#this chapter holds a very near and dear place in my heart. it still gets to me a little

[caffeinated-creepshow]

TRATM XX: We Risk Our Lives So That You Still Have Yours

Chapter twenty (and the finale) of The Raven and the Mockingbird, a T-rated Deadman Wonderland fanfic from 2013-17. Since this an archive, I am not editing the chapters as they are posted. Follows an OC named Tsumetai and her relationship with canon character, Toto Sakigami.

Word count: 2471 | Original Quotev post | Summary and masterlist

Full chapter below the cut

Tsumetai knew what abandoned silence in Deadman Wonderland sounded like; she’d found so many forgotten areas of the G Sector she could be considered an expert of the layout. So she knew that something was off as she led Toto towards the exit.

Toto had been given strict orders to remain entirely silent in the duct, and he was actually following it. He’d even managed to make his breathing nearly inaudible. Their footsteps were as loud as their breathing; she knew what their escape sounded like.

Heavy and shallow breaths muffled by a door weren’t part of it.

Turning to Toto, Tsumetai grabbed his wrist and tugged him along as she picked up her speed. She could see the door, in all its inconspicuous glory, ahead. Just a few more feet and she’d be able rid herself and everyone else of one of the most dangerous beings alive.

They just made it past where the doors lining the walls stopped when guards emerged from the ones further back. Tsumetai jumped -- she hadn’t expected them to be so loud about it -- and whirled around. The sight of the guns pointing down at them made her freeze. By her side, she heard Toto’s voice.

“Hide behind me,” he whispered. Though he was quiet, she could tell that it wasn’t Hagire that had said it. But even then, she couldn’t move. Just as they were about to open fire, Toto stepped in front of her and faced her. Wrapping his arms around Tsumetai, he shielded her the best he could. As the bullets lodged into his back, he yelled, “JUST LEAVE HER ALONE! LEAVE US ALONE!” He made no sound to indicate he was in pain, but Tsumetai could feel tears leaking from his eyes. The guards kept fighting until there were no bullets left in their guns, and Toto’s shoulders dropped. The back of his clothes were coated in blood; he was only alive because he was a Deadman, but he was too injured to retaliate.

“Toto, it’s...It’s alright, you’ll be fine. I promise I’ll show you the sun,” Tsumetai whispered, pressing her forehead into his shoulder. His entire body was quivering, barely able to support himself. The guards were finally finishing up reloading when quick footsteps came from behind them.

“Don’t even think about it!” Sanae yelled, Branch of Sin already out. The guards closest to her didn’t even have enough time to turn before she’d impaled them and watched them collapse. The others all turned, knowing that they had to take her out if they wanted to stop the escape, and Tsumetai felt her body tense up. This was her opportunity. But could she really kill Toto after he’d just saved her?

Slipping out of Toto’s arms, Tsumetai looked up at him. His eyes were clenched shut, mouth set in a grimace. Without her supporting his body, he collapsed to his knees. Kneeling in front of him, she pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“It’s alright,” she muttered, cupping his face with one of her hands gently. The other lifted trailed towards the small razor she’d embedded in her jacket, were she to ever lose her glove. Pricking her finger tip, she let the blood form her Branch of Sin slowly. Tilting Toto’s chin up, she pressed a kiss to his lips. Something within her ached. When his eyes opened, she forced them to stay on her own. “See? There’s the ocean. And I can see the sun.” The confusion in his eyes almost made her resolve disappear. When his eyes dropped from her face to her hand, she sucked in a breath.

“What--” Forcing her eyes closed so she wouldn’t cry, Tsumetai shoved the spike into Toto’s chest. The sound of breath rushing from his lungs made her heart crack a bit. The feeling of his body growing limp made it shatter. Breaking the spike off, she looked down at him. Tears that had built up behind her eyelids fell onto his chest. “Tsume…”

“Toto, I’m so sorry, but Hagire was too dangerous to keep around and--”

“Tsume, it’s me. Just me. Hagire is gone. I...I don’t know how I did it, but I forced him down. Maybe even for good.” Tsumetai made a choked noise, and her entire body shook. “Look, I don’t blame you. But if this is the end--” He coughed, and blood came up. “I want you o know that I did care for you, this entire time, and that I still do. I’ll never stop.” Another cough, this one for violent. “He never let me show it; made me take the backseat for everything. And you deserve better than that. I hope you find somebody again. Somebody better than me. Someone who can freely say--” She could hear the blood in his lungs, the blood climbing up his throat. “I love y--” His eyes, such a vibrant yellow, dulled. Blood dribbled past his lips. The sound of Sanae finishing off the guards went unheard.

“I love you,” she whispered. “I love you, goddammit, I love you and I wish that I didn’t have to do this but what was I supposed to do? Let Hagire use you until he found a better body?” Pressing her forehead to his, Tsumetai forced her breathing to even out. Closing his eyes, she kissed him one last time. The metallic taste of his blood didn’t bother her.

Sanae approached from behind, slowly and quietly. She’d barely used any blood to finish off the guards, and already her Branch of Sin had retreated. “You did it,” she said, crouching beside Tsumetai. “It’s for the greater good.”

“Doesn’t stop it from hurting.”

“I know, kid...God do I know.”

Senji was holding his own against Genkaku fairly well, but he was losing ground. He kept getting pushed in the direction Sanae had ran, and he knew that he wouldn’t be able to stop him entirely. Genkaku wouldn’t be satisfied until he completed his goal or was killed.

“You know, this would be so much easier if you weren’t trying to protect them. You could make it out of this alive even!” Genkaku snarled. “I could pull some strings to make sure about that.”

“Thanks,” Senji spat back, jumping back from Genkaku as he swung at him. “But no thanks.” Blocking the blade with his Branch of Sin, Senji squared his shoulders and made sure his feet were planted firmly. There was no way Genkaku would tip him over. He was sure that this would buy Sanae more time, but then he felt himself shifting backwards. Genkaku hadn’t been meaning to tip him over all along; he was planning on shoving him along until he got to where he wanted to be.

“What a shame,” Genkaku tutted. “What. A. Shame.” Each word was punctuated with a rather harsh push on Senji, but the last word was also followed by a low punch to Senji’s stomach. “If that’s how it is, I need you to get out of my way.” Pulling his weapon back, Genkaku watched Senji collapse before stepping over him. “I’ll finish you later.”

Sanae had helped Tsumetai get the door open -- which they had done by breaking the hinges and kicking it out -- when more guards poured into the hallway. Sanae hissed obscenities under her breath; Toto’s body hadn’t been moved, and Tsumetai had already ran back over to him, leaning over his body as if he needed to be protected. Moving to block them, Sanae reopened her wounds and let her Branch of Sin out. As she ducked into the fray to fight, she’d left something behind. A glob of blood rested where Tsumetai’s spike had pierced Toto’s chest, forming a flower bud. When it bloomed -- which would take a minute or two -- it would hopefully take out any guards that made their way past her, while also forcing Tsumetai out and blocking off the door.

She was making her way towards the back, most of the guards already lying dead, when she saw Genkaku. Behind him, hobbling a bit but still running, was Senji. The sight of them both made her pause for a moment, and was just enough time for a few more guards to make their way toward Tsumetai.

“Well, well,” Genkaku called, a disgusting smile on his face. “We meet again.” He was on Sanae in an instant, knocking her back into the wall. Senji yelled profanities and forced himself to run faster.

“Senji, get Tsumetai and get out!” Sanae yelled as she pushed Genkaku off. She was starting to get woozy from the blood loss.

At the sound of her name, Tsumetai looked up. She saw the guards approaching and froze, eyes dropping down to Toto’s body. The blood bud was almost done blooming. She heard Senji attempt to argue with Sanae, but knew he lost when he ran over and grabbed her arm.

“Let’s go,” he said lowly. “She’ll join us.”

“No, wait!” Tsumetai cried out, trying to grab hold of Toto’s sleeve to drag him with. “I promised to get him--”

“That promise will get you killed!” Senji yelled, glaring down at her as he pushed her through the doorway. Just as her feet hit the outside ground, the bloom in Toto’s chest exploded. Would looked like rose thorns shot at the guards, but a shockwave of blood shot out of the other side. It forced Senji through the door and covered the space up entirely. Spinning on his heel, he yelled and pounded his fists on the wall. “Sanae! SANAE! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?!”

Genkaku hovers above Sanae, a sick grin on his face. She’s coated in blood, almost all of it her own. His weapon sticks out of her chest.

“Oh look, you got them out. But do you think they’ll make it out there?” he asked, crouching just above her legs.

“The public don’t know their faces,” Sanae manages. There’s blood and saliva in her mouth, and she uses the last of her strength to spit it at his face. “And they both know how to hide and never be found.”

“That so? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.” Shoving the blade further into her chest, Genkaku laughed. “Lights out,” he said, watching her eyes dull.

“Fuck...You.”

“What lovely parting words,” he hissed, wiping the saliva from his face. “But I would rather not.”

Tsumetai had been sitting silently next to the door since it had been blocked, and Senji finally joined her after tiring of pacing.

“She should be out by now,” he grumbled, tapping his foot in impatience.

“Senji,” Tsumetai said carefully. “I think she might have died.” Senji stiffened next to her. “I don’t think she’ll be joining us.”

“If she’s dead, it’s your fault.” He said it without a second thought, refusing to look at her. Tsumetai stared in disbelief, covering her mouth as tears built up. “She did all that to ensure your safety. Whether you like it or not, you’re responsible.” Hiccuping, Tsumetai felt her cheeks wetting as she started crying again. The sound made him turn to look at her, and he felt guilt almost immediately. Sanae wouldn’t have wanted him to make Tsumetai cry.

“You know I didn’t want it to end this way just as much as you did,” she said, voice cracking as she turned away. “And that it hurts just as much.”

“Look, I--”

“We all risked our lives just to kill Hagire. And then, come to find out, I killed Toto. Not just his body, but his conscience. And then immediately after, my best friend -- the only person I had for ages -- dies just so I can get out, not knowing whether or not I’ll make it in this world.” Senji felt his jaw lock up.

“I know. And I’m sorry, I’m just--”

“You’re upset, and understandably so. I know.” Drying her tears, Tsumetai got to her feet. “I guess I should go; they might come after us, and there’s no reason to give them a head start by sticking around.” As she started walking off, Senji got to his feet.

“Hey, wait.” She stopped, but didn’t turn to look at him. “We should stick together. We’re all we’ve got left, right?”

After a long, thoughtful moment, Tsumetai hummed in agreement. “Right.”

Chaplin had been caught up in the riot, looking for Tsumetai the entire time, and eventually stumbled upon Genkaku. He was drenched in blood, bodies of guards surrounding him. He still sat on Sanae’s legs, but he was staring up at the ceiling with blank eyes.

“What the hell?” Chaplin breathed, covering her nose as she took a hesitant step closer. When she recognized Sanae’s face, she grew furious. “What the hell!” Stomping over to Genkaku, she grabbed his collar and brought his face to hers. “Where is Tsumetai?!” she demanded.

“This one,” Genkaku said, gesturing to Sanae, “gave her life for the little raven. The crow made it out with her.”

“And Toto…?”

“The Raven killed the Mockingbird.” Something about the way Genkaku said it made Chaplin upset, and she suddenly threw him against the wall. Taken by surprise, Genkaku lost his breath and had a hard time getting up. When he looked up, vision a bit wobbly from hitting his head, he saw Chaplin standing above him, her Branch of Sin out. He wasn’t able to even make a sound before he done for, joining the bodies filling the hall.

“If she’s got Senji…” Chaplin said to herself, taking a seat among the carnage, “then she should be alright.” Another group of guards eventually found their way to where she sat, the riot having been contained. Assuming she’d done most of the damage, they grabbed her by the arms and dragged her off. She didn’t fight as they locked her in solitary; she’d grown bored of Carnival Corpses ages ago, and without Tsumetai, free reign in G Sector didn’t mean much to her. Leaning against the wall, she sighed. “Be safe…”

Senji and Tsumetai had a hard time adjusting to civilian life at first, but once they found jobs and a home, it got a bit easier. Tsumetai worked at a library, quietly stocking the shelves and checking out books every afternoon. Senji, unable to return to the police force, had a harder time finding something he enjoyed. After taking on everything available, he ended as a bartender at the bar just down the street from where him and Tsumetai lived.

People didn’t seem to recognize them, and all the scars they had were taken for what they were. So far, no one from Deadman Wonderland had found them.

And it will stay that way, no matter how much they have to fight.

[bunji-enthusiast]

One Whole, Became Two

Note || this took me so long to write, but I love this stupid idiot platonically. Chapter three my sleep-deprived folks 👍🏻

WC || 3,312

<(part 1)><(previous part)><(you are here)>

Sypnosis || you bring back a dear old dead heart to a wounded dog.

If someone ever told you that you would’ve come back to a desolate factory full of death and damnation you would tell them that in what world in which would that happen? You never would’ve heeded their words.

Oh, how wrong you were.

You hated being wrong.

Yet, many things may have happened, some of which allowed you to get in some exercise… you also gained some new friends. They are very near and dear to you, despite the small numbers you retain in your ragtag group of allies. You preferred the terminology friends, you’ve gotten close with Kissy Missy and Poppy, even DogDay too!

Speaking of which, this accursed Playcare was still a little too dark for your liking. You needed more power, more light to go the right way necessary. A light chuckle breaks you out of your thoughts, “A-angel, do you need some help?” DogDay inquired, watching as you had tried to remember which way he had pointed to the medical station.

You shook your head egregiously, trying to affirm your belief as you spoke, “I got it… I swear I know which way it is!” Your shoulders slumped as you let out a defeated sigh, having to hate asking him for help.

Asking for help wasn’t necessarily your most favorite thing in the world, in for the most of miniscule of things. You thought it was ridiculous, insipid to do, in no way would you ever ask for said help unless you really were struggling.

Apparently as of right now, these were one of those moments that you were truly struggling, and it was with directions as well. You couldn’t be any more ashamed, “Could you m-maybe tell me where it was again?”

DogDay let out an amused bark, not merely in making fun of you. He thought you were just cute, the way you were embarrassed, though DogDay will never actually admit this feeling to you. “Okay, Angel, you see that sign over there? It points to the direction of the medical station.” Your large companion points to the sign in question, you sorely cannot miss it no way, his paw was big. Actually, it’s nearly the size of your head.

“Ah, focus!”

The pathway was riddled with broken cobblestone and dirt, but do-able to make your way through. You just hated broken paths, no trouble still.

You nod to let him know you saw it, walking over to the sign that was now a few pacings away from you. The silence had now settled in place for the lack of conversation, it was seemingly getting awkward enough as is. Suddenly, a new voice interjects on the radio of your walkie-talkie.

“Oh there you are! I wasn’t able to connect to you on that side of the dome!” His light voice carried an undercurrent of worry. “No ouchies or lost body parts?”

DogDay raised a brow as you two had continued making your way to the medical station. You nodded your head curtly, as if angling your head to signify you’d explain the kid on the radio at a later time. You spoke out in reply, knowing full well you weren’t in any real danger at the moment, “I’m uh, I’m fine Ollie. Just taking care of a friend, they got hurt… real bad.” A wince left your throat at the tone you carried within your words, you didn’t expect that.

A thought rushed into your head, “Why’d I word it like that? I guess I’m just worried about revealing DogDay to Ollie just yet.” DogDay patted your leg as to reassure you, eyes gleaming as if they were smiling down upon you. 

“Alright, you can introduce me later,” Ollie paused, as if he were hesitating to get the words out of his mouth. As if something was holding him back from doing so, “Take care of them first then I’ll tell you what to do next. See you!”

Then, the radio was now silent. You let out a breath you held in your lungs, sometimes forgetting to breathe reminds you to even breathe manually. An odd habit but nobody will nitpick that for the life of all there is to know and exist. 

An abrupt cough shocked you out of your thoughts, you immediately became concerned for DogDay who had been patiently waiting for your dilemma and conversation to end. You knelt down and checked over his body, “No need to worry.” You lodged his resistance in the back of your head, looking for any external wounds beside the most obvious ones. 

“I shouldn’t have stopped.” You murmur, gently picking him up. There was no way you’d let him drag himself along the floor, not until he was in a better state.

“We’re alright Angel,” DogDay sputtered, you were unimpressed, not phased by his words. “Really… but who was that if I may ask?” 

Steadily, you continued walking–the stupid medical station finally in reach. “Ollie, apparently sometime after I dropped down here he told me he was an ally of Poppy.” You then trailed off, not sure if you wanted to mansplain the entirety of the story down right to when you came across DogDay. Sighing, you begrudgingly open the door to the station.

The room was messy, akin to the state of many other locations in Playcare. But in your modest opinion, you truly did not care about that. You just really needed to fix up DogDay, and he was the focal point of your attention right now. “Angel, you seemed to be incredibly bothered.” 

DogDay shifted on the weight of his body as you began setting him down, if you were being truthful, you couldn’t refute that very fact. Yet you felt too angry to get the words across, “I know, I.. I guess this stupid factory just has me all on edge.”

Then a silence settled into place, as neither of you were unsure of what to say next. Everything and nothing was happening all at the same time. You walked over the ruined carpet, it looked as if it was made in the 1980’s. Some doors seemed to be torn off of it’s hinges, but at least the supplies were barely stolen. There was enough to treat DogDay properly, as much as you can manage within your knowledge anyway.

The hard part would be treating DogDay, (as you unfortunately didn’t have enough knowledge medically) and getting him his legs back so he could walk on his own as well. 

Gently, you opened a door to a closet, full of bandages and gauze. 

“Perfect timing, guess I didn’t need to look that hard.” You thought to yourself, your hands already grabbing the bandages and gauze. A small smile graced your cracked lips, carrying a genuine air with you, “Hey, DogDay I found some supplies. Looks like they left this place pretty untouched.” You waved at him, holding the aforementioned supplies in hand. 

DogDay perked up from where he had been looking at some stray medical papers, most likely files of every patient to come in and out of the station. “Oh!.. Thank you greatly. You really are an angel my friend.” You become bashful at his words, an embarrassed chuckle leaving you as you scratched the back of your head. Standing up you walk back over to the large dog, motioning for DogDay to position himself to where you can get to all the spots correctly.

You sighed, having to take a moment in order to set yourself into focus, this was important. You didn’t want to screw up something so crucial to DogDay’s health, “Ok, This might hurt a little so bear with me.” You warn, crouching down as you laid out the supplies.

“I have no doubt you will do fine!” DogDay encouraged you, settling down to be calmer for you. Fine, yes you can do fine. Okay well enough maybe, you just need to be careful!

Why was this so difficult?

“Stupid brain, Stop giving me all these thoughts!” You groan lowly, setting into place to mend his more major wounds with a contemporary suture. First off, you needed to clean the suture, to which you had quickly done. 

You gently pressed a wet rag to the most prominent area, cleaning it out of any debris that might be left behind in the wound. DogDay was simply listening and quiet upon your actions, clearly a little too impressed for your liking. You swabbed the wound with water then threw away the rag a few meters from you, you internally winced at that. 

Injuries are a major case for you ever since you stepped foot into this factory, you just never expected to be having to treat another person (or toy for that matter). 

“Angel?” You let out a hum in reply, suturing the wound as he spoke. “You seem… incredibly bothered, maybe you should try to talk about it.” DogDay shifted slightly, wincing a little as he had done so. Concern washes over your expression as you went to hold him, he held out a hand to reassure you he was fine.

“Well.”

You sat back on the heel of your foot as you thought about it for a moment, your brows knitted together. It was practically hurting your head, giving you a headache to be thinkin about every little thing that was running through your head.

Your lips pressed together in a thin line, unsure of whether or not to air your concerns. But it seems you weren’t gonna have any other chance to talk about it then right now, you just didn’t wanna dump everything on DogDay all at once. 

Practically would seem like a lot. Far too much to say and too little to be sure of. 

“I guess I’m just concerned over whether or not I really can trust Poppy,” You signal, having a habit of talking with your hands. “And this, Prototype guy… didn’t you say CatNap worships this thing like a god?”

He nods, “Yes, I didn’t join the Prototype. Which is why he had deemed me a heretic.” You frown at his words, nobody deserves that type of treatment. Making it even worse, you would assume the two used to be very good friends. 

“Oh dear,” You echo, recoiling suddenly in embarrassment for voicing something you didn’t realize slipped out of your mouth. DogDay laughs at this, waving his hand as he sits himself upright so as to not slip onto his back, “You are very much correct Angel.” He nods, “If anything, he’s no longer the old CatNap I’ve come to know him as.”

You shrug, a little unsure of the situation right now. Then a thought you finally needed ran across your mind, “Hey, would you happen to remember where your legs are or if… any spare ones laying around anywhere?” You motion around the room as you spoke, voice trailing off as you sat back, and awaiting DogDay’s response. He appeared to be deep in thought, clearly thinking about your question.

“I believe they have some spares in a storage room at this station,” DogDay gestures at the specific door he thought of in mind. “But Angel, I might be wrong. Don’t trouble yourself for my sake beyond this.” His voice strains, as if pleading. 

You chewed your lips, nodding your head once more as you headed to the door of origin. You quietly crept into the room, seeing how dark and dank it was. Slowly but surely your eyes had adjusted to the light. 

“Now, where are you… stupid legs.” You mutter, taking notice of some poppy gas that laid in wait in the corner, not to mention how badly scratched this room was in particular. Probably the work of CatNap or some other toy. On instinct, your legs drove you forward as you stepped into the gas with a gas mask inset upon your face. You certainly didn’t feel like dying from the gas, or passing out for that matter.

You had a debt to pay.

Your eyes wandered aimlessly as you palmed around for the supposed legs, feeling around for each and every inch possible that you might miss. 

Suddenly you felt a fuzzy feeling run up across your arm, you jostled in surprise, a happy squeak leaving your throat when you pick up the legs. “Thank you, sweet baby jesus.” You huff in reprise, feeling accomplished at the place of convenience.

If you could laugh right now, it would be possible, heaven sure as hell wasn’t a place for angels anymore. Not even you, but you still had to follow through, you came here in the first place anyway.

A small sigh left your esophagus as you turned, walking back through as you made careful note not to trip walking back too. 

Something had your mind occupied, demons infested this place. Elliot Ludwig had created this place, and if he so proclaims to want to bring joy to thousands upon thousands of children around the world then why would he permit the experiments. All those children and the elderly… your heart couldn’t help but ache at the mere thought. 

You shake your head to get your mind out of the unilluminated gutter, DogDay lit up upon seeing you in his sights once more. “Angel, you are alright.” He mentions, paw held to his chest as if he were breathing a sigh of relief.  

Your nose was scrunched as you gutted a snort, “You say that like it’s so surprising DogDay.” DogDay shrugs, as if he was now expressing the vulnerability of being embarrassed at the prospect of his own words. 

“Ah I’m just joking with you,” You wave him off, DogDay remains silent at this, not having any thought at what to say back to you. You were right though, he shouldn’t be doubting you for what even anyone in particular is worth. Being freed for what feels like the first time in forever had been leaving him with brand new thoughts, even though he had been thinking and left well alone for nearly over a decade now.

One door closes, infinite more are open. One must beware the foreign class, otherwise you may as well see yourself dead. 

“I truly do apologize for Poppy’s actions… we all mean well.” DogDay begins, trailing off into nearly an inconceivable silence. You set down the legs, to which DogDay is delighted at this brand new aspect, yet still left without room to be uncouth. You didn’t speak at all, pressing between the fine line of the truth and his own words. 

“We must, break the circle.”

What?

“Angel?”

“You all are chained, if whatever happened all those years ago were true…” You sigh, rubbing the nape of your neck as you find yourself in an air of awkwardness. “Then I am also at fault for the way you guys are right now.” 

DogDay’s brows drew together, upset that you feel guilty for the entirety of this fortnight. At least it had felt that way for you, you sincerely had lost track of time since your watch had gotten destroyed. You tried keeping up with the time on the clocks you pass by, but you just generally had lost the energy and motion in doing so.

“Hmn.” He muttered to himself, then got up to hug you, which had clearly surprised you as you felt yourself being enveloped and wrapped in a very fluffy hug. You sigh and decompress after a few moments, the shock finally leaving your body.

“Thanks… DogDay,” You motion, patting the fluff resting upon his chest. “I actually really needed that, hugs are a rarity.” You admit, blush burning on your cheeks as you look away from him in a manner of speaking. You hear a chuckle interrupted by a cough, “Don’t thank me, you seemed to really need it Angel. Being exhausted is one thing, but no hugs?”

DogDay drew a paw to his chest as he spoke dramatically, “That is absolutely unacceptable!” Your hand crossed over your mouth, trying to stifle a laugh at what a drama king DogDay was posing as at this very moment. 

“You kinda remind me of someone I know.” You motion, then sat on the heels of your feet as you immediately went back to work in fixing up DogDay. 

“How so?” 

“You're pretty bright, act like a drama king sometimes and you even can be a little mean…” You wag a finger as you see him begin to protest at the mean comment, “I don’t mean like in a rude manner, just like in a brotherly way. You kind of act like a big brother sometimes.” You shrug with a hint of finality, fixing up his other injuries and repairing them with a gentle hand, even if the suture seemed to betray the tremble displayed. 

After silence had continuously settled in once again, you sigh, angling at the fact on what to do in order to mend DogDay’s very obvious injury with his lack of legs attached at the bottom of his torso. For a moment, you meander with the decision.

“Right, I’m gonna try my best to reattach them to you.” You spoke with a benign tone, more so displaying your own distrust of yourself. You hated that, you practically hated everything so why is this any different.

You just have to do it scared. 

Familiarity reigns over your heart as you see his large paw lay over your own hand, you sigh, sensations shuddering your body as you keep yourself calm. You silently thank DogDay as you gesture that you were okay now, you can be fine on your own.

You push the legs to his upper half, just barely enough that it would appear as if the legs were there and back again already. Your hand wanders over to the middle line, your eyes glaze over with forlorn worry taking your very worried brain. You sigh as you begin stitching, taking careful caution as you notice him flinching quite a few times throughout the process. At a leisurely pace, you notice by the influence you had made by taking care of him how much better he looks physically. 

Soon enough, you manage to completely stitch his legs back to right where they belong. “Well done, I knew you could do it Angel!.” DogDay shook with excitement, reassuringly glad at the prospect of being able to actually walk again. You swear you could collapse at the relief, you hold out a finger before you let him get excited any further, “I still need to bandage it all together, extra precaution if you catch my drift.”

Your large dog companion nods in understanding, shifting about so his body parts don't get sore from sitting in one place for too long. 

From before, grace was high in patriarchy, now then you were sure it was something high to fall from. You could climb to the top (bottom to be literal) and rip the Prototype off of his high horse, and free all the surviving toys. 

You shook your head, trying to calm yourself at the buzzing excitement that had resonated deep-seated into your heart. You quickly went to work on bandaging the middle line of his torso, carefully curating it enough so the bandages would cover the stitches completely. 

“There, now we are done and good to go!” You look up at DogDay, offering him a soft smile. “Angel really… thank you so much.” He gestures for you to come closer, so you oblige and go in, suddenly you feel yourself being hugged by unabashed warmth. You yelped as air bloomed across your skin, seeing as you are now in the air quite a few feet off the ground.

DogDay really was hugging you with the whole of his heart, so you melt into his touch, relenting as you found defeat–yet also peace with your furry friend.

[brummiereader]

PREVIOUS PART

Hopelessly Devoted (PART SEVEN/ FINAL CHAPTER)

Summary: After Tommy's apology you find yourself back at Watery Lane with the intention to thank him for the flowers he had left you when the eldest Shelby brother unintentionally breaks a tender moment in a bid to help reunite you both, doing more harm than good. Will you and Tommy finally rekindle your strained relationship or is all hope lost?

Warnings: Language, angst, fluff, smut (Minors DNI)

Authors note: In this final chapter there is a small cameo from a four legged darling dear to my heart. My dog. A few weeks ago my sweet boy passed away at the old age of thirteen. This way my way of saying goodbye to him through the words of our dear ol' Arthur.

Walking down Watery Lane a feeling of hesitancy overcame you. You never thought you'd step back onto this street, not after you and its most infamous resident who just so happened to be the man you had been hopelessly devoted to for the past five years had a blazing row in front of everyone in the very same spot only a few weeks ago. But here you were, and as you eyed up the betting shop in the distance a ball of nerves started to bounce unforgivably around in the pit of your stomach making you feel less than confident about your descion to turn onto the notorious road. You couldn't quite pinpoint why you felt so anxious, you was supposed to be hating the man who had broken your heart more times than you cared to admit. But since that day when he had unexpectedly turned up at your front door, since he had willingly admitted to his wrongdoings, since he had left the posy of flowers on your bedsit stairs that were sitting in a vase on your kitchen table resembling a rather miserable bunch of weeds than the sweet handpicked arrangement of foliage he had left for you, something had changed. You had desperately kept the small bouquet alive for as long as you could, afraid that the sentimental gesture and the meaning behind it would die along with them. Was it a fluke? Did Tommy mean every word he had said? You thought to yourself as you approached the door with the intention to thank him for the flowers and the phone call he had placed to the manager at the Post Office in regard to the job interview he had for all intents and purposes, sabotaged. Admittedly, after everything he had done and put you through he didn't deserve a thank you let alone one in person. But in a turn of events and unexpected forgiveness on your part your anger towards him suddenly didn't hold weight any more. You found yourself wanting to see him, wanting to be near him as if the past five years hadn't happen, as if this was the very moment you had been desperately holding out for.

" Is Tommy about?" You asked as you walked into the busy betting shop. Monaghan boy was set to race later that day and half of Small Heath had scrambled into the small converted terrace house eager to place their bets on what was set to be the biggest race of the month, one Tommy had undoubtedly fixed in his favour of course. With no answer and not one single Shelby in sight you headed behind the curtains and made your way up the old rickety staircase. It had been so long since you had ventured up to the second floor of Watery Lane. But even now you still remembered where and where not to step on the creaking wooden steps from the countless times Tommy had sneaked you up to his room to spend the night. And just as you did all those years ago you found yourself biting your bottom lip in anticipation that at any moment Polly would shout down from the top of the stairs at Tommy to stop corrupting any innocence you had left, the memory of the days when your biggest worry was not getting caught making your stomach fill with a youthful fluttering of butterflies you never thought you'd experience again. " Tommy?" you called out as you stood in the hallway when you turned your head to the sound of his bedroom door opening.

"Hey" he said putting his head through his white under shirt, pulling his suspenders over his shoulders as he walked out into the landing. It was nine in the morning. Tommy was known to get up at the crack of dawn, had he just woken up? "Had a lie in" he said, surprised by his own omission as he reached for his back pocket for a cigarette. " First time in years" he added placing it between his lips as he lit a match. First time in five years to be exact or to be even more accurate, the third time since he had turned up at your place. Tommy had, for the first time in years slept the whole night through. His worn body aching for the extra time he had let himself have, for the time you had let his restless thoughts unburden themselves of the regret and guilt he had been carrying around for the past five years. Shaking the flame from the small stick of aspen he looked over at you, a faint smile playing on the edge of his lips at your flustered face. Flustered was an understatement, you looked like a dear caught in headlights. Not only was you mentally unprepared to see him half naked after all these years, you couldn't remember the last time you saw him so...relaxed. You had become so accustomed to his usual tightly wound up demeanour that he had unexpectedly caught you off guard making you loose track of what you had planned to say.

" Is everything alrig..."

" I wanted to say thank you" you blurted out cutting him off as Tommy furrowed his brow in surprise.

" Thank you? For what?" he said stepping closer as your eyes briefly darted up to meet his before returning to look at the floorboards beneath you. You felt like a teenager again, and like any teenager standing in front of whom they believed to be the love of their life, the nerves currently coursing through your body seemed to have stopped any previous ability you had to talk let alone think. You had become a fumbling mess, and it hadn't gone unnoticed.

" Y/N?" Tommy said as he ducked his head down trying to catch your line of sight when you failed to elaborate.

" For the post office job" you replied as he looked down at you watching him roll his cigarette between his thumb and forefinger.

" You would have had that job if it wasn't for me" he acknowledged, exhaling a cloud of smoke up to the ceiling.

" And for the flowers" you said finally making eye contact as you lifted your head.

"Flowers..." Tommy replied, suddenly remembering the small bouquet he had thrown in a panic after seeing, was it Harry or Henry? God, the date was such a bore you still wondered if the whole evening had be a figment of your imagination.

" Oh fuck..Tommy they weren't for me were they? I just thought with the note, with the .." you trailed off into a incoherent mumbling of words you and nobody else could understand as you covered your eyes and turned for the stairs. Your humiliation never ceasing to make itself known by your increasingly reddened cheeks.

" Y/N wait" Tommy said grabbing your arm stopping you and your attempts to flee the awkward situation." Of course they were for you" he smiled as his hand rubbed up and down your arm in a bid to reassure you. "What other woman in Small Heath let alone the whole country likes a bouquet with only three flowers eh? " he chuckled trying to ease the pressure that had suddenly encapsulated you both.

" I do" you said as you looked up into his crystal blue eyes, finding yourself slowly getting lost in his gaze.

" You do" he smiled closing the gap between you both as his thumb came up and tenderly brushed along your check. " I should have given them to you in person" he said as he cupped your face, your fingers finding their way up his chest, turning one of the buttons on his cotton shirt as you looked up at him through your lashes. Apprehensively leaning into you, Tommy's lips ghosted over yours, his thumb still stroking gently against you skin as you both waited for the other to make the next move when a heavy footed second Shelby came stomping up the stairs breaking the long awaited moment between you both.

" Right. I've bloody had enough of this I have" Arthur said as he stormed up the stairs, throwing open the closet door next to you, pushing you both inside and locking it before either of you had the opportunity to react." 'Bout time you both sorted out..." Arthur said as he waved his hand in front of the door, his face scrunched up in deep concentration as he tried to look for the missing word. "... well, whatever this is" he finished as he nodded his head, satisfied with his spontaneous plan of action, one he would later learn did more harm than good.

" Arthur open the fucking door! " Tommy shouted as he rattled the handle, the distant sound of his brother whistling merrily as he made his way down the stairs only infuriating his efforts.

" Did you set this up? " you snapped stood back as you shook your head, a scowl settling on your face as the tender moment you had both shared mere minutes ago started to fade into what was set to be another match of bickering. This is definitely something those two little shits would have conjured up. You thought to yourself as you glared at the only other person in the cramped space, all your anger now directly aimed at him.

" Me?" Tommy scoffed as he reached into his back pocket pulling out his pack of cigarettes only to find he had already smoked the last one. " Only that daft bastard downstairs could have thought of doing something like this" he huffed throwing the empty carton on the floor as he leaned against the door.

" Well.." you said motioning behind him.

"Well what?"

" Aren't you going to get us out of here?" You replied moving him out the way as you gestured at the lock when a small laugh caught in his throat.

" I've gone legitimate darling" Tommy said as you crossed your arms furrowing your brows. " My lock picking days are over" he reiterated as he leaned back against the door giving into the situation he's idiot brother had put you both in. There was no way of getting out of this, not unless you had a spare key hidden in that ample cleavage of yours that was now pressing against his chest. Tommy thought to himself as the temptation to look down was almost too much for him to refuse.

" Pull the over one Tommy" you frowned rolling your eyes at his chilled state. Anyone would think he was happy about this, and to some degree he was.

" So what do we now?" you said as you moved back the few centimetres between you and the metal shelving behind you, shifting your arms back and forth in attempts to put some space between you both.

" Well, I'm guessing we wait" he said as his eyes darted around the dark room that looked suspiciously like the one you had both found yourselves in ten years ago.

" Fuck sake" you mumbled under your breath as you looked up at him, still convinced this was his doing. "You're suffocating me, move back" you sighed blowing the lone strained of hair in front of your face away from your eyes as Tommy let out a loud huff in response, silently cursing his brother for managing to ruin the very moment he had been envisioning for the past five years, and your lesser than pissed off mood with him.

" Tighter squeeze than it was ten years ago" he said as he cleared his throat, a cocky smirk playing on the corner of his mouth.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" you asked, daring him to say what you already knew he meant as you crossed your arms in front of you, forming or rather forcing a barrier between you both as Tommy grunted at the sudden impact, your own subdued by the cushioning of your assets. The very same assets Tommy wished he had never mentioned now your elbows were digging into his chest.

" I'm only teasing Y/N" he surrendered, a sudden sense of seriousness over coming him after seeing the frustration rising in your face at the unexpected predicament. In any other circumstance he would have been more than happy to be stuck in a closet with you again. But the scowl on your face said enough for him to not worsen the situation with any more jokes. Instead he attempted to change the mood with a different subject of conversation and break the awkward silence that had descended on you both. " Your mum keeping well?"

" My mum?" You laughed, surprised be the very question you thought you'd never hear leave his lips considering their mutual despise for one another. " Well thanks to you she had a visit from Father Wells"

"From St Mary's ?"

" Yeh. Oh, didn't you know? She's been named the wicked witch of Small Heath" you said as Tommy furrowed his brow in confusion. " You told Finn she was a witch. Finn told every living person he could find, which caused a small gathering of panicked old ladies to demand Father Wells pay her a visit and cleanse her mind, body and soul of evil" you said as Tommy let out a scoff of a laugh at the idea his tall tale had caused quite the commotion with the senior citizens of Small Heath. "Anyway" you said letting your own amusement slip in the form of a small giggle as you looked around the room, a sight Tommy never got tired of seeing, his fingers itching to trace the curve of your smile, desperately wanting to repeat the broken moment you had shared.

" Have a look in there for something, to pick the lock with " Tommy said clearing his throat as he nodded towards the small box precariously sitting on another large stack of cardboard boxes in attempts to snap him out of his day dream your small giggle had let him wander in to. Manoeuvring your arm between the tight squeeze of your bodies pressed together you looked through the small box pulling out a book on the poet " Sir Edmund Spence" as you turned to face Tommy with a look of confusion on your face at the strangest discovery you had ever made in the Shelby home.

" Arthur reads, apparently" Tommy said, as you turned your head back to the box of items, a smile on you lips at your endearing affection for the eldest Shelby and his ever growing list of new hobbies when you leaned forward and a sharp tug on the back of your head had your wincing in pain.

"Great... My hairs stuck" you whined reaching behind your head trying to loosen your locks from the metal shelving pushing into your back. " Tommy! My hairs stuck!" You reiterated, when he didn't automatically jump to your add.

" Bloody hell. Stay still" Tommy said as he reached behind you pressing his chest into your face.

" You're squishing me " you said looking up at him as his eyes stayed fixed on the task entrusted to him. With his attention else where you took the opportunity to take in every small detail of his face you had been missing for the past five years. Each freckle you used to spend countless hours counting when he'd sleep, his long lashes every girl south of Sparkhill envied, his plump lips that..."Ouch" you shrieked when he pulled harder than expected on your recently coiffed locks.

"Do you want my help?" He replied cocking a brow as he continued to unhook your hair from the shelf you had managed to get it knotted in.

"Just pull it out" you huffed wriggling in place.

" Fuck sake Y/N, I would if I could but it's stuck. If you'd stop bloody moving I'd be able to slide it out"

" Tommy..." you whined getting progressively inpatient as he loomed over you, increasing the already stifling heat your two bodies had managed to create in the small cramped space.

" Keep that whining up and you'll attract the rats"

" What rats?!" You yelped as your eyes darted around the room when Tommy finally unhooked your hair and sent you a wink, your face quickly dropping from a panicked wide-eyed stare into a small smile. Thank god you fell for that one, Tommy thought to himself. Watery Lane had become a new home to half the rats of Small Heath no thanks to Finn and his adamant goal on training them to do tricks for the small rodent circus he envisioned them performing in, much to Polly's dismay.

" Thanks" you said smoothing down your hair as Tommy moved his hand around from behind your head, his fingers lingering on the side of your cheek as he brushed the few whispers of hairs away from your face.

"Y/N..." He sighed cupping your cheeks in both his hands as you stood there patiently waiting, expecting him to pick up where things had ended out in the hallway. Had he lost his nerve? What was it about closets that always had this man lost for words? Either way you was not going to wait any longer to find out.

" Fuck it" you said pressing your lips to his as Tommy instantly dropped his hands to your hips pulling you closer into his hold.

" I've missed you" Tommy mumbled between breaths not wanting to part with the embrace any more than essentially necessary, the intensity of the moment catapulting you both back ten years as if you was kissing for the very first time. And just like all those many moons ago the years of suppressed need and desperation for eachother was making itself known quickly, very quickly.

" Tommy please..." You breathed heavily against his mouth as you pulled his suspenders down his arms, both lost in the moment of finally feeling each other, holding each other. As you both fumbled to undo his suit trousers a strained gasp left Tommy's throat when you slid your hand down into his briefs, the sudden feeling of your fingers wrapped around his hard length causing Tommy to stumble forward as his hand reached behind you grabbing the shelf to steady himself from the intense feeling of your touch.

" Fuck...I can't wait any longer" Tommy moaned as he reached under your dress moving your underwear to the side, his fingers ghosting over your wetness as he teased the entrance, making your head spin with desperation to feel him inside of you. Quickly pushing his trousers down, Tommy hitched up your dress as you wrapped your arms around his neck, his darkened stare filled with lust and need catching your eye as you hooked your finger into his briefs and pulled them down.

" Tommy, I..I need you..." You trailed off at the feeling of him grinding his length slowly through your wet folds as he looked down at the very sight he had spent nights fantasising about, trying with all his will power to not cum right then and there. It had been too long, too fucking long since he had last felt you.

" Fuck sweetheart" Tommy moaned, spreading your legs further apart with his knee as he lined himself up and push the head of his length inside of you." Holy...shit, you feel just as I remembered." Tommy breathed out as he pressed his forehead against yours. "Been thinking about this every night for five years" he groaned against your lips, his eyes squeezing shut as he pushed even further when his words suddenly snapped you out of the intensity of the moment.

" Wait stop, stop!" you said pushing him out of you as Tommy groaned at the loss of your heat around him, inches from being fully bottomed out.

" What...what's wrong?" Tommy breathed heavily as he looked at you pushing your dress down.

" This was a mistake." You said straightening out your clothes as his words ringed in your ears. He'd been thinking about this every night, even when he was with her, Grace. He had been wanting you every night but went to her instead. You wasn't naive enough to think that they had never had sex, but you suddenly felt sick at the mere thought of it.

" A mistake? Y/N, talk to me, what's going on?" He said pulling his trousers up as he stood behind you confused as to what he had did, what he had said.

" Every night you thought about me, every fucking night!" you cried as you slammed on the door. " Arthur open this fucking door!"

" Of course I did. What the fucks wrong with that? Didn't you think about me ?" He said trying to turn you around to face him.

" I did but not with someone else laying beside me Tommy!" You cried as you pushed his hands of you. "Did you fuck her thinking of me?" You sobbed disgusted by your own question, one some might be happy to hear that even whilst he was with another woman his thoughts were with you. But it seemed to have the opposite effect on you, you was revolted by the image of you on his mind as he fucked another woman, the same woman that had done nothing but belittle and humiliate you. Was you being irrational, were things moving to fast? Or were you trying to find a reason, any reason to halt your fragile relationship from rekindling, afraid the past would repeat itself?

"Jesus Christ" Tommy huffed as he pinched his brow at the sudden change in mood.

"Well?"

" Of course I fucking didn't! She meant nothing to me, I regretted it the momen..

" Only after then " you said cutting him off not wanting to hear anything he had to say about his time with her.

" You're twisting things" when had he become so bad at formulating the right words. He was beginning to think it was a skill he had perfected only for you.

" Arthur!" You banged loudly on the door, desperate to be the furthest you possibly could from the very man you had dropped everything to go and see that day.

"What in seven hell was that?" Polly said as she walked into the living room pulling the pin out of her hat as she placed her bag down onto the coffee table.

" Y/N and Tommy are working through their... differences" Arthur replied sat in an arm chair with the mornings paper on his lap.

" Oh Arthur what did you do? Actually don't tell me, I already know. You locked them in the bloody cupboard didn't you?" Polly replied as she looked up at the ceiling, your banging on the door rattling the paper thin walls.

" It's for their own good"

" Arthur, did it ever enter your new founded brilliant mind that they were actually on the right path? Tommy had apologise to her you berk! "

"How was I supposed to bloody know, I've been in London haven't I. I can't keep up, their spats change with the bloody wind! Arthur huffed throwing the Birmingham Gazette on the table in front of him.

" Jesus Christ, why do I live in a house of bloody halfwits?" Polly said shaking her head as she clutched the cross around her neck." Give me the key else we'll be calling the undertakers within the next ten minutes"

" Tom would never hurt her"

" It's not Tommy I'm worried about" she said as she hurried up the stairs holding the bottom of her dress.

" Y/N would you calm down" Tommy pleaded as you continued to hysterically pound at the door when the lock turned on the opposite side and you pushed it open, running past Polly and down the stairs out onto Watery Lane.

" What did you do now?" Polly said quirking a brow as she stood in front of the door with her arms crossed.

" At this point, breathed" Tommy huffed as leaned against the shelving in the small closet looking up at the ceiling as he finally puzzled everything together, the sudden realisation as to what his words may have meant to you, words he would have reacted as equally as angry to if he had been on the receiving end of them. It had been a one time thing, a drunken mistake he had regretted instantly. Not that his confession would ease the disgust you now felt for him. Even though you weren't together at the time, he had in that very moment when he sat at the end of the bed felt like he had cheated on you. Betrayed every declaration of love he had ever made to you, leaving him feeling physically sick with guilt as he bolted away and out the presence of the very woman he had just been intimate with.

" Penny for your thoughts?" Arthur said as he turned the corner onto the back alley of your flats a few days later.

" You don't want to hear my thoughts Arthur, and they're definitely not worth a penny" you replied sitting on the brick wall along the path, biting into an apple as you watched your freshly hanged laundry dry. Riveting.

" Why are they naughty? " he grinned as you scooted over to make room for him to sit down.

" No, murderous"

" These murderous thoughts wouldn't happen to be about a beloved brother of mine would they?" He laughed taking the apple from you as you rested your hands on the brick wall, swaying your feet back and forth as Arthur took an abnormally large bite from the last of your lunch leaving nothing left for you." Go on, tell old Arthur all about it" he said mouth half full as you scrunched your brow in amazement watching him eat down to the very core.

" Tommy's been looking for me and I've been avoiding him" you replied tucking your hair behind your ear as you looked down at the ends of your shoes.

" And why's that ay?" He asked already knowing your likely response.

" Because what's the point Arthur? We're never going to get back to how we were, back to being madly in love. Too much has happened. He did too much" you said turning your head sniffing back your tears.

" Are you pulling my leg? Back to being madly in love...you are madly in love! " Arthur chuckled as you snapped your head to him.

" I'm not joking Arthur, there's nothing left to fix" you pouted as you blinked away your tears, refusing to admit to yourself that the love you had for him was as strong as it was back then. Albeit an angrier close to committing murder kind of love.

" Ay, come on you" he sighed putting his arm around your shoulder as he watched your white linen table cloth blow in the gentle afternoon breeze. " Never seen two people in love as much you both. Even after five years of putting all us through the ringer with his bullshit Tommy never went a day without mentioning you Y/N, even if half the time it was him whinging about how you broke his poor old bloody heart first" Arthur said rolling his eyes at the very words you were convinced Tommy never went a day without letting you hear.

" Well I'm glad I wasn't the only one that had to hear that for all those years " you sniffed as a small laugh escaped your lips.

" He loves you Y/N. He's just been shit at showing it" he said as you looked up at him smiling back to you. "Please, put us out of our misery ay. I don't think I can do another five bloody years of this" he said as he squeezed you into his side rubbing your arm up and down like he was trying to start a fire with his bare hands. It was blunt, but it was to the point. Making more sense to you than the countless hours you had spent mulling in self-doubt and pity. Arthur was right could you go through another five years of this?

" Ello mate, where you been then? Out chasing rabbits old boy" Arthur said, both of you welcoming the change from the heavy conversation you'd just had as he dropped his hand down to a black and white dog slowly approaching him, his muzzle greyed by the years he had gracefully earned. " Begging now are we?" Arthur added as the four legged animal sat down in front of him, lifting his muddy paw whilst he eyed up the apple core in Arthur's hand. " Ere, you scruffy mutt" Arthur chuckled as he threw it to him, the dogs aged reflects seemingly unaffected when it came to all things edible. " Gone on, I'll see ya later" Arthur said nodding to the empty path as the dog trotted off, content with his late super firmly grasped within his mouth.

" New friend ?" You asked as you watched Arthur smooth down his stache, a smile poking through the whispers of hair.

" Gave him some leftovers few weeks back, now he won't leave me alone. Gangly looking thing ain't he? All legs and big ears" Arthur said as he watched the dog make his way down the alleyway, the sun setting down at the end of the cobbled path reflecting off the small puddles his four legged friend tip toed nimbly around.

" Bit like you then. No wonder you get along" you laughed as you looked up at the blue skies, nearly two months worth of rain finally easing up.

" Cheeky mare" Arthur said nudging his shoulder with yours as he rolled his eyes.

" How old is he?"

" Well I've counted the spots on his back, but he looks like he's been dipped in paint so I don't know"

" Arthur, he's not a ladybird"

" You're too easy Y/n " Arthur chuckled, thinking he had fooled you with his joke you was sure he had been waiting to make the moment he had conjured it up. "Nah, he's alright. He's a good boy" Arthur sniffed looking down to the end of the path as the dog stood there patiently waiting. " It's alright boy, you can go" Arthur called out with a quick nod of his head, reassuring his furred companion he'd see him again soon as he watched him walk over the small hill into the sunset disappearing from sight. " Right. Come on you. No more faffing about, let's go have a cuppa while we wait for Tommy ay? " Arthur said jumping off the wall putting his hand out for you to take as you both made your way through the alleyway, hopping over the puddles as you both giggled like two children making their way home before dark, the welcome heat of the fading sun beaming on your faces.

All day, all bloody day he'd been looking for you. Tommy thought to himself as he walked past the Garrison, the smell of beer and liquor tempting him to drown in his sorrows and abandoned any hope of finding you.

" Still breaking my Y/N's heart" he heard a voice call out on the opposite side of the street as he turned the corner onto Watery Lane, the same voice he'd been intentionally avoiding at all costs for going on five years.

" Don't you have a broom to catch?" Tommy replied as he slowed his pace, keeping a safe distance between him and the fire breathing dragon you just so happened to call mum.

" Trouble, I've been saying it for years " your mum scowled as Tommy eyed up the tea towel sat on top of her weeks shopping in the woven basket resting on her forearm, knowing his turn to feel the back of it was long overdue.

" I hope your dealings with the devil don't run in the family, because I plan on marrying your daughter and I don't fancy having to deal with her temper when it's a full moon and you lot come alive. Tommy said with a chuckle as your mother's eyes widened at the sheer cheek of the boy she'd been trying to keep you away from for as long as she could remember, for when you were together you were an unstoppable force she had no hope of winning. " Ta ra!" Tommy waved above his head as he opened the door to Watery Lane leaving your mum standing there, damning the day you and him had met.

"Two peas in a bloody pod" she huffed as she marched off down the street a small smile making itself known as she looked up at the sky. "Isn't that right my love..."

"Ay up" Arthur said over his tea cup as Tommy came stomping through the front door of Watery Lane, hair disheveled a look of shear frustration on his face as you looked up from your lap.

" Been giving me the runaround all day eh?" Tommy said as he threw his cap on the table, brushing his hand threw his hair with the other.

" I don't know what you're talking about" you replied complacently as you leaned back into the plush armchair whilst Arthur stood in the corner, a smirk on his lips as he watched the drama about to unfold over the warm cup of tea in his hands.

" Right. Enough" Tommy said pointing his finger at you as he marched over. " Stand up, come on, up" he said pulling you to your feet by your arms. " I'm sorry alright, I'm fucking sorry. For all of it" he said cupping your cheeks in his hands as he dipped his head down to look directly into your eyes. " Just one more chance ey? God knows I'm a miserable bastard without you..."

" Ain't that the bloody truth" Arthur interrupted rolling his eyes as he poured two fingers of whisky into his drink.

"... sweetheart, please" he said rubbing his thumb across you chin as he leaned in and rested his forehead on yours. " I can't do this without you Y/N " he said quietly squeezing his eyes shut as he waited for a response, feeling like it was the longest wait of his life than the few seconds it actually took for you to respond.

" One more chance " you replied as Tommy's eyes flew open.

" Yeh?"

" Yeh" you smiled as Tommy crashed his lips onto yours holding you tightly in his arms.

" 'Bout bloody time" Arthur cheered raising his tea that contained more whisky than it did anything else into the air.

" I love you Y/N Y/L/N"

" I love you Thomas Shelby" you said wrapping your legs around his waist as he lifted you up into his body, lips intertwined in an unstoppable embrace.

" Right, I'm off out then" Arthur said raising his brows as he downed his drink as quick as humanly possible " Make sure you turn that gramophone on ay, nobody wants to hear five bleeding years of making up" Arthur chuckled as he scrambled for his coat and hat heading for the door having already seen enough of your and Tommy's passionate display of reconciliation. Together at last. All it took was five years and some wise words from a gangly Shelby who had made it his life mission to not only never let your smile fade but to bring you and his baby brother back together, even if it did mean locking you in a closet.

" Tommy" you said, your head resting against his bare chest and his lazily stroked up and down your back.

" Mmm?" He hummed, his eyes shut, a content smile on his face as sleep beckoned him. He wasn't a young adult anymore, five years of making up had exhausted him. He was convinced he had beat an all time world record in the past twenty-four hours something he was now secretly proud off, maybe his greatest accomplishment yet. At Least now he could say his little white lie ten years ago had been achievable.

" What do you think we'll be doing ten years from now?" You said as Tommy opened his eyes turning his head to you.

" How did I know you was gonna ask me that ey" Tommy replied, brushing his nose with yours as he cupped the side of your face.

" Tommy.."

" The same thing sweetheart, cross my heart and all that" he said feeling his eyes get heavy with sleep again.

"I'm serious Tommy"

" So am I. No more looking back eh? Only looking beside me, you next to me holding my hand like it should've always been. I promise you that" he said pecking his lips to yours as he brought you further into his body, not only promising to you but himself to never let the past repeat itself. Thomas Michael Shelby, the man who had enough stubbornness to endure five years worth of self-inflicted heartache finally felt at peace, the one person he had dreamt to hold in his arms again now permanently by his side. He may not have shown it how he'd intended to do to, but he had always, and would always be, hopelessly devoted to you.

The End.

There we are everyone, we've come to the end of the story for Y/N and Tommy. As always, I want to thank you all for the love you have shown this series. I know I say it all the time but you have blown me away with your incredible support, I appreciate it more than you can imagine. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments on the ending of this rollercoaster of a story. Thank you to each and every one of you, my lovely readers.

Brummie xxx

Tag list: @cosniffee @jonsncws @powellssaturn @jessimay89 @bruher @riseandreigns4u @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @chimchimjiminie16 @gaslysainz @calicoootalks (unable to tag) @weaponizedvirtue @vlryexsworld (unable to tag) @shittyprofilebutfuckit @peakyswritings @kammsinn @mysticalbouquetwolf-posts @cherryslyce @esquivelbianca @taliawz (unable to tag) @answer-the-sirens @dielgonacoffee @cicilysgrace @nadloves @beeposstuff @fanatics30 @httyd-marauders @yeppaweshallsee (unable to tag) @ja-4-leyvam (unable to tag) @xmariakx @slighltyaboveaverageiq (unable to tag) @fairypitou @youngbananamilkshake @call-sign-shark @peakyltd @jeysbae @muhahaha303 @mornixgstar18 @adaydreamaway08 @atomicsaladapricotcreator (unable to tag) @1lellykins @duckybird101 @warrior-of-justice @amberpanda99 @mrstargayen09 @synx-h (unable to tag) @gypsy-girl-08 @in0320 @sherbitdibdab @vizzzashley @cinematicdilfs (unable to tag) @twlegit @strangeobsessed @vizzzashley

[k-daydreams]

The pursuit of Feeling Alive: I. Intro

Pairing: Azriel x fem!reader, PLATONIC!IC x reader

Synopsis: cousin to Rhysand and Morrigan, y/n was once her family’s golden child. Faced with trials and tribulations her whole life, she needed reprieve— a distraction. Until a surprise homecoming opens Pandora’s box, and gives y/n a reality check. Especially facing her once close friend Azriel. Friends to Enemies to lovers trope.

Warnings: trauma, swearing, pining, angst?

Word Count: 4.8k

Author note: this is my first acotar fic! It was originally going to be a singular self indulgent azriel fic, but I can’t ever get to the point and I got too many ideas. Definitely not very canon with the timeline of series I think lol, just going to throw that out there. I’ve already rough drafted another chapter and thought I’d share the work on here. Feel free to share your thoughts! If you’d like to be added to a tag list let me know!

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ

Internally, you teetered on the edge of a nervous breakdown, ready to tear yourself apart from within. Externally, you wore a mask of cold calculation, hoping no one could detect your distress and near senility. Earlier in the day, your cousin Mor had mentioned that her high lord and your other dear cousin, Rhysand, had matters to discuss with your high lord, Helion. The reason for their meeting was of no concern to Mor to bother filling you in.

Your heart thumped against your chest, unsure of what to expect. It had been over fifty years since the Day Court and Night Court had engaged in official business since the end of Amarantha's reign of terror. You had seen Rhysand during the time under the mountain, where you spent nearly half a century with him until Feyre saved Prythian. Still holding visits with him after to report to him along with Mor, thanks to her frequent visits to Helion. However, the rest of the court, especially those you hadn't met since after Amarantha and Hybern, remained a mystery, with only Mor's updates for context.

Following your time under the mountain, you chose to reside in the Day Court under Helion's rule as an emissary between the two Solar Courts. It served as a means to shield yourself from feeling too deeply, allowing you to focus on healing from the traumatic events you endured during those fifty years. There were other matters you had yet to confront and come to terms with, voluntarily choosing to ignore them. By hiding away and conducting your business mainly with Mor and Rhys, you could maintain a sense of avoidance of your once home.

Now, in the dining hall of the palace where Helion and his inner court resided—including yourself—you found yourself on edge. Regardless of the pressing matters at hand, your high lord insisted on hosting a dinner for his court and other high fae to publicly display the alliance between the Night Court and the Day Court. Standing next to Helion's chair in the center of the room, you observed the lively chatter among the gathered individuals.

Your hands were clasped tightly in front of you, nervously inspecting your gown for nonexistent dirt, attempting to conceal your jitters. The gown itself could remind anyone of the place you resided and wanted to consider your new home. It was an off-the-shoulder nude gown with gossamer sleeves cascading around your arms. The bodice, nearly transparent, accentuated your bust, adorned with soft gold crystals intricately arranged over your body. The long skirts consisted of layers of gossamer, featuring two long slits up the front that revealed your legs. You appeared ethereal and angelic.

"You seem on edge," Helion called out to you, pulling you out of your internal thoughts. Your eyes scanned the room, observing every movement, before turning your attention to the main entrance. He gently traced his finger beneath the dainty black diamond bracelet adorning your wrist, bringing your attention back. This bracelet, along with matching pieces around your neck and ears, showed your affiliation with the visiting court. You wore them out of respect for your older cousins, never daring to show your true affection openly—a facade to conceal your true self. You knew they would appreciate it if they noticed.

"The Night Court was your home, was it not?" He questioned, his tone casual, as he glanced over his shoulder at the other members of the inner court to make sure they weren’t listening. Adjusting his shirt cuffs to his well-matched button-down very similar color to yours, he exuded regality from head to toe.

You mumbled stoically, "Was." Clearing your throat tentatively, your eyes returned to the main doors. "This is my home now, serving under your rule. I can't afford to be anything but cautious when the Night Court wishes to discuss an unknown matter."

You didn’t miss the way his eyes rolled. "Always playing this game, aren't you?" Helion scolded playfully. “There's no need to keep up the act. Rhys's actions beneath the mountain spoke volumes for our court."

You thought to yourself, 'But my actions don't, and I'd rather keep it that way.' Aloud, you replied smoothly, "One can't appear too soft when the Night Court steps through that door." The lie slipped easily from your lips.

"Are we referring to the whole court now or the spymaster we both have eyes for?" Helion hummed, reclining slightly in his chair as he took a sip of fae wine from his chalice-like glass. Damn him.

"I have no eyes for any man, particularly not a brute Illyrian man. And especially not one I've been watching wrestle with my cousin since we were young children," you retorted, feeling a surge of unease and clenching your jaw at the assumption.

"That's a match I would give up all my powers to witness," the handsome, dark-skinned lord purred, his words aimed at you.

You wanted to snap at him, your patience wearing thin at the mere mention of the tall Illyrian warrior. However, you managed to keep your composure in check. "It's hardly a match; Rhys won every time."

As if on cue, you felt the energy of several individuals entering the palace. Rhysand always loved a dramatic entrance. "Excellent, our guests have arrived," you murmured, straightening your shoulders as best as you could.

Helion followed suit, sitting more upright in his chair at the center of the hall. The rest of the inner court took their positions standing.

The sentries opened the doors for the guests. Morrigan was the first to enter, her golden hair elegantly curled, and she delightedly took you in before blinking a few times, returning to her sultry expression. Her red gown fitted her perfectly: a strapless piece that flowed around her as she walked. Following her was a sight you hadn't expected since hearing the gossip from Mor—Lucien Vanserra, adorned in deep autumnal colors that complemented his complexion and long, tidy red hair. He was an old confidant of yours when you had stayed in the spring court. You couldn't help but find it amusing, but you maintained a composed demeanor, concealing your bemusement at how out of place in the night court he seemed.

After Lucien came two beautiful high fae women. The younger one on the left wore a flowing champagne pink gown that accentuated her slim waist and showcased her porcelain fair skin. Her light brown hair was adorned with crystals and flowers, and she wore dainty opal teardrop earrings that complimented her brown eyes. On the right stood another woman in a form-fitting navy dress that subtly shimmered with every movement. The gown highlighted her curves and bust, while a sapphire-like sciphon necklace adorned her neck. Her darker brown hair was elegantly pinned up with a silver circlet. These must have been the High Lady's sisters, Elain and Nesta, whom you had heard so much about. Nesta's eyes had a hint of danger and coldness, while Elain's were filled with awe as they observed the dining hall.

Cassian followed the two women, and you discreetly coughed to suppress a snort. He appeared cleaned up, wearing a navy tunic and dark linen pants, with his hair slicked back and neatly tied. This was a different version of him from the rugged general you were accustomed to, not dressed in his usual fighting leathers to a formal affair. His siphons were cleverly disguised as jewelry pieces, and he had politely tucked back his larger wings. He seemed out of place as much as Lucien, but his mischievous eyes locked with yours, indicating he might have had similar thoughts about you.

Before you could even see her, you sensed Amren's piercing gaze from behind Cassian's towering figure. Her glowing silver eyes held an inscrutable expression, and her lips formed a slight grimace. She wore her usual grey color in a slip gown that elegantly draped down in the front. Though not dressed as extravagantly as the others, her presence demanded attention. A touch of red lipstick and a slightly tousled hairstyle were enough to enhance her beauty. You could see the rest of Helion’s inner court murmur from your peripheral, the usual whispers about the millennia’s old creature stalking towards them.

Rhysand made his entrance with the high lady from beside him, exuding confidence and power. He wore his customary dark attire that accentuated his commanding presence. His violet eyes locked with yours for a fleeting moment before he turned his attention to Helion. Feyre held her head high, a diadem hanging on the crown of her head, and her hair half up half down in loose waves. Her dress off the shoulder shone in sapphire crystals making it look like stars had been entwined on the gown. She was gorgeous as a mortal even when she was malnourished when you saw her under the mountain, but as a high fae she was even more devastating.

Last of the group, you spotted Azriel, his shadows swirling subtly around him, and your breath caught in your throat. His shadows slinked up his dark tunic clad shoulder seeming to whisper in his ear. He looked over at you making eye contact discreetly. His features were hard but something unreadable in his eyes as he observed you. You didn’t miss the slight bob of his throat as he looked quickly away to a distant corner in the room acting stoic. His hair was pushed back showing his sharp jawline, and you could see his tattoos peeking out his shirt. His silent and brooding presence always managed to unnerve you, unable to get a good read on what could’ve been going through his head. You refused to let your guard down, not wanting to think about the shadowsinger that stood mere feet away. This had been the first time you have seen each other in person since you were able to leave under the mountain.

The Night Court all stood in front of Helion, and he bowed his head in greeting. You did the same along with the rest of the inner court. The introductions began, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Helion gracefully welcomed his guests, exchanging pleasantries and acknowledging the significance of the meeting. You observed the interactions, keeping a blank face despite the tumultuous emotions swirling within you. It felt like you were looking into your old life from the outside watching the inner circle, and your heart ached for a second.

Eventually, it was time for you to step forward and join the introductions. As you approached Rhysand, his gaze never wavered from yours. His lips curved into a knowing smile, a silent acknowledgment of the past. You stood before him, your heart pounding, but your expression remained composed.

"High Lord Rhysand," you greeted him, keeping your tone neutral and titles formal. "It has been a while."

His voice was smooth as he responded, “Y/n, always a pleasure. Allow me to introduce my wife and High Lady, Feyre.”

You bowed respectfully to the High Lady. “I am in awe, Feyre Cursebreaker. What an honor to have you grace the Day Court with your presence.”

A smile graced her lips in response. “Thank you for the warm welcome. I have heard so much about you, Y/n.” She took your hands in hers, and you were taken aback by the warm informal gesture. Your gaze fell upon the intricate tattoo adorning her hand and forearm, and in that moment, your heart swelled with joy for your cousin, and you dared to steal a glance at Rhys. His eyes were already fixed on you, and you couldn’t help but notice the subtle hints of tenderness and anticipation shining within them. You were so happy for him.

The formalities continued, and you exchanged polite words with Lucien, Elain, and Nesta. You longed for a chance to sit down and talk with them, to hear about their experiences since being freed from the cauldron. Your gaze wandered momentarily to Lucien, who stood near Morrigan, his amber eyes briefly glancing in your direction. A flicker of recognition passed between you, an unspoken acknowledgment of shared history. You had both suffered under the rule of the Spring Court, and it was a trauma you preferred to keep buried for now. But you couldn’t deny that you treasured the moments the young emissary had kept you sane within the trauma.

You stood next to Helion along with another Day Court emissary as Rhys, Amren, and Helion discussed some political topics. Deep down, you yearned for a moment alone with the inner circle, away from the prying eyes and expectations. But for now, you had to focus on the diplomatic matters at hand and navigate the complexities of the gathering. As the conversations flowed around you, you remained attentive, gathering information and assessing the dynamics between the courts.

Throughout the evening, conversations flowed, alliances were strengthened, and unspoken words hung heavy in the air. You played your part, engaging in polite conversation and maintaining the facade of an emissary, all the while battling the internal storm raging within you. It was beginning to wear on you though. Watching from afar at how Mor mingled with Nesta and Cassian. The Illyrian man had his arm around the oldest Archeon sister as they nodded and chuckled at Mor, and you wanted to smile. You had never expected Cassian finding a mate before you, but here you were.

A lot has changed since you had left indeed, and the longing you felt came back.

“You’re not my prisoner, you know. Feel free to mingle,” Helion’s voice chimed from behind, breaking through your thoughts.

“Isn’t that a bit informal?” you responded, sipping your glass of wine.

He arched an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “To talk at a party?” He snatched your wine from your hand.

You turned to face him, reaching for your half-filled glass that he held teasingly away from you. “Ah, don’t you think it’s a bit informal for an emissary to get drunk?” He added a playful spark in his eyes.

“To drink at a party?” You volleyed back, grinning mischievously as you continued your playful struggle for the glass.

“Why don’t you practice the talking part with Rhysand?” Helion suggested, his eyes glinting with amusement. “It seems like he’s eager to have a word with his dear cousin.” He gestured subtly behind you, and amidst the revelry and banter, Rhysand and Feyre made their way toward you both. However, before you could react, your gaze caught Azriel’s intense hazel eyes from their table behind the approaching couple, where he sat next to Elain. His massive wings appeared tense and uncomfortably confined by the chair. Elain chatted with him, but it seemed his attention was elsewhere, fixated on you. His shadows still whispered in his ear as one crept across the table.You resisted the urge to shudder, maintaining your composure, and quickly turned your attention back to Helion, whose grin remained firmly in place.

“Helion, may we borrow Y/n for a moment?” Rhysand inquired, one eyebrow raised, his gaze flickering between you and Helion.

Helion practically pushed you into Feyre’s arms. “Go ahead, I was just informing her that she’s free from her duties until later!” he announced with a mischievous glint in his eyes. The tips of your ears burned with embarrassment as you realized his intent to encourage your mingling.

“Thank you, My Lord,” you replied, bowing your head with a touch of sarcasm. Rhysand extended his arm, and you looped yours through it, allowing him to guide you towards their table. A nervous gulp betrayed your anticipation.

Feyre looked at you with concern. “Are you alright?” she asked, her tone gentle and caring.

“May we speak on the balcony?” you requested, your voice filled with meekness.

“Of course, it’s getting a bit warm in here,” Rhysand agreed, leading the three of you towards the balcony bathed in soft faelight.

You all leaned casually against the balcony railing, observing the lively feast taking place inside.

"How's the Day Court treating you?" he asked in a relaxed tone, as if to put you at ease. Away from prying eyes, you felt your shoulders relax. It felt good to be with your cousin where you both didn’t have to wear a mask.

"Well," you replied, "the Day Court doesn't quite compare to the beauty of the Night Court, but the days are undeniably bright." You struggled to find a suitable comparison for the Day Court's allure to the Night Court.

Rhys and Feyre almost snorted out their wine, their amusement evident. "I wonder why," Rhys sarcastically murmured.

Choosing to ignore your cousin's comment, you continued, "I've been making progress translating some texts for the court, and delving into a lot of reading.”

It seemed as though the High Lord and Lady expected to hear more and urged you to continue, but they realized you had nothing more to share.

Rhys cleared his throat. "Wow, that sounds like quite a lot," he remarked. You could tell he wanted to throw a snide remark, but a warning look from his mate kept him at bay. Where was Feyre centuries ago when you always found to be the butt of your cousin's jokes?

You shrugged. "Keeps me distracted." From your vantage point, you had a perfect view of the inner circle's table. Mor, Amren, Azriel, Lucien, Nesta, and Cassian were all seated there, drinking and picking at their food. Helion even made sure Amren had a chalice of beast's blood. You missed being a part of that group, laughing and sharing moments with them. The only person in the Day Court you truly felt comfortable with was Helion, and even that remained behind closed doors.

"Come home," the words made your shoulders tense. It wasn't your cousin who had spoken, but Feyre. You looked at her, finding understanding in her eyes, as if she knew what you were going through.

Your gaze wandered back to the inner circle. Your eyes fell on Azriel, who was listening with a ghost of a smile on his lips, as Cassian animatedly spoke, his wings flaring about and nearly knocking over Lucien's wine glass. The group tried to hide their laughter while Amren scolded them. Azriel's shadows discreetly moved the glass out of Cassian's wingspan, hiding his amusement.

"They miss you," Rhys genuinely expressed. "I miss you, and even the House misses you." Tears welled up, tightening your throat. "He won’t say it out loud, but he misses you too."

You didn't need to be told who he was. You knew.

"I didn't even say goodbye," you spoke with a heavy heart, guilt washing over you.

"That was over fifty years ago, Y/n," Rhys reminded you gently.

He placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. "We have texts for you to translate if it’s a means to keep you busy, we could even have you train with Madja. Want an apartment on the opposite side of town from the House of Wind? Consider it done. Desire a cottage in the middle of nowhere? It's yours. Just please, stop running away," Rhys pleaded.

You felt tears welling up, but you willed them away. "I... I just can't leave," you stammered. You could feel your heart torn.

"You can," Feyre said sympathetically, holding your hands. "Helion asked us to come and talk to you."

"We won't force you, but he mentioned that you've changed in the last few years," Rhys added. Feyre's grip on your hands tightened.

"Please talk to them maybe and think about it?" she requested. You knew she meant the inner circle.

Biting your lip, you contemplated. "I'll find you in a bit. I need some time alone."

With a nod, Rhysand and Feyre understood your need for solitude. They exchanged a brief glance before making their way back inside, leaving you alone on the balcony.

Leaning against the railing, you let the cool evening breeze brush against your skin, smell of wildflower and honey in the air, the quietness of the moment allowing your thoughts to swirl. Images of your past, the friendships you had forged and the bonds you had left behind, filled your mind. The longing in your heart grew stronger with each passing second your family stood in the same room as you. A longing you pushed deep down when you were still under the mountain, uncertain of seeing your loved ones again.

Closing your eyes, you took a deep breath, trying to not let tears slip. It was true that you had changed over the years, that the weight of your experiences had shaped you into someone different. But running away had only prolonged the pain, and you knew it was time to confront it. If your cousins had endured the pain, you were sure you could too.

Slowly, you pushed yourself away from the railing, determination igniting within you. You couldn't stay on the sidelines any longer. The inner circle had always been your family, even if circumstances had driven you apart. And now, as you stood on the cusp of a decision, you realized that it was time to bridge that gap.

Stepping back inside, you navigated through the crowd, searching for the familiar faces you had missed dearly. You found them at their table, still engaged in their playful banter, laughter filling the air. Taking a deep breath, you approached, your footsteps faltering only slightly.

As you reached the table, a hush fell over the group, their gazes turning towards you. Azriel's eyes locked with yours, and the shadows around him seemed to ripple, as though mirroring the tumultuous emotions within you.

"Can I join you?" you asked softly, your voice carrying a blend of trepidation and hope.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Cassian's boisterous laughter echoed as he clapped you on the back, nearly knocking the breath out of you. Nesta's sharp gaze softened for a brief moment, Elain offered a warm but wary smile, and Lucien's amber eyes held surprise. Morrigan's voice was a welcoming melody as she pulled out a chair for you, and Amren, in her own enigmatic way, nodded approvingly.

Taking your seat among them, you couldn't help but feel a sense of homecoming. And as you settled into the comfort of their presence, you could feel your frozen heart just dethaw slightly.

“Y/n, I knew you were always shy, but around us?” Mor teased you endearingly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You look so beautiful tonight!” She gushed, her words filled with genuine admiration as she played with a strand of your hair. “The dress would be better in a darker color though.” She whispered the last part so only you and the inner circle could hear, her voice laced with a conspiratorial tone.

“The gown color does wash you out,” Amren chimed in, her bored expression not fully hiding a hint of amusement.

A laugh bubbled out of your chest, surprising even yourself. "Not the first thing I thought I would hear from you in years," you quipped, a playful smile tugging at your lips. Amren raise her glass to you before taking a sip of the thick liquid in the cup.

“Better than that raggedy spring court piece you came back in, though," Rhysand interjected, his voice filled with playful banter as he and Feyre settled into the extra seats at the table. The original inner circle chuckled at the memory.

Despite that being one of the worst days of your life, you couldn't help but smile too. The shared laughter brought a warmth to the air, softening the edges of past wounds.

“You should’ve seen the dress I came to the Night Court in," Feyre chimed in, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Another monstrosity by Ianthe," Lucien muttered into his glass before taking a sip, his voice tinged with a touch of disdain. Your eyes widened at the snide comment, but the group erupted into laughter, momentarily forgetting the weight of your burdens.

As the night wore on, Helion raised his glass, signaling a toast to the alliance between the two courts. The hall fell silent, and you raised your glass as well, a faint smile playing at the corner of your lips. The toast created a joyous noise as everyone in attendance drank, and the music started playing. Mor instantly beamed and grabbed Feyre’s hand, followed by Elain, leading them to the dance floor. Rhysand and Lucien joined them, their steps filled with a carefree grace. Cassian took Nesta’s hand, and they followed suit. Amren excused herself to converse with the emissary from the Day Court with a request of Azriel to accompany her.

You turned to Mor, insisting you would join them shortly, as you wished to find Helion. She nodded understandingly, giving you a knowing smile as she disappeared into the swirling crowd. You made your way toward Helion, feeling the warmth of the night and the drinks starting to loosen your tongue and heart.

“Do you wish to get rid of me so easily?” you feigned offense, walking up to his side. The merriment of the evening had given you a newfound boldness. Your body hadn’t felt this light in ages. Your gaze met his, and a flicker of understanding passed between you.

Helion shook his head, a gentle smile gracing his features. “No, darling, never. I just think your heart belongs somewhere else.” His words were filled with gentle encouragement. He patted the arm of his chair, offering you a seat upon the rest. With an eye roll and a smile, you accepted, settling into the plush chair arm.

"Your presence is lovely, your duty is commendable, but I couldn't sit here watching you turn to stone any longer," Helion continued, his voice filled with genuine concern. His finger absentmindedly found the wrist under your bracelet, his touch a feather-light brush against your skin. A wave of warmth washed over you, and the faint scent of wildflowers drifted through the air.

"Besides, maybe it's time you face a certain Illyrian man," he whispered discreetly, his words carrying a hint of suggestion.

You looked at him, confusion swirling within you. His eyes subtly glanced over to the corner, and you followed his gaze. Azriel stood behind Amren, his intense gaze fixed on Helion and you. His jaw was clenched, and his wings were taut with tension, as if holding back an impending storm. The sight of him sent a jolt of both excitement and apprehension through your veins.

"I can't ignore those ravenous stares, knowing he wants to rip me to shreds, and not in the way I like," he added, teasingly toying with your bracelet as if oblivious to Azriel's presence. The Day Court High Lord knew exactly what he was doing it seemed. Azriel couldn’t have been glaring at Helion; it had to be you. Memories of your past argument with Azriel flashed through your mind, the intensity of the argument still fresh. You had both nearly destroyed each other. You hadn’t ever heard you two speak so many volatile and vulgar things— especially at each other.

"I could never forgive him for what he said," you sighed. "What's even worse is that I can't forgive myself for what I did, not only to him, but to my family. I feel responsible for my ex-husband's actions towards them." You admitted, realizing that you had never spoken those words aloud before.

Beside you, the lord sucked his teeth in retort. "You can't blame yourself for what your father put you through by selling you to that pretty little beast." He sat up straighter and looked at you earnestly. "Nobody blames you, Y/n." You found yourself unabashedly staring back at Azriel as he was still looking at the interaction between you and the high lord.

“We all carry burdens from our past, but we mustn't let them define our future," he said gently. "You were caught in a web spun by others, but you have the strength to break free. It's time to forgive yourself and embrace the healing you deserve."

You nodded nimbly, biting your lip in contemplation. You would always hold gratitude for Helion. His kindness you’ve experienced for the last several years was more than what you deserved and needed, but he still provided it. If you returned to the night court you wouldn’t have known where you stood in the court. What your rank would be, what your friends thought of you, and where to even pick back up in your life. You just knew you haven’t felt this alive in awhile, and you craved the feeling.

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ

[x] next chapter

Let me know your thoughts, and feel free to like and reblog! I might change the title but that’s tbd.

[syndrossi]

resonant ch30 dvd commentary

Favorite line(s):

A walk through the yard proved fruitless. The hatchlings abandoned him briefly to greet Caraxes, and Daemon trotted away in the moment of their distraction, unheeding of the strange looks it garnered, to duck back into the holdfast. But they hunted him down within a minute, gleeful in their success, as though it had been a delightful game instead. “I hope Jon and Rhaegar are enjoying themselves as much as you,” Daemon said, unable to maintain his sour mood.

A few people mentioned this part in the chapter comments, which is my own personal favorite, though pretty much all of Daemon's attempts to dodge the hatchlings made me crack up writing them.

The runner-up is some tonal whiplash after the hatchling cuteness:

My sons should not be without their dragons. The dread that had lodged in his stomach surged, fear gripping his heart at the thought. They must not be without their dragons.

Look, my favorite thing to write other than hatchlings apparently is Daemon being repeatedly haunted by the candle and its visions, sucker punch after sucker punch, without even the awareness to curl into the blow.

Favorite detail(s):

Lys coinage! GRRM has described the currencies of all (I think?) of the Free Cities, but only a few of them are actually named. Ironically, the coinage of Braavos, aka the home of the Iron Bank itself, hasn't had its currency named by GRRM yet!

Lys coinage is depicted as a naked woman in an oval coin, believed to be the goddess of love. Given its famed pleasure houses and the woman on the coin, I decided to call the Lys currency "favors." It felt like it matched well with Volantis's honors, while having a uniquely Lysene flair. What do you ask of a woman or the goddess of love? Her favor. (Or wink wink favors, perhaps.)

The other one is the name of Mysaria's establishment, the Ebon Plume. Who has been rising to power in Lys? None other than the Black Swan. You can take Mysaria naming her place the Ebon Plume as some sort of reference to the Black Swan; whether that's because she admires a woman who can rise from being taken as a pleasure slave to practically ruling all of Lys, or because she owes some allegiance still to her home, who can say?

Favorite dynamic:

Oof, having to choose is hard here, because there are some fun ones! Hatchlings vs Mysaria and hatchlings + Daemon are near and dear to my heart, but Mysaria and Daemon are the ones with the history and conversation, so we'll go with them.

As with Rhaenys, I enjoyed getting into Mysaria's head to figure out what makes her tick. My Mysaria is much more heavily show-inspired than a lot of the Resonant characters, in part because F&B is quite sparse on the details for her. And the thing that is so striking about show!Mysaria is how much of an opportunist she is, and how skilled she is at manipulating people. She's very good at listening, and being comforting (she does this a lot with both Daemon in S1 and Rhaenyra in S2), and becoming what someone needs her to be.

Daemon can be charming, and he's certainly very useful, so it's in Mysaria's interests to re-establish some kind of relationship with him if she can, even in a more business-like context, ideally with a level of trust. He's even more of a rising power these days, which does make her deal with Otto a tiny bit awkward unless she's careful about playing both sides. Daemon's importance is in his relevance to the most powerful men of the realm: Viserys and Otto.

I also interpret her as having a prideful streak of her own, not unlike Daemon's, though she's better at hiding it. I didn't call it out as one of my favorite lines, but her defiant "I raised my own head high" was a moment that resonated when I wrote it.

She's an ambitious woman, and she holds a lot of power right now because Daemon needs her, with Reyne being useless and Daemon in desperate need of answers.

(How will Viserys feel about this development? Uh...stay tuned.)

Quick hitters:

The original chapter title was going to be "Dangerous Paths" but then I realized I have a chapter called "Dangerous Games" and I didn't want the repetition. So "Spiderweb" it was, for the many ways it can be applied to the chapter.

Ser Steffon was also the Kingsguard who was accompanying Rhaegar back in chapter 21, when he went into Rhaella's old/future room to sob on her bed. So he definitely has a history of being hands-off with children in his care.

The Forked Spears stuff continues to be incredibly frustrating to work in without leaning too far into a more modern detective novel vibe. It's probably the stuff I rewrite/edit the most.

Originally, I had considered a more action-oriented plot for Daemon's first meeting, with either an attack that causes Caraxes to dramatically fly to his aid. (Also exposing to Viserys that he was most definitely in Flea Bottom.) Or one that required him to slip out through a secret stairway when the Forked Spears came calling on Mysaria. But it didn't feel like the right time for it, especially so recently after the candle business.

Alas, Daemon's first non-platonic kiss goes to Mysaria. She was angling for more, to re-establish their relationship in hopes of better access.

I've complained about it before, but establishing currency values for things like ransoms/rewards is such a pain, even before exchange rates between different nations' currencies (honors vs dragons vs favors) comes into play...

Ask me sometime about my own spider trauma. (Tbh, I am both Rhaegar and Jon. Spider in my hair = a thousand nos, but I'll try to peacefully relocate spiders outside unless it's a black widow.)

Aegon and Aemond successfully negotiate some Daemon time! It goes without saying that if Viserys catches wind of the supper arrangement, he will almost certainly want to crash it.

[theodorequartz]

[ His Companion ] Hazbin Hotel Various x Male Reader

Chapter 3: Begin The Show

You drank the cup of warm tea you made yourself and waited for your lord to return from his 'business'. Hmmm.. maybe another deal from another low class demon he set his amusement on.

You were ordered to stay here till he comes back. This was completely unnecessary, but you wouldn't dare disobey any of your lord's order.

You were guessing that he's like this out of anger from that ' overrated, dumb piece of rectangular machinery ' as he says. You did have to get close to him quite a lot due to work but that's all it is. After all, all you'll ever need is your lord. He made that clear for you since the start. There's no such thing as a close bond, or a best friend, or even a slightest smidge of affection for anyone except him.

You don't really have any opposition from any of it.

He too, doesn't hold anyone in his heart but you. His ' friends ' are merely just for entertainment. Even Rosie isn't spared, and she had no idea about it.

Speaking of Rosie, it's probably been years since she's seen your lord. It has been quite a while since he made a face in public. He just disappeared from the presence of hell one day, he wasn't seen anywhere and wasn't heard by anyone since that day. No podcast, no murders, no nothing. It's like he didn't even exist in the first place.

No one new the reason of his disappearance, no one but you. Only you know about it. Well, only you know everything about him, who he is and what he was.

But... you've got a feeling.. that he'll show up to public once again pretty soon.

You heard the door in the office open.

You looked up and saw a sinister smile on your lord's face. It wasn't uncommon to see, but something about this smile is different. Most likely he found something very interesting.

" Welcome back, my lord. "

Alastor hummed and nodded back, twirling his staff and walking closer to where you sat. He smiled down at you and used his power to widen the soft chair you were sitting on. He sat down beside you and wrapped an arm on your waist. You leaned against him as he did so.

" My lord? Something on your mind?"

Alastor chuckled, radio statics heard with it.

" Well, darling ~ I've indeed found something interesting today!"

You kind of figured that out already.

" The princess of hell started a project!"

You tilted your head to the side.

" Project?"

Due to you leaning against him, he felt every move you did. When you tilted your head, it felt like you were nuzzling against him.

" Yes indeed! She's making a project to redeem demons!" Alastor laughed.

You blinked in bewilderment. You know that the princess of hell had a different vision on the issues of hell but.. you didn't know that she'd actually consider making a project to change things. Well.. not like it would change anything but as long as there is no proof, she's just making a fool out of herself.

You let out a soft breath. You know Alastor is probably scheming something already. You slightly tug his sleeve.

" My lord? If you'd allow it, may I participate in this project as well?"

It's been so long.. since you've been in the presence of someone your own kind, well.. almost your own.

" Oh? What for, my dear?"

His tone hardened just a tad bit. He didn't really like you near someone who could determine what you are.

" I'm just interested. Please do not worry, my lord. I know I'll be fine. Besides, won't it be interesting to pretend to not know each other? I think it would be fun."

You explained with a soft smile to calm him down.

It was effective as he smiled back at you as well and chuckled when he thought about it.

" Hmm... Perhaps."

Your smile widened and you proceed to hold the hand of your lord.

" I've got an interesting news for you as well, my lord "

You said as you think of the event you saw while hiding in the shadows.

" Oh? Do share. "

" As I cleaned the area of where we had finished of the exterminators, there was this one overlord who clashed with a still alive one. "

" Oh? How amusing -"

" She had killed it. "

"... "

Alastor was silent for a minute and then started to laugh hysterically.

" And what did she do next?" He asked in the middle of laughing.

" She had beheaded it and ran away afterwards. She didn't even bother hiding the body or cleaning it up.. should I do so, my lord? "

" No. Things are starting to get interesting down here. "

You heard the excitement in his voice.

" How about our kills? "

" Burn them. Don't let anyone know, hear or see. "

" Yes, my lord. "

You understood where he was going with this. Pretending not to know anything, not knowing you can kill your own killer and enjoy the show as chaos arrives. As they say, ignorance is bliss.

" Get ready, my dear. Starting now on.. the show will begin. "

[twyftwyt]

MASTERPOST

When @noah-seb-omens tagged me in a ski mask post and suggested I write a prompt about a masked Noah, I knew I had to take this seriously, but I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted it to be a one time story or a slow burn kind of a moment. And then I remembered that if anything, I am a tease and I cannot just give everything away the first time. So with the possibility to leave you frustrated at the end of this, I give you “The Prey and the Hunter”. You have @noah-seb-omens to thank for urging me to write this and you are always welcome in my inbox with feedback and suggestions. Enjoy, my dear feral friends.

Yours truly,

🦦

a little disclaimer: this is going to be R-rated so if you do not wish to get down and dirty, please scroll away; this part is pretty clean but there are still suggestions of dom/sub relationship and restraining;

The Prey and the Hunter

Chapter 1

She shines

in a world full of ugliness

She matters

when everything is meaningless…

I could hear him whistling to himself, something slow and seductive. I tried to judge his distance from me, it sounded like he might be in the kitchen but I couldn’t be sure.

I tried to shift my weight in the chair I was sitting in but the cuff on my wrist dug into my skin. I wasn’t really sure how long I had been here. The silence and stillness in the darkness of the room all but removed my sense of anything. I only had my hearing to go on. My heart was pounding in my ears and I tried to lick my lips nervously, but the cloth between my teeth prevented me. I talked myself into slow, steady breaths through my nose to calm myself down. The cool, hard back of the chair lined against my spine. My wrists were cuffed behind it, keeping my posture absolutely perfect. I could tell by the weight and sharpness that the cuffs were metal. And they weren’t loose. They locked in tight enough to make any kind of rotation of my wrists almost impossible. And when possible - very painful. My knees were spread and when I tried to adjust my position, I felt the restraints holding them in place against the legs of the chair. My entire body was immobile.

Fragile

She doesn’t see her beauty

She tries to get away

Sometimes..

Noah’s whistle seemed somewhere further away now, completely carefree. Teasing. I blinked behind the darkness and bowed my head. Not in defeat but to rather gather myself from the sensory deprivation he brought on me. As much as I tried to calm myself, my heart deceived me and pounded furiously beneath the black bra I wore. What a picture this must be. Bound, gagged and blindfolded to a chair in nothing but thigh high stockings, a skimpy pair of panties and a bra. I started to smile behind my gag but heard his footsteps coming closer and quickly regained my composure.

I could feel him near me. Smell him. He stood still, not making a sound. I heard something creak and felt his feet rest on the chair between my knees. He must be sitting on the table in front of me. I kept my chin down, towards my chest, letting my hair curtain my face. I could sense his eyes on me but he never spoke, never moved. I jumped slightly when the tip of his finger touched the top of my thigh and softly traced a line to my knee. I heard him hop off the table and then he was gone again. When his moist, hot breath brushed against my ear I shot my head up. I never heard him come up behind me and the shock of his low voice scared me.

“I’ll take the gag off now, but you have to promise to be silent.” his voice was deep, his tone firm. I nodded once to show that I understood and I felt his fingers work the knot behind my head, the fabric fell away and landed on my lap. Quickly, I licked my lips, rewetting them after so long of being dry. Whistling to himself again, he circled around me before kneeling on the floor between my knees. His fingertips reached out and lifted my head up. His thumb rubbed across my bottom lip and I subconsciously parted my lips slightly.

“Eager, are we?” his voice was barely above a whisper and just as my lips started to form a response, I remembered to be silent. The heat of his body as he leaned in closer to me bounced off my electrified skin and I sucked in my breath, holding it, waiting for his next move.

“You look beautiful when you’re helpless.” his lips a hair from my own as he spoke. Lazily he dragged his fingertip down my throat and between my breasts. Softly he pressed his mouth to mine, kissing me quickly. I heard him lean back, away from me but I could still sense him in front of me. I could feel his eyes taking in my body. His hands reached out and grabbed my hips, his nails digging into my skin. When he raked them down the insides of my thighs I arched my back instinctively. I knew he could play this game for hours, but I wanted him to give in. It was worse when he leaned forward and left a trail of wet kisses across the top of my thigh. I could feel the thick fabric of what felt like something covering the space around his mouth. My head instantly went there. It must have been the ski mask. He was wearing the ski mask. And he wanted me to feel it. To know that this is not just another day of the prey and the hunter, but rather a much darker, infused with torture evening. I wanted to reach and grab his head and guide it where I wanted it most. He picked up his head from my lap placed a feathery kiss on top of each of my breasts before moving up further to sharply bite at my collar bone. I moaned softly as his teeth dug into my flesh, unable to help myself.

As he dragged his lips across my chest to bite the other side of my collar bone, he murmured against my skin, “You aren’t being silent”

Again, his teeth bore down into my skin and his tongue flicked over the indents I’m sure he left behind.

He moved away and again I was alone. The bit he left throbbed in time to my heartbeat. I heard a phone ring in the distance. Once.. twice…three times and then silence. His shoes kept a muted beat against the marble floor as he walked, this time humming to himself. I strained to hear him, where in the house he was, what he was doing. His humming sounded further away and then slowly came closer and closer until he was in the same room as me again. Just as his nearness, my body responded. My breath quickened slightly, the tiny hairs on my arms stood on end. I swallowed hard, keeping my chin down but cocking my head to the side as if trying to pinpoint his exact location in the room. He was behind me, that much I knew, but he had fallen silent. The clang of keys on a tabletop, followed by what sounded like a pocketful of random change brought me from my thoughts and I listened carefully.

A boot dropped to the floor, followed by the second one. The sound of a zipper right behind my head made my stomach flip-flop and I let my tongue dart my lips in anticipation. I knew he wasn’t going to give in to me already, the game was about anticipation and fear and he played it like a master. Conducting his own symphony and gloating to himself as every reaction he evoked from me, came to him almost effortlessly. His calloused hand touched my hair, twisting a lock between his two fingers playfully. I could see his face, clear as day, in my mind, the expression I have seen countless times before. But I knew this time was different. I had asked him, jokingly, to put on the mask a few times while we were fooling around or going at it, but he always shrugged it off with “this needs preparation” or “you’re not ready for that yet”. Seems I had finally been deemed worthy. I squirmed against the wooden chair, foolishly, but unable to sit anymore. Immediately his fingers twisted a handful of my hair into his fist and I readied myself, the sound of my sharp intake of breath seemingly much louder than it was in the silent room. My head yanked back, not hard, but hard enough to understand his intentions. I was nothing but prey to him in this very moment. A toy to toss around in his hands until he fell bored of it. And I was more than willing to play the part.

“Do you trust me?” his voice became more of a growl, one I knew and yearned for, animalistic. I could hear him gritting his teeth through his words. I nodded my head yes as best as I could and forced myself to take short, shallow breaths. His fingers cut off my airway enough to prevent a full lungful

of air. I had to trust him otherwise I would panic and if I panicked the game would be over. And it was my first time playing with that Noah. With that animalistic side of him that I saw awoke only during shows and at his most feral and primal moments. And I was ready to take whatever he had to offer. And I knew I was either going to be begging for it or running away from it just fast enough for him to catch me and make me cry for it.

[theblueskyphoenix]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the self-love 💚

Awww well this is rather sweet.

Well... my personal favorites I've written: (In no particular order)

Breaking the Real

Fandom: Bendy and the Ink Machine

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16627562/chapters/3898019

Honestly one of my all time favorites that I still come back to read over. It's my shortest and most concise fic. I strive to have this with some of my other stories some day. Where all I need is one story to tell it all. (Also should note this was a collab between Storm and I. A lot of our works are shared since sometimes, you need a little extra help. Sometimes two heads are better than one.)

Grid Ghost

Fandom: Big Hero 6

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18965719/chapters/45031669

My favorite of my Big Hero 6 stories and honestly the one that surprised me the most when I came up with the concept. I didn't really fancy myself an Obake fan at first but then when I got the idea I found myself falling in love with him since he had so much potential that was never explored. I hope to do this again with Hero Initiative.

A World Without Danger

Fandom: Code Lyoko

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/45276577/chapters/113907262

Don't let the lack of updates fool you I adore this story and am looking forward to continuing. Code Lyoko is something I hold very near and dear to me so getting to retell it is something I enjoy immensely.

Piston Peak Chronicles

Fandom: World of Cars

FF Net Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10563645/1/Piston-Peak-Chronicles

One of my first collection fanfics. This one has a special place in my heart. It's was part of one of the biggest projects I ever did with my sister. Of them all, this one was my favorite to write shorts for. Character focused stories with non stop fun and some angst haha.

Survive the Shadows

Fandom: Don't Starve

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8772730/chapters/20109778

While I'm kind of having a do over with To Who Knows Where I won't lie I do have a soft spot for this story. It really pushed me forward in my writing skills and really helped me fall in love with this franchise. I was so nervous at first to throw my hat in the ring but much thanks to my sister for pushing me forward. (And helping me co-write it too.) I hope to re-capture the magic I did with this fic in To Who Knows Where, but I must always pay respects to the story that got me started in DST.

And yeah. =) Fun to look over the ones I enjoyed the most. Though honestly each of them have something special about them. These 5 are just the ones that stick out the most.

[creativecuteness]

Paper Mario and the Chaos Heart’s Prophecy: Prologue

Summary: When a trip to the Mushroom Kingdom results in another kidnapping scheme against Princess Peach. Mario, Luigi, Dakota and her friends quickly discover the culprit's goals are bigger than anything Bowser could ever come up with. When the evil Count Bleck calls upon the Choas Heart, it's a race against time to collect all seven pure hearts before the void consumes all worlds. Along the way the gang will face trials, tribulations, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Notes: Well, folks first update of 2025 and as promised on Tumblr this story was the winner of the monthly update poll. I've been wanting to work on this story for years and now I finally have an excuse to do it. This story is my Super Paper Mario rewrite a game that is very near and dear to my heart and is one of my all-time favorites. I mean I still use Mimi and Dimentio in my canon to this day so of course this game left a lasting impact. Anyway, this chapter is pretty short but don't worry I'll be posting another sometime next month you got to dip your toes in the water before you swim, ya know. Anyway, enjoy the chapter. (Sorry, this is a few days late)

Ahem today… I’ll tell you the story of the lost book of prophecies, This prophetic book was a mysterious tome full of stories of future events. Of course, many people craved this book, wishing to glimpse their futures. But no person, after obtaining this book, ever found happiness. The reason? The book held frightful secrets not meant for people’s eyes. That book came to be called the Dark Prognostics and was sealed away. This... is the tale of the book’s last owner; it is a tale of love, dreams, and, for one little girl, an adventure that will create friendships that will last a lifetime.

The tale I’m about to tell you took place 14 years ago. She was ten years old at the time.

“Oh, ooooooh. What happened to me? What is this place?”

“Bleh heh heh heh heh! Oh, you’re awake, Princess.” Someone laughed.

“Huh!” Princess Peach opened her eyes, facing a dapper blue-skinned man wearing a white, sunset, and blue suit, a monocle, and a large top hat. Once her vision cleared up, she noticed she was at a wedding altar?! Across from her was the famed Koopa King Bowser, wearing a white tuxedo with white flowers in his pocket. Peach was also wearing a white wedding dress, her blond hair tied into a neat ponytail with a veil draped over her head and holding a bouquet of white flowers.

“Bowser!” His minions cheered; Koppa’s, Gomba’s, and Magic Koopa’s all cheered their congratulations at this forced ceremony.

“What on Shroom is going on?” She spoke; everything was a blur. The last thing she remembered was being captured by this white-clad stranger and pleading for Mario to rescue her again.

Just then a blue-skinned woman with red-rimmed glasses flipped into existence. She had purple hair tied into a bun and wore a white long-sleeved shirt and gray pants. It made her look like an office secretary. “Count! Yeah, um, K, so preparations are complete.”

“Hmm, then it shall be begun by Count Bleck.” He mused as the woman next to him bowed politely.

“That’s it; when I get out of here, I am doubling my security!” Her thoughts were interrupted by the man speaking like an officiator. Peach wanted to throw up.

“Bowser, ferocious and fearsome evil king of the Koopa’s. Do you take Peach to be your lawfully wedded wife till your games be over?”

“Bwah ha ha ha! Will I marry Peach? Are you kidding? The answer is yessss!” He beamed.

 “Of course, he was on board with this.” Peach thought grumpily,

“Peach noble princess, pure of heart. Do you take Bowser to be your lawfully wedded husband till your games be over?”

Of course, she doesn’t. Where were Mario and Luigi when she needed someone to object to this proposal? Heck, she’d take Toadsworth as cowardly as he was to stand up for her. There were only so many times she could be princessnapped and forced into marriage until she snapped, and it was about time she stood up for herself. No more miss damsel in distress; it was time to take matters into her own hands.

“Now wait just a second; you will explain to me what is going on right now!” She yelled,

“Bleh, huh, huh, huh; is it not obvious? This is your wedding, Princess.” The man who called himself Count Bleck laughed gleefully.

“I can see that, but why in the world am I marrying Bowser?!”

“Bwah ha ha! Hey, no grips from this side of the altar, Bleck old boy.” Bowser beamed; as nice as it was to see Bowser so happy, Peach did not want this to go through. “I don’t get the details, but the count here has gone to a lot of trouble planning this. Just relax; we’ll get married, we’ll be in love it’ll be awesome. Finally, plus think of the children; Jr. and the Koopalings will be so happy to finally have a mother.”

But Peach wasn’t having it; how dare this stranger force her to marry someone without consulting her? She didn’t care if it was political, or a dream, or whatever. Enough was enough.

“NO!” She yelled, making everyone jump, “I don’t care if you’re okay with this; I will not under any circumstances marry you! And who picked this dress out? It’s awful! Take me back to my castle immediately!” But her captors had a backup plan as she was attacked by glowing red lasers.

“Yeah, I’m sorry, but I’m afraid we won’t be taking no for an answer.” The count's right-hand woman spoke, “And, um, being rude to the esteemed count is sort of frowned on, K. So, Princess Peach I’m gonna need you to answer the count now. Do you, Peach, take Bowser to be your wedded husband ‘til your game is over?”

“uhn-nuh-no.” She answered, trying to fight against whatever force this woman was using against her.

“Gee… You sure are a fighter. But yeah, no one withstands my super hypnosis, sorry.” She said, strengthening her hold, “I do; say it now, K?”

“Mmmm, I… I do…” Peach murmured as an earthquake shook the ceremony and everyone in it. Soon a pure black heart rose from the altar as Bleck laughed madly,

“Yes, at long last the Chaos Heart!”

“Wh-What!?” Bowser questioned not expecting this development,

Somewhere in the crowd Luigi, Mario’s younger twin brother, awoke amidst the chaos.

“Wah, what am I a doing here?” He asked himself, looking around in confusion. “Huh, is that Princess Peach over there? And that guy is Hey!” He shouted, recognizing Bowser and the man who captured them.

“Bleh heh heh heh heh bleck! Yes, all precisely as written in the Dark Prognosticus!” Bleck laughed, hands outstretched, basking in the glory of the Chaos Heart. “Already it is unleashed, the Chaos Heart!”

“Oh, yeah, um, congratulations, Count.” The woman beside him congratulated, but she didn’t seem very excited about the accomplishment.

“Halt!” Luigi yelled, jumping to the altar and putting on his bravest stance, though deep inside he was shaken in his boots. But of course he couldn’t let it show in front of the new foe.)

“And just who are you? asked Count Bleck.” Asked well, you get the picture.

“Oh no, I don’t give my name out to scoundrels! Just watch as Luigi punishes you for your badness!” He declared, “Here I go!”

“Yeah, I’m gonna need you to stop right this second, K? If you interrupt this now…”

But Luigi didn’t listen as he jumped off Brower and the Chaos Heart. “Now this is where Luigi rescues Princess Peach. Eh?” He questioned as the Chaos Heart began radiating energy; the power caused a blinding light to engulf the room. Causing everyone to disappear.

Count Bleck, Nastasa, and the Dark Prognostics flipped to a safer place.

“Um, yeah, so are you alright, Count?” She asked,

“Fools… Pointless acts like these will earn you pain from Count Black.” He declared, “Very well. As the Chaos Heart is secured, this ragtag group now lacks use.”

“Um, so yeah, Count, now this means you can turn to a new page of dark prophecies.” His assistant said,

And the Count did, as he gestured grandly and began commanding the Chaos Heart. “Open your mouth, darkness! Consume everything and destroy all worlds, as told in the prophecy. Bleck!”

The Chaos Heart began flashing as it used its dark powers to fulfill Bleck’s wish. And tore the fabric of reality as a dark void filled the sky. But how did it come to this? What was supposed to be such a lovely day has devolved into chaos and deception. Can anyone stop the fiendish plans of Count Bleck, or will the world fall to ruin? Who will save us?! Who can save us?! Oh, what a tragedy this is! All hope is lost; no one, and I mean no one, can stop Count Bleck.

Well, except for one group of heroes.

[thetomorrowshow]

hey man. I was just going through a bunch of my stuff from 2 yrs ago and remembered that I started reading your stuff around then! unfortunately, that was around the same time a bunch of crazy stuff happened, and my depression started. I started thinking about all the stuff I was reading from you, and it reminded me of how much you've gotten me through!

I remember how exciting it would be to come home from school on Tuesdays, knowing that another chapter would be waiting for me. when you went on hiatus, I marked the first Tuesday of every month in my planner and calenders, just so that I wouldn't forget to read whatever you had out when I got home. i would reread your works when I was having a bad day, I would even read them in school. I remember I had a document of some of my favorite works so I could read them in school since almost every website was blocked back then.

you also got me into writing! i don't write much anymore, but when I did, I would do it a bunch. I would stay up late writing and coming up with new stories and dialect. my older sibling even thought I should try to get one of them published! writing got me through some tough times, too, and helped me when I was down. I don't know if I ever would've started writing if it wasn't for you. you inspired me so much. thank you.

the first fan fiction I ever read was on this platform. I read a few, and some of them I quit halfway through. It was kinda getting to the point where I was gonna stop reading fan fiction altogethe. then I found your superhero au. at the time, only the first chapter was out. I didn't know how to navigate this site much at that point, but I did everything in my power to see if you had any follow-up works. I think thats when I created this account (my first one), just so I could follow you. you're the first person I've ever followed here. I figured out your posting on Tuesdays at five (for me) schedule and read all of the time. you definitely peaked my reading time. I don't know if I'll ever read as much as I did then ever again.

because you got me so into fanfics, you also introduced me to the ao3, just by having your link in your description. I started using the ao3 then because it was way easier to find fics there than here. it was through the ao3 that I met my best friend. they're the only person who has fully respected me and cared about me. without you I wouldn't have that. without you I don't think I'd have anyone right now. thank you.

one tuesday, I didn't have the time to read one of your works. I was pretty upset at the time, but it worked out perfectly. the day after was probably the hardest day of my life. I was so lucky to have just that one new chapter to get me to the end that horrible event. i cant even come up with words to describe how much you helped me through that day. thank you.

what I'm trying to say here is that you've done so. much. for me. you've gotten me through so many hard times and made so many connections for me. everyone has that one thing: a show, a movie, a book, an influencer, that they turn to when things are looking rough. something that can't hurt them or betray them, like anything they see in real life, in person. for me, that was you and your stories. you were my idle. and although I'm in a new chapter of my life, you and your works still hold a very special place near and dear to my heart that will never go away. I'll read whatever you give me until the day I die.

sorry for the long essay-ish ask that wasn't even an ask lol! I really didn't expect it to get this long. It also probably has a lot of grammar issues and some parts probably dont make any sense, seeing as im not going to read this over or make any corrections. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable through all this, i dont mean to come across as parasocial or any of the sort, I just needed you to know how much you've done for me (and judging by the amount of people reading your works, I'm probably not the only one). you don't have to post this, especially if it made you uncomfortable in any way. I'm not asking for a reply, and I don't expect one. I only wrote this so you can see the impact you've made, even if it's small. my brother has been wanting to watch a movie with me for a while now, so I'm gonna do that now. who knows if I would be here, able to watch movies with my brother today, if it wasn't for you.

thank you.

I have been hoarding this ask for a very long time. Thank you, anon. <3

[halfagonyandhope]

when the skies catch fire │ch. 31

first chapter (x); previous chapter (x)

Obi-Wan can’t help but feel surprise when the sun eventually rises. It’s a familiar feeling, one that has greeted the daylight more often than not since his return. He’s not sure he wants to know what this says about him.

Satine is already pinning her hair back in an elaborate plait, not a strand out of place despite the lack of holo-mirror or reflective surface. Instead, she uses her shadow, cast from the morning sun onto the wall nearest Obi-Wan, to track her movements. Obi-Wan glances at a still-sleeping Soléa in her bassinet before moving his eyes back to Satine. 

He watches her from the mattress and takes her in. She wears the lavender tunic they’d traded for when they arrived on Dantooine. She’d been pregnant then, though they hadn’t yet known it. 

He sits up, swinging his legs slowly off the mattress so that his bare feet touch the ground. 

Satine hears the shuffling of the bed linens and turns toward him, expression soft. “I was just about to wake you,” she says. “I have a few moments before I need to take a call, and you need a shave.”

Obi-Wan runs a hand over his stubble. “Still not sure about the beard?” he asks her.

Satine laughs. “Oh, I am quite sure, my dear - sure that it hides too much of your handsome face.”

He feels his heart echo in his chest like the words from years past. 

Satine reaches for the shallow water pail on the nightstand and the barber’s blade. It’s part of their morning, a vestige of when Obi-Wan literally did not have the strength to hold the blade steady during the first few days after his return. Much of his beard had been beyond saving after Mustafar and then his torture on Mandalore, and he’d asked for her assistance in shaving it off. These days, his strength has returned enough that he can shave himself. Satine knows this. And yet, she’s continued offering to help. So, dutifully, every morning - the only time when they have time - she shaves him, careful to avoid stitches and wounds in the process of healing.

Satine steps to him, pushing aside one leg to stand between his knees, and begins to lather his skin before raising the blade.

“I haven’t asked you about Léa’s birth,” Obi-Wan says suddenly.

Satine catches the apology in his voice. With only a look, and without pausing in her task, she tells him that no apology is necessary. 

“Every sinew, every fiber of my being is focused on getting through the next hour, or the next day,” he says after a moment. “It’s not a state that lends itself to being aware of others.”

“Well,” she says, resting a hand on his shoulder and looking down at him. “You have spent the better part of four decades only thinking about others, so it seems quite fair for you to worry about yourself for once.” Her hand moves back up to touch his chin, guiding him to look the other direction so the light hits the unshaven side of his face.

Her tone is soft yet slightly sardonic, and Obi-Wan cannot help but laugh quietly.

Satine grins, and his heart pulls at how much he has missed her unreserved joy. She seems to be thinking along the same lines because she says, “I have dearly missed that laugh, my love.”

His hands find her waist, and Satine puts down the barber’s blade, reaching instead for a cloth that she dips into the water to rinse his face. The water is still running down his face, his neck, his chest when he pulls her against him. Her arms cradle his head against her breast.

Obi-Wan breathes her in.

She kisses the top of his head and then breathes out. “To answer your question: I remember very little of the pain. Hormones, apparently, are quite a powerful force.”

Satine pulls back slightly.

“However, I do remember enough of it that I do not wish to become pregnant again at any point in the near future,” she says, her tone making Obi-Wan chuckle again, his hot breath rustling Satine’s clothing. “The med droid who assisted with my pregnancy frequently reminded me that the probability of my implant failing was 3,720 to 1.” Her eyes wander, and Obi-Wan knows she’s thinking of their time on the transport to Dantooine. And, in particular, of one specific night. “But somehow, you and I have always managed to beat the odds.” Satine takes a deep breath before continuing. “Nevertheless, I opted for a different type of implant after Léa’s birth. Just in case.”

Satine smooths Obi-Wan’s hair back, away from his eyes.

“I’m afraid I must take my leave,” she says, pulling back slightly. “There is a call waiting for me from Alderaan in the conference room.” Satine takes another step back but holds his hand still. “Will you drop Léa at the crèche?”

Obi-Wan makes to stand, and Satine’s hand shifts around his to help pull him up. He brings her fingers to his lips and nods.

Satine gives him half a smile. She doesn’t offer a goodbye, but she slips away.

Turning to the small chest where they keep their personal items, Obi-Wan opens the lid and reaches for a clean tunic. He slips into boots that he swears still carry the scent of ash. Then he runs his fingers through his hair. 

A year ago, he would have been horrified to see how he expects his current reflection appears; now, he can’t find that he much cares about appearances. 

Maybe he would care - if he had the energy to spare.

Obi-Wan shuts the lid of the trunk, deliberately avoiding looking at his lightsaber. Instead, he turns to Léa’s bassinet, and he reaches for his daughter.

---

Obi-Wan turns the corner to the crèche, and the bright walls greet him immediately. He steps inside, and Padmé swoops in to grab Léa out of his arm, brushing her lips against the infant’s temple. Léa giggles and squeals. Obi-Wan can’t help but feel the tension leave his shoulders as he leans on his cane, glancing around the crèche at the younglings engaged in various activities - from reading to crafts to play. The sounds of joy seep through him, reaching his bones.

Padmé steps to Obi-Wan and kisses first one cheek, then the other. She doesn’t ask how he is doing, and he is grateful. Someday they will talk about losing Anakin - and then finding out they hadn’t lost him the way they’d thought they had - but he’s not ready for that, and he doesn’t think she is either. 

Her hand lingers on his elbow. She squeezes his arm gently before pulling away. “Another class today, then?” she asks.

He latches onto the topic of conversation. Ever since his return, he’s struggled with knowing what to say, with how to break silence. “Neha thinks there are too many students for just herself to properly train,” he says, referring to both the taala - the Mandalorian Force-sensitives who had abandoned the Dantooine base in fear after Satine had been overthrown as Duchess, only to eventually be found on Jakuu and convinced to return back to the base for their protection - and the Force-sensitive children the Phoenix cell has continued to smuggle off Mandalore since the dawn of the Empire. “However, I suspect her real motivation is to train me.”

Padmé hums in agreement. “I suspect you are correct,” she says. “Are you alright with that?”

Léa’s head turns to her father, as though she too is interested in his answer. Obi-Wan brushes his thumb against her small cheek.

“My feelings are unimportant,” he offers. “Those of age need to learn to defend themselves. And I have the knowledge to teach them.”

“Your feelings aren’t unimportant,” Padmé says gently, though she sighs. “But I understand. And if it means I get to spend more time with my niece…” She trails off, tickling Léa’s belly so that she shrieks again, smiling widely.

It’s the first time Padmé has referred to Léa as her niece. Obi-Wan’s mind flashes to the prior week, when Korkie had started calling Obi-Wan “uncle” after realizing that Satine and Obi-Wan had married.

Obi-Wan decides he quite likes the idea of both.

“Are you sure it’s not too much trouble?” Obi-Wan asks. “You’ve got a fair number of younglings to look after already.”

But Padmé is already shaking her head. “Obi-Wan, it is no trouble.” Suddenly, a quiet smile escapes her lips. “I managed to make contact with Sabé,” she says. “She’s traveling to the base as we speak.” There’s something in her voice that takes a moment for Obi-Wan to place. Eventually, he realizes that it’s hope. “She will help me care for the younglings, at least until we have a more formal schooling system in place.”

She’s still smiling softly. It’s a smile he’d grown used to - he’d often seen it when they were in the company of Anakin, when Padmé would try and fail to hide her feelings. Curious, he makes a mental note to ask Satine later. He’s still having difficulties reading people - which he understands is common after a massive trauma - but Satine will be able to shed light.

Whatever the meaning of this particular smile, he’s hopeful, too, for Padmé. She had never deserved to be loved for the sake of loving back, and he hopes that whatever Sabé is to her, Sabé is more than that.

Out loud, though, he says, “I’ll be glad of her presence at Phoenix Base.” Then he reaches down to tap a finger against Léa’s diminutive hand. “See you soon, my dear,” he says, and Léa watches him with wide eyes, as though she comprehends each word. 

He nods in thanks at Padmé and retreats, beginning his trek to the training rooms in search of Neha.

---

Obi-Wan is giving final words of encouragement - not that the trainees need it; they are Mandalorians - at the end of class when his comlink chirps. He excuses himself and ducks into a deserted corridor, glad to have the opportunity to disappear without making small talk.

“Kenobi,” he says lowly.

“Master?” Despite the static, he would recognize Ahsoka’s voice anywhere, and Obi-Wan suddenly cannot breathe. But she wastes no time on niceties. “We’re about to jump to hyperspace so I don’t know if we’ll be able to get further communication to you for some time, but I needed you to know - I found them. Your family is alive, Master.”

Obi-Wan vaguely registers the sound of his cane hitting the floor.

His free hand searches for a moment before landing against the wall, and he tries to steady himself. He can’t keep his breathing even.

“Master, hold on a moment,” says Ahsoka, and there’s a shuffling sound where the static grows louder. Then - 

“Obi-Wan?”

The way the Force sings at the sound of the woman’s voice - he hasn’t heard that for more than thirty years.

He tries to form the word, but it feels strange on his tongue. 

Finally, he manages it.

“Mother?” he whispers.

[daidonzo]

Chapter 18 - Brown eyes, I hold you near [Chishiya x Reader]

"You broke your nose. It happens."

"To who?"

"Boxers?"

"You didn't just say that."

"What?"

"You are telling me "ohhhhh, it happens" as if breaking my nose was the most normal thing in the world and when I ask, my dear, my love, my sweetheart, light of my life, my moon, my stars, who does that happen to… You say people who literally punch each other's faces for a living!?"

Chishiya chuckled, and Kuina burst into laughter. But you were not laughing at all. Your nose was broken, which meant it was crooked, which meant you looked ugly. And one would believe looking ugly should have been the least of your concerns in a place where you were doomed to die if you didn't play stupid, psychotic games. But they would be really, really wrong.

The blonde man was holding your face between his hands, examining your now officially declared broken nose.

"You never called me any of those things."

"What do you mean?"

"Dear, love, sweetheart. Light of your life, your moon, your stars."

You were shooting daggers with your eyes. Kuina was almost on the ground, wheezing and squeaking from laughing so much.

"It's not that bad. You still look very pretty."

"You used to say beautiful before."

"You still look beautiful. But…"

"But!?"

"You are bruised under your eyes. It will go away, but you look slightly bloated. Your lips too."

"Have you ever seen anyone getting a nose surgery?" The woman with dreadlocks intervened, still wearing her blue bikini, but now also wearing jeans on top. You had all changed outfits - Chishiya was wearing grey sweatpants, a darker grey t-shirt and a grey and white cardigan (the man knew his color theory and was sticking to it). You were wearing jeans as well, although not bedazzled like Kuina's and a funny graphic t-shirt in your favorite color.

"Kuina!" You cried out.

"Your lips tho… You look like Angelina Jolie."

Both of your friends (was Chishiya your friend? Was he something more? What was he? Sometimes you thought you were lovers, sometimes merely very good friends) were having fun, and you were glad for it. But, did the punchline need to be your face?

You were on your way to a subway station, Chishiya had said. He had found a drawing, even before you met, in the jacket of a player who had tried to kill them in the game he had shared with Arisu and Usagi, that he just recently realized was a map. To you, it looked like a circle with a million lines.

"Do you keep and carry with you every little piece of paper you find?" You had messed with him.

"No. Just this one. Ah, and your drawing of a tree." He got the piece of paper out of his pocket, unfolded it, and showed you. And there it was.

You honestly hadn't been paying too much attention after that moment, lost in his brown eyes as you were while he was telling the story, but you had gathered that the person in question had been wearing a horse mask and that Chishiya thought he had been the dealer of the game, just like Asahi was of the ten of hearts.

You, of course, wanted to know what the deal with the dealers was, as redundant as that sounded. But, just for a day or two, you needed a break. The three of you had days on your visa, all of the numbered cards and were alive. So you had decided not to think about it.

It wasn't working out well, since your friends kept bringing it up. They were not like you, they didn't like to use ignorance as a coping mechanism.

But… Now at least they were focused on your nose. And whole face, apparently.

"Don't worry." The blonde man said, pressing for a second his lips against your forehead. "You will heal."

"Will it look crooked?" You asked in a tiny voice, wondering if he would feel pity for you and it would earn you another one of those kisses.

"No."

There were no more signs of affections, but at least the news were good.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- You cussed on your mother tongue.

You had finally reached the place in Chishiya's map. It was, indeed, an incredibly tall and futuristic-looking room that one would access through subway tunnels.

It was… Hard to describe. It almost reminded you of a beehive. Or of a betting house. Both, actually. There were plenty of computers and screens, maybe even hundreds of the latter. Headphones, pens, papers, chairs and other office materials were scattered around. And corpses. So many corpses.

People that were killed by the laser in the sky, judging by the hole on their heads and on their chins. And not long ago, as they hadn't begun to rot.

You were about to say something, but Chishiya grabbed you by the arm. "Come, someone else is here."

And he was right, of course, because no less than five minutes later Arisu and Usagi entered the room. Chishiya's posture visibly relaxed, making you realize just now he had been tense since he had heard footsteps. What was going on inside that beautiful head of his, and why couldn't he let you and Kuina know?

"So you finally found this place, as expected from someone I have high hopes for." Chishiya said, letting you go and walking towards Arisu, and you almost had to contain a laugh. You literally, had arrived maybe 10 minutes ago. Maximum. The smile on your face lingered for a few seconds until all the corpses came into your peripheral vision. It faltered, then. "We meet again." The blonde man continued.

"Probably Arisu and Usagi are not excited as you since you betrayed them." You thought to yourself, but said nothing, not wanting to bring it up. You had avoided talking about it, as well, trying to tell yourself that if you were to love Chishiya, you had to love all of him. Including his Machiavellian manoeuvres.

"Thanks to you guys, I have all the numbered playing cards with me. So, thank you." The blonde man showed them the cards, curving his lips upwards.

"How did you find this place?" Arisu asked.

Instead of answering, Chishiya showed him the drawing he had found in the body of the horse-faced dealer. "Took me some time to realize this is actually a map, of a subway station." He put in back into his jacket, walking aimlessly around the room, hands in his pockets. "What happens when we collect all the playing cards? I thought I would know the answer after I came here. But there's only one thing I discovered."

"That makes one of us." You whispered, low enough none of them could hear you, looking at Kuina from the corner of your eye, who seemed as clueless as you. You had your own theories, of course. One of them and your particular favorite was that you were actually in something like The Truman Show, a reality television program, and there were hidden cameras everywhere, broadcasting your every movement to the whole world. Hi mum, hi dad! But it was not plausible.

Other had to do with George Orwell's 1984… Wait, that one actually made sense.

"Judging by the fact that they were all killed after our victory…"

"There's someone above them." You said, out loud, everyone in the room looking at you. You felt cohibited all of a sudden, but after seeing the proud look on Chishiya's face, you decided you were going to share your conjectures in public more often, crazy as they seemed.

Big Brother was still watching, then.

"But who could they be?" Usagi wondered.

"Who knows? They could be aliens. Or God himself." Chishiya was still looking at you, and you tried to hide a smile by pressing your lips together. You knew he was messing with you. You had told him about those two theories.

The screens around you started to flicker, and power turned on in the building.

SPECIAL URGENT BROADCAST.

"Congratulations to all players!" A woman's voice exclaimed, excitedly. You got closer to Kuina, who had the best vision out of the five of you, but also placed yourself as near as possible to Chishiya, suddenly feeling scared and wanting the comfort of his presence.

The woman was nothing but a blurry figure at the beginning. When the image focused, you all saw Mira. One of The Beach's Executive Members.

Big Brother was not only watching, he had been infiltrated between you. All this time.

"With the exception of the face card games all of you have cleared all of the numbered games so far, and emerged victors. A sweet victory achieved by sacrificing numerous lives. I wonder… how many of your comrades have died?" Her face was so innocent, so pure. She looked like a person who wouldn't even hurt a fly.

"Try remembering… Those that were shot dead with a gun." You didn't need to think too hard, as images of players getting shot started to play on the screens. "That girl you burned alive." One of Arisu's games, in which him and four others were screaming in panic, the body of a girl burning in front of them. "Those struck with the lasers, and those who drowned." This time, you saw yourself, chained by your legs to the bottom of a glass container, screaming guesses to stupid riddles in agony. "Those whose heads were blown off. Those comrades of yours." Images of the massacre at The Beach. Of other games.

"The despair you've felt so far and those dying moments that you can never forget. I'm extremely touched!" No, what she was, is a psychopath. "We would like to give you a present."

"Are you returning us to the original world?" Kuina deadpanned.

You knew the answer before Mira said anything.

"There will be new games!" Please, no. "Let's play together! You'll fight for face cards!"

"I don't dislike the idea." Chishiya whispered, but he was looking at you. His hand finding yours once more.

You were surprised at how calm and collected you were. The realization that you had absolutely no power or control over your life hadn't affected you at all. And you knew why.

You had been expecting it.

You had been hopeful, yes, but no matter how much you liked to play dumb, you were not stupid. You sighed, and to Chishiya's interrogating look, you simply nodded.

You were fine.

You would play the games.

You would survive.

"The next stage will commence tomorrow at noon." Mira announced.

"At least one thing is different…" Arisu hadn't taken his eyes off of the screen. "Now we are seeing our target."

You left the building to appear at the centre of Shibuya, where all of the screens were showing "NEXT STAGE" in all caps, as if it was the more exciting thing to ever happen. Giant zeppelins were flying through the city, each of them displaying one of the remaining cards.

"We are going to get through this." Chishiya's voice. You realized you hadn't spoken a word yet.

"I know."

"I am not going anywhere."

"I know."

He smiled.

"I love you."

You were this close to saying "I know" for a third time, just like Han Solo did in Star Wars. But that was not like you. You looked at him in the eyes, feeling butterflies, wasps, bees, fireflies, beetles and every fluttery-insect in the animal kingdom inside of you. He loved you.

Everything was going to be okay.

"I love you, too."

And then, the noise of an anti-tank rifle being shot.

[eskawrites]

looking at the lyrics for the last chapter of the celebrity fake dating au and getting all sentimental about what could’ve been so, for my own indulgence and maybe like 2 other people’s curiosity, here are some scrapped lyrics that never made it in but are very near and dear to my heart and to the story anyway

Caution by The Killers

Tonight the winds of change are blowin' wild and free / If I don't get out / Out of this town / I just might be the one who finally burns it down

(there was a point earlyyyyy on, before Robin and Nancy got so soft with each other, that their affair would’ve been a lot messier and a lot more reckless than it turned out to be, and this def would’ve been on one of those chapters)

Chicago - Sufjan Stevens (The Staves cover)

If I was crying / In the van, with my friends / It was for freedom / From myself, and for the land / I made a lot of mistakes

(i mean there are a lot of places this could’ve gone, particularly in the late 80s/early 90s chapters. and yes, the Staves cover part is important, their version is just hauntingly gorgeous)

Snow on the Beach - Taylor Swift (feat. Lana Del Rey)

Now it's like snow at the beach / Weird, but fuckin' beautiful / Flying in a dream Stars by the pocketful / You wanting me / Tonight feels impossible / But it's comin' down / No sound, it's all around

(this was so close to being the lyrics for the Golden Globes chapter. it was so freaking close. but i changed that chapter’s lyrics to Lover of Mine because it fit Robin’s uncertainty better. but damn, the first time i listened to Midnights i was like !!! cfdau!!)

Dear Reader - Taylor Swift

Dear reader / the greatest of luxuries is your secrets

(yes there are multiple Taylor Swift songs here. i’m sorry/you’re welcome. anyway this would’ve gone in the chapter after Steve’s affair got out. but that also happens to be the chapter where ronance finally kisses so their song (killing me by ofelia k) won out)

Keep Me - Novo Amor

Keep me honest, keep me kind / Keep me as your finish line / Keep me, keep me on fire

(i kept holding onto this for quiet moments with robin and nancy, particularly their balcony chats through the years, but it never ended up going in. still soft tho, and another one from the album that i listened to on repeat while i wrote those early chapters <3)

You’re On Your Own, Kid - Taylor Swift

'Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned / Everything you lose is a step you take

(it would’ve worked so well for the second to last chapter, but Maya Hawke’s ‘Over’ won out because of course it did. that was the first chapter i put lyrics on (aside from the actual first chapter, since that’s the song the fic is named after)

Backup Plan - Maya Hawke

Your favorite game, your secrеt shame, your eyesorе / I wanna be anything you've lost that you might be lookin' for

(i mean....this is a fic about affairs. it would’ve gone so well during robin and nancy’s relationship or even in the months leading up to it when they’re both pining. this is another one that i just kept putting off so it never went in, but also ‘Over’ is my absolute favorite Maya Hawke song, and I kind of wanted to give it a place of privilege as her only song in the fic, or something silly like that)

On Board - Alana Henderson, Joshua Burnside

So you should get on board / With someone whose course is steadier than mine / You should get on board / With someone whose eyes are on the horizon / Not on the skies

(this is kinda a stobin song for this fic, and also a ronance song at some points, and i really couldn’t decide where it worked best but i really do love it as a robin pov song no matter what so maybe i’ll throw it in another fic at some point)

3 Rounds and a Sound - Blind Pilot

Now I see you, 'til kingdom come / You're the one I want / To see me for all / The stupid shit I've done

(listen this is just a very sweet, slow dancing in the kitchen kinda love song, but ‘you’re the one i want to see me for all the stupid shit i’ve done’ like?? that’s so good for robin and nancy? but i actually heard this for the first time pretty late in the process so it didn’t show up in time to make the cut)

Crow’s Feet - The Accidentals

Sometimes I will lose all I have just to see what remains / Sometimes it's like living a / Car crash, hot flash / It takes someone bleeding to get you believing / A record spinning / Obsessed with the end when it's just the beginning

(if i could i would paste this entire song into the beginning of this fic, or at the end, because it’s just such a good anthem about life and pain and the experience of years. it fits incredibly well with the last few chapters. but hey, maybe it’ll also show up in the future, maybe in some nancy pov or something)

[thegreatobsesso]

Word find tag (hold, fold, cold, and told)

Tagged by my talented friend, the glorious, the illustrious, the wintery, wordy @winterandwords :D

hold

Callie POV

It wasn’t so much that he was thinking at her, he just wasn’t stopping her from hearing, and the stream of misery, of abject failure, froze her solid. 

“What’s wrong?” asked the beautiful man beneath her. 

But Bennett couldn’t turn it off like she could and it was too much to hold. Too many minds screaming into his, too much pain for one small heart. Too much being defeated because he cared the most. Too much, too much.

She cursed and allowed herself a split second to grieve. “I forgot,” she said. “I, uhh, I need to be somewhere.” 

Perfectly normal thing, she chided herself, remembering a prior engagement when you’ve got someone’s cock in your hand. A stunning liar, she was, and a stranger to herself to boot because she found herself in Bennett’s quarters when she could have been, would have been, getting plowed by the finest piece of ass in a hundred miles. 

“You didn’t have to come,” Bennett sniffled.

“I did,” she said, choosing not to comment on the terrible choice of words. 

fold

Callie POV

Time to say goodbye to the suit. 

It was a generic thing, given to her for the hearing, too big in the shoulders and too small at the waist. But it was still probably nicer than anything she’d ever wear again. A moment of mourning was justified. 

They wouldn’t give her more than that - a roomful of watchful eyes waited for her to take it off, indifferent technicians and stoic guards whose hands lingered near their weapons, their belts sagging with the weight of guns and batons. They needed them - they were typs. 

Non-magicians, as it were - ain’t that a laugh? All the guards at the big scary magician prison and not one of them a magician themselves. They couldn’t be - if they were, the metal the whole place was built from would make them sick and probably drive them insane, like it was doing for her now - turning her insides all slippery and scrambled, and it was the waretamium doing it, and not the unfolding realization this was where she would spend the rest of her life. 

cold

Riley POV

Riley Silver was in a good mood. 

This latest round of suppressants was actually doing something. Patching the leaks to the other world, if she was gonna get cute about it, and you know what? She just might. 

Because that was how good she felt without that constant creepy-crawly tug on her consciousness. 

She had to fight for this particular medicine. It was strong stuff, still in clinical trials and definitely not intended for long-term use, but right now, walking up the bridge to Delaney School of Magic with a small group of other arrivals, she didn’t even care. She could feel the texture of the cobblestone through her rubber-bottomed boots. She could smell the snow, crystalline and clean. She could smell the color white.

She understood, too, why Peter told her to bring layers. She’d never quite felt cold like this, and she couldn’t say she hated it. In fact, and maybe this was just the suppressants talking, she found it steadying. Clarifying. Comforting, being bundled up like this in the midst of it. 

(Riley, young and on drugs, is only featured in one chapter and it’s very dear to me because she’s almost relaxed and so OOC 😂)

told

Simon POV

“Did you hit your head?” Flora asked as she stood in the archway. 

“No,” he said. “Maybe. I don’t think so.” 

“You don’t remember?” 

He pulled smoke deep into his lungs and let the cold air cut through his tattered clothes. “A lot happened down there.” 

“Alright,” she said. “Touch your finger to your nose and walk a straight line to me.” 

He didn’t want to, for no other reason than he was told. “Why?” 

“Because you’re saying things that don’t make sense and indicating gaps in your memory. I’m trying to make sure you don’t have a concussion.” 

He laughed, sniffled. It was so much worse than that. 

“I don’t have a concussion, I have Callie.” He motioned to his head with his only good hand left, clutching the cigarette in it like a lifeline. How did she manage being herself? He was only half-her and he was drunk, overwhelmed, giddy and grieving all at once. 

“Simon,” Flora said evenly, “I don’t care if you have the entire population of the Western hemisphere in there. Show me you can walk a straight line.” 

(God bless Flora, the only one who can bring the energy down when Simon is having a Callie-induced nervous breakdown 💕)

Tagging @avrablake, @drippingmoon, @dontjudgemeimawriter, @diphthongsfordays and @afoolandathief to the play with word find game with bury, burden, burn and buy 😚

[randomfandomarts]

Chapter 2

Here's Chapter 2 of my fic with Glamrock Freddy which I titled, Lost and Found! Hope you guys like!!

Up above The brightly-lit attraction, Fazer-blast, In a secret room... There stood Vanessa, holding her mask. The dim purple light above, buzzing quietly. She brushed away strands from her messy blonde mane away from her face, as she stood, looking distressed.

"YOU HAD THE GIRL IN YOUR GRASP!! AND YOU LET HER GET AWAY!?`"

Glitchtrap's intense voice shouted through the small room. The shrill of it all sent her afraid, delivering a slight headache. She couldn't seem to have found her voice to speak, and instead was trembling still. Her head ached, and her heart was pounding against her chest. She looked down to the floor, too afraid to look up. Finally she looked up a bit, and spoke, in a frail, yet stern voice.

"I-I tried... But one of the animatronics was coming near. I had no time..."

She frowned. Fear filling her eyes, she looked down to the ground again, fiddling with the mask in her hands. Glitchtrap groaned aloud, slowly becoming angered again.

"You had ENOUGH time to finish it! But instead you STALLED, and by now that girl has probably left!"

His fury echoed across the room. Vanessa idled, still afraid to look up at Glitchtrap.

"Please..." She began pleading, approaching him slowly. "There must be something I can do to fix this... Give me another chance..."

Again Glitchtrap groaned, and then sighed, slightly calming himself. "Perhaps there is another way of how we can get what we want..." Vanessa eyes fixed on Glitchtrap as he strolled towards a old desk, filled with crunched up paper and trash; Dust coating it all.

"To do that, we must first remove all the pieces blocking our way..."

He grabbed a piece of paper from the desk, crunching it in his palm. An evil grin began to grow on his face.

"And by that, I mean one specific IMPORTANT piece..."

Vanessa Frowned.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Freddy continued to walk through the cold and musty tunnels with the girl in his arms, the sound of silence filling the place. Small sniffles escaped from her. She seemed to have calm down significantly since he found her, but he could still feel her heart rate was the same. He blinked away the notification from his HUD and glanced at the girl.

"I do not believe I know your name, who are you?"

The little girl looked up at Freddy. "I'm Ella..." Freddy ears wiggled slightly as he smiled gently. "Ella? That is a lovely name dear. Now, do not worry, we will find your mother, alright?"

Ella nods and they soon both exit the utility tunnels and enter Rockstar row. She blinks a few times as she adjusts her eyes to the colorful neon lights around the place. Freddy carefully continues passing through, avoiding the large crowds before some children spot him. He manages to slip through unnoticed.

"Ella, where was the last place you saw your mother?" Freddy asks.

"Near the main stage... It was very crowded, and that's how me and my mother got lost..." A wave of sadness washed over Ella. The thought of that memory made her miss her mother even more.

Freddy seemed to notice this, and gave a warm smile. "Now, we will find her, dear. Do not worry."

After a while, Freddy and Ella finally arrived to the main atrium. The place seemed much more crowded than most other places in the pizzaplex. Children and their parents were scattered all around, and half soon flocked to Freddy. He gently set Ella down, before being surrounded by children. A frazzled staff member soon pushed through the huddle of rowdy children approaching Freddy.

"Freddy, you're due at a birthday party in Party room 2", the staff member informed him, his voice displaying a hint of urgency and exhaustion.

"Oh dear..." Freddy then kneeled down to Ella's eye level. "Ella, I apologize... but I am afraid I am needed somewhere..."

Ella's eyes were filled with concern. "But... what about my mother?" she asked, her voice on the verge of tears. Freddy thought for a moment. His eyes eventually lighted up with an idea. He gently tapped the shoulder of the staff member. "Pardon me, but perhaps you can locate Officer Vanessa to help this young girl locate her mother?" he said with a polite tone.

The staff member lifted up his weary eyes to Freddy's kind smile. He then gave a slow nod.

Freddy knelt down to Ella. "Now Ella, this staff member will find Officer Vanessa, and she will help find your mother, alright?" Freddy said warmly, looking down at Ella with gentle eyes. She nodded in response, and then hugged his leg tightly. "Thank you..." she whispered, which only he was able to hear.

Freddy wrapped his arms around Ella and returned her hug, before eventually leaving and waving goodbye to her. The staff member reached for Ella's hand and grasped it, before dragging her along with him to find Officer Vanessa.

[onthesandsofdreams]

A Stark She Remains [21/?]

Fandom: ASoIaF Characters: Sansa, Ned, Brandon & Rickard Stark Rating: T (This chapter)

Read @ AO3

That night, Sansa dreams again of Winterfell.

This time, she encounters her father, his own and her uncle. A shiver goes down her spine. "Father, grandfather, uncle."

Her father smiles gently, her uncle beams and her grandfather nods solemn. "You are almost free, my dear child." Her father speaks. "When you wake, pretend to have a headache, stay in your chambers and lock the door. When one hour passes, write Tyrion's name."

She feels her eyes widen. "Tomorrow?"

"Aye," her father says. "Your brother's army sits a day and half away. His vanguard however, will cross the gates at when you wake up, which is why you must immediately write Tyrion's name. There can be no question of his death."

She releases the breath she did not know was holding. "Of course father."

Now, his father turns solemn, "I am sorry you had to go through this child, worse, that it had to be you who wrote their names. But, the Gods chose you."

"For what it is worth, my dear niece," her uncle chimes. "You are sensible, and you were the most reasonable one to send the book. Your anger is much like my brother's, very cool. Which served you well, you're almost home, little wolf. Be brave a while longer."

Tears gather in her eyes, it does not escape her that her uncle has paid her the highest compliment anyone could have done. Seen her father in her. Yes, she loves her mother. She's proud of what she got from her Tully side, but she is a Stark. A wolf. Daughter of a Trout, but a wolf still.

"Listen to me child," this time, her grandfather speaks. "Many people have forgotten things that should not have been forgotten. Know this, Death and worse marches on the wall. Your brother will need to keep a clear head about it, and so will you." Her grandfather pauses and gives her such a look, it makes her shiver. "You must be strong, and know what you must do."

Her breath hitches. Understanding crashes into her with such a force, that nearly makes her fall onto her knees. More deaths. More names.

She lifts her eyes to her father, and he gives her such a sorrowful look it near breaks her heart again.

"Forgive us, my daughter," he speaks so softly, it makes her ache. "But some will have to go. Your book will not be useful against their King, but it will be against those of blood and flesh who will try and stop and ignore the warning signs. Forgive us, child, for this burden we place upon you."

"Father…"

"You'll need fire," her grandfather speaks again. "And dragonglass, also called obsidian. Weapons made of that will stop the dead. And make sure your brother gets Ice. Valyrian Steel will also work."

She gives a sharp nod. And while a part of her wants to scream and rage, she understands that this is only the beginning. Because she knows that if her family is right (and they have no reason to lie), legends and myths are about to become reality.

"I shall do my best. I swear, on my honor as a Stark."

The three men smile, "We know."

And she wakes.