go on holiday,” Jon says.

[tywriteskpop]

Shatter Me (Im Jaebum Oneshot)

Genre: Angst, Fluff

AN: This was inspired by the music video Shatter Me by Lindsey Stirling.

Edit made by my friend Milky!

His labored breath came out in visible puffs from the cold air around him, straining his lungs as he ran through the darkening woods. The sun was setting fast, and he was nearly out of time. He should have figured it out sooner, put the pieces together to find you quicker. His fear of failing grew, anxiety overwhelming him as a trickle of tears trailed behind him. He shouted your name as he neared the cave hidden deep in the forest, hoping you’d hear his cry.

A sob left your lips when you heard the desperate panic in his voice. You could no longer move your legs, frozen where you stood. You shakily raised your hand to press it against the wall of your imprisonment. He had finally run through the mouth of the cave entrance, making you smile one last time through the tears rippling down your cheeks.

But he was too late. The sun had set, and you took a final breath before your body was completely encased in the crystal. He ran straight to the wall, a wail of anguish echoing inside the cavern. He had failed you, and he could only blame himself. Sinking to his knees, his vision blurred from crying, he could only gaze up at your frozen figure, trapped inside a crystallized dome. He could only think about how it should have been him.

Your bored gaze stared blankly through the frosted window. The snow was heavy this time around, marking another year of a frozen spring. The town was quiet, most of its residents having gone on vacation to escape the frigid temperatures. And yet here you were, stuck with managing your parents’ café during the slowest of seasons. Only a few customers took refuge in the warmth of the cozy cottage, savoring their hot drinks before they were ready to brave the harsh weather outside.

“It seems to get worse every year.” Your ears honed in on the conversation a few patrons were having nearby. “Eventually there’ll be nothing left of this town.”

A dark haired girl shook her head sadly in response to the boy. “At least we have the option to leave,” she said. “The Apprentice is forbidden to leave this land. I feel sorry for him.”

“Well you shouldn’t,” another boy snapped. “He fell in love with a human. And because of his stupidity, this land is cursed.”

You winced from where you stood, but continued pretending that you couldn’t hear them.

“Hey, watch your mouth!” the first boy hissed. “It didn’t matter if it was a human or a castor. That kind of discrimination isn’t ethical.” He placed a few bills on the table and the three customers rose from their chairs. “Thank you for your service!” He told you on his way out.

The girl waved goodbye with a small smile, and the second boy followed behind them begrudgingly. You said and waited for them to pass the threshold. Walking around the counter, rag in hand, you went to their now empty table and began cleaning up, pocketing the spare change with gratitude.

A heavy sigh left you as you glanced around the empty cottage. It was getting late, and the few residents left in town were now in the comfort of their homes. You were jealous of those who were able to rest at home with their families. And you were also jealous of those who were able to venture out of town. Your parents never took you with them when they went out of town, leaving you in the care of your sickly grandmother. It was gradually getting to the point that you were taking care of her instead.

Your mind went blank as you recalled the legend your grandmother told you while you were growing up, your instincts taking over as you continued to clean. She always told you the story of the Apprentice, a young castor who had fallen in love with a human girl. His master had forbade it, yet they continued to see each other. And because of his insubordination, the Apprentice was cursed by his master.

“But I don’t understand, Grandma. Why were they cursed?”

“Well, back in that time, humans and castors had a very strained relationship. And because we are born without magic, the casters lived with a mindset that they were superior beings.”

“But they loved each other, right?”

“Yes, they did. And that is why the Apprentice still searches for his beloved’s soul to this day.”

You never knew what she meant. The Apprentice was cursed to an eternity of life, to suffer with the guilt of losing his beloved. All of his anguish covered the town in a thick layer of snow and ice, his magic overwhelming those who resided in the cottages below Forest Peak. In the center of the dying forest was Crystal Cavern, a cave formed by stalagmites and walls of colorful crystals. Despite the possibility of acquiring riches beyond belief, no one dared to venture to the cavern, fearing the grief stricken wrath of the Apprentice who still resided there.

You hadn’t noticed how long you were standing there, lost in your own thoughts. It wasn’t until the small bell above the entrance dinged that you snapped out of your reverie. You jumped slightly, startled by the sudden noise, and continued cleaning without giving the customer a glance.

“Kind of late to be wandering around, isn’t it?” you asked softly. “I was just about to close up shop.”

“Sorry.” His voice was low, tired, and smooth. “I don’t normally come out to public eye.”

To say you were confused would be an understatement. You looked up at his strange words, taking in his appearance carefully. You didn’t recognize him, which alone is unusual considering how small the town was. The hairs on the back of your neck stood up, a sudden rush of power surrounding you. You might have been human, but even you could sense a caster as powerful as this one.

“Who are you?” you asked quietly.

The man hesitated, his eyes travelling over your form steadily. It was then you noticed the pain hidden in his dark irises. The dull life in his eyes matched the dark shade of his hair. You couldn’t tell if he was dangerous, opting to rely on your instincts and stay put.

“If I tell you, you may run from me,” he answered mournfully.

Your suspicions grew, not knowing what to do or say to the man. His cryptic speech sparked a sense of curiosity in you, and with that came a fear of the unknown. You struggled to push the strange feelings to the back of your mind, but before you could offer your hospitality, he spoke again.

“I only came to see you,” he said. “I’m sorry if I caused you any inconvenience. Goodnight, Y/N.”

Leaving you stunned where you stood, he turned away from you with a lingering glance and walked out the door. You should have been startled, wary, or even frightened by the fact that this stranger knew your name. But something in his voice told you that you had nothing to fear from the man, and you couldn’t help but hope you crossed paths with him again soon.

Your hands moved leisurely as you settled your grandmother into bed, covering her with two comforters to battle the freezing temperatures outside. You were quiet, your mind still on the stranger you met earlier at the café. Before you could turn off her bedside lamp, she reached up and gently took your hand into hers.

“What troubles you, dear?” she asked. “You’re fairly quiet tonight.”

“Nothing,” you lied. “Just wondering if mom and dad are having a grand ole time.”

Your grandmother hummed and patted your hand softly. “Don’t blame them for not taking you with them, child. They would if they could.”

Your brow furrowed in confusion. “I don’t understand. What’s stopping them?”

“Well for one thing, who would keep me company?” The old woman laughed at her own joke, making you smile at her attempt to make you feel better. “But truly, Y/N, there is a power surrounding your soul that keeps you tailored to this land.”

“My soul?”

Your grandmother motioned for you to lean closer to her, as if what she would tell you was too dangerous to say too loud. “When you were first born, your parents tried to bring you outside of town. But the harsh winters of this place prevented them from crossing the town’s border. Iced roads, landslides of snow, any obstacle that could have happened. Something is keeping you here, dear.”

“So I can never leave?” you said incredulously. A scoff left your lips as you sat back. “Of course. Just my luck.”

“I believe your soul is in search of something, dear Y/N,” she continued. “Your other half.”

“What, my soulmate?” you shook your head. “Grandma, there hasn’t been a recorded connection for years. Soulmates are a myth now.”

She gave you a gleeful smile as she snuggled herself into her blankets. “Perhaps. But it’s fun to think about, isn’t it?”

The following week passed by without any strange occurrences. Customers came and went, you were nearly done with the latest book you picked up, and the spell store down the road experienced another explosion from a potion gone wrong.

The weather had gotten worse, and you were experiencing a quiet day. After being open for four hours, only two patrons had come through. You could blame the snow, probably, so you decided to close early and venture home. Your boots crunched the snow beneath your feet, falling snowflakes landing gently on your head. You were exhausted from the boredom you experienced, your eyes practically closed as you walked the mundane path towards your house.

Your senses kicked in and opened your eyes right before you ran into someone, narrowly sidestepping them to avoid hitting them. “Sorry,” you apologized.

“Watch where you’re going, human.”

You looked up and narrowed your eyes at the boy in front of you, the same boy from the café a few days ago. Instead of snapping at him like you wanted to, you opted to continue on your way silently. You didn’t want to get into a mess, no matter how much you wanted to defend yourself.

A rough pull on your arm sent you sprawling on the ground. You mentally thanked the snow for cushioning your fall as you glared up at him. Two of his friends stood beside him, different people from the ones you saw with him before. They looked just as aggressive as he did, and you had a sinking feeling that you should have stayed at work.

“Pathetic pieces of garbage!” The boy lifted his leg and slammed his foot down, kicking you harshly. You reacted immediately, trying to guard yourself and taking the blow to your arm. A yelp of pain echoed in the otherwise still air, your anger and fear growing at your helplessness against magic users. “Humans are just scum. The reason why we’re stuck in this hellhole of a wasteland.”

The torment of their degrading words and bruising blows carried on for what felt like hours, albeit only minutes. Every time you felt like you had a chance of reprieve to escape, another one of them continued the onslaught. “One of you go get a curse,” you heard him order.

As one of them turned away, he was suddenly thrown across the road, landing in a heap amongst the snow. The beating stopped finally as the other two castors turned to see their friend’s assailant. You took the opportunity to crawl away from your attackers, cringing at the soreness in your limbs and stomach as you clawed at the snow around you. When you managed to get a safe short distance from them, you saw a new figure through the blur of tears shrouding your eyes.

“You still need potions to use your magic,” he taunted. “Such a shame for a descendant of Klaes.”

The leader growled in frustration as he picked himself up and stomped back to his place between his followers. “It was your distasteful love for humans that cursed this land,” the bully castor sneered. “Now you come into our territory where you are not welcome, all to save a worthless creature again.”

The man said nothing. He didn’t even look at the castors. His eyes scanned you carefully until they met your own, and his heart broke at the desperation he saw clouding your gaze. You felt embarrassed at having to be saved, but you were also grateful he arrived when he did. And judging by the words the castor spoke, you now knew who this stranger was.

“Who are you to judge a living creature’s worth when you yourself bring shame to castors throughout history?” the Apprentice remarked.

“You know I am the blood of Klaes and you dare talk back to me?”

The Apprentice took no threat from the castor’s words and simply smirked. With a shrug of his shoulders, he turned away from the trio and instead focused his attention on your battered form. He knelt in from of you, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. Your arm was sore from the beating you endured so you flinched, but his touch was comforting and warm in the otherwise frigid air.

“Are you alright?” he asked. The deep look in his eyes showed genuine concern and even anxiety. You were about to answer him, tell him you were fine, but movement behind him caught your attention. The castor had thrown something at the two of you.

Time slowed down in that moment, silencing your impending shout to alert him. The Apprentice stood straight as he spun around, merely holding out his arm towards the object, the palm of his hand exuding a powerful force. The object, which you now saw was a bottle filled with questionable liquid, was forced back in the opposite direction. The barrier that he had conjured expanded, giving the castor little time to protect himself with his arms. The bottle broke on impact, dousing the castor with whatever the substance was, and the barrier forced all three of them to be thrown away into the snow.

The vibrations in the air had faded as the Apprentice rested his arm back to his side. Your curiosity getting the best of you, you pushed yourself to sit up and look around the Apprentice, wanting to see what happened to your assailants. They were groaning in pain, the knockback from the force field having been strong enough to disorient them. As they struggled to find their bearings, fumbling to get back on their feet, you heard the leader of the bullies mumbling to himself in confusion.

When he looked up, he looked lost, eyes moving rapidly between his friends and his surroundings. “What’s happening?” he asked. “Who are you? Where am I?” He panicked, jumping back when his friend reached out for him. “Don’t touch me! Who are you!?”

The castor didn’t wait for a response. He turned tail and ran away, ignoring the calls of his friends who desperately shouted his name. They gave chase, hoping to catch up with him, and eventually the three of them faded into the distance.

The Apprentice chuckled lightly and turned back to you, reaching out for your hand. You took it without question, allowing him to help you to your feet. You had many questions on your mind, so many that your swirling thoughts were almost enough to distract you from the pain you endured. Almost.

You winced when you felt the soreness of your bruising skin. Before you could reflexively reach over to hold onto your side, his hand was there. A cool feeling spread over your weakened muscles, and you could practically feel the bruises disappear as the skin cells repaired themselves. He was healing you, giving you strength. But you know that magic always had a cost.

He had seen the worry in your eyes and gave you a small smile. “Don’t worry. I’m old enough to know not to overdo it.”

You wanted to ask how old, but you were afraid you’d offend him. Instead you asked, “How did you do that?”

“Hmm? That was nothing. Even amateurs could pull something like that off. Those guys are just weak. They give castors a bad reputation.”

“And the bottle?” you inquired. “Why did he…”

He moved his hand to your arms, working on your more serious injuries. “Temporary amnesia potion. It’ll wear off.”

You remained silent for a few moments, allowing him to finish his mending. After a final scan over you with his eyes, he deemed you healthy enough. The two of you stood there, unsure what to say to one another or what to do.

“How did you know?” Your voice was so small, he almost didn’t hear you.

The Apprentice’s facial expression hadn’t changed, but you could sense his hesitation. He didn’t want to answer you, or rather he was afraid to answer you.

“Can I at least know your name?” you asked. “I can’t exactly call you the Apprentice forever.”

At your small attempt of a joke, he gave you a small grin. “Jaebum.”

You tested his name, the sound flowing from your lips easily, as if it was familiar to you. A flash of remorse lit up in his eyes, and he stepped back, the snow crunching under his boot. You knew he was leaving, but something was pulling you to him. You fought it, arguing with yourself that he was still a stranger. But when he turned his back to you, you panicked.

“Thank you,” you said quickly. “For helping me.”

He paused in his step, fighting the urge to face you again. It pained him to look at your face, all of his memories rushing back to him, good and bad. But he couldn’t ignore you. Everything was his fault, and he couldn’t bear to treat you like a stranger.

He spared you a fleeting glance over his shoulder. “You’re welcome,” he told you. But as he walked away, he kept speaking, so low that there was no possible way for you to hear him. “I won’t fail again.”

The temperature dropped further as the days continued. People were beginning to evacuate in fear of the town being buried in snow. You hadn’t opened the café for a few days, choosing to take care of your grandmother instead. You tried to keep a positive attitude, the two of you cheering each other up with stories and jokes. But you knew it was only a matter of time as you watched her health deteriorate.

One day she had given you the crystal she always wore around her neck. You felt a lump in your throat as you couldn’t shake the dark feeling that this was her way of saying goodbye for the last time.

“This was given to me by a gifted castor,” she had told you. “It was charmed to keep me in good health until it was my time to leave this world. I don’t need to tell you that I’ve been sicker than a dog with a cold, my dear. My time in this world is up.”

“Shut up,” you muttered, fidgeting with the hem of her blanket. “You’re just having an off week.”

Your grandmother chuckled and placed the crystal in your hand, closing your fingers around it tightly. “I hope it will lead you to your other half.”

Two mornings later, you had woken to find that she had passed peacefully in her sleep. You were alone now. Your parents hadn’t made contact with you, seemingly having abandoned you. You had no friends to look to, and the town was practically deserted. Only a few castors remained, and you the only human.

You rarely left home, afraid that the castors would take advantage of you. After the doctors had left with your grandmother’s body, you had lost contact with other people. You didn’t know what to do, but you refused to resign yourself to a frozen life. It was probably a bad idea, and part of you feared it, but you boldly decided to leave the town.

You stood at the town line, gazing uncertainly at the road leading out. Nervous eyes scanned your surroundings, looking for anything that may go wrong on your way out. You were afraid that your grandmother was telling the truth, that something was keeping you here. You could only hope that whatever tied you down had the mercy to free you before you froze to death in this empty society.

Just as you were about to step over the line, a barrier stopped you. It didn’t harm you, just prevented you from continuing onward. You touched it with your hand experimentally, seeing a ripple surround the air in front of before becoming invisible once again.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

You spun around with a gasp, surprised when you saw it was Jaebum. You panted and gave him a short glare. “What are you doing? Let me pass.”

“You and I both know you can’t leave this land,” he said.

“Yeah? And how do you know that?”

He didn’t reply. Instead he stared at you, or moreso stared at the crystal around your neck. “I’m sorry about your grandmother.”

Instead of giving you answers, this man only gave you more questions. It was growing tiresome, and your frustration was at its peak.

“How do you know my grandmother? Why can’t I leave town?”Every question that flooded your mouth was matched by another step toward him. “How did you know my name before? Why are you following me?” You finally stood in front of him, tears falling down your face. “Why won’t you answer my questions?”

The pained look on your face pulled at his heart. It was too much information for you to handle right away. He was afraid to scare you away. But he couldn’t bear the thought of you hating him.

“Come with me,” he said quietly.

With no other choice, you opted to follow him. He led you to the forest hanging over the frosted town. You’ve never ventured this far from home, but you could hardly call it a forest. The trees were simple twigs with tiny stick branches. No leaves or foliage graced the wilderness with its green color. There were no animals, having no chance of survival in these cold temperatures for so long. The forest was long dead, struggling to hold onto what little life it had left.

“Why are you taking me here?”

Jaebum sighed, his shoulders slumped. “I’ve known your grandmother since she was a little girl. I’m the one who gave her the charm that hangs from your neck.”

Subconsciously you reach up to touch the crystal, thinking briefly about your grandmother and how much you missed her. “You gave her this?”

He nodded. “The crystal is a shard from what you call Crystal Cavern. It’s enchanted, so to speak.”

“To keep the wearer in good health,” you surmised, remembering what your grandmother told you about it.

“Yes, well, it wasn’t always.” The air became thicker as you continued to the center of the forest. “The crystals from that cavern grow with the purpose to absorbing the life around it. That’s why this land is frozen over, dying, until eventually there will be nothing left. But the charm you wear was enchanted to do the opposite.”

“Why are you bound here?” you asked again.

At this point, you had come to the mouth of a cave. Crystals of various color grew from every corner and crevice. It seemed as if several had been broken at the cave’s entrance to keep it open.

“Because she is.” His voice broke, making you look up at him. His eyes were red and watery, for he was trying his hardest to fight back the sadness that was overtaking his emotions.

Stepping cautiously into the cave, you gazed in awe at the sight of a brightly lit crystal dome in the center of the cavern. It was frosting over, making the inside barely visible for you to make out. But you could faintly see the outline of a woman, one who was completely encased with the crystal that covered every surface and wall in the cave itself. A hidden force urged you closer, but your fear kept you at a distance.

“That story,” you muttered, “about you being cursed.”

“Master Klaes forbade it,” he explained. “I defied him. And thus, he took her. He made her an example. And now because her soul is bound here, my soul is tethered. I’ve lived over several lifetimes, unable to end my suffering or move on.”

You were sure your heart was breaking for him, overcome with sadness. No one deserved to live a life of agony and suffering like he was forced to.

“Is she…”

“No,” he coughed, swallowing a lump in his throat as his breath caught. “She held on for as long as she could. But she died a long time ago.”

You closed your eyes with remorse. “I’m sorry.” You weren’t sure why you were sorry, or why you felt so overwhelmed by emotion.

“Part of her soul is still trapped inside that hollow crystal.” Jaebum went to stand before the dome, placing his hand against the surface to match hers. “If her soul isn’t freed, then the town will die.”

You felt there was more to his story. “And you?” you dared to ask. “What will happen to you?”

A dark, humorless chuckle left his lips. Without facing you, he removed his jacket, revealing the thin shirt underneath. “Once she disappears completely, my body will become dust.”

You covered your mouth in horror, short gasps leaving your lips. As he lifted the bottom of his shirt, you could see the cracks in his skin forming at the small of his back, expanding over his shoulders and around his waist. He was like living glass, his skin shattering bit by bit.

“Jaebum…” Tears filled your eyes at the horrid sight of his ailment. “How-”

“Everything tethered to this land will cease to exist,” he said, pulling his jacket back over his arms.

“But there’s a way to stop it, right?” you demanded. “There’s always a way to break a curse.”

He shook his head. “The only way to break it is to unite the broken halves of her soul.” He gazed longingly at the frozen woman, memories passing through his eyes.

A thought occurred to you, clicking into place in your mind, and you wondered why you hadn’t figured it out before. “You still haven’t explained why I’m bound to this town,” you said in a shaky voice.

His head dropped, guilt covering his features like a mask. As he turned to face you and lifted his eyes to meet yours, he said, “I think you already know why.”

You don’t know why a sudden terror shook you to the core. You had no reason to fear Jaebum. But the irrational part of your mind told you run, and you listened. You fled, leaving him alone in the cavern. And as you ran in a panic, you failed to witness the tears trailing down his face or hear the tormented sobs echoing amongst the crystals.

You sat against the window sill of your quiet cabin, an untouched cup of cold tea sitting in front of you. It was hot at one point, having brewed it hours ago. But you were so lost in your thoughts about the curse and everything you learned that you lost any interest in filling your stomach. A blizzard had developed overnight, no doubt from Jaebum’s anguish, and you felt at blame for it. How long did he have left?

With the castor on your mind, you almost failed to hear the loud banging against your front door. Your instincts made you alert, and you hesitated to leave your room. Instead you quietly tip toed to your door, pressing your ear against the wood to listen.

“Find the human,” you heard a frighteningly familiar voice. “Once she’s dealt with, he’ll finally kick the bucket. And we’ll have our town back.”

Your heartbeat sped up, thumping rapidly against your chest. You tried to control your breathing, looking for any sort of solution to get yourself out of this mess. You set your eyes on your only escape route, the window. You had no time to second guess yourself as you heard loud footsteps stomping down the hallway towards your bedroom. It was now or never.

Quickly you opened the window and leaped through it, making a beeline for the forest without looking back. You could faintly hear the castors shouting at each other, pressing you to go faster. The harsh winds and snow made it difficult, but you couldn’t let it stop you. Your life was at stake. You could only hope the blizzard would confuse them and turn them to a different direction.

Your legs were sore, the muscles in your calves and thighs becoming overworked. Your breath was becoming shorter, the cold winds freezing your lungs with each gasp of air. You were running on pure instinct of survival now, your destination premeditated in your mind. The closer you got to Crystal Cavern, the harder it stormed. You just needed to get to the cave, the eye of the storm.

When the cave was finally in sight, it was as if the blizzard went into slow motion. The wind stopped. Each individual snowflake moved at a snail’s pace. With your index finger, you lightly poked at a flake, moving it aside. This somehow caused a reaction, and a pathway opened for you to safely pass into the eye of the storm. Your breaths came out in visible puffs of air as you moved forward, finally breaking past the blizzard. Almost like it was switched back on, the blizzard raged on behind you, your hair flying wildly from its harsh winds.

Each step you took towards the cave was threatened by your shaky legs. Your body was weakening tremendously, and you weren’t sure if it was because of the weather or the curse. You looked up, finding the sun nowhere to be seen. The blizzard made it difficult for you to tell what time of day it was, but by the darkening sky above you, you could only assume it was nearing sunset. Something within you was shocked into hurried panic, and you wasted no more time and ran into the cave.

“Jaebum!” Your footsteps echoed in the crystallized cavern as you came to a halt. A shimmer of rainbow color gleamed across the gemstone surfaces, it practically blinded you. You almost didn’t see his unconscious form slumped against the far wall. “Oh god!”

You ran to him and dropped to your knees. He was unconscious, his breaths short and heavy. The cracks in his skin had spread up along his neck and over his face. He was dying. If he died, the town was done for. And you…

You stood up and looked at the dome, anxiety and fear filling your chest as your eyes became red with unshed tears. With evenly paced steps, you found yourself standing directly before the crystallized barrier. You could see more clearly inside than before now that you were closer. The frozen woman inside had her hand pressed against the wall, as if reaching out for someone. She looked exactly like you.

The wind outside howled and screeched as the blizzard strengthened. Trees were uprooted and twisted in mid air as if several tornados had taken refuge within the already chaotic storm. You gasped when a decrepit log crashed against the mouth of the cave. Your heart jumped and in a quick revelation, you placed your hand against the crystal wall, right where hers touched on the other side.

A loud vibrating boom surged from the contact, a strong power coursing through you and spreading across the land in waves. You couldn’t hold on for long as the immense power forced you back. You cried out in shock as you land on the cave floor and skidded across the ground. Winds circulated inside the cavern, rushing in every direction until they escaped through the cave’s entrance. And moments later, everything stilled.

Silence. The storm was no longer howling outside, and the power that surged from the dome had receded. Steady breathing was the only sound echoing off the walls.

Jaebum’s eyes fluttered open, groaning at the soreness he felt throughout his entire body. He blinked several times to gradually clear away his blurry vision. The first thing he noticed gazing up at the ceiling of the cavern was that the crystal had gone, disintegrated into a mist that clouded the entirety of the cavern. He sat up hurriedly, patting away at his body for any sign of break in his skin. Nothing. He was healed.

When he looked up, he saw that the dome that had once held his beloved prisoner was now gone, and she had vanished. Getting to his feet quickly, he took two hasty steps to where the dome once was before he saw a bundle in his peripheral. He looked over and saw you curled into yourself, lying unconscious on the ground.

“Y/N…” Jaebum stumbled towards you, collapsing to his knees before you, and hastily pressed two fingers to your neck. Feeling your strong pulse made him sigh in relief. He gently moved his arms beneath you, situating you until he had you secure in his arms. Getting to his feet, he carried you outside.

Jaebum had to look away as he crossed the threshold of the cave entrance, the sun’s brightness taking him by surprise. The warmth that he felt on his face was foreign, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. For so long he was cursed to remain in a frozen wasteland of sorrow. And now, looking around at the beautiful green and lively forest, he felt his heart burst with elation and relief.

The warmth of the sun made you fidget in his arms, and he looked down in time to see your eyes flutter open. He noticed a change within you, something he felt with you in your past life. The missing piece of your soul had returned to you, and now you had returned to him. Your eyes were lighter as they gazed up at him, recognition flashing across your sight.

“Jaebum.” You reached up, wrapping your arms around his neck, a dry sob leaving your trembling lips. “You suffered so much, all alone. I’m sorry.”

A heartfelt laugh rumbled in his chest as he hugged you close to him. “Nonsense. You broke the curse, Y/N.”

He set you down on your feet, holding your hands in his almost possessively. You both turned toward the village, seeing it completely reborn anew with the appropriate spring time environment. Winter was finally over.

“Now we can live the life we were meant to.”

[forcedapotheosis-blog]

Gloomy Days III.1

Alright, I was finally able to write the first part of the third chapter and decided to share it with you instead of releasing all of it at once. As I’ve said in the last chapter, the next ones are going to be all about the crew, starting with “The King Without A Crown” and I really hope that you’ll like it. Another thing I think needs a few words here is the fact that I felt compelled to use a deus ex machina, even though I try to limit his actual impact on the story. The thing is just that for a few days now, I thought about a way to start the ball rolling but wasn’t satisfied with anything I came up with. But when I was thinking about all the adventures the SHs had, it was pretty clear to me that they were as lucky as it gets most of the time, I’d even say favoured by fortune. Well, one thing led to another and a deus ex machine OC was born. I really hope that you don’t mind too much. Have fun!

The King Without A Crown

I'm tired of running, I'm tired of who I am

I've been absolved from this prison which I stand

I pray for freedom from everything I see

Somebody please set me free

Riot – The Man

Waiting had become an essential part of his life and no matter what he did, there was no escaping it.  The rather unremarkable young man with the short black hair and the clearly visible scar running parallel below his left eye had sought out the next best wall to lean against, arms crossed in front of his chest. During the last couple of minutes, a few of the other guests came by to greet him, but none of them seemed to be interested in conversation. One could have had the feeling that most of the guests only had found their way into these halls to attend not the wedding, but the wealthy, powerful and venerable family of the groom, but he really didn't waste a thought on that matter. He came because she requested it, because she had a task for him that would tear apart the ties of routine that were prevalent in his life nowadays, if only for a while. And last but not least, because it made his heart  dance to see all these beloved faces, to get in touch with them again, no matter how it hurt. Even though it felt like a lifetime ago, he still remembered vividly how these people used to enrich his life with all things one's heart could ever yearn for.

The past years had taken a heavy toll on him, that was undeniable, even for himself. Contrary to every single one of his old friends, sans maybe Zoro, he hadn't learned a trade before becoming a pirate, let alone gotten professionel education that he could use right now to keep him swimming. Mind you, he was a genius when it came to fighting and improvising, but being a part of the Navy really wasn't an alternative at all, even though his name was forgotten and his bounty erased, thanks to a certain old man who couldn't have been happier to hear that his grandson had finally buried the dream of being a pirate. The other side of that coin was that it lead him to lose each and every way of navigating his own life. No other member of his former crew was as dependent on purpose, again maybe sans Zoro, as he was. Without purpose, he felt just like a burden to the world and himself. Nowhere to go, nothing to fight for. And despite his usually friendly and cheerful exterior, he sometimes asked himself if life was even worth living without a purpose.

Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. But this was neither the time nor the place to make a decision such as that. He allowed himself a moment of leeway and closed his eyes, trying to recall how good life has been in the past, when they were still nakama. Still, he could clearly remember those times, but his heart grew heavier ever since. With their dreams buried, he had lost all direction in his life. Some of them, Chopper and Franky for example, had offered to stick together, only if even for a while, but with the death of one of their beloved friends, his soul was crushed. He disappointed all of them by not being able to protect a member of their crew. The last nail in the coffin was the very day they decided to let the Thousand Sunny sail on alone, a ghost ship. None of them felt worthy of being on board of her, because everybody felt that she was the only one never disappointing the crew and their collective dreams. I wonder how she's feeling these days, he pondered, fighting back a lonely tear. Eventually, he found a job that would at least keep him fed, working as a bouncer for ever changing drinking holes situated in various ports. But he was all the more surprised when he came to recognise that being sated alone wasn't as fulfilling as he remembered it to be.

His silent contemplation of the past was rather rudely interrupted by a conversation only a few meters from him, lead by a booming but cheerful voice.

"Well, my boy, you look rather young for being a part of the clergy! What happened to Father Logarius?", the loud voice demanded to know. Luffy finally opened his eyes and allowed himself to look at the people talking. Human interaction, especially friendly human interaction, seemed to be the only thing that kept him going during darker times. And that man, even if he was loud, seemed to be happy enough to spark his interest.

The first man he laid eyes upon was rather large and well-built, perfectly befitting his booming voice. Nonetheless, he had a friendly face that only got more round and friendly because of his receding hairline, perfectly supplemented with a broad smile. He somehow knew that this guy meant no harm, he was probably going to pass out later that day while trying to playfully flirt with one of the bridesmaids. For all of his life, he knew when people meant dangerous business, a pretty useful skill for a bouncer and even more so for a captain. Only decades later he learned that it had something to do with his then-dormant Observation Haki. But the only problems this man would probably cause were for the people trying to put his passed-out body in a bed.

"Unfortunately for us all, his ship was caught by a storm and carried off course, word is that it would take him the better part of next week to finally arrive. And wouldn't it be a pretty large inconvenience for the bride, the groom and their guests if they had to wait any longer?", that voice belonged to the second man he looked at. Soothing and quite deep, definitely a voice people liked to listen to. He wasn't nearly as tall as his conversational partner, probably around Luffy's height, and, apart from his shoulders, wasn't a broad guy to begin with. Probably around his mid-twenties. Still, there was something about him that seemed odd. For one, his hair was really long for a man and would've even been impractically long if he ever got into fights, even though he pulled them together in a simple ponytail that went over his hip. But his hair was the only uncommon sight about his appearance. His eyes were of a light brown and seemed kind and gentle to Luffy, his lips accustomed to a friendly but somehow knowing smile and there was a barely recognisable scar running right above his left eye. Well, and his chin was pretty prominent, but all in all nothing special. What's so strange about him then?, he silently asked himself and continued to watch these two.

And then it hit him like a brick. No matter how hard I try, I just can't get a grasp of him!, and indeed, even through the second sight of his Observation Haki, it was impossible to predict just about anything this man would do.

"Well, that's a damn shame, but I trust that you'll be perfectly able to perform the ceremony, aren't you?", he could hear the large man's voice again.

"Don't worry about a thing, sir. I've seen .. countless wedding ceremonies all over the world and know the words of every single one of them by heart.", he gave the other man a reassuring smile and loosened his ruby-coloured tie a bit. And even though Luffy was by now literally staring at him, he didn't seem to mind or to notice.

"That's good to hear, honestly. Meaning no offence, Father, but I just have to ask how a man of your young years has been travelling to so many places all over the world. Just seems odd to me."

"None taken, don't fret. As for your question, don't waste a thought on that. I'm just a little older than my apprearance might lead you to assume, but I probably have to thank my parents for that.", his smile widened a little, radiating self-confidence. And that seemed to be good enough for the other man, amicably patting his shoulder.

"Father, just .. I'm a little embarrassed, but I've just got to ask: I'm sure you've seen the raven-haired beauty that's going to be witness for Nami, right? A few minutes ago, she was in a conversation with an absolutely stunning woman, meaning no offence, Father, and no matter who I asked, nobody seemed to know her.  I .. what ..", and then there was a very confused pause.

"I .. I somehow can't seem to remember how she looked like. I mean, nothing. Not her hair, not the dress she wore. Oh dammit! Terribly sorry, father! Might just be that I'm slowly getting old. But! Yes, she wore a silver wristlet with a ruby embedded in it, the same colour as your tie. Do you have the slightest idea who she was or were I could find her?", Luffy put on a slight frown. Someone was talking to Robin? Probably just before she found me. Ya, that might be it., he just shrugged off the thought.

"I have to apologise, sir, but I can't remember laying mine eyes on a damsel such as you describe, I'm sure I'd remember that. But you shouldn't worry, maybe she's one of the guests and if that is the case, you'll probably see her again as soon as the ceremony starts. But I have to excuse myself for a moment, for I need to have a talk with the father of the bride. But if you'd like, we can continue our conversation after the ceremony.", he renewed his smile and both men shook hands. Luffy himself didn't even notice for the moment that the smaller man was talking about him, only when he approached did he remember.

"No hard feelings, good man, but you look a bit young to have a grown up daughter such as Miss Nami.", the man initiated, again with his soothing, friendly voice. Luffy made a try to laugh at the remark, but his heart wasn't into it. Mostly because of the words he spoke next.

"We're close friends, used to be even closer when we were still travelling together.", he tried shielding his feelings with his signature broad smile, but he couldn't help the sentiment that after all these years, he had finally met someone who was able to read people even better than he could. The man didn't seem to mind his attempt and continued to smile.

"It's very understandable that she'd ask you to lead her to the altar, then. Looking at you, though, I wouldn't mind if you'd perform the same service for my daughter. If I had one, I mean.", he said with a smirk.

"Thank you, I guess. But if the father is still somewhere to be found, why would you let me do it?", Luffy replied, weighing his head to the side. That guy was really strange, but he wasn't sure which way, good or bad.

"Oh, because I'd just be a father", he stopped for a second, laughing. "In two senses of the word, actually. But you, oh .. the longer I look at you, into your eyes, the posture of your body .. the more I see. Please, good man, just stop me if I'm being too intrusive, but you have the look of a man who has lost more than one could describe, more than most people possess in a lifetime. But even if you deny it now, there is still steel underneath. Determination that somehow keeps you going. And even if you try your best to absent from it, there .. is still hope. And every single little thing in this world is built on hope."

The former captain of the Straw Hats was at a loss for words and just stared at him "Are .. are you a  fortuneteller?!", he replied a few seconds later, regaining control over his tongue, still staring at the other man with awe. He let out a soft chuckle before he answered.

"I wish I was, it would make things so much easier. But no, I just .. see things, hear things and feel things, and maybe the future isn't as shrouded in myth to me as it is to you. But I feel compelled to tell you one more thing. When I look at you, I see a man who is amiss of something. Something very important, but still not totally devoid of hope. And one last thing .. no one here is, even if they think they are.", he paused for a long time, smiling, examining him.

"It's going to be cold and windy very soon. Maybe you should find something to cover your head.", and with those words, he just left to take his place at the altar.

For lack of a better word, Luffy was dumbfounded. He just stood there while his gaze followed the man he just talked to. How .. how is that possible? Maybe he lied and really is a fortuneteller? How could he know all those things? And still I can't get a grasp on him! His thoughts started to run over one another. Actually, the situation was kind of creepy. Was this guy a Navy soldier? He knew things that most people had already forgotten, sans the ones who's lives were directly touched by the crew. He didn't even notice that his jaw already touched the cold ground beneath his feet and only when some people stared at him with a shocked expression on their faces was it that he noticed.

But there was no time to think about that, he had a duty to fulfill. But there was this thought that crept inside of his mind that his duty was not give Nami into the care of another family.

"Captain-san?", the door of her room had opened and Nico Robin was approaching him, wearing a thin smile on her lips.

"I think our navigator-san is as ready as she can be to .. say the words. And you should .. oh, you look pale, captain-san. Could it be that you've seen a spirit of impending doom?"

"I don't know, but..", there was something a hell of a lot more important on his mind. Something that needed to be said, no matter how much it might hurt.

"Robin, I don't think that Nami belongs here."