#this is the second time i have been ambushed like this at a staff meeting

[andhumanslovedstories]

I am just flabbergasted sometimes: one week you are on a leave from your job to heal and the next you are receiving an award for doing such a great job at your job. The duality of human kind.

Anyway, double whammy: congrats and hope you feel better soon!

it's so wild. actually, and this is such an "everyone clapped story" but it is true: when I went back to the hospital a few weeks back to discuss my return to work with my manager, my goal was to slip in and out so I could see how I felt about being back at the physical location of work without making a big fuss. Then my manager was like, "oh come into our morning staff meeting!" And I was like, sure, I should see what's going on. So I walk into the conference room and find out 1) I am the last person there to arrive and 2) this is the most crowded staff meeting I've ever seen. so already failed my goal of discretion. I scoot to the back of the room, and then the chief nursing officer starts a presentation which includes showing a short video about DAISY award winners, which I watched and was like, "this is schmaltzy as hell........but it would be cool to be featured in something like that one day."

The clip ends and they announce that this business associated with the awards had picked someone from our hospital as one of the three people they were going to feature this year, and I thought, "is it me?" because I did win a DAISY, but then I thought, "nah. surely they would have given me a head's up in advance." And then the nursing director said, "They picked Sarah," and pointed at me, and like forty people in the room turned to stare and, yeah, everyone clapped.

My first response was, "I'm not even back to work yet." They asked if I would participate in this, and the answer was yes despite some reservations (I'm proud of the work I do, but I'm mortified at the idea of talking about it), but what I said aloud was, "Wouldn't it be wild if I said no right now?" Anyway, after I was rapidly and frantically assured that of course I could say no, obviously, I let them off the hook and said, "sure yeah I'll participate in this."

And then I went to go talk to my manager about accommodations for return to work, and guys would you believe I got exactly the shift schedule I asked for?

[amateurwind]

Chapter 3

Tim’s Pov

Night in Gotham.

There was nothing as liberating as grappling over the towers of Gotham. The freedom of the wind. The adrenalin of the chase. No, there was nothing quite like it.

Hopping the roofs Tim reveled in the sensation. This was the type of night you could sense the darkness of the city. Where everyone and their mother felt the danger and walked the other way. The type of night that reminded him why he loved Gotham.

Tim detached his line and took off over the rooftops. This was exactly what he needed after the day he had. From all the meetings to Bruce ambushing him, he needed to fly.

His thoughts drift back to his early days as nostalgia flows through him. The first time shooting a grapple across the expanse and flying through the night. The feeling of pride when he took down his first thug. It had all been so new back then. Red Robin runs across the rooftops of Gotham. Using his staff to volt over objects and expanses. Flying through the night with intent and purpose, he's on the prowl.

He intercepted a tip earlier. Marconi was going to make his move tonight. 200lbs of various illegal substances were going to be smuggled onto Gotham. He had managed to track down the drug ring’s home base. The shipment was coming in tonight. He wasn't going to allow them to get away from him again. He was ending this tonight.

Jumping from the roof he catches a fire escape on his way down, before dropping into the alleyway below. Holding to the shadows he maneuvers just outside the appointed warehouse. There was a truck pulling up to the warehouse now.

Melding into the shadows Tim circles the back of the building. He counts about 8 goons around the truck. Slipping in a side window Tim ducks behind some crates. Keeping low he takes in the scene. In addition to the 8 goons outside, there are another 4 inside all armed to the teeth.

Ok, great. Analyzing… There were 12 or so thugs, 7 armed, and a few loadings the merchandise. Scoping out the building it seemed that this may have been some sort of a layover site. The blueprints Tim had been able to dig up had shown an underground storehouse chamber. He watched and waited. Binding his time till the opportune moment. He needed to make sure the head of the ring was here.

Colt, Marconi’s second in command and personal bodyguard stood over by the door. So, if he was he was here Marconi had to be around here somewhere.

Examining the hired guns, he kept an eye peeled for his target. There! Just outside the loading bay. Falco Marconi. Tim had been hunting him for a long time now. This guy is a slippery character. Tim couldn't count the number of times he was supposed to oversee an opp only to conveniently not show up. Tim would make sure that Marconi wasn't walking away from this one. At least not on two legs. ‘Wow Red, don’t go all Hood on them’.

Ah, great the exhaustion was talking again. Chugging a canned Coffee Tim lamented that this may be his last one. He would have to pick up more when he made his weekly grocery run. Tim feels the stimulant flood his system. This was gonna be good.

The evidence compiled over the last few run-ins with Marconi he would make sure the mobster wouldn't be working the streets for a long time. It was time to clean up the scum of Gotham. He waits and listens.

“Be careful with those crates!” Tim sees Marconi yelling at the thugs.

“Sorry boss, these things are heavy.” He hears the thug answer. Tim will just call him idiot #1.

“I don’t want your excuses if any of the inventory is tainted I’ll deduct it from your pay.”

“But you don't pay us, Boss.” Idiot #2 responded.

“Then I’ll deduct it from your hide, now get moving.”

A chorus of ‘yes sir’s sounded only for a crash to follow shortly after that. Tim winced. Welp this shouldn’t be too hard, always nice to know Gotham had a special brand of idiot.

He needed to move, now. Keeping an eye on the rotation of the patrolling goons Tim sneaks over to the breaker. He would have to make this fast. Keep to the shadows picking them off one by one.

He cuts the power, drops several smoke bombs, and begins the takedown of each goon in less time than it takes to breathe. One… three…five. He is a blur dancing in and out of the smoke. Several quick jabs to the torso before kicking off that one and laying out the one who came from behind to help his friend. Deployment of a taser charge, and restraining ropes. His movements are swift, methodical, and precise.

The thugs don't have any idea what’s happening. Shouting at each other and firing around blindly. He disarms and knocks out three more lackeys in quick succession before catching movement to the side.

“Mike? Is that you?” He asks the guy shaking off to the side.

“Ahhh crap, Heeey Red.” The thug sighs.

Red stalks toward the man shaking his head, “ Carol is gonna be disappointed. How are the kids?”

“Aww come on man, can’t you cut me a break?” Mikey begs. Trying to press himself into the crate behind him. Red Robin just continues to move forward twirling his Bo.

“Now see this is out of my hands your actions have consequences Mikey.” Red says stopping a few steps from the thug. “Now what would you say you use more, your leg or arm?”

“I- I don’t want to answer that.” Mike whines, looking at Red. Seeing the vigilante isn’t budging he gives in. “The Leg.”

Tim nods and strikes the man’s arm with his bow, then his head scarcely giving the man time to cry out. Mike drops to the ground.

“All right. Now, where’s your leader?” The smoke had faded providing a clear view around the room. Most of the goons were on the ground, either unconscious or restrained. ‘Huh, where did the two idiots get to?’ A movement interrupted his musings.

Marconi was making a break for it. Separating from his protection, the drug lord was running to an SUV just outside the exit. Finishing off the remaining goons Tim, using his bo staff vaults over to the exit and kicks Marconi. The kick sends him through the exit crashing hard, just outside of the warehouse. Tim standing to full height stalks toward him as the man reaches for his weapon.

“Oh you blasted piece of… I’ll kill ya!” The drug lord says as he whips out a pistol.

Dodging the bullets Red knocks the gun from his hands. Lifting his leg and introducing his knee to the crook's face. It’s gratifying to see a few teeth missing, as he handcuffs Marconi to the car door.

“Now, now, no need for that, wouldn't want to add any more charges to your rap sheet, would we? Well then again, with what I've uncovered about you and your family you’re never gonna work these streets again.”

A quick nerve attack and Marconi slumps over unconscious. He sends the pickup location to Gotham’s finest, then takes a step back to admire his work. It was over. Finally, he could end this stupid case. It was embarrassing how long Tim had been working on this. Pulling a hand through his hair he savors the moment.

He just needed some pictures for his case files then he could deliver the file to the GCPD and give Batman his report. It was convenient that none of the others caught wind of this bust. Tim could only hope Lady Luck remained generous. Turning toward the truck Tim heads to finalize this opp.

What was that?!

Only taking a few steps before he stiffens. The sense that has been cultivated by endless training, ambushes, and paranoia. He was being watched.

No, observed.

He’s geared to strike or defend if necessary. His eyes subtly flew all over his surroundings. Where? And who?

Readying a few bird-a-rangs Tim tries to spot his unknown observer. He hears a rustle in the ally behind him. Hardly waiting a second before he whips around throws the Bird-a-range and delivers several blows to the would-be assailant.

“Hey! Gawdangit Replacement! What is your major malfunction!”

You’ve got to be kidding, this can not be happening. He jinxed himself.

“Hood!? What the heck are you doing!”

“No see, I should be asking you that. There I was, minding my own business, Beating the crap out of some muggers when I get a call from O saying you needed backup!”

Looking around Tim finds the security camera, and gives it a glare that would stop superman’s heart. He hadn’t asked for backup. He hadn’t even tapped into the bats' secure channel. Tim didn't need this right now! Where did Barbara get off messing with him? He thought at least out of all the Bats she would be the least likely to screw with him. So much for loyalty.

“Yo, Hey replacement! You even hearing a word I'm saying right now.”

Oh yeah, Jason.

“Look Hood, I don’t have time for this I need to finish up so you can clear off whenever you feel like it.” Tim supplied turning back to the truck. It was best to keep all interactions with Hood short. You never knew what would set him off. Tim had learned that the hard way.

“ Oh Yeah, you had everything handled. Apart from these guys slipping out the back door”!

Tim looks down and notes idiots one and two at Jason’s feet. Huh. He wondered where they went. Giving Jason a slight nod he turns back to the truck to wrap things up. Trying to ignore the awkwardness hanging in the air.

Why did it have to be Jason of all people? How had he pissed O off to warrant Hood being his backup? Sweet Diana, the world hated him. No, he needed to focus. He didn't have time to wallow. ‘Just get the evidence, sort it out later’.

“Thanks, Jay for cleaning up my mess!” A sarcastic drawl sounds from behind him.

“No names, Hood.” Is all Tim says. Taking satisfaction in the string of colorful curses that follow. He could picture the look of annoyance under the other's helmet. But the glee soon dies as he spots the barest tensing of hoods posture. ‘Shut up Tim. You're gonna piss him off.’

Pushing aside his spike of fear he continues cataloging the evidence as he hears the tell tail sound of sirens in the distance. ‘Took them a while.’ He thinks while securing his camera. Welp his work here is done.

Figuring he has wasted enough time he grapples to the roof of the adjacent building; Just as the Squad cars come into view.

Glancing down from his perch he watches the cops collect the mobsters and drug lord in cold satisfaction. Finally. This is why he becomes Red Robin every night.

“Finally, I was getting tired of waiting around for you.” Came a callused voice just off to his left.

Barely keeping down a flinch Tim's head whips to Hood. He was still here? Was he waiting for Tim? Tim feels the blood drain from his face. Having Jason wait for him was never good, that could only mean he wanted something from him. Stiffening slightly Tim turns to face Hood fully.

A steadying stream of fear flowed through him. He and Hood may have brokered some form of truce, but that didn’t mean Tim would willingly show the Crime Lord his back. No thank you. He had learned that lesson once before and he wasn't in any hurry to learn it again. He needed to be careful.

“Why are you still here Hood?” It was a legitimate question. Tim couldn’t figure out why he would even come to help him in the first place. Regardless of what Barbara had said. But waiting for him to finish? Absolutely not! Hood was up to something.

Jason stood just a few feet from Tim leaning against a water tower. Decked out in full garb. Sporting his heavy-duty steel-toed combat boots with military-grade gun holsters and ammo mounts complete with his signature leather jacket. The red bat is visible over his crossed arms. Tim tried not to let unease show as he watched the other man. He was ready to defend or bolt at any given moment. He stood his ground because, despite the urge to flee, he was curious. Tim was so going to regret this.

“ What, am I not allowed to be here, has there been some law about me sticking around that I don’t know about?”

“I don't have the patience for this. So either tell me what you want or leave me alone.” Tim huffs, the frustration finally getting to him. Just spit it out. Tim could have been home by now. And he would take a hot cup of coffee over talking with Hood any day. Well to be that last one went for any of his family.

“Well maybe if you weren’t such a screw-up, I wouldn’t need to babysit ya.”

‘Jerk’. Tim doesn’t bother dignifying that with an answer, just gives Hood a pointed look. Seriously Tim was too tired for this. He had spent months going out of his way to avoid the bats' patrol route (especially Hood’s) only to have that sabotaged by Oracle. Which Tim would waste time panicking about later. But the question still remained, Why? Now of seemed that everyone was acting OC.

A few more moments of silence before Hood sighs pushing himself off the tower and walking over to the ledge near Tim. Tim stiffens and brings his weapon closer, giving a clear message of ‘Keep back’. He knows his message is received when Hood sighs. Holding up his hands in a non-threading way.

“Look Replacement I don't want anything from ya. I just came cuz O said you may need help.”

Tim tensed further. A likely story.

“Sure because you have always been so concerned about my well-being before.” The words were out before he could stop them. He really needed to learn to keep his mouth shut.

“Screw you! Next time I won't waste my time.” The man growls. That was fine with Tim. It’s not like he even asked Hood to come in the first place.

“Honestly though Red. Going in solo with no backup? You didn’t ask anyone to shadow just in case. You should count yourself lucky O was watching.”

Was Hood worried? Oh no. Nuh-uh. Nope, he was out. What the heck was wrong with everyone today. Bruce trying to get him to come to movie night, Dick supposedly giving a crap and now hood lecturing him on safety. Is he on a parallel Earth? He turned and stared down at the now deserted wear house.

“What are you, my mother? I’m not a child I can take care of myself.”

“Sure, famous last words.”

“I wasn’t going to bring anyone else in on this and risk jeopardizing the mission. Explaining the details to a separate party would have been nothing but aggravating and a waste of time so I took care of it myself. This is my case so obviously, I’d know more about it that anyone else. Satisfied?”

Feeling his irritation spike he quickly turns away.

“I'm a big boy Hood, I can take care of Myself. I haven’t needed help from any of you in months and don’t need it now.”

Tim waited expecting a quick reply. When he didn’t get one he looked over to where Hood was standing. He froze. At some point Jason had removed the hood, revealing the myriad of emotions on his face. Shock, regret, and even resignation were visible on his face. But the one Tim saw first was Anger. Jason’s eyes were glowing a bright green. Lazarus Green.

Welp that’s Tim’s queue. Time to go. A hurt Tim always followed angry Jason. He unhooked to Grapple gun and positioned it to take off. Hoping for a quick getaway.

“Wait! Rep- Tim! Wait.”

Tim paused. Confused. Jason sounded flustered just then. He glanced back. Jason still had a hand on the ledge but his body was tense his other hand was clenched in a fist. His whole posture looked as if he was wrestling with himself. He watched as Hood just continued to collect himself. Tim didn’t know if he should encourage the man or run. So he just decided to remain silent.

“Look I get it I'm the last person you want to be around.” He huffs a frustrated sigh. “The others just wanted me to tell you to stop by the cave sometime. Something about you haven’t been by or something like that. Not like I care about your sorry carcass but I can't take the golden boy’s nagging so just stop by to get him off my back.”

Tim stares at Jason for a split second. His brain trying to comprehend what he had just heard. It almost sounded like Hood was making an effort to be friendly. This was weird. He didn’t let himself hope. Everything was happening too fast. He didn’t know why everyone had decided to notice him now but he didn’t trust it. He couldn’t.

“I'll keep that in mind. So long Hood.” And off Tim went. His mood was ruined. His body barely even felt the chill of the wind as he made his way back to his perch.

What was going on with everyone today? No contact for months and then all of a sudden everyone is aware he exists. Tim tries to tamper down the bitterness gripping his heart. What did they want? Why are they pretending they cared now? Inviting him to the manor. Asking him to stop by the cave.

What were they playing at?

Months. He had spent months waiting for them to just acknowledge his existence. To offer a hand of acceptance, but it never came. And each time he had dared to hope only to be disappointed he had felt a little of himself die each time. Now for some reason, he was back on their radar and they were trying to act like the last year never happened. The conversation with Bruce hinted that they all believed he was the problem. It was typical. He bows and sacrifices, but in the end, he still messed things up somehow.

Bitter anger boiled in his gut. He had been their perfect soldier. Followed every order, and completed every project. Yet he had been tossed aside. abandoned. They were all just like Jack and Janet. He had made himself useful. But then his use came to an end. The free trial had ended and no one was willing to commit to the subscription.

His eyes screw up as he thinks about his parents and the night he overheard their plans. He thinks about the time he went to Grayson and begged him to come back to keep batman in line. He thought about the first training session he had; had with batman when he had beaten Tim unconscious. The constant comparison to Jason. Jason returning. Damian’s hatred. He thought about losing his friends, and his mentor. How he begged all his friends to believe him when he said Bruce was alive.

He thought about how Dick threatened him with Arkham. How Barbara locked him out of the system. Damian cutting his line. Everything he had to do and what he has sacrificed just to bring his father home. His word hadn’t been enough. He hadn’t been enough.

yeah, maybe he was crazy. Crazy for believing he’d ever be more than a foot soldier. Crazy for wishing he could experience the family he had witnessed between Bruce and his brothers. He evolved his behavior to cater to whoever was in authority. He did that to his parents the to Bruce, and finally, he used it for his brothers. All of which pushed him aside. Yeah doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome. That was the very definition of insanity.

Passing over allies and walkways Red Robin ran. Ran as if he could outrun the feelings of hopelessness, and bitterness. As if he could run from the pain. Run from his mistakes. From himself.

________________________________

He doesn't know, nor care what time it is when he finally makes it to his apartment. Punching in the passcode for his security he climbs through the window. His body finally registers his bone-deep chill, and exhaustion when faced with the warmth of the apartment. Eyes glistening with unshed tears. Gosh dang, it! He was fine! He had been fine! Screw Bruce and Jason for toying with him. He had finally accepted his situation. He had come to terms with the fact he wasn’t welcome. How dare they try to pretend now!

Tim doesn't have the energy to move. He curls up right there under the window and breathes. The burning ache of his heart of hearts. The buzz of pins and needles beginning to set into all his limbs he doubts he could move if he wanted to.

___________________________

He comes back from nowhere with a jerk. He doesn't know how long he’s been on the floor or when the feeling came back to his hands and the soreness in all his extremities. Quickly glancing at the clock, he sees the time 3:30 am.

Well crap. He still needed to Update those files and send them to Bruce before he went to work. “I'm going to IV caffeine straight into my vein, and no one can stop me”. Tim mutters to himself. Heading straight for the coffee machine, grabbing his favorite mug before hitting start.

Wiping away the evidence of his … well whatever that was. He pours himself a cup. He brought the steaming mug of liquid gold to his lips. Taking a deep draft from the mug he cherishes the mantra written the side, ‘I can do all things through Coffee which Anchors me’.

Humming in contentment at the caffeine flooding his system and the words of wisdom. Taking another sip he heads toward his desk on the other side of his bed.— His bed.

Tim stares down at his bed. Or more specifically, the envelope sitting on top of his bed.

Dashing over to his computer Tim checks all his security settings and systems. Nothing was amiss. He couldn’t understand. Everything was in perfect order. No code was out of place and nothing had been tampered with. So how had that envelope gotten on his bed?

Standing Tim moves to the bed. Eyes fixed on the black envelope resting amongst the blankets. The card was black with burgundy marbling. The ink used to address the card was a brilliant Gold. The embellished calligraphy on the card spells out its intended. ‘To Timothy Jackson Drake’. Carefully picking up the unknown paper Tim turns it over in his hands...

Apart from the custom coloring, there aren’t any other clues of where it came from. No watermark, or a seal. Tim carefully rips the top off retrieving the letter inside. What is this? Why was it left for him? And Who was able to get through his security to leave it?

Bewilderment drowns him as he looks over the letter. Everything, the whole message seems to be written backwards. Tim grips his coffee mug tighter. What could this possibly mean? Steadying himself he comes to one conclusion. ‘There’s only one way to find out’.

He walks to the restroom. Flicking on the lights he holds the letter up to see the reflection. Cold dread fills him as the contents of the letter are exposed.

‘Hello little owlet, it's been a while hasn’t it? I hope you haven't forgotten what I told you all those years ago. The Court of Owls is always watching. And we will come to collect.’

Fear grips his heart as his eyes land on the stamp at the bottom of the paper, reminiscent of the mask the strange man wore that horrible night. The image of an owl. Tim feels his heart leap into his throat and his heartbeat fills his head. Along with the sound of his heartbeat pounding in his ears, Tim hears a voice. A familiar accented voice echoes in his mind.

“It has begun, Little Owlet’

A sharp pain flares up, He feels as if his mind is being ripped in two. Then knows no more.

[liminalpebble]

The Refugee: Chapter 20

Masterlist

That evening, gathered with all the departments and cabinet in the vast throne room, Lenora was grateful for the high neck and long arms of her uniform top, though they agitated her now tender skin. She would prefer that her esteemed colleagues not see the livid bruises and bite marks their king had so freely decorated her with earlier in the day.

 More than anything, Lea wanted to be regarded for her competence, not perceived as Loki's war trophy who slept her way to the top. She was earning their respect but it was hard-won and (she feared) easily lost. The emperor himself was addressing every member of the citadel's departments and military about their situation.

It was indeed true that the Jotun were sweeping farther in, with the assistance of the Heksejotun, breaching into Laufeyson territory on an inexplicably ambitious military campaign, seemingly unprompted. This is what had lead a multicultural wave of refugees to come further towards the empire's capital for security. Why the Jotun were doing so and choosing this moment was relatively unknown. They needed to understand their plans and strategy. Loki addressed the linguistic wing specifically, but it wasn't necessary to spell it out. Every one of them knew the clock was ticking on solving the Heksejotun communications.

---

Lea stood before several display boards in the language wing, leaning over, arms braced on the desk like a general staring down a foe. Her vision focused on one segment of the circular Heksejotun text from several weeks ago:

When the Vanir invaded the Southern Continent. Mukarn on his horse in the valley.

They had another piece of the puzzle. A historian on staff had discovered that Mukarn is a character from Heksejotun mythology who was ambushed riding his horse through a valley. Lea gripped the edge of the desk harder in frustration, mentally tallying the facts so far for the hundredth time. Many sentences, when translated, were similarly incomplete, the verb tenses were confused and seemed to change without rhyme or reason, but what raked her nerves the most was the first sentence.

As a protectorate of the empire, Queen Nadia would have told them if they had ever been planning to invade the southern regions, or had in the past. It would be impossible to hide it. The Vanir never invaded the southern continent, never even planned to, however, the second sentence indicated that they were planning some kind of ambush of the Vanir? Or perhaps communicating that someone had been ambushed by the Vanir?

Her head throbbed. When Loki swung into the room, he was in full armor. He looked about as tired as she felt but he carried himself with that haughty air he could turn on in times like this.

Lea's white knuckles released the edge of the desk a bit stiffly as she said, “Your Highness, how can we help you?”

He winked at her so only she could see. She thought, of course he could even be cheeky at a time like this, but he settled quickly into seriousness.

“Miss Lenora, I've just received this communication from Queen Nadia of the Vanir and I require quick translation.”

“Very well.” She paused, handing the message off. “Don't you mean former queen?”

He sighed, “No, actually, I've been collaborating with her and I think it's best that, though a part of our empire, she retain her regal title. She's a beloved leader of her people and she deserves to retain her status.”

Surprised and impressed by his change of mind, she nodded in approval. The junior translator interpreted the letter quickly, projecting it onto the viewing board.

Emperor Loki,

I, Queen Nadia of the Vanir am sending word of our status. First, we thank you for your swift actions of reparations within our governance, but that is not what I speak of here. As you are also experiencing, we are receiving waves of refugees from renewed Jotun activity to the south. I am planning to advance Vanir forces to the southern continent to meet the Jotun directly and perhaps slow their conquest through aggressive initial action rather than defending when they are already upon us. We have an advantage of surprise, as they would not expect us to voluntarily and spontaneously assist the empire. Additionally, we far outnumber their forces. We hope, being a protectorate of  the Laufeyson Empire, you will approve of this move in both of our kingdoms' best interest. We shall ride in one hour.

Sincerely,

Queen Nadia of the Vanir

Understanding pierced Lea like a flaming arrow clear through her skull, but it hadn't seemed to hit the others just yet.

She grabbed Loki's cape and pulled him, saying quickly, “Sir, when did you get this letter?”

Loki looked  at her with wide-eyed confusion, “Just now. She sent it by magic a few moments before I came into the room. Why?”

“You have to go there, right now. The Heksejotun know they're coming. They're going to be ambushed.”

He blinked in confusion, then nodded and put his arm tight around her waist, “Hold on tight, Lea.” he said, as tendril of green light flashed around them both.

----

When they landed directly in the Vanir throne room, Lea dropped to the floor from the force of the teleportation, but Loki helped her scramble up to her feet. They suddenly had every spear in the room trained on their throats in threat.

“Say something!” Loki hissed to Lea.

Clearing her throat nervously, she said in perfect High Vanir, “Apologies for our intrusion. I am a translator, here with Emperor Loki and this is an emergency. We must speak to Her Highness.”

“I'm here,” came a smooth feminine voice as the spears parted to let a tall dark-skinned woman with the most stunning golden eyes approach them.

Lea curtsied and Loki bowed. “Your Highness, I am Lenora of the Morhari, translator for his Highness, Loki Laufeyson,” she said gesturing to Loki in his armor and golden horns. “I come with an urgent message. We've cracked the Heksejotun codes. They've known of your planned attack for several weeks and they are prepared to ambush you. Please, call off your campaign or your troops will be slaughtered.”

“Meet my eyes, child. That's impossible, we've only planned the attack in the last few hours,” Queen Nadia said in her lovely flowing voice. Lea did as she said and looked into those hypnotic golden pools of light. “How do they know this?”

“Ma'am I've only just solved it. Several week ago the Heksejotun referenced your battle plan as if it had already taken place. We thought it was a mistaken reference to something. Then I realized, they're a witch people. Like Asgardian or Midgardian witches, they have some sight into the future and a strange sense of time, hence the writing backwards and forwards at once, the confused verb tenses, etc. But with the Heksejotun, when one receives a vision they all receive it, and can refer to it among themselves. And because so much of their language and code is metaphorically based, we thought it was simply that, not referring to something that was actually...literally...about to happen.”

“Pardon me, most-esteemed ladies, but can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?” Loki hollered.

“Queen Nadia, Emperor Loki politely requests that I relay to him what I have just told you.”

The queen laughed, flashing a stunning smile. “Don't bother, my dear. Men get so fussy when we're a few steps ahead, don't they? Allow me.” She touched a hand to his head in a golden glow. In an instant, knowledge of everything they had just said was funneled into his mind.

Loki said, a little stunned, “Okay...okay I'm following now.”

“Thanks for joining us,” said Lea sarcastically.

Nadia spoke, then Lea translated.

“She says that she is eternally grateful to us for saving her army today.” Loki nodded to the queen in response.

As she approached Lea, the monarch seemed to glide in her yellow silk dress rather than walk. “But it is you Lenora of the Morhari, who have my greatest thanks and respect,” she said with a wide smile of her full dark lips and perfectly white teeth. Lea thought that this woman must be the most beautiful she had ever seen. As she came closer, Lea was frozen in place with awe. “A gift for you, good Lady Lenora. Be well.”

Nadia kissed her forehead and held her lovely hands to either side of Lenora's head. As she stayed there, a liquid golden light washed over the whole of Lea's body and then subsided. Just as when she gave Loki immediate understanding, she had given Lea immediate knowledge of what  her gift was.

“Thank you, Your Majesty” Lea said kneeling. Then in a flash of light Lea and Loki were again standing in the linguistics hall in a disoriented haze.

When they landed, Lea stumbled a little but righted herself abruptly, and immediately addressed the department, about her discovery of the Heksejotun's shared foresight. This could be a golden key, not only to unlocking the language but having predictions about the future and insights about their enemy's strategy. Lea hastily ordered that all previous and incoming intercepted communications be analyzed for anomalies similar to the clue of the Vanir. This was monumental.

Lea finally took a breath as the others scurried to their assigned work. She was barely aware that Loki was still in the room, until she turned to him and his enormously proud grin. “Clever girl,” he quipped smoothly, beaming. She returned his elated expression and then abruptly lost consciousness. The last thing she saw was Loki coming towards her and a flash of green light.

@goblingirlsarah @lokisgoodgirl @gigglingtigger @unlucky-number-13 @peaches1958 @thenerdyoldersister @thedistractedagglomeration Thank you all for reading along! 

[the-travelling-witch]

I just realized I haven't sent one to you! orz

I wanna know about 💫💐 please!! 💚

💫: Are either of you ticklish? If so, where?

I feel like Childe is less ticklish and more so sensitive; I like running my long nails down his arms, sides or back just to see him squirm a bit. He’s teasing me all the time so it’s only fair, right? But most of the time, it’s a double-edged sword because I know once he’s wriggled around a bit and giggled, it’s time for me to run and run fast…

“Still thinking you’re not a tease, running your nails over my skin like that? I might do more than tickle you when I catch you~”

“Don’t you mean if you catch me?”

“No, when.”

(o///o " )

Don’t tell him I told you this but… Xiao is very ticklish hehe. Whether it’s his sides, the back of his knees or, my favourite, his back, he’ll jump like a cat if you get the drop on him. I mean, c’mon, his usual attire basically invites me to trail my nails down his spine, how could I resist~ But as cute as it is, I don’t know if him being cross with me is worth it (I only do it in private though, I know he has an image to uphold)

“You really don’t have any respect for the adepti.”

“I do! Please come back to cuddle, I promise I won’t do it again!!”

Albedo is no fun aka he just isn’t ticklish at all! Childe tried getting him to sneeze with a feather on several occasions but there’s no reaction. Though, Bedo seems the most upset about it; he’s desperately been trying to recreate the sensation.

“It is frustrating to know there is something I cannot experience for myself. I guess I’ll have to keep studying your reactions for now.”

“Don’t you dare—“

As for myself, yes I am ticklish; for self-preservation purposes I will not be revealing where though…

“Guess there’s only one way to find out~”

“Don’t take a single step closer, I’m warning you!”

💐: How did you two meet?

That is a good question indeed…

I ran into Childe at Liyue Harbour when I visited friends there. It was very sunny all day and I had been perusing the different stalls on the side of the street when it suddenly started pouring down like crazy. When I started frantically looking around for somewhere to seek shelter, I suddenly heard a sharp whistle and looked up to see a handsome stranger hold open the door to a fancy restaurant.

Without a second thought, I sprinted there and, luckily, he was there to catch me as I rushed through the door onto the polished floors. The wait staff did cast me some weird glances but he just waved them off with a charming smile before slinging his arm around my waist, telling them I was with him, before leading me to a secluded table in a more private area of the restaurant. Not knowing what to do, I just stood around, awkwardly fidgeting with my rings.

“Please do have a seat. I didn’t invite you just to let you starve, you know.”

“Thank you, that’s very kind of you. You didn’t have to do all of that for someone you don’t know.”

“Kind, huh? I thought it’s rather self-serving, getting to dine with a pretty girl like you. But you’re right, I don’t know you, so let’s change that. You can call me Childe, what’s your name~”

Xiao, on the other hand, I met while exploring the planes and mountains of Liyue. While searching for new potion ingredients, I ran into a group of unnatural- looking monsters, which I took care of quickly. As I dispelled the weird aura surrounding them, I didn’t notice someone watching the scene unfold from higher up.

Just when I turned to leave, I heard light feet drop to the ground behind me. Whirling around, I got ready to face another group of monster but met piercing amber eyes instead. Physically, the guy looked pretty young but there was something off about him. Just as I was about to ask who he was, he spoke up first.

“So there are mortals who can dispel karma as well.”

“Karma? Is that what that was just now? Also I’m not really mortal”

“Yes. Make sure not to get ambushed on your way.”

He disappeared just like that. Still, throughout my journey, I never met any possessed monsters again…

(“Pfft what a romantic first meeting~”

“Because a stranger inviting someone for dinner is that much better?”

“At least I told her my name”

“I made sure she’s safe-“

Ahem, moving on…)

I actually met Albedo back in Mondstadt. While doing some research, I asked for permission to use the Knights of Favonius’ library. So after walking there with Kaeya and having a quick chat with Lisa, I surrounded myself with the pleasant silence of books.

When rounding a corner though, I collided with someone and while I was fine, there was a loud crash as a colourful phial burst on the floor. Looking up from the mess to the person I ran into, my eyes caught mesmerising blue ones.

“Oh my archons, I’m so sorry! I should’ve been looking where I go.”

“Please don’t worry. I wasn’t paying attention either.”

“But your phial—“

“It’s not that tragic, I can easily produce another one. Say, are you interested in alchemy?”

“I can’t say I’m all that knowledgeable on it but it’s very fascinating.”

“Then, would you like to watch as I recreate the formular? It is a rather visual reaction, too. Oh right, I should introduce myself first, I presume. I’m Albedo, Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius, pleased to make your acquaintance.”

(“That’s so cliché.”

“Yet, while I hate to admit it—“

“Yeah, yeah, very cute, very proper, don’t remind me.”

*smug*

“You’re all impossible, do you know that”)

[self-ship ask game]

[geekgemsspooksandtoons]

Cartoonverse Timeline

Major spoilers if you haven't watched Hilda, The Owl House, Infinity Train and Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. This is a timeline concerning something I've made. And I will make changes to it by adding the things revealed in season 3 of Hilda. Which I think like I said, have changed things for the better with this timeline.

Especially it also changes whatever I had planned or...sadly with Hilda over. I can figure out things easier with some reveals. Yet I also worried that...I technically created my "MCU" with this.

Infinity Train Book 4: Duet. Ryan Akagi’s and Min-Gi Park’s journey on the train with Kez. The season where in the background, Amelia Hughes takes over the train. Taking place in what seems to be 1986.

For thirty-three years despite Amelia’s intentions to make the train better. Her selfishness gets the better of her and she inadvertently causes the birth of “The Apex” led by Grace Monroe and Simon Laurent.

Hilda season 1. Hilda and Johanna move to Trolberg. This season takes place throughout Late March/Early April to the end of June 1997 as Hilda gets used to living in Trolberg.

“An Owl Lady in Trolberg” the remake that is set after “The Black Hound” in Hilda and before “A Lying Witch and a Warden” in The Owl House. The first meeting between Johanna and Eda Clawthorne. Still taking place in 1997 in Trolberg.

The Owl House season 1 beings. When Luz Noceda enters the Boiling Isles and meets Eda and King. This is the beginning of Summer 2020 in the dimension of The Owl House.

For the next three months, Eda and Johanna start dating. And during this time, Eda and Hilda begin hanging out a few times. Such as Eda giving Hilda a ride on her staff.

“An Owl Lady’s Second Chance” by Rysenkari happens sometime during season 1 of The Owl House. Where Eda and Johanna engage in an interesting activity where they confess their love for each other.

Hilda season 2 begins with Erik Ahlberg taking over of the Safety Patrol and changing things in Trolberg for the worst.

But after “Chapter 3: The Witch” in Hilda season 2, the portal door is destroyed by Luz in “Young Blood, Old Souls” thus cutting off a way for Eda to go back to Trolberg to meet Johanna again.

The Owl House season 2 begins. And throughout season 2, things start changing for the worst with the Day of Unity approaching. Along with Eda reuniting with Raine Whispers despite thinking about her past with Johanna.

Yet because of Eda and Johanna interacting...something happened. That would affect later down this timeline.

“Yesterday’s Lie” takes place during the end of Summer in 2020 where Luz discovers that Vee had been pretending to be her. This is also when Camila discovers what actually happened to Luz.

Infinity Train Book 1: The Perennial Child. Tulip Olsen’s journey to the engine of the train with One-One and Atticus. And the end of Amelia’s thirty yearlong takeover of the train. This takes place in 2019.

Infinity Train Book 2: Cracked Reflection. MT’s/Lake’s journey to escape the train with Jesse Cosay and Alan Dracula. This also takes place in 2019 sometime after book 1 ends.

The Owl House “Kings Tide” happens. Resulting in Luz and her friends being stuck in the human realm while Eda, King and others are stuck in the demon realm of the Boiling Isles. This happens during the Mid-Fall of 2020.

In 2023 in a different dimension. Where superheroes and all sorts of things exist. “Moon Girl Landing” happens when Lunella Lafayette uses a teleporter that brings Devil Dinosaur into New York City. They later become superheroes with Lunella taking the name Moon Girl from one of her personal heroes. They have been superheroes for a few months. Having fought villains like Aftershock, Gravitas, the Muzzlers and others. Even with the Beyonder having watched Lunella and considering her the smartest human on Earth.

But before the events of "OMG Issues 1 & 2" happen. "A Shocking Return" happens. When Aftershock returns, Lunella and Devil ambush and kidnap her. But Lunella struggles what to do with Aftershock now. Despite Aftershock's extremely nasty comments and Lunella's heated discussions with her. Because of how kind Casey treated her, and even Lunella later on. Aftershock escapes but leaves without harming the two girls. Wondering what to do with her future.

After this, Lunella learns more about the original Moon Girl, who she was. And takes on Morlak and the Enclave. So, until season 2 airs, I am assuming Lunella will come back safely from that other dimension.

Infinity Train Book 3: Cult of the Conductor. Grace and Simon’s journey to return to the mall car and meeting Hazel and Tuba on the way. It is unknown which year this takes place in. But considering Amelia has been helping One-One for a while. It’s possible this could take place in 2020.

But in this world compared to the canon. Episodes 9 and 10 don’t happen in the same way. After Simon discovers Grace has been lying to him about Hazel. He makes the decision to kidnap Amelia and leave the others.

“The False Prophet” instead happens. Where Simon holds Amelia hostage to sacrifice her the next day. When Grace and Hazel return to the mall car, they are taken hostage as well. Similar events from “The Origami Car” and “The New Apex” happen, but in different ways. But it still ends with Grace and Simon fighting. The results are different this time where Simon is not killed by a Ghom, but saved by Grace instead. He runs away, horrified and confused by the situation.

Having endure almost 12 hours of being kidnapped, Amelia apologizes to Grace and Hazel for her comments. She leaves Hazel with Grace instead.

“Letting It Out” happens. A week after their terrifying ordeal, Grace and Hazel confide in each other as they express what they went through together.

Two days after that. "Maybe One Day" happens where Grace and Amelia catch up with each other, also talking about the ordeal they went through. Along with talking about the future, especially about Hazel's future.

“The Stone Forest” in the dimension of Hilda happens where Hilda, Johanna and Twig become trapped in the Stone Forest and surrounded by Trolls. After two days of being in there, they escape. But a day later, Hilda for some reason is replaced with Baba in bed.

Hilda and the Mountain King immediately happens. Hilda is transformed into a troll, trying to find her way to become a human again. While Johanna and others try to get her back. Meanwhile, Erik Ahlberg soon makes things worse as the tensions between humans and trolls increases as more trolls get closer to the city.

During the events, Hilda is reunited with Johanna. And soon afterwards, the Mountain King, Trundle makes himself a martyr as he is killed by Erik Ahlberg. Hoping that Amma, the mother and grandmother of all Trolls rises from below Trolberg to destroy the city. But it stops when Hilda is able to get Erik to stop what he is doing, saving the city in the process. And thus, creating peace between humans and Trolls as they are now allowed in the city one night a year. This takes place during early Spring 1998.

After months of not being able to return, “Thanks To Them”, “For The Future” and “Watching and Dreaming” happen in The Owl House. Luz and others are able to return back to the Boiling Isles and save everybody. A string of events happens in what appears to be maybe THREE DAYS...the last day being on Halloween Night.

But a day before Luz and the others returned to the Boiling Isles. "An Owl Lady's Confession" takes place where Eda finally confesses the truth about her relationship with Johanna to her ex, Raine Whispers. Who is sadly a puppet at that time.

All of this, "Thanks To Them, "For The Future" and "Watching and Dreaming" takes place during "The Stone Forest" and Hilda and the Mountain King. With "The False Prophet" happening before them and leading into "Letting It Out" and "Maybe One Day". Those last two are taking place during the events in Hilda and The Owl House.

With Belos killed and everyone safe. A week after that, a new portal to the human realm is made. And thus, after months of not seeing each other. Eda is able to return to Trolberg and meet with Johanna again. With Johanna...reacting to what Eda tells her about with...an interesting reaction. Including with Raine finally meeting Johanna for the first time.

Sometime after Eda and others travel to Trolberg as the reconstruction of the Boiling Isles happens. Along with Trolberg becoming a better place again. A glitch happens on the Infinity Train.

[kamelopardaleis]

Outtake 1 - Yuuko & Seiichi Kobayashi

This is the longest outtake of the YOI age reversal AU Something to Give on Ice - Yuri!!! on Ice (Anime) [Archive of Our Own].

In the earlier draft of Chapter 4 the plot went differently: Yuuko asked to become part of Viktor’s coaching team at GPF. Yuuko, her husband (with a name and a different characterisation), Yuuri and Viktor meet for dinner right after the short program. Viktor has been jealous and curious about Yuuko over Yuuri, and gets surprised by how the actual dynamic between the four of them turns out.

Basically a lot of jealousy bubbling underneath the nice dinner, Viktor being flirtatious, and Yuuri being a foodie.

>>here it goes<<

Interestingly, Yuuri has told Yuuko and her husband to get lost before Viktor’s short program. 

“Gosh, she needs to calm down.” Yuuri complains, “She’d be a terrible fan. I can’t let her distract you.”

This both amuses and puzzles Viktor, “What about the free skate?”

“We’ll have to see.” His coach replies exasperatedly.

This GPF is definitely off to a strong start.

Today is a day detrimental to Yuuri’s health. After getting surprised by his own skater, and then getting besieged by questions from reporters, he gets ambushed by his fellow coaching staff.

“Yuuri!” 

Viktor sees a flurry of white and blue flying past him and crashing his coach with a hug. 

“Thought I’d find you here!” The blur is a petite woman with a short ponytail; walking after her is a tall, lean man in casual but smart clothing. 

She isn’t paying him any attention though; the next second she’s turning to Viktor in a squeal, “VIKTOR! I saw your short program. IT WAS HOT AF!! I’m swooning.” She clutches her nose, but immediately babbles on, “Oh! Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Yuuko, Yuuri’s friend. We’ve met before, actually, but you might not remember me! It was so long ago. This is my husband Kobayashi Seiichi.” 

The man waves in lieu of greeting, but doesn’t say anything.

“Yuuko, Seiichi-san, long time no see.” Yuuri greets the husband with a handshake, then introduces Viktor. 

The couple booked a nice place nearby and would like to invite them to dinner.

Yuuri gives Viktor a questioning look. “Uh, I myself didn’t really go out during competition…” Viktor, however, isn’t the type to get easily disrupted and needs to hole up. He’s just the type of performer that when someone breaks his heart, he’s heartbroken and elated, because now he gets to pour his heartbreak into his performance.

(He’s quite sure he shouldn’t say that though.)

Yuuko already speaks up. “Oh, but Viktor isn’t like you! Viktor, do you want to come?”

It sounds great to him; he’s more than happy to use the time between his programs to learn more about Yuuri’s guests.

He doesn’t get much “learning about Yuuri’s friends” done on their way to dinner, or the first ten minutes before the appetiser arrives, because Yuuko has been gushing over Viktor’s performance(s) (including all the ones in his glorious history). 

She’s fangirling over him with such freedom, the only polite response Viktor can think of is to fanboy over her glorious history (Viktor is good at doing his googling homework) so it’s now mutual appreciation. Understandably, it takes longer to fangirl/boy about things you do know. By the time the main dish arrives, the husband looks a little bit green.

When Yuuko is calming down with the help of food, Viktor tries to make amends by striking up a conversation with the husband across from him. Just his luck then the husband speaks much less English than them, so Viktor needs a translator half the time, who turns out to be Yuuko more often than Yuuri because that man is too absorbed with the delicacies to notice his student’s predicament.

As the husband looks increasingly frustrated with himself, Viktor is seriously tempted to just let him know if anything, he’d be in more danger from Viktor than her, given Viktor’s preference in looks and gender. But Viktor wants to charm Yuuri’s guests, not alienate both of them, so he does the next best thing he can think of.

“Yuuuuri,” he puts on his sultriest voice, “what are you having? It looks delicious.”

Yuuri dutifully pushes his plate towards Viktor, though looking slightly disgruntled, either because he’s interrupted during a meal or he has to share. 

Ha! As if he’s the one competing. 

Viktor bypasses the plate and leans forward to steal the piece on Yuuri’s fork instead. 

“Vkusno!” It’s quite good. He sends the couple a grateful smile for treating them, and holds out his own fork, “Yuuri, do you want to try mine?”

His coach has gone beet red. The husband blinks. Yuuko looks positively gleeful.

Viktor decides the mission accomplished, and licks off his own fork instead. “No? I’ll have it all to myself then.” He smirks at his frozen coach and digs into his own delicious plate.

After tipping the whole table off balance, Viktor has a much better time with dinner. Yuuri is sufficiently distracted away from his food to take a bigger part in the conversation, and Viktor finally gets to learn a bit about Yuuko and Seiichi Kobayashi.

“Seiichi-san was a baseball star in uni!” Yuuko informs him, while the husband listens on, looking both shy and proud. “Though the star part might have more to do with his good looks.” She winks good-naturedly at them.

The husband is more comfortable with them now. Yuuri translates for him and he laughs, turning his face from easy-on-the-eyes to breath-takingly attractive. Viktor can certainly see how the man could be a popular actor.

Viktor talks a bit about his time with Yuuri in Hasetsu, bringing fond memories to Yuuko, who moved away years ago. The couple tells them stories on set and at home, which Viktor listens with interest. Yuuko is planning to start her own business, coming out of childbirth. 

“Triplets!” Viktor exclaims, and Yuuko and her husband exchange a look of such happiness that Viktor knows none of the complaints about the three little girls that follow are for real.

Dinner goes on longer than expected. Viktor thought Yuuri would want to talk more with Yuuko, since they haven’t seen each other for a long time, but Yuuri seems content to listen attentively, not eager to contribute more to the friendly chatters, and excuses Viktor and himself when he believes he needs to ensure Viktor’s rest.

"Yuuko's husband is strikingly handsome." Viktor observes off-handedly, just to break the silence on the trip back home. 

"He is." Yuuri smiles slightly, still staring out the car window. "Seiichi-san started off as this guy of every girl's dream in TV dramas, you know." 

"And I didn't know Yuuko was such a fan of mine."

Yuuri turns, the smile growing wider, "She is. I did warn you, didn't I?" Then his tone takes a teasing lilt, "You don't look much worse off next to her actor husband, you know."

"So you did notice."

"Noticed what?"

"The husband is a jealous sort.” He elaborates. “I wouldn't have thought given how the man looks, plus I'm not the ex on the table."

Yuuri laughs. "Nah, I wouldn't say that of Seiichi-san; it's all you, Viktor. I know where I stand, but you're a terrible flirt. And you're in quite the mood today."

Viktor feels both agitation and annoyance rising in him at the accusation, “I don’t just flirt with anyone.” He says defensively, then remembers who he did flirt with, which makes his conflicted feelings an even bigger mess.

“Oh?” Yuuri says lightly; if he’s thinking the same thing, he doesn’t show it. “I think you flirted with the whole stadium today. ‘A blend of your style and mine’, eh?”

He points out he was trying to rescue Yuuri from his interrogation (by reporters).

“Thanks,” comes the casual reply. “Any more surprises I should be aware of?”

“Not that I know of.”

[ijustwant2write]

Causing A Fuss-Anthony Bridgerton x Reader

(GIF credit to @hvitserkk​)

Masterlist

Requested by @elennox03 : Can you write an imagine where Anthony’s wife is pregnant and she’s at the very end of her pregnancy and he is trying to make her stay in bed and rest but she refuses and she’s somewhere in the house and she goes into labor and Anthony freaks out and then after the baby is born a little cute dad Anthony fluff?

Characters: Anthony Bridgerton x Reader, Hyacinth Bridgerton x Reader (sister-in-law), Violet Bridgerton x Reader (mother-in-law)

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: Pregnancy side effects, labour, mention of blood, fluff fluff fluff

                                     *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Anthony's strides were quick as he explored the house, desperately seeking his wife. Members of staff were ambushed with questions, startled by his tone. When he didn't get the answer he wanted, he would huff and storm off again. Where was his beloved? She wasn't where she was supposed to be.

(Y/N) laid back on the sofa as Hyacinth fanned her, the pregnant woman also fanning herself. She was just too hot, she was tired and her feet felt like they had been hit with a hammer. Her shoes were on the floor, it was far too painful to be wearing them.

"Thank you so much darling." (Y/N) said to her sister-in-law.

"Is it really that bad?" Hyacinth asked.

(Y/N) wanted to say yes. Despite pregnancy being an extraordinary feeling, the emotions and connections you made with your unborn child were confusing, there were quite a few downsides; the sickness, the tiredness, not being able to fit into your dresses or shoes, as well as feeling every single type of emotion everyday. But after seeing the young girls scared face, she knew she couldn't be entirely truthful.

"No, of course not." (Y/N) smiled, sitting up slightly."It can just get a little tiring sometimes. Have you ever held a baby?"

She nodded.

"It was heavier than you imagined, hm? Well, my baby is a little heavy right now. But they will be here soon."

"I'm very excited to meet them. I can't wait to be an auntie!"

(Y/N) melted at that."You'll be an amazing auntie."

"Here you are." Anthony entered the room, relieved to see (Y/N), until he saw what state she was in."What is wrong? Hyacinth, why didn't you fetch for me sooner?"

Anthony rushed to his wife's side, snatching the fan from his sister and fanning his wife. (Y/N) was irritated whenever Anthony was like this, it was sweet that he cared, but her fuse was short. She was resting, not bed ridden.

"I am not returning to bed Anthony. I do not wish to bicker with you." (Y/N) made it clear."I am just hot, that is all."

"The doctor advised that you stay in bed for most of the day-"

"Anthony, I cannot stay cooped up all day, laying down and doing nothing. I would go simply mad. And I have spoken to friends who are or have been pregnant, none of them did that."

"They are not professionally trained."

"That doctor has never carried a baby."

"(Y/N) said it isn't that heavy." Hyacinth spoke up.

Anthony slowly turned his head to his sister. "This is a matter for the grown ups. Go and...play somewhere."

Hyacinth knew better than to argue with Anthony, rolling her eyes before leaving. (Y/N) pursed her lips at her husband's behaviour.

"Did I ever mention how amazing you are with children?"

Anthony smirked."Well, it's a bit late to be getting lessons on childcare, isn't it?"

(Y/N) giggled, taking Anthony's hand and placing it on her bump. Anthony loved touching her growing bump. It had been strange to see his wife changing shape before his eyes. He was so used to her body having run his hands over every angle, seeing it every day from the time they were married. But it made him fall even more in love with her, if that was even possible. Anthony could write a hundred pages expressing his love for his wife, and it would still never be enough.

"I still can't believe we're having a baby." he breathed out.

(Y/N) scoffed."Are you saying I've always looked like this?"

Anthony laughed."Of course not. But no matter how much you talk about such a thing, no matter how much preparation you do, it just seems surreal."

(Y/N) hummed in response, putting her hand on top of his."I've loved carrying them, but it is time for them to come out into the world."

"Still not saying whether it's a boy or girl?"

(Y/N) shook her head."I just don't feel one way about it. Not that I care about that, as long as they're healthy."

"I still say boy."

"You would."

"You just said you didn't care."

"I don't."

"(Y/N), please can you just promise me one thing?"

"Anthony, I am not staying in bed-"

"Stay by my side as much as possible. The baby is due soon and I want to ensure you are safe when the time comes."

"Oh, Anthony, I'm with you for a majority of the day anyway."

"I know but, if there are moments where I am not present, I want to have a sound mind that you are in safe hands, such as family or a member of staff."

"Well, you know I'm not going to be leaving the house, much to my annoyance. So I will be guarded all day and night."

"You're making it sound like you're a prisoner."

"I'm just being dramatic. I just want to meet our child now."

"Well, I can't deny either of those statements."

Anthony wasn't exaggerating when he said he wanted (Y/N) beside him at all times. From then on, they were seen with each other anywhere they went in the house. Anthony didn't go out as much as he did, and he instructed there always be staff in every room and corridor. She didn't mind it, however, as her due date grew closer, the more nervous she became. Unfortunately, that meant her temper was shorter, she became more snappy and tired, and she didn't want everyone constantly reminding her that she was about to give birth. (Y/N) tried so hard to not take it out on her husband, but because he was the one always beside her, he was the only person she could lash out at.

"Anthony, I'm sorry but I just need a few moments alone. I'll return soon, just...let me calm down. I'm sorry." she apologised as she walked away from him, having screamed about how frustrated she was.

She didn't hide her deep breathing as she waddled down the corridors, passing by staff that worryingly watched her. (Y/N) wanted to calm her heart rate, try and clear her mind. Feeling too many eyes on her, (Y/N) escaped into the nearest room, slamming the door shut behind her.

"(Y/N)?" Hyacinth said behind her.

(Y/N) sighed. Would she ever be alone again?

"What are you doing in my playroom? I thought you would be with Anthony."

She was playing with her dolls, three propped up in mini chairs, as was she, as they indulged in an imaginary afternoon tea. (Y/N) couldn't help but smile at that, envisioning her child playing in this room.

"Sorry darling, I just...I needed some time away from the grown ups."

"Oh, alright. Would you like to join us for tea?" she gestured to the chair beside her, causing (Y/N) to laugh.

"I don't think I would fit in that chair, even if I wasn't with child. I'll take the rocking chair. You carry on darling, I'm sorry for the interruption."

Her aching feet carried her to the chair, cautiously lowering down onto it. She rocked her heels back and forth, though did so slowly in case it caused any nausea. Hyacinth continued her game as if (Y/N) wasn't there, but kept her voice quiet to be respectful. (Y/N) closed her eyes, finally feeling the stress lift for just a moment when a jolt of pain in her stomach startled her. It made her let out a cry, clutching onto her bump as she leaned forward. Hyacinth jumped at the sudden noise, suddenly frightened at the way (Y/N) sounded and looked.

(Y/N)'s breathing got faster and deeper, yelling out as an unbearable feeling coursed through her. Her hands wrapped around her torso, willing the feeling to stop. A shocked noise escaped her when she felt herself go wet in the chair, liquid dripping down her legs.

"Hyacinth, get Anthony!" (Y/N) groaned, thankful a staff member rushed in. Hyacinth didn't have to be told twice, running as quickly as she could to fetch her brother. She had never seen anyone in such a state, no one had ever mentioned this pain when having a baby. Tears were in her eyes as she finally found Anthony, who was standing with her two other brothers at the staircase.

"Hyacinth, what's wrong?" Benedict was the first to notice the little girl running towards him.

She immediately grabbed Anthony's hand, gripping tightly onto it."Quickly!"

"What's happened?" Anthony asked her her fretting.

"(Y/N)'s having the baby!"

A second of silence passed before Anthony sprinted in the direction his sister came from. He only had to follow the sound of screaming to find his wife. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen, she was meant to be upstairs in a comfortable position, surrounded by women staff that were prepared. He halted in the doorway when he saw her clutching onto the servant's arm as she struggled to stand from the chair. He snapped an order at another servant who followed him. The doctor had to get here as soon as possible, and the other students needed to prepare immediately.

"It's alright my love, I'm here. The doctor is on his way." Anthony reassured her as he took her other arm.

"I'm in so much pain Anthony." she wept."I can't do it, I can't do it, I don't have control over my own body. I'm frightened!"

Anthony's heart was shattering into a million pieces seeing his wife like this. He couldn't do anything to help. He couldn't ease the pain. If he could, he would take all of the pain she had and endure it himself. Anthony was a mix of emotions; fear for his wife, excitement to meet his child, terrified at (Y/N)'a reactions and noises. It was all too much, nothing would have prepared him for this.

"Anthony, you must leave!" Violet suddenly appeared.

"Mama, I can't leave her-"

"You wouldn’t want to see this Anthony. Go wait for the doctor, we all know what we’re doing here.”

Anthony knew of the steps to take in this event, it was not proper for a man to be present during the ordeal of birthing. But the love for (Y/N) was urging him to stay and protect her, that was what he was supposed to do as a husband, not abandon her. They went through everything together. Now he was being told to leave because of societies rules.

Benedict and Colin were able to pull away Anthony easier than they thought, due to him being frozen and confused about what he should do. He only registered that (Y/N) was calling for him after they left the room. Fighting against his brothers hold, he ignored their please for him to stop. They didn’t understand. They weren’t married, they had no idea what it was like to be bonded with someone in this way. However, he knew they were right, he had to stay away. All he could do now was help her from outside of the room.

“Where is the doctor?!” he demanded to know from the nearest servant.

“H-he has b-been called upon, Lord Bridgerton.” they stuttered.

“As soon as he arrives, he is to be brought here, quickly! Gather pillows, as many as you can, and blankets, we must ensure my wife is as comfortable as she can be. She should have been giving birth in a bed!”

Benedict and Colin stood back in silence, shocked by the quick turn around in their brother’s behaviour. They didn’t dare say anything in case they were snapped at. 

(Y/N) was clinging onto Violet’s hand as she screamed, hating the way her body had taken over and she couldn’t take back control. Violet remained calm, knowing that (Y/N) could do this. She had birthed all of her children with no complications, she knew how much women had to endure, so Violet was equipped with the necessary grit and vigour to help her daughter-in-law. (Y/N) was grateful to have Violet there.

A gruelling eight hours passed, filled with (Y/N) screaming, crying, cursing, pleading and begging for Anthony. It took every ounce of his willpower to not dash back to her, he would never forgive himself for this. He wished he could change the rules so he could be beside her. He paced with a strong drink in his hand for those eight hours, his brothers sitting down, trying to support him. However, it was getting late, and they found themselves struggling to keep their eyes open. Anthony had got rid of his jacket, sleeves rolled up and shirt buttons undone as he got warm, fretting over what was happening to (Y/N). 

“Lord Bridgerton!” a servant exclaimed as they entered the room, trying to stay composed. 

The men perked up, suddenly awake. Anthony noticed the servant was smiling, which made him relieved.“What is it?”

“Lady Bridgerton has given birth.”

Anthony didn’t need to hear anything else. He instantly ran to where his poor wife had been in labour. Hyacinth would never step foot in that room again. He pushed past anyone that got in his way, halting at the open doors to the playroom. The first thing he saw was blood, a lot of it, alarmed at the sight. But as he entered the room, it was forgotten about when he saw (Y/N)’s grin aimed at the baby wriggling around in her arms. His steps were slow as he approached, scared that he would disturb the peace that had finally fallen in this room. 

“Anthony.” (Y/N) breathed out, clearly exhausted. 

“I’m sorry.” was all Anthony could manage, eyes still fixed on his child. 

“For what?”

“For not being here.”

“You’re here now, and I understand darling. Now come meet your son.”

Anthony’s eyes widened.“I-I have a son? We have a baby boy?”

The doctor who had been crouched beside (Y/N) smiled at the Lord, standing to give the couple their space.“Yes, Lord Bridgerton, you’re now a father and have a son, who is very healthy, just like his mother.”

Violet also backed away, beaming down at her eldest son. She had never imagined him married and settled down so quickly, she expected to have many more years of her son fooling around with women not of a certain standard. Once (Y/N) waltzed in, Violet had seen a change in Anthony, and hope was restored in the Viscount.

“He’s finally here.” (Y/N) smiled as Anthony sat beside her.

“He really is.” one of his arms wrapped around her shoulders, whilst the other supported her arms holding the baby.“You’re amazing. You did this (Y/N).”

“We did it.”

“No, no, you did this all by yourself. I’ll be with you every time form now on.”

“Every time? How many are you planning to have?”

He chuckled.“We’ll discuss that later.”

(Y/N) giggled, gently kissing the top of their baby’s forehead. Anthony couldn’t stop smiling, repeating (Y/N)’s actions to her. He had never envisioned this, he didn’t want to be trapped in this life at first. He had so many responsibilities dumped on him after his father died, he wanted to make sure his family was secure and have the freedom for himself; until he met (Y/N), and suddenly, he could see his entire future planned in front of him with this woman. He never fathomed that his heart could give anymore love for anyone else in this world, and he had been proven wrong. (Y/N) was the love of his life, as was his son, and he would protect and cherish them for the rest of his life. 

[yandere-sins]

Can’t believe Diluc ended up as a protective. Please blame the character study I made about him, it’s just very his-past-heavy welp >-< I can see it, many characters will be protectives in Genshin lol! Enjoy!

Characters: Diluc X Reader Warnings: Yandere, Alcohol/-inebriate, Getting attacked, Overprotectiveness, Blood mention

Diluc could have gladly renounced the looks his staff gave him as he helped you into your coat and led you out of the tavern to get you back to the winery. Even though there was no need for him to justify his actions, he still told them that he was just getting you to your current accommodations, a safe space, after you had been drinking a lot. Yet, they all smirked and chuckled at his explanation as if there was anything else going on.

Even you laughed as you stepped outside, shaking your head at him. “You really don’t need to escort me; it’s not like that long of a walk, and the path is safe and patrolled.”

Admittedly, and regrettably, Diluc had to admit the truth in your words, but still, he wasn’t swayed from his task. “Undoubtedly. But with the knowledge of how much you drank, I’d feel bad if you happen to collapse and end up sleeping on the curb, so I’d rather make sure you get back safely.”

“Always the gentleman,” you snickered, moving forward and into the night. 

By now, you two grew quiet, your voices strained from hours of talking. The whole evening, deep into the night, had been spent with too many words and too many stories. With you - and especially after all you two had been through together - Diluc somehow found himself at peace - even if only for a while. He’d still not open up, occasionally falling silent when the topic just became too much for him. Still, he managed to reel you in with even the slightest insights into his life. After all, it wasn’t just him who enjoyed your company, but it was clear you did very much the same. 

You always were so intrigued with his tales. The stories of his ‘adventures’, however odd they may have been, or very dull business talk, you were always lending him an open ear, showing your attention with your gaze on him. It would be a lie to say he didn’t notice the few, short glimpses you gifted to his lips on occasion, especially when the alcohol was starting to fog your mind. But he enjoyed even those, as well as the ones he snuck from yours.

It may have been a coincidence that you two met. Fate or not fate, it didn’t matter. But already, Diluc did not want to miss your visits whenever you came to Mondstadt. Even if it wasn’t a permanent home, he was glad whenever he could welcome you back, and for the few nights, you two spent together in the back of the tavern, listening to your past journey and his newest occurrences. Even if he gained the occasional odd glance from other people, he wouldn’t have missed even the slightest chance of meeting you and spending time together.

“Have you decided when you are leaving again--?”

A sudden loud bang occurred when a pyro bolt suddenly hit the ground next to you two. By now, you had long crossed the bridge in front of Mondstadt, but still, it was an unusual sight to see, so close to the city, nonetheless. Instinctively, you jumped aside, bumping into Diluc and getting you both thrown off your feet as a few more bolts flew over your heads, exactly where you had been standing just a second ago.

His eyes widened as he got back on his feet, drawing his sword and focusing on the enemies on hand. It was just a moment of concentration before he had finished them in a swift blow, but to him, it felt like half of an eternity as no thoughts but feelings overwhelmed him. This… hit close to home.

An ambush, attacks, a person he cared for, and yet, his negligence and inattentiveness could cause a tragedy... 

Diluc barely knew it was over when he finally realized he was standing in a circle of hot red, the grass around him burning for mere seconds before the flames disintegrated on their own, the Hilichurls returning to whatever bloody hell they came from. Only the sound of you, grunting briefly as you got up again, reached his ears, and he twirled around, a second of relief washing over him as he saw you stand up. But it was gone all too fast.

“You have one hell of a reaction, my Friend. I could need you on my journeys,” you joked, trying to resolve the tension you both felt after the attack. In a mere three steps, he was by your side, his sword clattering as it hit the stones on the ground. Diluc had never, never touched you before, and especially not in a way you wouldn’t have wanted. But now, his hands were digging into the flesh of your thighs, your hips, arms, and shoulders as he checked on you. By the time you realized where he had touched you, you found yourself pulled into his chest, one hand at the back of your head pushing you into him firmly. 

It might have been the shock or surprise, but Diluc took the seconds you needed to realize his embrace with great pleasure. You were okay. That’s all that mattered. You breathed - though still a bit ragged - and you didn’t complain about wounds. You were endlessly strong, but Diluc was simply relieved you were alright. It wouldn’t happen again. He would not lose someone important again. 

Truth be told, he should have never gotten as close as he found himself to you in the first place. But the damage was already done, yet another person - and he cursed himself for it - that he cared for and could no longer ignore. He was so glad that he had been with you that night, disregarding the fact that even inebriated, you would have been able to take care of some Hilichurls by yourself with your powers. But either way, you didn’t end up like someone he couldn’t protect in the past, and that was all that mattered to Diluc.

Embarrassed, you cleared your throat, and almost instantly, he let go of you, taking a good step back. Diluc’s mouth opened to apologize, but he couldn’t even start justifying his doings. Instead, he looked up with the same old, indifferent gaze you were used to, asking, “Are you okay?”

It looked like you wanted to comment on what happened, but you decided to bite your tongue, unsure if you’d open up any wounds with him if you did, and shook your head. “Well, some scratches here and there, but I’ll be okay.” Bringing a hand to the back of your head, you rubbed it tensely. “I can’t really afford getting hurt, so thanks for taking care of the issue. Didn’t think we’d get into trouble. I owe you a glass of juice for saving me! And that on the day before I leave for Liyue, can you believe the nerve of these Hilichurls?”

You had always been quick to make light of a situation, brushing it off with a laugh. Leaning down, you reached for his sword at your feet, picking it up to hand it over. “You’re… leaving,” Diluc mumbled as you held out his weapon, not even looking at it as he retrieved it from you, his eyes drilling into you instead. “Y-Yeah? I was just about to tell you before…” gesturing around you, you felt unnerved by his stare, smacking your lips before hitting the road again. “Let’s go back to the winery, shall we?”

Getting a headstart on him, you insisted on moving on. As if what happened was nothing to you. You were a fighter, required to be durable, work hard in your strive, and travel the lands. However, in Diluc eyes, if that one bolt hadn’t missed, he could see you dead and bleeding on the dirt road beneath his feet, your blood soaking through the path. There was no way, with all the dangers in Teyvat, that you wouldn’t encounter another enemy in the future. Just, he wouldn’t be there. He couldn’t protect you. 

“The winery…” he mumbled quietly to himself. “Yeah?” you perked up instantly. “Let’s go back ‘home’!” you laughed, but the corners of Diluc’s mouth didn’t even seem to flinch at it. 

Home it was, and if you agreed so eagerly that this way home, perhaps it was time you stayed for a while longer just so he could make sure that what happened wouldn’t repeat itself. 

Ever again.

[hpalways]

Spice and Tea || Zhongli

EVERYTHING seemed to be much grander in the city of Liyue Harbor. The tall, towering structures were built from an endless budget of mora, glistening in the darkness. Golden-amber lights shown from each building, they were nearly blinding, but so beautiful. It were these very details that made the city so popular with the tourists... though it was a rather different matter for those who resided here. Besides the fact, these colors reminded you of something — no, someone. 

This someone was currently in front of you, his tall figure leading you through the streets. His long, ebony hair swishing in a ponytail behind him, the soft-looking strands almost slapped you in the face several times. He then glanced back at you, his golden hues digging into your soul. “Are you alright? You look quite out of it,” he observed. 

Blinking for a few seconds, you cleared your throat and quickly nodded. “I am? I didn’t realize.”

Actually, it wasn’t too surprising that you were. The memory of Zhongli telling you that he was the Geo God was resurfacing. No matter how much time you had to process all of this, you could never truly grasp it. A god? How could someone like him... be something so impressive? But the evidence was there. From the way he looked to the way he acted, his entire being symbolized the city. 

You first acquainted him when you found him lingering around your stall, curious of the herbs and spices that were laid out for sale. Dressed in exquisite clothing in multiple shades of brown, you assumed he was someone of high status. Intimidated by him immediately, you steered clear of him and only spoke when he had any inquires. His voice low and calm, he turned out to be really philosophical. His knowledge of the herbs you tended to was profound, and you couldn't help but be in awe. When he finally decided to buy something, it left you dumbstruck. He didn't have mora on himself. How could someone not have mora on themselves?! He was a mystery to you. 

Chasing him away for making a fool out of yourself, you couldn't believe you wasted time on him. However, that wasn't the last time you saw him. He visited a few times a week, coming without mora as always. To this, you were supposed to kick him out, for he provided no business. But deep down inside, you had no heart to do so, not when he looked so passionate talking about mundane things like herbs. Listening to him speak left you at ease, so a smile would take place on your lips more often. 

So here you were now. The two of you developed a closer relationship throughout the weeks. Yet, the news of Zhongli as a god seemingly complicated things. Why would he spend time with a mere mortal being like you? You were nothing compared to him, a speck of dust within his years. In no time, he would forget you... and the thought of that hurt.

Brushing those thoughts away, you decided it was best to enjoy this moment with him. The future was unknown, concerning the two of you, but worrying would only add wrinkles onto your face. Speeding up your pace, you were side by side with the consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. He rose his eyebrows, sending you a soft smile that left you flustered. 

"Why do we have to go to a teahouse when I already have herbs to make tea out of?" you complained. "I'll be the one spending my mora too."

He blinked in surprise. He always did this when someone brought up the currency, as if he didn't realize mora existed. "Oh, that's right. The tea is going to cost pretty expensive," he said, humming. He looked unbothered, knowing he was a total parasite to you. Damn, if he was a god, couldn't he at least create some mora and have you become rich?

The teahouse was coming into view, the homely building wide and spacious. Strolling through the front door, you were led to a table for two. Sitting yourself down in front of Zhongli, you watched as he professionally scanned through the menu. 

"Do you have any preferences?" he asked you. "If not, I know a good one. It's refreshing and has this distinct taste that never fails to reduce stress. After all, a lot happened today, did it not?"

He was correct in that. Today, the newest stocks for your spices didn't deliver on time, because the wagon fell into the ditch. This was a great annoyance to your day, but you decided to go check on it, in exchange that you would get your products safely. What you didn't know was that the wagon had ran into hilichurls earlier, who still lingered there when you arrived at the scene of crime. Ambushed by the creatures, it was thought you were to meet your end when someone saved you in time. It was no other than the Geo God himself, the very one sitting across from you at this moment. 

This encounter had struck more doubts within you. The difference in strength and power between you and Zhongli was out of this world. You were so weak, but he slashed those monsters dead with a few hits. It made you wonder if it was better if he didn't need know you; you were such a nuisance for him, someone not worth of his time. 

"Thank you for saving me back then," you said for the millionth time already. "I guess paying for the tea shouldn't be a big deal, since I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for you."

"It was a pleasure saving you. You are my favorite merchant, after all." He crossed his arms across his chest and leaned on the back of the chair, looking pleased with himself. A staff member approached the table and he went to order tea. Once they were gone, the consultant leaned forward, gazing intently at you. His gloved hand lifted from beneath and was placed on top of your head. Stroking your [h/c] locks endearingly, he was throwing you off drastically. He was never this affectionate. "Go get some rest after this. Don't go back to the market -- it should be closing soon anyway."

Much to your disappointment, he removed his hand when a teapot was set in the middle. Porcelain tea cups were stacked beside it, ready to be used. Elegantly reaching for them, he poured the steamy liquid into the fragile cups, handing one to you and keeping the other for himself.

Patiently blowing into the tea, you took a sip and melted at the taste of it. He was right; this was almost enough to erase all your worries away. 

"This citrus and honey scent stemming from it... it reminds me of you, [Y/N]," he said softly. His lashes lowered, showcasing how long and dark they were. Beautiful. Why was he so beautiful? "Soothing and warm. You allowed me at your stall when no else did. You became a haven, if I dare say." He sipped his tea and let out a content sigh. "Most relationships I've had with others were bounded through contracts. Although, with you, there is none and I still find myself returning to see you. Is this the meaning of sentiment then?"

You were thoroughly unprepared with his words. He kept surprising you today. Was he somehow affected by the near death experience you had today? That couldn't possibly be true. "I-I don't know," you choked out.

It was silent for the next few minutes. Averting your eyes away from him, you buried your face into your cup, gulping down the rest of its contents. Now empty, you hurried to pour in more tea, hoping you didn't look as awkward as you felt. Meanwhile, his features were passive to the point it was unreadable. What was he thinking about? 

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" he asked bluntly. Your shoulders stiffening, you quickly shook your head in denial. "I see. And yes, to see you almost dying, it frightened me. I couldn't bear to lose you." Your mouth parted in shock. Did he somehow read your mind? 

But his words... they touched you, making tears prickle the corners of your eyes. Blinking them away, you gulped and fixed your posture self-consciously. He truly cared about you. 

Before you could stop yourself, you summoned up the courage to voice the question that had been on your mind all night long. "Will you forget me someday?"

He chuckled in amusement, shaking his head afterwards. Reaching for your hand, he guided it to the side of his face. His skin soft and smooth under your fingertips, the feeling of it sent your heart racing. His crimson bangs brushed you, tingles erupting on your tender skin. He nuzzled himself into the crook of your palm, fluttering his eyes shut. "Never. You will be thought of during every tea I drink, every herb I analyze, every merchant I meet, and every hilichurl I fight. Memories with you will be cherished forever... so don't go forgetting me either."

[tmae3114]

Further Trauma Siblings AU thoughts:

so I want to say that they become good friends quickly bc, like, Tomix is shaped like a friend and in canon Belle says she wishes she could’ve met him and it’s what they deserve

but

Belle is a fresh-out-of-Edelia Soulweaver and Tomix uses his weaving in battle so...

like, Belle’s brain is recalibrating. She’s been taught that using weaving in battle is an Inherently Evil Act but this guy is? observably not evil? he uses his weaving in battle to protect people and he’s kind and good with the kids in town? there is a shift in worldview occurring here

this mostly takes the form of her being extremely awkward around Tomix while this information reconciles into the form of “oh, so using weaving in battle ISN’T evil. okay, I know that now”

(incidentally, Belle is, in fact, much better about this than most Edelian soulweavers would probably be. She goes “weaving in battle = evil” -> “Tomix is clearly not evil though?” -> “weaving in battle =/= inherently evil?” whereas many would probably go “Tomix must be hiding something”)

I’ve got this image of their first meeting happening in the tunnels on the way to Ravenloss. The group Belle’s been travelling with gets ambushed and people from Ravenloss show up to help (or were already on their way to act as an escort?) and Tomix is one of the ones in that particular patrol. Belle gets to see Tomix in action in battle in a dark cavern and that is Objectively Cool

anyways, once Belle’s brain has recalibrated (incidentally causing Tomix’s brain to recalibrate bc “wow you made that change fast”) THEY THEN GET TO BE FAST FRIENDS

Tomix: So, uh, [shares his backstory] Belle, who has absolutely heard the story of the kid who stole the Headmaster’s Spiritlooms and got expelled in some form: THAT WAS YOU???

Belle canonically wanted to save as many lives as possible in the conflict and that’s a motivation that’s going to continue so she’s helping out in Ravenloss

I mentioned this in the tags of the first post but they find out that they’re siblings BY ACCIDENT

it goes something like this: Belle, having a semi-noticable Nibeoheim accent: [offhandedly mentions her adoptive father, Krasimir, who is a soulsmith] Tomix: [mentally notes those facts but doesn’t think much of it] SOME TIME LATER Someone: [uses Tomix’s surname] Belle: Wait, “Danao”?? Tomix: Yeah? Belle, thinking this is a funny coincidence: That’s Krasimir’s surname too! Tomix: ......my dad’s name is Krasimir and he’s a soulsmith who lives in Nibeoheim [beat] Both of them simultaneously: WAIT A SECOND-

Krasimir gets a couple of letters from his son and daughter going “HEY WE HAVE QUESTIONS” shortly after this

Belle being around is somehow going to be the catalyst for Tomix surviving, given Staff Dove did actually suggest that her manaweaving could theoretically have undone the link between Tomix & Aspar in a way that wouldn’t kill him

though this does then bring up the same question he asked in that thread, i.e. what would that do to Belle herself?

....I don’t know yet but probably not anything worse than defeating Theano, right?

anyways, she’s still gonna get involved in the taking Theano down stuff somehow, because she deserves it, and then Tomix gets to be there for that

“Hey, I want to found a new weaving school here in Ravenloss, do you want to help?” Tomix.exe has stopped responding

[justasparkwritings]

Troll In Love: Part 1

Pairing: Park Jimin x Reader

Genre: Enemies to Lovers / Exes to Lovers, Non-Idol AU

Rating: PG-17

Word Count: 4.6k

Warnings: Swearing

Summary: What happens when your work nemesis and your ultimate troll team up to flip your world upside down? 

Note: This piece is for the #thebtswritersclub fic exchange! Look out for Part 2 later this week. 

This fic is dedicated to, written for the incomparable @xjoonchildx​, who I have been lucky enough to be paired with. A major fan, this was an intimidating endeavor, and I’m kind of in love with what I’ve created for her. And if she hates it .... it’s trash okay? jk... kind of. 

Banner by me. 

Monday: Pitch Meeting

           “Everyone has an inherent archnemesis,” Claire began her presentation, eyes peering across the conference room, attempting to make thoughtful eye contact with her peers.

          Finally, a staff writer, this pitch marked her first foray into feature writing. It wasn’t like she hadn’t tried, in her three years at the company as a freelance writer, it wasn’t that she didn’t draft proposals, complete preliminary research, no, she absolutely did. But there was always someone in front of her, someone who always came around the corner, nicking first place with seconds to spare. Claire hated you from the moment you arrived, bright eyed and excited, a recent college graduate gunning for a position at the magazine. While it took her years to pitch a cover story feature, years to move from an assistant to full-time staff writer, you had done so in a handful of years.

          Today, Claire decided, that would change.  She had prepped and planned for weeks, laid in wait for Marissa to give her the go ahead to pitch her idea to the team. Adjusting her Dior, she shifted from heel to heel before speaking again.

          “We all have that one person who no matter what we post, they find a way to demean it, turn it negative, make it about something completely unrelated. Whether that’s politics, or religion, or sex, there is that one troll we can’t help but root against. My proposal is to use a few members of staff to find their internet trolls, to engage with them over a period of time, and if they’re willing, interview them, both separately and together. I want to discover what it is that makes them keep commenting, why they always seem to gravitate towards certain posts, who their audience is and how it relates to our greater understandings of our enemies.” Claire sighed, the heavy lifting of her presentation just beginning.

           “I like it, who do you want to use?” Marissa asked.

           “Someone from each of our most high-profile teams, or the people in our office that have the largest social media followings. For a few that overlaps,”

           “Who are those people?”

           “Y/N, Jaxson, Hoseok, Emma and Bridgette,” Claire explained. “They have an average Instagram following of ten thousand, and on Twitter it’s twelve thousand.”

           “What do you post that gets you so many followers?” Gillian questioned.

           “My ass,” Jaxson laughed. “But really, it’s Drag Race content,”

           “Good, you have a list. I need written permission from each of you to interview you and your top internet harassers.”

           “I’d like to request that my name be off the list,” You asked, hand still raised.

           Hoseok asked, knowing the answer deep in his bones. “Why?”

           “I just, I don’t think it’d be a –

           “Nonsense, you have a large following, I’m sure there’s someone who pisses you off regularly,” Marissa interrupted.

           “Yes, there is! What’s his name? Jimin?” Claire pretended to scan her page, her cursory glance perfunctory instead of practical.

           You heard the gasp leave Hoseok’s mouth before you registered what was happening.

“Fuck you!” You snapped. “I’m sorry, that was inappropriate, but the sentiment remains.”

           “It was, but it also sealed your fate.” Marissa stood. “Start assembling your team and listen to Claire, I’m sure she has a list of things she needs from you.”

           “I do!” Claire chimed.

           “Great, get me the contracts from legal and get it to each of the people you’ve listed before 5PM today, I want signed consent before you leave this building.”

           “What if I don’t want to?” You asked, your final plea.

           “You owe her for the debacle with your last interview,” Marissa reminded you.

           “It’s not my fault they were drunk both times! I got the article done and out. It was one of our biggest issues in the last year and was followed up by two other feature pieces by me that beat that record,” You countered, your success an unnecessary brag in a room full of people who feared and admired your work.

           “I don’t care, Y/N, handle it,” Marissa sauntered out, her assistants following close behind.

           Slouching in your chair, your eyes landed on Claire, glaring daggers into her perfectly straight midnight bob. She was everything you hated, a brown noser, a narcissist, a career driven monster who had been biting at your heels since you arrived. She was jealous, blinded by some lofty goal that she’d be an editor or editor in chief before 28, a feat rare in fashion, unless you were Elaine Welterwroth or Margaret Zhang, of course. They had become editors and editors in chief by ages 29 and 27 respectively. Though Zhang had begun her career blogging at 16, a fact that only infuriated Claire who was too busy popping pimples and trying to lose her virginity to her junior varsity boyfriend.

          Claire could spend days listing everything she hated about you. She hated your easy interactions with coworkers, the ability to have the entire room stop and listen when you spoke, the craft of your written work and relationships maintained with subjects years after interviewing them. She hated how you left work with Hoseok on your arm or went to drinks with the assistants and interns. How you achieved so many bylines, becoming an editor in your own right without so much as breaking a sweat, while she was scraping the barrel to be noticed. You seemingly had everything Claire wanted, and Claire was sick of it.

Monday: Your Office

           “Thank you, for your participation,” Claire said, sitting across from you in your office.

           “You aren’t welcome, I’m actually rather unimpressed with your ability to ambush not only me but the other people you’ve trapped into doing your article,” You crossed your legs, adjusting the waist band of your trousers and continued to scowl at her. Claire had only heard of your less than cheerful personality, though it remained largely rumored, she had never had it confirmed or dared to see it in person.

           “How, charming,” She rolled her eyes.

           “Look, you don’t want to be talking to me, I don’t want to be talking to you. Just tell me what you want so I can send you on your way.”

           Claire watched as you reached across your desk to grab your black and white planner, flipping open to the weeks page and holding your pen at the ready. The inside, covered in stickers and hand lettered phrases, fit the persona Claire so desperately wanted to mimic.

           “I need you to read and sign this,” Claire slid the agreement across your glass desk. “Then, I need you to identify the username of your troll, and I need to borrow an intern from your team.”  

           “You can’t have one,”

           “Marissa said I could have whatever I needed, and I need an intern to comb through your tweets.”

           “I can save you the trouble, I rarely tweet, when I do, it’s addressing the same ass hat,” You explained.

           “Well, I need their handle,”

           “Fine,”

           “And the intern,” Claire was firm.

           You rolled your eyes, before pressing the intercom. “Hey Alexis, can you send Erin to me?”

           “Sure thing,” Alexis replied.

           “Thank you,”

           Claire rolled her eyes.

           “Jealous?” You questioned.

           “Read the contract, sign it and send it back to me along with answering the Form that’s in your inbox,” Claire directed.

           “Great,”

           “I’ll be back on Friday to go over your tweets and exchanges before we decide on a tactic to reach out to them and ask them to come in for an interview,” Claire explained. It didn’t annoy you that she was prepared, but it did piss you off a little to know how much she had thought this through. Maybe you should give her a chance, professionally, not socially, Claire would remain a bottom feeder.

           “Who says they’re in the city?” You questioned.

           “If not, we’ll Zoom with them, okay?”

           “Excuse me, you wanted to see me?” Erin peered through the door; wavy bangs parted slightly to expose her forehead and freckled cheeks.

           “Yes, your projects are on hold. Claire here needs your help with her feature article, and as my intern, you are to report to her for the remainder of the project,” You explained.

           Erin’s eyes widened, never had she been reassigned to a special project, let alone with Claire who was notorious for running interns and assistants into the ground. “Who will take over my work?”

           “Can you make a list of where you’re at and send it to me? I will meet with the team tomorrow to talk about where we need to fill in the gaps,”

           “Okay,”

           “Claire, this is Erin, if you are a bitch to her, I will ensure you don’t ever write a feature piece or move past copy editor here or anywhere,”

           “I don’t know where you get off thinking you can speak to me like –

           “I am your superior, and you will respect my intern or face the consequences,”

           “Fine,” Claire turned and left, leaving Erin wondering what on earth she had been roped into.

Tuesday: Happy Hour

           “You gave the real handle?” Hoseok asked over drinks after work, a little happy hour to celebrate leaving the office before 7PM.

           “What was I going to do? She could easily look at my Twitter and Instagram and find out, why lie?”

           “What happened to preservation?” Hoseok mocked.

           “Either I give in and get Claire off my back, or I get called to Marissa’s and have consequences, like I’m a fucking child.”

           Hoseok eyed you suspiciously. “Did you give her his name?”

           “You saw in that meeting, she already knows. I blame you,”

           “Me?”

           “Yes you, always talking about dance classes with Jimin, the good old days of photographing him and styling him in college. He abandoned me to go to school with you, and you’ve taken it all in stride.” You explained. It wasn’t a new story, a new plea, a new exploration of your tempestuous non-relationship with Jimin. It was sad, really, listening to you express the hurt you’ve never let go of.

           “He didn’t abandon you to come to school with me,” Hoseok laughed.

           “Potato, Tomato,”

           “You should talk-

           “Nope, you made your once monthly ‘you should talk to Jimin’ comment a week ago over margheritas, you don’t get another for ten more days,” You scolded.

           “Fine, fine.”

           “I don’t even know where he is,” You muttered, pink liquid of your Paloma slipping down your throat.

           “That’s a lie,”

           “Can you stop calling me out and let me hate him?” You hadn’t meant to snap, but the constant chatter revolving around Jimin was too much to handle, it was too much in two days, too much in the years since you last saw him. Park Jimin was, and has remained, too much.  

           “Fine,” Hoseok resigned. “Have you looked at your tweets lately?”

           “No, I refuse to go back and read whatever horrors I wrote in 2019,”

           “You should,” He suggested.

           “I guarantee Claire will force me to read them. Probably aloud at some last-minute staff meeting she puts together on Friday to fucking fillet me,” You rolled your eyes again, the last dregs of grapefruit clumping together as they slid down the side of your glass.

           “Maybe if you weren’t so,” He starts.

           “Bitchy?”

           “Your words, then she would like you,”

           “She’s hated me since I got there, I’ve tried being nice. I’ve tried being cordial. Claire and I will never mix,” You explained.

           “He’s gone blonde you know,” Hoseok’s eyes have flittered past you, glancing down the street at the setting sun, glad he brought his latest Gucci jacket to keep him warm in the early spring evening.

           “Didn’t you hit your moratorium on how long you can talk about Jimin in a conversation?”

           “You said his name!” Hoseok argued.

           “He isn’t Trump, Hoseok. I can say his name, sometimes.”  

           Hoseok let the moment simmer, cooling gently before turning it up to a raucous boil. “I’m having a kick back next Wednesday, will you come?”

           “If he’s not there,” You answered.

           “I can’t promise that,”

           “Then I can’t promise either,” Chewing the ice from your glass, you let your mind wander to the possibilities of what might happen should you show up to Hoseok’s party and are greeted by Jimin. Blonde Jimin. Jimin with the sparkling eyes and winning smile. Jimin who harasses you on the internet weekly, Jimin who you haven’t spoken to since you were 22, Jimin whom you hated with every fiber of your being.

           Worst case scenario, you couldn’t avoid him and would be forced to speak words to him. Best case, you time it perfectly and he’s either just left or hasn’t arrived and you can doll out pleasantries before Irish-goodbying and never having to confront him.

           “Y/N, please, you haven’t seen my new place yet and it’s finally furnished,” Hoseok pleaded.

           “I’ll think about it,” You resigned.

           “Great!”

           “I fucking hate you and our friendship,” You scoffed, signaling the waiter to bring you the check. You should’ve ordered food, being buzzed and talking about Jimin was never a good idea.

           “I know you do.” Hoseok winked before picking up the tab for you both.

           “At least tell me you haven’t invited Seokjin,” You asked, slipping your coat over your shoulders.

           “Well-

           “You’re fucking with me, right?” You questioned. “You fucking invited both of my exes to a, I’m sorry, kick back? Hoseok, no.”

           “I love you, and I’m sorry, Seokjin helped me find some great pieces for the place, and you know he’s friends with Namjoon and Jungkook,” He tried to explain.

           “That doesn’t mean I want to stare at them over my tenth flute of champagne and my plate which will be piled high with cheese and crackers and pieces of salami.”

           “You and Seokjin are fine though, you ended-

           “Don’t say amicably,” You cut him off.

           “Well, close to it. Please,” He begged. Begging never looked good on Hoseok.

           Staring into his dark irises, a shade mimicking your own, you couldn’t hold the anger brewing. Being around Seokjin was always a better alternative than Jimin. Though the pity he often felt towards you, at your angered state which has never really subsided, was embarrassing. “I’ll think about it.”

           “I love you,” Hoseok pulled you into a hug.

           “Yeah, yeah, then why do you keep doing this to me?”

           “Because I love you,”

           “Tell Taehyung to call me,” You said, waving to him before stepping into the waiting Lyft you’d called at the bar.

           “I will, can’t make any promises,” Hoseok winked before turning towards the subway, where he’d pull out his head phones and scan through the photos he’d taken throughout the day, waiting to get home to Taehyung to analyze, edit and critique them.

Thursday: Claire’s Makeshift Office

           “Are you ready?” Claire asked, sifting through the papers on her desk.

           “You had me come to your office, after you scheduled a meeting to ask if I’m ready? Yes Claire, I’m fucking ready,” You snapped.

           “Erin,” Claire gestured towards your intern who tried to hold her eye roll.

           “So, I combed through your tweets, sifting through your interactions with Mochimin, which is a very creative username,” Erin began.

           “Yeah, his name and nickname combined,” You rolled your eyes.

           “And we read through them all, well mostly me… and I have to ask, are you sure these are your tweets?” Erin questioned.

           “Yes, and what should be his responses,” You answered reaching forward to grab the printed copies waiting for you. You scanned over the interactions, the subtweets, the blatant tags, the retweets and comments not just by Jimin, but a few of your friends too.

           “Why have you been telling us he’s the troll?” Erin asked.

           Her question caught you off guard, eyes wide, shock echoing in your bones.

           “What the fuck? What do you mean? Look at how he fucking responded!”

           “Y/N, you’re the troll!” Erin laughed. “It’s you, not him,”

           “I am not! This is a fucking joke! It’s not April Fools yet, way to put the cart before the horse!” Your voice radiated throughout the small conference room.

          Claire, not having an office of her own, had requested it to conduct most of her teams work. It was your least favorite of the conference rooms, colder both in décor and temperature than the others, it was situated on the corner leading to the kitchen. Glass on two walls, it was the definition of exposed. Everyone could see your outburst. Everyone could watch you fall to pieces. You guessed Claire had planned it this way, to demonstrate how focused her team was, how dedicated to the project they were, to show everyone her value as a staff writer instead of a freelancer. You also assumed she did this to ensure that whatever break down you were beginning to have, would have at least ten witnesses, ten people to side with her that your behavior was irresponsible and reckless.

           “Oh please, get over yourself,” Claire chuckled. The light in her eyes proved your assumptions, she was enjoying this. “Do you see how you interact with him?”

          “What do you mean how I interact with him? He started this!” You lowered your volume, side glances from colleagues passing by alerting you to the unprofessional decibels you’d began reaching.

          “In almost every interaction, you bait him, hook line and sinker. It’s you, Y/N,” Erin explained.

           “No!”

           “Yes, this poor man, just living his life while you’re purposefully harassing him!” Claire feigned shock, eyes widening, mouth slightly open. It was taking everything in you not to resort to physical violence.  

           “I would never,” You glowered.

           “You have! For years, it’s always you,” Erin said again.

          “I, no, that’s impossible. He started it!”

          “Admitting is the first step,” Claire’s placid smile was demanding to be smacked off.

          “Fuck you! This is ridiculous!”

          “July 10, 2020: Thinking of one man in particular, hoping the bleach in his locks burns in the summer heat.Followed by his comment: thinking of one woman in particular, hoping she knows I wear a hat and use purple shampoo.” Erin read.

          “I, I, no!”

          “October 13: Nothing makes me happier than not being invited to a birthday bash with all my friends. He responded: All you have to do is ask. On your birthday, he tweeted: Happy B-Day to the girl who … oh never mind she hates me. You responded: nobody asked for your half-hearted bullshit, next time I hope you choke on it.”

          “He started it!”

          “Why are you so awful to him?” Erin wanted to know.

          “I am not, he began harassing me first,” You tried to argue.

          “Does Hoseok know?” Claire chided.

          “Know what?”

          “About your vendetta,”

          “It’s not a vendetta!”

          “Then explain why you tweet or subtweet him at least twice a week, and then when he responds, tweet him again! You don’t even tag him, just vaguely mention discernable parts of his personality or appearance,” Erin explained.

          “I do not! How do you know what he looks like?” You tried to counter.

          “His profile picture, and a certain friend of yours doesn’t mind sharing-

          “You asked Jungkook? Or was it Taehyung? Or I’m sorry, both?” Your eyes were wide, breathing labored, anger boiling to inhumane levels.

          “Well, if we asked Hoseok you would’ve kno-

          “You called or texted or DM’ed Jungkook and Taehyung, and asked about Jimin?”

          “Yes,” Erin bowed her head, guilt written into the freckles her blush tried so desperately to hide.

          “I cannot believe you, Erin,” You spat.

          “I’m sorry Claire wanted me to,”

          You turned your gaze to Claire, who had begun to cower in her seat.

          “You did the one thing, the absolute one thing that you knew, you fucking knew, would set me off. You did this on purpose, you fucking bottom feeder, you fucking dillweed you crossed the fucking line, Claire,” You spat. Your volume had lowered into a low growl, far more deadly and intimidating than any yelling you had done.

          “We have the proof, Y/N, you can’t deny it, you attack Jimin regularly,” Claire unskillfully attempted to move the conversation away from Jungkook and Taehyung. Like you would balk at her intrusion.

          “You don’t get to violate my personal life, to violate the lives of the people I care deeply about, to expose sources and put them in danger should this article go south, poking and prodding into the lives of people who are dealing with their own bullshit to push your own fucking agenda, Claire,” You were seething, Te Fiti in Moana, Mrs. Weasley against Bellatrix, Kim Kardashian against the ocean searching for her diamond. Your wrath knows no bounds, and Claire had finally crossed the line into territory she could never come back from.

          “It’s for the job, nothing personal.” Claire shrugged. You could see it in her eyes, she wanted blood and was elated to be getting it.

          “This is entirely personal.”

          “Well, you can ask Jimin about it when we interview him,” She smiled, lips upturning revealing her veneers, red lipstick perfectly matte and shaped against her thin flesh.

          “No, absolutely not,” You shook your head.  

          “Yes, that’s part of the deal you agreed to,”

          “I take it back. I revoke my consent!”

          “It’s non-negotiable,” Marissa said. She had sauntered in during your berating, watching as you tried and failed to continue believing that you weren’t the troll. “You have agreed to this, and you will sit through the interview and cordially answer Claire’s questions.”

          “Marissa, this is crossing a line,” You stated.

          “You have to be held accountable,” Claire said.

          “Fuck you, Claire. Believe it or not, there are somethings that are beyond your understanding and a few that are not appropriate for work,” You continued to scold her.

          “Y/N, why are you being so hostile?” Claire was mocking you, with Marissa by her side, she was invincible.

          “You picked me on purpose. What have you been working with Hoseok? Is this some larger plan to get me to talk to Jimin? I don’t want to talk with Jimin or talk to Jimin, isn’t it bad enough he’s being brought into my work? Oh and let’s not forget you using Erin and Hoseok to gain access to Jungkook and Taehyung, who are beyond off limits.” You listed each of her offenses, careful to leave out indiscretions that occurred before this project of hers began.  

          “You agreed to-

          “No, I was forced to do this by you, Marissa,” You began.

          It wasn’t hard to glower at Marissa, one of the most decorated editors in chief, beloved by Condé Nast, best friend of Anna Wintour… Everyone aspired to be her, but in the last year, through your promotion and growing turbulence within the magazine, her leadership had begun to falter. Her steady hand, guiding each staff writer and editor towards success and elevating everyone’s work, was crumbling at an alarming pace. Yet, no one knew why or if anything was being done to rectify the damage her wake was leaving.

          “I was coerced into this under some pretense that I owe Claire something for a so called fuck up that resulted in the biggest boon in our magazines readership in the last year, which was followed up by not one but two feature bylines and my promotion. I have done more than enough at this company, in this industry, to sit here and be forced to engage with a man who destroyed my world. I will not speak with him, or to him or listen to him. I will not, and if you force me, I will get legal involved. Should this bullshit continue, you can expect my letter of resignation next week.”

          Standing and shoving your chair in, you turned on the heels of your Oxfords and marched straight to your office. Closing your laptop and shoving your planner into your tote, you grabbed your phone.

          “Where are you going?” Hoseok asked. He moved in time with you, following down the many corridors of your office and towards the elevators.

          As you stepped in, you pressed lobby and waited for the doors to be closed before turning to him.

          “Did you tell Erin she could contact Jungkook and Taehyung?” You asked.

          “She did what?” Hoseok yelled, soundwaves bounding off the metal and plastic of the elevator, reverberating in your ears.

          “Did you?”

          “No, I can’t believe she, are you serious?” Hoseok couldn’t lie, a fundamental flaw in his design made it impossible for him to tell the smallest fib.

          “Did you work with Erin and Claire to get me involved in this feature? To get me to talk to Jimin?” You didn’t mince your words or pad your language to make him feel less attacked. You needed the answer, and you needed it now.

          “No, I didn’t know Claire was doing this until she pitched it. You think I would-

          “Hoseok, they called Jungkook and Taehyung. They want Jimin to come in to be interviewed, they won’t stop until I-

          “Until you what?”

          “Marissa has always supported me, championed me. But Claire has her number, she has her locked and loaded, aiming for me and I don’t know why,” You confided.

          “She has been slipping lately,” He agreed. “There’s only one way to stop this,”

          Together you stepped out of the elevator, moving past the turnstiles to the revolving door.

          “Am I crazy?” You asked, the insecurity beginning to overtake your bravery.

          “No, something weird is going on,”

          You clarified, “No, I mean, am I crazy for… for doing this to Jimin?”

          “I don’t know if you’re crazy, but you’ve definitely not been your best self,” Hoseok answered.

          “He makes me so-

“You still love him,” Hoseok interrupted.

          “I-

          “Go talk to him,” Hoseok encouraged. “Call me after, we can get drinks and wallow or pick out an outfit for your hot date.”

          “What if he-

          “Just, talk to him, okay?” Hoseok requested.

          “Okay,”

          “I’ll check in with Jungkookie and Taehyungie,” He assured.

          “Thank you,”

          “I’ll also scope out open positions, we can’t stay here,”

          “I love you, Hobi,” You confided, a statement that flowed so easily past your lips, you didn’t have to think or parse through the emotions that went along with it. You’ve always loved him, always will.

          “I love you too, Y/N,” Hoseok draped his arm around your shoulders before placing a kiss to your forehead, a gentle embrace, a squeeze of confidence, a gesture of love. He moved swiftly from you back into the building, and as you watched him walk away, you took a deep breath.

          Taking your phone out of your pocket, you dialed a number you had tried to forget.

          “To what do I owe this unexpected delight of a call?” He asked. His voice was the same, chipper and cunning in the same breath.

          “I need to speak with you, ASAP,” You told him.

          “Okay, I’m working from home today, come over whenever,” He invited you without hesitation.

          “You still live at the same place?”

          “No, moved up. I’ll send you the address,”

          “You know who this is?” You asked, uncertainty back in your bones.

          “What, Y/N, you thought I deleted your number?” Jimin laughed, one of only a few sounds that shot right to your knees, making any posture unstable in the docile sounds of his joy.

          “I, I don’t know, I guess. Look I’m going to hail a cab, I’ll be there in 20,”

          “I look forward to it, just tell the doorman you’re here for me and he’ll let you up,” Jimin said.

          “Okay, see you soon, I guess,”

          “I can’t wait,” Jimin was smiling, you couldn’t see it, but the lilt in his voice was all the assurance you needed. Bracing yourself for the impact of him, of his voice, of his laugh, of the way he looked at you, you hailed one of the last remaining cabs in the city and prayed for courage.  

Next: Troll in Luv Pt. 2

[s-horne]

Donuts and pink coffee

2000 words of established-relationship stony set in my Harley&Peter universe where Tony hates Valentine’s Day and Steve is a hopeless romantic without even trying

**

It was a stupid excuse for a holiday. Really, just stupid. What was the point of it anyway?

Did it matter that Tony had forgotten, because it wasn’t as though it were one of their anniversaries or Steve’s birthday, was it? It was just another day, just an over-commercialized day essentially created by corporations to take advantage of hype. Valentine’s Day was a money-making scheme if he wanted to get political about it. Not that Tony was bitter, or anything. He just didn’t see the point in it.

It was never made into a big thing when he was a child. Jarvis, his parents’ housekeeper, had usually bought his wife a single red rose that she would be wearing in her hair when Tony got home from school and ran into the kitchen to steal a quick snack before dinner, and he always made sure that Tony’s mom always got a box of chocolates taken to her room with her morning cup of coffee, but there was no other ‘love’ present just because it was Saint Valentine’s Day. There were never any gifts from his parents to each other, never more than a stiff kiss on the cheek from Howard to Maria before he left the room to go back to his study. They didn’t even smile at each other over dinner; Howard was always too engrossed in his work to remember the date. The same went for their anniversary and Maria’s birthday. And pretty much every other day of their lives together.

 -

Since he’d woken up on the stupid holiday, Tony’s day had only gotten worse. Not that it had started out great when he’d slept through his alarm and then run out of milk for the kids’ cereals so had had to try and convince them to have toast instead – only to find that there was no more peanut butter and Peter didn’t eat toast without it.  

Then, when he’d gone to his coffee shop on his way to work, he’d struggled to get a regular cup of his usual coffee as the baristas tried to perfect drinks in frankly disgustingly-unappetizing hues of pink instead. Even his usual croissant had been replaced by a new range of cupcakes with fondant decorations of hearts and what were probably supposed to be cherubs, but had looked more like swans in diapers.

When he’d finally made it to the office – coffee- and croissant-less – the day had been far from productive. All his staff had wanted to talk about were their plans for the evening and every meeting he’d conducted had been interrupted by deliveries of massive floral bouquets for his blushing staff. The more flowers that had arrived, the more people asked Tony what he was doing to celebrate with his gorgeous man – his secretary’s words, not his. (Not that he disagreed.)

Apparently, nothing was the wrong answer to that question, judging by the dropped jaws and side eyes he’d gotten. Tony just didn’t need a day to tell Steve that he loved him. He didn’t need a stuffed bear or chocolates or red roses that suddenly seemed to be five times the price that they had been when he’d ordered them for Steve’s mom a few weeks before.

In his defence, he and Steve been together for years and they were the fathers to two young boys. Honestly, they barely remembered to kiss before they collapsed into bed, never mind finding time to plan an entire day of romance. They’d done all that before – well, no, they’d never really done that, actually. Their courtship had been a whirlwind of stuffed toys for the boys as gifts instead of flowers, dates to museums or playgrounds instead of theatres or restaurants, and snatched moments of ‘grown-up’ time between babysitter deadlines and after-school clubs. But it worked for them.

By the time he was done with meetings and paperwork and could head home, Tony was honestly fed up of life in general. After feeling nothing but peer pressure all day, he had decided to try and do something to at least mark the day. He’d tried to order Steve’s favorite takeout, only to find that the restaurant was fully booked and were experiencing a wait time of a few hours for delivery.

All he’d seen all day were signs for flowers, posters plastered in near enough every shop window for roses in so many shades of red that it made Tony’s eyes hurt. But Steve didn’t like flowers around the house because they were likely to be knocked over by a rambunctious little boy playing a made-up game and spill water all over the floor, so that was no good. They also had enough candy in the house to last them for months so that idea was out too. Neither of them had the need, or the want, for a stuffed bear and Steve didn’t do jewelry. 

Tony was stumped.

 -

Finally, finally, walking through the front door, Tony felt the day’s tension fall from his shoulders. He couldn’t get to the kitchen fast enough, needing to throw off his coat and drop his bag down before they suffocated him.

When he was finally free of those, – and his shoes, tie, and belt – he looked around, only just noticing that he was alone. It was unusual for him to be left alone for so long on the days that he was kept at the office later than five and was more often than not ambushed as soon as his car pulled up to the drive.

Before he could go searching, he noticed the table. Two of the tiniest boxes of candy were set on the table next to a box of donuts, placed right where he usually sat for their meals. Someone was obviously a lot better at romance than he was. Make that three someones, he realised as he stepped closer and noticed three different sets of handwriting, one on each box.

Daddy! Happy V-day! :) proclaimed one box of candy, letters neat and small enough to fit in the white space on the packaging.

Daddyy!!! Happy velentins day!!!!!! said the other in a bright red pen, box a little bent from Harley’s blatant enthusiasm and finished with a little doodle of what was probably a heart in one corner.

Grinning, Tony turned to the last gift. It was a box of his favorite donuts and very obviously from his favorite bakery, even if the label had been covered with a post-it note.

Sweetheart, it said in a stark black, Happy Valentine’s Day. Love you today and always

Tony swallowed, tracing his finger over Steve’s cursive. It didn’t make sense, how much he had and who he had around him.

What had he done to deserve the life he had?

   -

It didn’t take him long to find his boys after that and he paused in the doorway to the living room, feeling any leftover stress ebb away as he took in the sight of Steve sprawled out on the couch with Peter draped over his legs and Harley tucked under his arm, all three of them completely enthralled by the bright film on the television.

“What are we watching?”

As soon as the words had left his mouth, Peter and Harley’s heads shot up and they scrambled to get off the couch. Harley managed it first and barreled across the floor, throwing his arms around Tony’s neck when he was close enough and wrapping his legs around Tony’s waist.

“Daddy! You’re home!”

“I am, babe. I’m sorry I’m so late.”

Despite always saying he was too cool for hugs whenever Steve or Tony initiated them, Peter quickly joined Harley and buried his face in Tony’s stomach, hands on his thighs. “Hi. Didja see the candy?”

“I did, you little superstar. Thank you very much. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too.”

“Valentine’s!” Harley shouted, far too close to Tony’s ear for comfort. “Love you!”

“I love you, too,” Tony murmured, pressing a kiss to Harley’s temple before he set him on the floor where he scampered back over to the empty couch. Running his hand over Peter’s hair, Tony mentally counted down the seconds of hug he had left with his eldest. Five seconds was pushing it, most days. “Love you, as well, terror.”

All too soon, Peter pulled away and Tony let him go with a held-back sigh.

“Hello, handsome.”

Smiling, Tony turned his head. “Hi, gorgeous. Say, you wouldn’t know anything about a box of donuts in the kitchen, would you?”

“Hm, possibly? Are they in a yellow box?” Steve asked, stepping closer, brow furrowed a little.

“Don’t think so. Pink, if I recall.”

“Oh, those donuts. Right, yeah, I know something about those,” Steve murmured, taking a last step to him and curling his arm around Tony’s waist. “Think I saw them earlier. A secret admirer, perhaps?”

Tony let himself move to Steve’s body, his hands lifting automatically to rest on Steve’s chest. “You shouldn’t have done that,” he said, lower lip pushing out a little as he sagged in Steve’s hold.

“Yeah? Why’s that, then?”

“Cause it makes me look bad,” Tony said, dropping his head into Steve’s neck much like Harley had done to him. God, he needed a hug.

Steve laughed softly. “How?”

“I didn’t get anything.”

“I know, sweetheart,” Steve pressed a kiss to the top of Tony’s head, one hand settling on the small of his back, “it’s alright. I didn’t do it to get something in return.”

“Ugh,” Tony said eloquently. Steve had always been the better of the two of them. Better with words, better with thoughts. Apparently better with romance and remembering dates. “They only had pink coffee at my shop.”

“Uh oh. That doesn’t sound good.”

“It wasn’t.” Burying even closer, Tony let out a long sigh. “I didn’t even get a croissant.”

“Even worse,” Steve said, so much fake shock injected in his voice that it sounded like he was talking to one of the kids. When Tony pinched his side, he laughed loudly again. “Did you manage to salvage the day after that?”

Honestly, Tony couldn’t remember. It didn’t matter, either, not with his boys laughing at whatever movie they had gone back to watching and with Steve’s arms holding him tight. He must have made some sort of noise as Steve chuckled again.

“I’ll take that as a no. Want to crack open those donuts? There’s a bit left of this film and I said the kids could have something sweet before they went to bed – I swear they got more candy from school today than they did at Halloween.”

Tony made another noise. “In a minute. They’re watching the film for now and I’m perfectly happy where I am.”

“Okay,” Steve said softly, pressing another kiss to Tony’s hair as his arms tightened around him. “I’m glad you’re home.”

“So am I,” Tony said, eyes closing. “I love you. You know that, right?”

“Course I do. I’m incredible.”

Tony snorted. “You’ve been hanging around with me for too long. But even if I don’t do flowers and chocolate and donuts, I love you. So, so much. You are one of the best things that ever happened to me and I thank everything I can think of every single day for you coming into my life.”

There was a silence, broken only by the laughter of their sons and some noise from the movie that Tony still hadn’t identified. All too soon, Steve pushed Tony away from him ever so slightly. With wide eyes, he lifted shaking hands to cup Tony’s face, thumb stroking over the apple of Tony’s cheek.

“You, me, and our boys,” he said, voice serious and unwavering and sounding like something one would say at an altar. “I love you more than I will ever be able to tell you.”

“I want to spend my life loving you.” Whenever he had to get serious, Tony normally chose to do it in their bedroom, with his back turned to Steve and the lights down low. He hated baring his feelings, hated putting himself somewhere to be vulnerable, but it was less scary with Steve’s cologne surrounding him and his touch keeping Tony grounded. “With our kids and some donuts and no flowers and the discounted candy I’ll buy tomorrow.”

Steve’s smile was gentle as he ducked his head and brushed a kiss to the corner of Tony’s eye, just above where his fingers lay. “I’ll take that deal. On Valentine’s Day and every other.”

[imaginesandinserts]

Irreverent Pt. 60 - Epilogue

Title: Irreverent Pt. 60 - Epilogue

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Reader Rating: M Words: ~2K

Status: Complete

A/N: That’s all folks. Chapters 59 and 60 coming out together today.

For J - For being the reason I finish this. 

Irreverent Series Masterlist

Aaron's been seated in his new office for the past hour, going over the new certification and training requirements for the BAU with Dave. Technically, it should've been Prentiss he was meeting with, but she'd happily passed along that piece of her new responsibilities, stating that the grouchy old men would do a much better job at it than she ever could.

From across the way, he can see through the glass walls into his old office which Prentiss now occupies. Both Garcia and JJ are sat across from her, no doubt convening there before they all fly out for your bachelorette party. It was a bit unbelievable to think he was only a week away from officially marrying you.

That is, if you survived this weekend, as you'd commented apprehensively earlier that morning. You've been terrified about what Emily had planned, especially given how his bachelor party had gone a few weeks prior. Dave had lured him away with the promise of good steaks and cigars, and then ambushed him with private dancers. He'd even gone out of his way to find one that held an uncanny resemblance to you. John had been sure to give that one a wide berth, making a beeline for the other corner of the room and staunchly avoiding any sort of eye contact with Aaron, much to his amusement. The night had culminated in a panicked text from Aaron to you, begging to be rescued. You'd arrived – his knight in shining armor – and taken him, a terrified Reid who'd been on the phone texting his girlfriend half the night, and a reluctant John who had finally relaxed enough to enjoy the company of the other dancer when you'd arrived and fixed him with an unamused regard that had the poor guy following the rest of you out with quick goodbyes to Dave and Morgan.

"You talk to Morgan recently?" Dave asks idly, sifting through the files in search of the old requirements documentation.

"Yes, he seems to be liking the transition to the academy," Aaron remarks, flipping through the file in front of him in search of the same. "We grabbed lunch last week when I did the Profiling and Prosecution seminar."

Dave smiles with a contemplative nod, and Aaron can only imagine what was going through his friend's head. Things were changing around them slowly – you'd left the team and had built your own, Prentiss was running the BAU, Morgan had retired to spend more time with his wife and soon to arrive son. Aaron himself had taken on the mantle of Section Chief, a role to which he was taking to far better than previously anticipated. Though, he supposed it helped that this time, he was only doing the Section Chief job and not also running the BAU.

It had been the right decision – for him, for you, for Jack. Both of you were home for dinner more nights than not. The three of you had settled into a routine that felt comfortable, and while he missed being directly in the field, he could see the change in him, his body. At his last doctor's visit, Dr. Robbins had commented that his stress levels appeared to be lowered and having a job that wasn't quite so hard on his body was a great help in that.

John was over every few weekends, very much a part of that routine you'd created, and the three of you had flown to New York a handful of times as well, taking Jack to a Yankees game (which he enjoyed thoroughly) and taking him on the subway (which he didn't care for). Dave had asked him half a dozen times, how he felt about John's presence in your lives. Aaron was incredibly alright with it – he hadn't been the only one who thought he'd lost you.

If he was being truly honest with himself, he was far more comfortable with John than he'd ever allowed himself to be around anyone that wasn't you or Haley. He's had time to think about it, about why that was the case. He figures it's because John is possibly the only other person in the world who understands the importance of you, the impact of you. For Aaron, in many ways, John also felt like an extension of you. The same biting humor, the forced humbleness – the way neither one of you could see anything wrong with spoiling Jack entirely.

Aaron could still easily recall the day he'd made an offhand remark about him not wanting Jack to grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth. John had grown quiet, eyes fixed towards where you were finishing making lunch. Jack was sat on the countertop, mixing together a bowl of cookie dough for you, to be baked for after lunch. Aaron had followed his gaze, his heart warming gently at the sight. It was so familiar, Jack always loved helping you in the kitchen. Aaron's mouth involuntarily turns into a smile as you laugh at something Jack had said, your head falling back easily, the musical notes of your laughter making the room feel brighter.

When John had turned back, he had a far away look in his eyes. "You're right," he'd said, clearing his throat, his voice a little heavier than before. "At the end of the day you want to be sure of only one thing – that he feels immensely loved. Because kids who aren't fed love by a silver spoon, they tend to lick it off of knives."

Aaron knew, without being told, that John was referring to Julian. He found himself incredibly grateful that his son got to be fed by you, wielding a platinum spoon. With John in your lives, that love in Jack's life only increased.

*------------*

You stood at the door of Aaron's office, having walked down from your own, on the way to Emily's so that you and the girls could fly off to a weekend of controlled (hopefully) fun. Who were you kidding? Emily Prentiss was in charge of your bachelorette party. You'd be lucky if you made it back in time to meet Aaron at the altar.

It takes a few seconds for them to notice your presence. A few seconds during which you get to admire the late afternoon sun hitting Aaron's frame just right, the golden hues turning his hair a lighter brown – it made him seem younger than his age, and the white flecks (which he blamed almost entirely on you and your disappearance) would suggest. The pronounced furrowed brow that seemed to be a permanent fixture for him while he was in the office, the warm eyes turned seriously down towards the papers in front of him, the pink lips that had spent a fair amount of time between your legs the night prior, causing you to shatter around him. That had resulted in John making a few crude remarks at breakfast that morning, which thankfully flew over Jack's head. Your son was far too excited to have an entire weekend with just his dad and favorite Uncle for a "Boys Only Weekend" to make up for you missing his soccer game on Saturday.

Aaron shifts, noticing your presence, head tilting up and eyes meeting your own. At the sight of you, they imbue warmth and familiarity, sparkling against the reflected sunlight. You're struck for a moment. Your husband-to-be was remarkably beautiful.

"Hey, how's it going?" You smile at both Aaron and Dave, entering quickly to meet Aaron on his side of the desk. Both of them turn to look at you.

"You still have no idea where Emily is taking you?" Rossi's face betrays his glee at your misfortune. He's been cross with you ever since you kidnapped Aaron from his own bachelor party. In your defense, the man had practically begged you to.

"No, she won't tell me." You sigh, your voice coming out almost in a whine.

Rossi's lip twitches, though he does a good enough job at not laughing outright.

You perched on the arm of Aaron's chair, placing a quick kiss to his cheek. "Harvey sent these over," you tell him, placing the envelope you had been carrying on his desk, your hand returning to play with the ring on your finger around as you were prone to do nowadays. "Would you please sign them and make sure they get to his office before Monday? He wants them finalized before the wedding."

Aaron nods, noting how your delicate fingers caress the stone of the ring that's sat on your hand and made him – quite literally – the luckiest man alive.

He's been expecting some paperwork coming his way in light of your upcoming ceremony. He'd lightly brought up the idea of a pre-nuptial agreement with you early on – for your sake – and had been laughed out of the room. You did however, feel it necessary to make him aware of exactly what assets he'd have access to, and thus your lawyer had been busy creating a summary for him to look over and acknowledge. Apparently, it had taken a full staff to do the entire work up, over the course of a month. If the thud the envelope had made when you'd set on his desk was any indication, he was in for a long night of reading.

"Alright, I should go." You heave off of his chair and the two of you look at each other and then Rossi, who takes a hint and looks away, leaving you to bend down and capture his lips against yours. You feel his arm winding around your waist and tightening into your side briefly, before you withdraw, your tongue peaking out to lick your lips. Aaron looks just barely flushed as Rossi turns back, his lips twitching in amusement as you fix yourself and take your leave.

*------------*

The door closes behind you, Aaron's eyes following your walk across the floor towards Emily's office.

"Is that what I think it is?" Dave asks, drawing his attention back to the envelope you'd dropped off for him. There's something oddly familiar about this – the two of them in his office, an envelope related to you dropped off at his desk. Though this time, under far less confusing and much happier conditions.

Aaron nods, doing his best to hide the smile threatening to break through at his friend's curiosity. Ever since New York, Dave had been very interested in learning exactly how much richer than him you were.

Reaching for the envelope, Aaron opens it up and withdraws the large stack of papers, and flips to the first page. Disclosure of Assets – the name of the document hardly did justice to the summary that followed. Properties across the U.S., Europe, South America, and the Caymans. A plethora of divided up Swiss bank accounts, each with a balance more staggering than the last. A stock portfolio rivaling Buffets. The number at the bottom of the page takes his breath away entirely.

Aaron turns once more to look towards his old office – he can see you gathered there with the rest of the girls, laughing about something. Given the piece of paper in his hand, he has to hand it to you in that moment. You lived far below your means. To think that someone your age had access to that kind of money – that kind of freedom – and still chose to do what you did. He didn't think there were many others who would.

Before Aaron can react, Dave has reached across the table and yanked the piece of paper right out of his hands.

The noise of complete shock that leaves his friend's body was not one that Aaron was likely to forget anytime soon. He watches as Dave reads the same summary he just had, his eyebrows moving further and further into his hairline as he goes down the page.

When he finally looks back at Aaron it's with a look that couldn't quite be described – surprise, awe, a hint of envy. Aaron can viscerally see the same thought he had moments ago regarding you and your work at the Bureau flit through Dave's head as he too turns to assess you across the floor.

Quietly, he hands the documents back to Aaron. Shifting in his chair, Dave clears his throat. "You do know that you're going to be picking up the tab every time now, right?"

Aaron chuckles, nodding. He'd assumed as much.

He turns back to you, only to catch you looking towards him as well through the glass walls. Your mouth turns up into a smile as your eyes meet his. Eyes like the sunrise colliding with his, causing his stomach to flip in that torturously delicious manner that only you seem to invoke. Eyes that meet his and stay. Eyes that have followed him, mirrored his, since the moment the two of you met. Eyes that betrayed you both when you looked at one another, the sheer intensity of the emotion behind them giving you away entirely. It didn't matter what distance, what time, what circumstance separated you from one another – somehow his eyes knew to always find their companion in yours.

Aaron might have fallen first, but he is forever grateful that you'd followed.

[xuelingxu]

Hi my dear👋🍃💖 Could you explain me how events unfold in skellige with Ciri and Ava In chronological order. On The Witcher 3 .The jumps that Ciri does leave me very confused. Please 🙏💖 thank you 💚🍃

Sure, my dear! Let me explain their entire action trajectories before they met in Kaer Morhen.

When we started playing as Geralt for this game, all of Avallac'h and Ciri's storylines had already happened. Before finding Ciri, all the episodes about Ciri are all memories.

In May 1272, after receiving a letter from Yen, Geralt began his search for Ciri.Ciri at this time had fallen into a sleep like state, stay in the Isle of Mists; Ava at this time had been cursed into UMA, stay in the Crow's Perch.

Avallac'h:

Forests nearby the Druids' Camp: return from other world, cursed by Eredin, devastate most of the western forests of Ard Skellig, open a portal for Ciri to flee;

(They have since been separated, as it is possible that the fluctuations of magic have affected the location of the portal Ciri entered.)

Velen's lab: search Ciri, drink the potion that Keira configured for him to delay the onset of the curse;

Ard Skellig's lab: draw seven portraits;

Lofoten's seaside: sense Ciri's power, find her in the sea, ask Skjall for help;

(They reunioned at this time)

Skjall's house in Lofoton: tell Ciri to meet him at the Drowned Dead Rock, find a boat outside;

Drowned Dead Rock: cast a spell to make Ciri faint, paddle to Isle of Mists;

Isle of Mists: set Ciri up in the cabin;

On the way back to Lofoten: curse outbreak, turn into UMA;

Crow's Perch: brought back to Velen by Baron as a reward for winning Gwent;

Vizima: Taken by Geralt to see Emhry;

Kaer Morhen: curse lifted.

Ciri:

Forests nearby the Druids' Camp: return from other world,Ambushed by the Red Rider;

(They have since been separated, as it is possible that the fluctuations of magic have affected the location of the portal Ciri entered.)

Crookback Bog: found by Ladies of the Wood, flee from them, almost found by Imlerith, find that little girl abandoned by her parents;

Crow's Perch: Mistakenly brought back by Bloody Baron's men as Tamara (Baron's daughter)

First jump: After the horseback riding contest with Baron, encountered a monster. Used the power in order to protect Baron. Went to Novigrad in order to prevent Wild Hunt from tracking down Crow's Perch, and also to find a fix for phylactery.

Novigrad: find Dandelion, request Whoreson Junior to fix phylactery, steal Dijkstra's treasury, bust out Dudu kidnapped by Whoreson Junior;

Novigrad Temple Isle: chased by Whoreson's henchmen, aimed a crossbow at by a Temple Guard;

Second jump: use power to flee Temple Isle.

Lofoten's seaside: found and rescued by Avallac'h and Skjall;

(They reunioned at this time)

Skjall's house in Lofoton: told by Avallac'h to meet him at the Drowned Dead Rock, taken care of by Skjall;

The east side of Lofoten: have a sauna and swim outside;

Lofoten: attacked by Wild Hunt;

Drowned Dead Rock: meet Avallac'h, request him to save Skjall, fainted by Avallac'h's spell;

Isle of Mists: placed in a cabin by Avallac'h, awakened by Geralt;

Third jump: Grab Geralt's hand and use the power to get back to Kaer Morhen together.

Kaer Morhen: return home.

Last jump: fight with Caranthir, break his staff, almost hit by Caranthir.

Please point out if there are any problems with my exposition. I don't mind questions at all.

[walkerwords]

“The Savior Sessions” Part 31 of 33 - Negan x GN!Reader

IMAGE CREDIT: AMC

SERIES MASTERLIST

Summary: Negan seals a deal, Daryl asks questions, Carol provides the answers and forgiveness is asked of the reader.

Word Count: 6506

Warning: Swearing, Violence, Blood

Song I Wrote To: “A Little Forgiveness” by The Rescues

Note: Quick little thing: As I am not continuing this past “Certain Doom” a lot of the Eugene/Princess stuff isn’t really a thing in this series. Also, with Michonne not on some quest to find her hubby, it is a bit different. With only two parts left, I want to start wrapping up a few things. The next part is going to be very much focused on conversation and then the big showdown in the finale! ALL OFFICIAL DIALOG IS PROPERTY OF AMC AND SKYBOUND

-----------

J.D. Salinger once said, “And I can't be running back and forth forever between grief and high delight.” 

Salinger had the right idea, you thought as you lay in the middle of your floor, staring at the ceiling.

You and the rest of the group had arrived back in Alexandria early in the afternoon and you had immediately shut yourself away in your house. 

There was more work to be done. There were bodies to be buried and you knew you should have been helping with the preparations, but all you could do was lay there and stare at the damn marble. 

When you had returned to the group after confronting Negan, nobody spoke to you and you refused to speak to them. Not even Lydia could get you to talk, and while you knew you were being cold, you didn’t know what to tell them. 

There was a part of you that felt such rage for the man that had faced you in that old shed. Nothing about the way he looked told you that he was your Negan. There were too many shades of his old self and it was terrifying, but not because you were scared of him, but because you were scared for him. 

Negan had worked so hard to not be the man that had stepped out of that RV nearly a decade ago only to end up back behind enemy lines. When Daryl had told you that Negan was with her, you didn’t want to believe it, you couldn’t, but there was that small voice in the back of your head that was telling you that perhaps you had known for a while. 

You had searched for weeks and never even found a trace of him. Thinking about that night when the leaders of Alexandria were debating on what to do with him, you never blamed him for needing an out. Now, you just only wondered why he thought Alpha was his only choice. 

“What am I missing?” you asked to the empty room as you rolled the marble between your fingers. You began to think back to everything that had happened since that night and one moment stuck out. 

The day that you and Enid had been hunting Walkers together. 

You were almost positive that someone had been watching you. It was the day Beta had attacked you in Alexandria. You had thought that it was a Whisperer scout, but what if it had been Negan? Now it was only a matter of why he was doing it. Negan wasn’t one to take orders, but if Alpha had asked him to watch you, would he have? 

You didn’t know what the nature of their relationship was. Hell, you didn’t even know if she even tolerated him. However, considering he was still breathing in her presence, you figured it was one that held at least mutual respect. 

Then there was the baseball bat. 

You had no idea where he had even found another one. Just by looking at his new weapon you knew it wasn’t the original. Lucille 2.0 was a different bat, but to you, it still meant the same thing. You had accepted that she would always have a hold on him, but seeing him hold the thing that he connected his wife to hurt more than you had ever imagined. 

“There’s a reason,” you whispered. “You were right, there is a reason. He wouldn’t have given you the damn marble if there wasn’t.” Pausing, you sat up and frowned. “And now I’m talking to myself...again.”

Groaning, you squeezed your eyes shut as you tried to stop your thoughts from racing. It was as if there was an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. Except they were both Negan and one wore a Whisperer mask and the other didn’t. You wanted to reach out and talk to your family about it, but you had no idea where to begin.

For all you knew, Negan had just given you the marble as a diversion. He could just be playing with you. However, as you began to think back on the conversation you had had with him, something felt off and it was only after a few seconds that you realized what it was. He had never directly answered any of your questions. This also could have been a diversion, but you knew him better than that. 

“He was trying not to lie to me,” you realized. Jumping to your feet, you ran from your room. “Lydia!” you called, searching for her, but there wasn’t an answer. “Lydia!” you tried again but were still met with silence. Opening your front door, you scanned for her. 

“(Y/N)?” Rosita asked as she noticed you. 

“You seen Lydia?” you asked. 

“Daryl didn’t tell you?” Rosita said. 

“Tell me what?” you asked.

“Lydia’s gone,” Rosita said. “She went looking for Negan after Daryl told her that he was with her mother.” 

“She went alone?” you asked, suddenly very worried. 

“She’s been out there alone before, what’s the big deal?” 

“The big deal is that I think Negan is planning something,” you said. “Something big.” Rosita furrowed her brow and then gestured into her house. 

“Tell me everything.” 

————-

Negan could feel his heart racing as he walked with Alpha through the trees. 

That morning, he had been nervous, but determined. The day before, he had begun to think that there would be another way to do what Carol had tasked him with. Negan thought that perhaps he could kill Beta as well or even both of them at once. 

He thought about doing a lot of things. Until you had ambushed him and he heard how hurt you had sounded. Now, he couldn’t take it anymore. He had to kill her and he had to do it now. 

His final plan was in motion and it helped to know that Alpha was feeling rather victorious after the battle at Hilltop. Her guard was done and after he had helped block the survivors from leaving Hilltop, she trusted him. There was a part of him that was dreading what he was about to do. 

No matter who it was, killing someone always had consequences. Alpha was the biggest gun he had gone up against. Rick had been difficult, but that man had had a soul. Negan wasn’t even sure if Alpha knew how to be human, let alone a decent one. 

Then there was the moment he had had with her earlier in the day when she had asked about her daughter. 

There was a moment when she had seen almost genuinely concerned about Lydia and whether or not she was alive after the fight. Negan had no idea what happened to Lydia. However, considering you hadn’t told him that she was dead and you didn’t seem to be acting as if you had lost a child, Negan figured she was okay. 

When Alpha had begun asking questions about her, it was then that Negan finally realized how he would take out the Queen of the Whisperers and he was going to hate to do it. 

Walking alongside a silent Alpha, Negan thought back to an hour before when he had gone in search of his final piece. 

Earlier in the day…

Negan moved through the trees after finally losing his tails. He knew that Beta was having people watch him, but he didn’t care. Beta was dealing with his own problems as well. Negan had learned that the giant man had killed Gamma during the battle after she had stopped him from killing the one with the sword. 

Negan had left camp after hearing that Beta had once again tried to kill you. He needed some air and he needed to find Lydia. Negan didn’t want to move too close to Alexandria, but he had to be close enough to intercept the young woman.

He also knew that Daryl would have figured out that he had been the one to set up the roadblocks and so he had to be smart. He didn’t doubt that Daryl would shoot him if he got the chance no matter how he felt about you. 

Which is why he needed to get to Lydia. Negan stayed in the shadows of the road that led to the community. He had learned enough about Lydia’s former family to know how to get her attention. He also knew that she wouldn’t stay behind the walls long and that she would get restless. 

And so, he waited. 

Negan was getting restless as he waited, but at the time, he didn’t have any other options. He was ready to give up and go back to the pack when the gates slid open and Lydia slipped through the fence. Her staff was in her hand as she took a deep breath and then turned to say something to someone behind the gate. Negan figured it was either Scott or Eugene. 

Lydia began to wander away from Alexandria and that’s when Negan began to track her. 

He would never forget the way her expression changed from hope to betrayal as she saw him walking towards her only to see the mask in his hands. 

It was only an hour later when Negan approached the Alpha. 

“Alpha,” he said, “that thing you’ve been looking for…” Alpha turned to him with curious eyes. “I found it.” 

A smile crept across the woman’s face and for a moment, she looked genuinely happy at the prospect of finding her daughter. 

“Lydia.”

---------

“It is beautiful,” Alpha said as she stared at a Walker stumbling through the trees. Negan watched it with disdain. “Pure.”

“All I see is a bag of bones and some gnarly-ass teeth,” Negan scoffed.

“You will see. Maybe soon. And I will meet you there,” Alpha promised, looking up at him with eyes full of unrequited compassion. Negan turned away as he adjusted the strap on his back that held his bat. 

“You know, I ain't exactly ready to meet my Maker, if that's what you're saying,” Negan said. “Hell, I’ve survived this long and I don’t plan on making any appointments with the man downstairs.” 

“You proved yourself again by finding her,” Alpha went on as if he hadn’t spoken. “And like the young lion cub who must leave his pride, it is time to roam the Earth. Build a new pride.” 

“Do you want me out there, preaching your gospel?” Negan asked. “Cause I’m gonna be honest with you, people stopped listening to me a long time ago.”

“I want you to become a lion,” she said. Negan paused, trying to understand what she was saying. Whatever it was, it wasn’t good.

“You know,” he began, “I may not be hip on the whole Greek alphabet, but Beta is no Alpha. And if we're going stick with the whole lion thing... then isn't it the young lioness who takes her mother's place?” Alpha looked up at him and he could see the shift in her attitude at the mention of her daughter and that was when he finally understood. Lydia was not her strength, she was her weakness and Alpha could not bear to be weak. 

“Walk,” she ordered.

As they moved together, Negan began to think about Lucille of all things. After you had brought her up the day before, he couldn’t keep her out of his mind. 

“A long time ago before meat-lovers like him started showing up,” Negan said, gesturing to the Walker not far from them, “I, uh... I lost somebody that was close to me. Pancreatic cancer. If the disease wasn't eating her up from the inside, then the chemo was kicking the ever-loving shit out of her. And yet... I don't know. Maybe, uh... Maybe the cancer just put things in perspective. She was, uh... She was never more beautiful.” Negan paused, letting the memory of her wash over him. He hadn’t allowed himself to think about his wife in this way for a long time. It was as if he was finally ready to let her go. 

“Be grateful,” Alpha said. “Death... set her free.” 

“The thing is,” Negan said as he kicked out at an old root, “when she was gone, I didn't feel much of anything anymore. You know? I didn't feel scared, I didn't feel happy. I didn't feel anything. I was just... here. And that is my strength. However, someone else has taught me that that strength isn’t the only thing that has kept me alive. They taught me that we need people.” 

“I thought you didn’t have people,” Alpha said. 

“Everyone’s got people,” Negan argued. “Even if you hate each other, they’re still there. Still waiting. See, you are pretending. You think that it makes you strong to say that emotions aren't real, that we are animals. That is bullshit. And you know it.”

“Is it?” she asked as they approached an old cabin between two tall trees. Alpha started at it as if it held all the answers in the world. 

“You’re claimin’ that you have to kill your own daughter,” he said. “Right? That’s what you’re plannin’ to do here? She’s your own flesh and blood.”

“It is her destiny,” Alpha argued. “That disease... took your wife... because that was what nature intended. She could not take you with her. But you live every day wishing she could.” Negan shook his head. 

“No, not anymore,” he said, his jaw rigid. “I may have felt that at one point, but I’ve seen what a real future looks like and I ain’t about to throw that away.”

“Lydia was made for this. To be free. With me,” she said. 

“You still love her,” Negan said.

“I have to do it because I love her. She will always be my baby,” Alpha said as she approached the door to the cabin, laying her hand against the door. 

“You don’t know anything about her,” Negan said as he drew his blade from his belt. “She is kind, strong, resilient, and she is loved by people.” Alpha pushed open the door and beheld an empty room, stopping her in her tracks. “People that I love as well,” Negan said as Alpha turned to him in confusion, but he didn’t hesitate. 

With a quick strike of his arm, Negan slashed Alpha’s throat with his knife. Alpha stared at him with wide eyes as blood sprayed and cascaded down her neck. As she lurched forward, Negan caught her, taking her down to the ground. Her eyes were boring into his, but he could feel no remorse towards the dying woman. 

“I really thought that there was a chance for you,” he said, but then he was shaking his head. “But then you tried to kill the kid that is like a daughter to me. I love Lydia, and I will protect her with everything I have left. You took people from me, won the battles, but now you don’t get to win the war.” Leaning down, he put his lips next to her ear. “Thank you, for making me realize that I don’t have to be a monster.”

Negan leaned back as Alpha finally went still and the blood slowly trickled from her neck and mouth. Picking up his knife, Negan aimed it at her throat and finally finished what he had started. 

----------

In the silence at the border, Negan dropped a burlap sack on the ground as Alpha’s head rolled out and landed at a pair of worn boots.

“Took you long enough,” Carol said as she met his eyes. “What took you so damn long?”

“What took me so long? Doing your dirty work?” Negan scoffed. “Oh, I don't know, Carol, I guess I wanted to get out of there with my head still attached. Shit like that takes time and I’ve been in a bit of a mood lately if you couldn’t tell.”

“I told you to do it fast,” she said.

“It's done. All right? I held up my end. Now I am asking you to hold up yours. Just walk me through those gates so I can open up a new chapter in the Book of Negan and get the love of my life back. In case you hadn’t noticed, they’re pretty fucking pissed at me.” All Negan wanted was for Carol to do as she said, make the people of Alexandria look at him, not as the man who ruined them, but the one who saved them. However, it seemed like Carol had other plans. 

“I'm not going back. Not yet,” she said. Negan who was glaring at her clenched his fists. 

“I go back there without you, there is a noose around my neck the second I step foot in there,” he argued. 

“Then wait,” Carol said as she picked up Alpha’s head and approached the pike she had set up in preparation.

“Wait? How long are we talking about?” Negan asked as Carol placed Alpha’s head on the pike and took a step back, admiring Negan’s work. 

“You're free now, Negan. Do whatever the hell you want,” she said. “Wait, don't wait, it's up to you. You did good on what I asked of you.”

“I did this for (Y/N),” he said, “not you.” 

“They want Beta’s head, not Alpha’s,” Carol said. “Go home to them, Negan, I need to be alone.” 

“Carol!” Negan yelled, but she just turned away from him. 

“Shit like this takes time,” she said as she continued on her, leaving Alpha behind and stepping into the next chapter of her own story. 

“Fuck.”

----------

Negan was pissed at everyone.

He was pissed at Alpha, he was pissed at Carol, and he was even more pissed at himself. “I’m a fucking idiot,” he said as he kept moving towards the place he had actually kept Lydia. He knew he had a lot of explaining to do and he wouldn’t be surprised if she hated him or slapped him as you had. He just hoped that she would listen to him and even forgive him for what he had to do. 

What Carol had asked him to do. 

Yet, it seemed that that deal was useless at the current moment. Carol hadn’t kept her end of the bargain and now Negan was the one running around with his head cut off. Alpha’s mask burned a hole in his pocket and all he wanted to do was scream. 

Instead, he approached the old hunters’ cabin and braced himself for a teenager’s wrath. 

“Hey, kiddo,”  Negan said as he moved up onto the porch. “Sorry about‒” Negan froze as he opened the door to find an empty chair. “Shit,” he swore when all of a sudden, he was thrown into a wall and a crossbow was pointed at his face.

“Where's Alpha!” Daryl yelled as he levelled his weapon at Negan. Carefully, Negan raised his hands, his bat pressing into his spine.

“Look, whatever Lydia told you..,” he tried, but Daryl wasn’t listening. 

“Where is she!”

“She is dead. She is dead. I killed her,” Negan said, trying not to think about the bolt that could enter his brain at any moment.

“You’re lying,” Daryl said. 

“I am not lying. I have somethin' in my pocket,” Negan said. “It's not a weapon. I am slowly gonna reach for it.” Daryl waited as Negan pulled Alpha’s mask from his jacket and held it out. Daryl grabbed it with disgust. 

“Her mask ain't her head,” Daryl growled. 

“Oh, I know. I am getting to that,” Negan said.

“Well, then, get to it,” Daryl said. Negan gestured down to the weapon and Daryl jerked it away from his face, but didn’t put it completely down. Negan went on. 

“The whole reason I threw in with them, was so I could get close enough to Alpha to slit her throat. Now, you talk about ‘silencing the Whisperers’, I silenced the Alpha,” Negan said and then leaned towards Daryl. “Why the hell else you think that your girlfriend let me outta that cell?”

“That don’t mean shit,” Daryl said. “Ya didn’t do this out of the kindness of yer heart.”

“Nah,” Negan said. “I did it for (Y/N). I never stopped loving them.”

“You expect me to believe that?” Daryl said. 

“I never planned to leave them. I would rather die than hurt them,” Negan tried again. 

“Good,” Daryl scoffed. 

“Dammit, Daryl!” Negan said. “Can’t you see what’s goin’ on? You’re so goddamn blinded by your hatred for me that you don’t get what I just did! Alpha is dead and now her psycho personal trainer is gonna be comin’ for me!” 

“Show me,” Daryl said. “Show me her body.” 

“I’ll do you one better,” Negan said. “Come on.” 

-------

Negan was getting real tired of the universe screwing with him. 

“Are you fucking serious?” Negan said as he stared up at the empty pike. 

“So, where is it?” Daryl asked, aiming his bow at Negan’s back. 

“It was right here. I swear to God, it was on that spike,” Negan said, looking back at Daryl. “Jesus,” he swore as he realized the weapon was trained on him again. “Look, we sit here, we can wait for Carol. Or I can take you to find the body.” Daryl raised the bow higher. “Oh, come on, man. We're talking about Lydia here. Why would I stash her out in banjo country unless the whole point was to keep her safe? Unless the whole freakin' point was just to use her as bait so I could get Alpha alone? That’s a pretty far stretch, don’t you think?”

“You sure took your sweet-ass time, though, didn't you?” Daryl asked and Negan threw his hands up in exasperation. 

“What is with you guys thinking I didn't do it fast enough? You didn't kill her. I did. It took a minute. I had to get her to trust me. Because I wasn't on some half-cocked suicide mission. I wasn’t exactly wishing to get my head cracked open by Beta or my brains eaten by Alpha’s ‘guardians’. I had a plan!” 

“What do you want me to do, huh?” Daryl asked. 

“Take me to (Y/N),” Negan pleaded. “I think that they may have figured it by now.” 

“Figured out what?” Daryl sneered. 

“That I’m not bullshitting you,” Negan argued. “And we gotta do it now before her pack comes lookin’.” 

“For you?”

“No, for all of us.”

---------

“I don’t know…” Rosita said as you stood in front of her. “Seems… crazy, even for him.”

“He is crazy!” you said, trying to get her to understand. You had finally finished explaining your theory you had about Negan and the Whisperers. There were a lot of holes in that theory, but overall there was one central idea. “Negan’s playing double agent.”

“And you got all of that...from a marble?” Rosita asked, still not buying it. 

“It makes more sense if you know more about the marble, but I don’t have the time to get into all of it.”

“What do you think about all of this?” Rosita asked, turning to Michonne who had come in mid-explanation. 

“I agree with, (Y/N),” Michonne said. “Negan is crazy.” 

“Not the point, Michonne,” you argued. 

“Just listen,” she said. “If this was some sort of crazy plan of his, why didn’t he tell us?”

“Who would have believed him?” you asked. 

“You?” 

“I’m not enough,” you said. “I don’t know what the plan was or if he just wanted to take control of the Whisperers, maybe turn the tide, but I don’t think he is with them because he believes in all their bullshit. Negan is a lot of things, but that? No way.”  

“What if you’re wrong?” Michonne asked. 

“I can’t be,” you said. 

“But what if you are?” Michonne pressed and you could see the growing concern in her eyes. 

“Then, everything over the past year has been for nothing and I never knew him at all,” you said, dreading that outcome. If Negan wasn’t on your side and he had actually willingly gone to Alpha… You didn’t think you would be able to handle it. When Rosita went to add her two cents, the door to her house opened and Lydia rushed in.” Where the hell have you been?” you asked. 

“With Negan,” Lydia said. “Sort of.” You, Rosita, and Michonne all shared a look. 

“Explain,” Michonne said. 

“No time,” Lydia said. “He’s here. Negan is here.” 

“What?” you asked, unable to comprehend what she was saying. 

“Daryl just walked in with him. He’s heading this way.”

“Daryl’s with him?” Michonne asked, but you didn’t hear Lydia’s response as you turned and walked from the house. The sun was starting to set over the trees as your eyes scanned for his tall form. When you finally saw him walking down the road, speaking to Daryl, you picked up your pace, aiming right for him. 

Daryl saw you first and took a step towards you. “(Y/N), wait,” he said, but you didn’t listen as you walked right up to Negan, pulled back your fist, and let it snap forward, catching him in the jaw. Surprised, Negan dropped from the sudden hit. 

“Shit!” Negan swore from the ground. “What the hell!” he asked, staring up at you. 

“You know what that was for!” you said, pointing at him.

“I have a lot to explain,” Negan said, getting to his feet. 

“Yeah, no shit,” you said and then you turned to Daryl. “You, too.”

“Call a council meeting, (Y/N)” Daryl ordered. “This is far from over.”

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

Laura’s empty council seat felt as if a black hole had appeared in the room.

Nobody sat in it as Gabriel called the meeting to order. Everyone was glaring at Negan who stood at the side, his arms and ankles crossed. You were across from him, staring him down and trying not to unleash the fury you were feeling. You still believed that he had been playing the other side, but seeing him again after your last encounter only reminded you of the rage you had felt then. 

“I don’t even know where to start,” Gabriel said. 

“Maybe with a bullet to his brain,” Aaron offered, staring at Negan who in turn, just narrowed his eyes at him. 

“Considering Alpha wanted your head on a stick, Aaron, you should be a bit more grateful,” Negan shot back. 

“Enough,” Michonne said. “Daryl, you better start talking before anyone else starts throwing punches.” You rolled your eyes at that but remained quiet. 

“Negan claims that Carol let him out,” Daryl began. That made enough sense to you, but then again, you were still pissed that you weren’t let in on the secret. “Alpha killed her son and Carol wanted revenge.”

“So she went to Negan?” Siddiq asked as he held Coco in his arms. Rosita was nearby as well. Even though it was a council meeting, every major player in Alexandria and Hilltop was in attendance. Enid was there too as she stood near Alden. 

“I’m assuming she figured not many would go looking for him,” Daryl said. 

“Assumed?” Michonne asked. “So you haven’t spoken to her?” Daryl shook his head and then looked at Negan.

“Carol went off on her own after I delivered Alpha’s head to her,” Negan said and then caught the look on Lydia’s face. He didn’t want her there and you didn’t either. Her mother had just been killed and no matter who she was, hearing that was not easy. Lydia seemed to be in shock as she sat on one of the benches in the back, not speaking. Jesus’ coat was around her shoulders to keep her warm, but it didn’t seem to be making much of a difference. 

“So we’re going on his testimony alone?” Alden asked. 

“This isn’t a fucking murder trial, Alden,” Negan said. “Then again, you were always a true crime fan.” 

“I told you that one time,” Alden argued. 

“Guess it stuck,” Negan said with a shrug of his shoulders.

“That’s enough,” Gabriel said. “What I’m gathering from Negan’s sudden reappearance, is that Alpha is dead, he killed her, and that was why he left Alexandria the second time.”

“See, it’s not that hard to get,” Negan said.

“Except for the fact that you helped burn down Hilltop,” Enid added. 

“I had no idea she was going to do that,” Negan defended. “I tried to convince her to offer some sort of deal to the lot of you. She got it all twisted around and wanted to make you all a part of her horde. You’re just lucky so many of you refuse to die and actually stood up and fought.”

“What were we supposed to do? Lay down like dogs? Kneel at her feet?” Aaron pressed. 

“I did,” Negan said. “And I guess it worked.” 

“But then what? You had a change of heart?” Rosita asked. 

“No,” Negan said. “I was always going to take her out, but I was going to take Beta out first if possible.” You looked up at him at that statement and he was looking right at you with steel resolve in his eyes. 

“Why didn’t you?” Gabriel asked. 

“She forced my hand. Told me that she was going to kill her kid. I couldn’t let that happen,” he said. 

“And suddenly he’s a Saint,” Aaron scoffed.

“I wasn’t going to let her murder a kid, Aaron,” Negan shot back. 

“And what about my kid, Negan? We tried to evacuate them before the battle, but you put up your goddamn roadblocks to stop us from leaving!”

“I didn’t know the kids were with you! I thought they were back in Alexandria. How the hell was I supposed to know anything? Carol sent me out there and I never heard from her. I was running around with a single goal but no idea where the hell I was going. You think you know the Whisperers, Aaron? You don’t. You haven’t even seen the worst of what they do or who they are, but I have! Now I’ve done a lot of horrible shit in my life, but what she did, I would never.” 

“You can’t tell me that you didn’t like it,” Aaron pressed. Daryl then fell into his seat, trying not to get a migraine from the conversation. 

“Liked it?” Negan asked. “Did I like not being locked up in a cell most of the day as I received death glares from every damn person in this place? Yeah, I fucking liked that. I liked that I was out in the world and doing something rather than sitting here waiting for this damn kangaroo council to decide whether or not to finally off me. The fact that any of you are surprised that I did this is astonishing. I thought you were smarter than this.”

“I could say the same thing about you,” you put in. 

“You know me better than anyone, (Y/N),” he said. “Tell me, do you think I’m lying?” 

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” you said. 

“Don’t bullshit me,” he said, but just as you were about to fire back. The back door to the meeting hall opened and Carol stepped in. She was a bit banged up but she was alive. Nobody spoke as she walked down the aisle. She stopped and looked over at Lydia who slowly looked at her with heavy eyes. Ignoring the teenager, Carol faced the room.

“It’s all true,” Carol said. “I let Negan out to kill Alpha.” 

“And you didn’t want to share with the class?” Siddiq said. 

“It only worked if you all thought he was against us,” Carol said and then she looked at you. “I’m sorry.” Turning away, you stormed from the meeting hall, not wanting to hear anymore. Negan moved to follow you, but Daryl moved into his path. Negan shoved Daryl back, not caring how pissed the man was at him. He needed to speak to you and he needed to do it before there was no going back. 

“(Y/N)!” Negan called as you walked away from him. He ran to catch up with you, grabbing you by the arm. You tore away from him, facing him head-on. 

“Don’t,” you warned. He stared down at you, searching your eyes and then, he frowned. 

“You didn’t find it,” he whispered. 

“I did,” you said and his eyes lit up again. 

“Then why are you punching me and screaming?” he asked. 

“You lied!” you yelled at him. “You never lie to me and you just...you left when you promised you never would again.”

“I know, Baby,” he said, using a rare pet name. “I know, but this was the only way.”

“Why?” you asked, trying to understand.

“Alpha she is... was complicated,” Negan said. 

“She murdered children!” you said. 

“Which is why I did what I did!” He said, reaching for you. When you didn’t pull back, he gripped your arms and looked into your eyes. “See me, (Y/N), please see me and see that I am not lying to you now.” As you tried to keep your emotions in check, you failed, letting the tears flow down your face. Reaching up, you placed your hands on either side of his face and looked into his hazel eyes. 

It took you a few moments, but finally, you saw it. That spark, that fire that you had fallen in love with. The same fire that everyone else saw before you did. “I see you,” you whispered and Negan sighed, leaning his forehead against yours. “I don’t know how to get through this,” you admitted. 

“I know,” he said. “But I am willing to do anything to win that trust back and even your love back if I have to.” Leaning back, you shook your head.

“I never stopped loving you,” you said. “That was never the problem. I am always going to love you, but there is more to a relationship, a partnership, than just love. I mean, you were with her for so long…” 

“She meant nothing to me,” he swore. 

“Did you…” you hesitated, not wanting to say the words out loud but you had to. “Did you do anything with her?” 

“Fuck no,” he said. “I know that she wanted to, but I couldn’t do that to you. Not with her or anyone. You are the only one for me.” 

“How do I believe you?” you asked, clutching at his face. 

“Believe this,” he said before pulling you to him and kissing you with everything he had left in him. Your mind wanted to resist, but your heart won the battle quickly. You tugged him further into you as you kissed him back, hard. This wasn’t one of your usual kisses, it was firm, desperate, and you were throwing your whole body into it, needing to feel him solid in your arms. 

You were crying as you kissed him and you could feel him shaking. HIs hand came up to your neck and then your jaw, keeping you in place as he apologized with love and passion. When you finally pulled away, you breathed in his scent, letting his labored breathing wash over you. “You are my whole universe, (Y/N),” he whispered. 

“Constantly reaching towards each other?” you quoted, leaning your weight against him. 

“I knew you would figure it out,” he said, rubbing your back. “Leaving you was the hardest thing I have ever done.” Negan brushed the tears from your face as you pulled his lips back to yours in a quick kiss. 

“If you ever do this again,” you said against his lips. “I will kill you.”

“And it would be an honor,” he said as he leaned back and looked down at you. 

“A part of me knew, I think,” you said. “I spent so long looking for you everywhere except across the border. I think I just didn’t want to think about you with her.”

“But you finally understood?”

“When I got the marble,” you said. “I got the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle.” 

“Forgive me, (Y/N),” he pleased. 

“I don’t know…” you said, running your hands down his arms. He then stepped back out of your hold and in one fluid movement, knelt down on his knees. “What are you doing?”

“You once kneeled at my feet, begging for me not to hurt you and your family,” he began. “Back then, I was lost, horrible, and not capable of remorse. It took me a long time to see that what I had become was not right. You changed that, (Y/N). So, now, I’m doin’ the same. I’m on my knees, begging for you not to hurt me. I’m begging for your forgiveness.”

“Negan…”

“Please, just listen,” he asked and you nodded. “When you told me about Lee that night in your house during the storm, you told me that you never regretted what you did but that it was still unnecessary. Do you remember that?” 

“Yes,” you whispered. You remembered everything from that night. It was the same night that you realized you were falling in love with him. 

“I told you that you had to do it because you were protecting the people that you loved. I meant that and I still do. We are all darkened by this world, but the thing that keeps us going is doing the right thing for the people we love and dammit I love you. I didn’t think that after Lucille I was going to love again, let alone someone as kind and as strong-willed as you. You made me want to live again and you made me want to fight for this place and everyone in it. I know that a simple apology ain’t gonna cut it, but until this war is over, it’s all I got. I am so sorry, (Y/N), and I am willing to spend every day making it up to you no matter what you think of me now.” 

“It’s going to take me a long time to forgive you for the lies,” you whispered as you then kneeled down in front of him, taking his hands in yours. “But,” you said. 

“But?”

“I can try,” you said. “I can try to be the person you described because I love you too much to give up on you. You don’t need to kneel for me, Negan. We don’t have to kneel for anyone anymore.” 

“That’s not true,” he said. “This war ain’t over, Teach,” he said and you laughed quickly at the nickname. 

“I still have a target out there,” you said. 

“Beta, I know,” he said. 

“I am going to kill him,” you promised, “but I am going to need you by my side to do it.” Negan reached forward and kissed you softly. Pulling back, that fire was burning brighter in his eyes. 

“Where do we start?” 

Note:  I know some of yall wanted so massive angst, but I really wanted to look at the deeper connection between these too. These two have been through too much to not see how the other thinks. The Tower is next and we will finally see Lydia’s reaction. 

TAGS: @lucillethings @cameronsails @stark-dreams​ @amaroho​ @thanossexual​ @yes-sir-hotchner​ @boom-bunny​ @delusionalteenagewhispers​ @scootankle​ @ritajammer21​ @writteriguess​ @tea-atfive​ @jennydehavilland​ @waspyyy​ @yespleasejayhalstead​ @hoemadegrace​ @writingdeadangel​ @huffledor-able541​ @pulplorrd​ @felicisimor​ 

[professorthaddeus]

Out of Sight

This is a companion piece to @io-kj-cr‘s heartbreaking fic, Decisions, an AU of 2x128 where Caleb gives himself up to Trent. Would highly recommend checking it out!

also on ao3

—————————— 

They let him go. 

The chips were down, they were out of options with enemies at the door, Mama and Yeza and little Luc were not going to be trapped in a building with Icky-thong, and in that moment of weakness, they let him go.

“Cad, what do you see?” Fjord, grim. Caduceus is standing at the one window in the room, chosen for his keen ability to read people to keep an eye on the exchange.

The exchange. They’re selling Caleb back to the grossest person in the Empire, to his literal lifelong tormentor, and they’re just sitting here like it’s nothing. 

“They’re not hurting him. They’re just talking.” Caduceus’ voice rumbles in a steady cadence, ever the rock in the rapids. But Jester sees how his knuckles are clenched white around his staff. 

“Is he… how does he look?”

Veth, piping up from the floor, clutching Caleb’s spellbooks to her chest. Yeza’s holding her, Luc sitting uncharacteristically still by their side. He’s got a book in his hands as well. Jester’s heart thuds painfully when she recognizes the title as a collection of Zemnian fairy tales.

“He’s standing tall.”

Of course he is. They’ve all seen Caleb file away his fears and stitch himself together in the moments that really count. They’ve also seen him shake apart immediately afterwards.

This time, none of them are going to be there to help him pick up the pieces.

“This doesn’t sit well with me,” Yasha says quietly, fingers twitching toward her swords.

“Yeah, no shit.” Beau, pacing, coiled like she’s ready to pounce. “This was such a bad plan. I say we go ahead and attack them now. They’re busy with Caleb, so we could absolutely ambush them in a pincer move, or—“

“They’re gone.”

“What do you mean, gone?” Beau rushes to the window, where Caduceus is stepping aside. He leans back against the wall, looking lost in a way Jester hasn’t seen since his first time on the sea.

“I mean he and his friends stepped into a portal and disappeared.”

Beau’s jaw tightens. “They’re not his friends.”

“I don’t know,” Fjord murmurs, though Jester knows he would definitely be fuming as well if Beau wasn’t so close to the edge right now. “They did warn us they were coming.” He holds up his hands when Beau shoots him a withering look. “It could be a good thing. They might help us get him back.”

“With or without their help, I wasn’t kidding when I said our next step was going to be a jailbreak,” she mutters.

“Agreed.”

Veth lets out a shaky breath. “And he’ll be okay until then. He just has to hold on for one night, and we’ll go get him. He’s the smartest, most capable of us all; he’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, he’s way more powerful than them,” Jester adds, automatic. Something twists in her chest.

“Sure, except he doesn’t even have his fucking spellbooks.”

For once, Veth flinches instead of snapping a retort back at Beau.

“You keep these safe for me until I return, ja?”

“I don’t like this, Cay. There has to be another way.” There’s a tremor in Veth’s hands as she takes the books.

“There isn’t, and we are running out of time. Besides, he won’t kill me. He… ah, he has said many times already he simply wishes to talk.”

Jester winces. It’s going to be a long time before she forgets the haunted look that appeared in Caleb’s eyes every time Trent’s voice slithered into his ear today.

“Be good for your mother and father,” Caleb’s saying, ruffling Luc’s hair. 

He straightens to look at the rest of them, meeting their eyes one by one. Jester can almost hear him counting in his head. 

A wall slams down over his expression as he squares his shoulders.

“I am so sorry about all this.” He continues before any of them can protest. “Thank you all.”

Jester tries not to think it sounds like a goodbye.

She shoves the image of Caleb’s pale, determined face out of her head, swallowing the building lump in her throat. The last thing she needs—the last thing Mama needs—is for her to break down right now. 

“Well,” she hedges into the silence, “he’s got like, a really good memory, you guys. Maybe he doesn’t need them. Maybe he remembers all his spells.”

“I don’t—“ Beau starts, before taking a deep breath. Yasha’s hand is slipping into hers. She softens her tone. “I don’t think that’s how it works, Jes.”

“Oh.”

“Jester, I’m so sorry.” Mama speaks up from where she’s been sitting anxiously beside her. There’s so much regret in her face. “Your friend, he—”

“No, no, Mama, no.” She’s been so strong today, and Jester’s so, so proud of her for facing her fears, but she never should have been forced to do it. “This isn’t your fault at all. We brought them to you.”

Technically, she brought them here. Caleb can blame himself all he wants, but Jester’s the one who put a target on Nicodranas in that letter to Astrid all those months ago and the one who dropped Mama’s name into a conversation with an enemy guard just a few hours ago.

“Who… are they?”

“They’re, um.” Her voice wavers. She swallows again. “They’re bad people. Really, really bad people.”

“Oh, my Sapphire,” Mama hums, and it’s kind of crazy how those three words can sound like music from her lips. She reaches up to cup Jester’s cheek. “You and your friends are some of the most amazing people I’ve met. “And you,” she brushes her thumb gently across her skin, “are more creative than anyone in the world. You’ll find a way.”

Mama presses a kiss to the top of her head and then takes her hands. They’re smooth, warm. Jester looks down. Red and blue, just like when she was little, except now her hands can’t be fully covered by Mama’s. She’s grown up and stepped out of Mama’s arms and the sanctuary of their Chateau. Just like she always dreamed and plotted with Artie. It’s all she can do not to cry.

“Yeah. Yeah, you’re right,” she manages, tries for a watery smile.

“Jester,” Yasha ventures gingerly. “Can’t you talk to him?”

She shakes her head, blinking away the blurriness. “Not until tomorrow. I don’t have the energy left to cast a spell.” 

Caduceus clears his throat. “Good.” The rest of them look to him, startled. “Now there’s nothing to do but get some sleep so we’ll be ready for tomorrow. Mr. Wensforth, can you help us set something up for the night?”

The poor goblin looks up from where he’s been wringing his hands in the corner. Jester doesn’t blame him. 

Man, Yussa’s gonna be super pissed when he wakes up to find so many people in his tower.

She can’t imagine how she’s supposed to fall asleep, but Caduceus makes her drink some tea, and eventually she feels the tension of the day seep into her bones. Before it claims her consciousness, she brings the symbol of the Traveler to her chest.

“Artie, look out for him, okay?”

——— 

In the morning, Beau and Caduceus wake her and the others, careful not to disturb Mama, Yeza, or Luc.

Jester tucks the blanket around Mama a little more securely before heading out.

They all cluster together in a smaller room off of one of the tower’s winding stairwells. Caduceus starts passing around breakfast, but she declines, sitting in the middle of the floor instead and prepping a familiar spell. 

Fjord gives her an encouraging nod, holding ten fingers up at the ready. 

She focuses on the image of her friend, on the furrow in his brow as he wields magic like a weapon, on the way his eyes crinkle when he offers one of his soft, rare smiles. She fires up Sending.

“Caleb! Are you alright? Where are you? Are you hurt? Are you in Rexxentrum? I’m sorry, I had to wait until today to Send to reach you but we’re—”

Fjord’s nudging her, signaling the end of the spell. Jester blows a strand of hair out of her face, tapping her fingers against her knee.

She waits five seconds, ten, a minute. No response.

She bites her lip. “You guys—”

Beau’s there already, tugging her into a hug as Fjord gives her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Veth lets out a muffled noise of frustration.

“He could just not be in a place where he can talk freely right now, we don’t know,” Caduceus says evenly.

“Maybe I should try Astrid?”

Beau shifts, but she doesn’t let go. “I dunno, man, I don’t trust her.”

“She loves Caleb,” Veth says, but again, none of her usual ferocity is there.

“Yeah, maybe.” Beau’s face darkens. “And now she has him back.”

Her words hang heavy in the air.

Jester shakes herself. “Look, fuck it, I’m just going to do it.” She takes a deep breath.

“Astrid,” she chirps. “Is Caleb with you? Tell him to talk to me when he can. Oh also, if any of you hurt him, we’re totally gonna find you and make sure you never—”

“That’s it, Jester.”

“You should send another one. Let her hear the end of your threat,” Yasha says, and Jester swears she can hear thunder roll beneath the mild suggestion.

Fjord cracks something resembling a smile. “As entertaining as that would be, I think—“

Jester shushes them as Astrid’s voice comes back. 

Good morning, Jester. Bren is well and unharmed. He is here with us and under no restraints or compulsion. He is home now.

Jester growls. 

“What did she say?”

“That Caleb’s okay and like, he’s home, or some total bullshit. She’s wrong, obviously.” She has to be. Jester ignores the building pressure in her chest, flicks her wrist to cast again.

“Please, tell me something, tell me anything, tell me you’re fine, or dead, but please, we need to hear from you, we need to plan our next moves and we can get you out of there as long as you just—” Fjord squeezes her hand. Stupid, stupid spell with stupid word limits.

Nothing on the other end anyway. Her eyes sting, and this time, Jester doesn’t try to stop the sob in her throat.

“I’ll keep messaging you, please Caleb, we’re scared and worried, please tell us where you are, we can fix this, we can get you back!”

Finally, finally, Caleb speaks.

I am well, Jester; returning was my decision, and I am unharmed.

He sounds so tired.

I need you all to stay away. Stay safe. I am sorry.

Silence once more.

Jester’s messages have reached across thousands of miles, over oceans and barren wastelands and enemy lines. This is the first time she’s felt the yawning distance the magic has to travel.

She swipes at her eyes, glaring through her tears. 

She knows what he’s doing. It’s what he’s always done, protect and shield and give and give and give like it’s all he’s good for. But she’s also seen him start to unfurl, seen him laugh more and trust more and take one careful step after another out of the shadows of his past. He knows he’s part of their family. They just need to help him remember what that means.

“He said something,” Veth guesses.

“Something awful and self-sacrificing?” Beau mutters. 

“Yeah.” 

Jester pushes back her sleeves, and she can feel a breeze drift into the chamber, the rustle of a green cloak at her side.

“It doesn’t matter. We’re going to get him, now.”