#twin lane please respond

[builtbybrokenbells]

would you guys be mad if i did something

[yuurei20]

Jade and Floyd Info Compilation part 41: Epel

Both twins have a certain amount of overlap with Epel, with Floyd tying him to a tombstone during Spectral Soiree in order to attract ghosts. Epel was not pleased.

Floyd is Epel’s interviewer for his second birthday vignette and gifts him with a watch.

When Floyd comments that it looks “pretty rad” on him Epel becomes embarrassed, as usually people tell him that he’s cute (which he does not like).

Floyd says that he doesn’t get a “cute” vibe from Epel at all.

Epel says he would want Leona to be his older brother, and he hopes to get tall like Leona one day. When Floyd points out that Epel should pick himself or Jade to be his brother if he just wants to get taller Epel says that “It’s not just about height. Personality matters too…” and Floyd is not amused.

Floyd and Epel have overlap in Beanfest where Floyd tells him he is too weak to be going ahead on his own and needs to stay in his own lane.

Frustrated with being made fun of Epel accuses Floyd of thinking that he is better than everyone else and Floyd responds, “I’m nowhere near the best. So if you go too far ahead, I’m not gonna be able to save you,” to Epel’s surprise.

Epel says, “I figured you’d brag about how you can do whatever you put your mind to” and Floyd brings up the fact that Vil literally tossed him around earlier that same day.

Confused by how Floyd can be excited about a fight he lost, Floyd explains, “I don’t LIKE losing. But just ‘cause you don’t like somethin’ doesn’t mean ya can’t enjoy it.”

Floyd uses his recent exchange with Vil as an example, as he wants to be able to “wail on dudes while dressed to the nines, too,” so he is putting up with having to fight weak opponents on the opposite team and wear bulky clothes because Vil has promised to teach him the fighting move he used earlier on.

Floyd explains that there weren’t very many people stronger than himself under the sea, but there are a lot of stronger people at the school and he wants to be able to beat them one day.

Epel apologizes for assuming that he was all talk and Floyd reflects, “If I let Guppy keep swimmin’, he might grow into a meal worth eating one day…after all it’ll be away more fun to crush him when he’s strong and all sure of himself.”

Jade is assigned to work for Epel in a vignette where he temporarily transfers to Pomefiore, and they overlap again during a Harveston vignette where Jade checks up on Epel after he leaves their lodgings in the middle of the night.

They talk about having a pillow fight, practice sledding for the upcoming race, Epel forages for a herb to help treat a small injury that Jade incurs and they have a long conversation about Epel’s dreams to learn more about potions so that he can help his village in the future.

[samfrankiszka]

Bitter Aperol

Sam Kiszka x female reader // 18+ // minors dni // 2.3k words

Tags: pwp, explicit sexual content, swearing, oral sex (m receiving), piss play, watersports, desperation, olfactophilia, whiny (somewhat) sub Sam, some fluff if you’re into that type of thing

Authors notes: Other authors have written piss play for the twins so I am here to do my due diligence as Sam lane. It’s purely self indulgent and unedited and if you don’t like it, don’t read. 🫡 Also this is a burner account so if you know who I am on other accounts, no you don’t.

Summary: Sam has too many drinks during a show... whining and other activities ensue. 

“Hello, my lovely!” You hear just as soon as you’re wrapped tightly in Sam’s arms when he enters the dressing room. He’s warm and sweaty and the all familiar and comforting post-show stench fills your nostrils as he squeezes you. He leans down and kisses the crown of your head. “I missed you.”

“It’s been, what, two hours?” You reply, not being able to help the shit eating grin that covers your face as you look up at him.

“Well, maybe, but did you not miss me?”

You reply jokingly. “No, I actually enjoy the peace and quiet while you’re gone.”

He rolls his eyes dramatically, changing the tone of his voice to mock offense. “Oh, please, y/n,” he scoffs, “you know that you can’t stand it. You must be so bored without me.”

“Okay, you can tell yourself that,” you laugh, “how was the show? Sounded great from back here.”

He shrugs, “About as good as it could be, considering that Josh won’t let us change it up.”

With Josh facing the most physical strain with the current tour schedule, the other three had to compromise when it came to the setlist, knowing that he could only handle so much.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.”

He sighs. “’s alright. We all understand, it just gets boring after a while, you know?”

You nod, looking up at him. He meets your gaze with a soft smile.

“So,” he starts, changing the subject as he runs his hands down your side and rests them on your waist, “the bus is behind schedule and won’t be here until morning, so they’re letting us stay at the Marriott down the street.”

His voice lowers and you notice the feeling of his  growing semi against your hip. “I think that some people are heading over now, but we can go with the next group if you’re okay with that.”

This tour has had its ups and downs, and the bus being behind was the least of their worries when they got perks like this. You definitely couldn’t complain about a night in a hotel bed over a cramped bunk.

“That’s fine, I have nowhere to be.” You respond softly, giving into his scheme as you drag your hand over the front of his pants to elicit a response out of him.

He hums gently, smirking as he says. “Oh, is that so?”

“Mhmm.” You smirk back as you get down on your knees in front of him. “I’m fine right here.”

“I won’t argue with that,” he whines out as you kiss along the strip of hair under his belly button, purposefully ignoring his cock straining under his pants. His fingers brush through your hair as you gently bite the soft skin on his hip.

You lean back and sit on your heels as you look up at him. “Go ahead, take it out for me. Let me take care of you.”

His hands waste no time flying to the button of his pants, undoing it and the zipper as he quickly pushes them down with the waistband of his boxers, allowing for his cock to spring out.

You lick your lips at the sight and look up at him with raised eyebrows. “Well? Keep going.”

He chooses speed over grace as he finishes undressing himself, quickly kicking off his pants and underwear so he can bare himself to you. You admire the way his cock bounces with his rushed movements.

“Good boy, thank you.” You rub your hands up his exposed thighs before grabbing his cock and stroking it once from base to tip. “Always so pretty.”

Sam whimpers above you as you place wet kisses to the tip of his cock. The salty beads of precum coat your lips as you suck the tip into your mouth, hollowing your cheeks as you look up at him. His chest rises and falls erratically as you take him further into your mouth and let him hit the back of your throat. His post show musk fills your nose and causes you to moan around him and he quivers in response.

“Fuuuck,” he gasps out as he runs his fingers through your hair, “s- so good.”

You pull off to catch your breath, smiling up at him as you stroke his length. He returns the soft smile but it’s cut off by a whimper and his eyes rolling back as you suck on one of his balls and press it against the roof of your mouth. You release it with a loud pop and repeat the action with the other one, keeping a slow rhythm as you continue to stroke his cock.

“You always taste so good,” you whisper as you kitten lick the head of his cock, “especially after a show. I’ll never get tired of it.”

Sam hums in response as you grab the base of his cock and begin to slowly take him inch by inch into your mouth. You use your hands to grip onto his waist for leverage as you sink further down. He hits the back of your throat and you involuntarily flinch and squeeze where your hands are on his waist and your thumbs press tightly into his lower stomach. He yelps and you quickly pull off at the pained response.

You look up at him, panicked. “Are you okay? What happened?”

He breathes in through his nose, nodding with a shuddery exhale, “I’m sorry, I’m fine. It’s nothing.”

You furrow your eyebrows and look up at him, not believing his answer. He cuts you off before you can question him again.

“I’m fine, y/n, truly. I’m almost there.” He states, his voice back to normal.

You’re not convinced, but return to what you were doing, this time grabbing his thighs as you kiss up the back of his straining cock.

Maybe it was because you were on high alert, but you become increasingly aware of his body language as you continue to mouth at his cock. His thighs tremble under your touch and you notice his hands fidgeting.

He pulls away from your hair and instead starts playing with his own, roughly pushing his hair back away from his face and tucking the sweaty strands behind his ears.

He hisses and sucks a breath in through his teeth as you slowly lick up the back of his cock from his balls to the tip. You look up and notice the pained look on his face, one that you’ve seen before.

Oh.

“Sammy, baby,” You clear your throat and speak to him sternly, looking up at him and meeting his eyes. “How many cocktails have you had tonight?”

Knowing deep down that he probably lost count, you watch as he furrows his eyebrows and tries to remember. “Si- seven?”

“Mhmm. Is that all?” You place a wide lick up the back of his cock as you look up at him.

He chokes back a moan and answers. “A few Topo Chicos, I think.”

“You think?” You shake your head with a tsk. “How many was it before you lost track, hm? You got a little buzz and forgot how to count?”

You cut off his whiny response as you spit into your palm and start stroking his achy cock, being sure to spread the precum around the tip with your thumb in the same way that you know he does when he’s alone.

“And did you not piss before the encore?”

“I did.” He whines defensively. You notice how restless he’s gotten as he squeezes his thighs together for some relief. His hands are on his hips and his fingers are leaving indents on his sides.

“Jesus, baby. And you still need to go this badly? You can’t even stand still and let me finish.”

“I’m sorry, y/n, please.” He begs, his voice shaky and pathetic.

“Please, what?” You let go of his cock and gently squeeze his balls.

“Fuck!” Sam groans out. “Please, I need to take a piss, it hurts.”

“Hmm, well, since you asked so nicely,” you place a kiss to his lower belly before standing and placing your hand out for him to take. “Come on, baby boy.”

He grabs your outreached hand and follows you into the adjoining room where he had just showered earlier that day. “Go ahead, get in. I’m right behind you.”

He furrows his eyebrows in confusion but obliges. He watches you undress from inside of the shower stall, his cock heavy between his legs. His hands have resumed their position on his hips and he’s shaking his knee as a distraction from the ache in his bladder.

Once undressed, you step inside with him and close the shower door. You run your hands up and down his sides and look up at him with a mischievous smirk as you grab his cock and give it a few strong strokes.

With only a few inches between your naked bodies, you lean forward and kiss his collarbone and whisper in his ear. “You okay? Color?”

You feel his hands grab your hips and squeeze as he giggles out, “yellow, ironically.”

You roll your eyes at the joke but can’t help but laugh with him as you give him a few more strokes. “Good boy. You ready to let go for me?”

You press your free hand against his lower belly and press gently, eliciting a loud whimper from him as he nods his head. “Y-yes, please.”

You love how needy he sounds. How desperate. You could listen to the fucked out whining for hours, if he’d let you. But you know that he can only handle so much, and you love him getting his relief almost as much as you like keeping it from him.

“Go ahead, then.” You pause your strokes on his cock but hold it pointing upwards between your bellies. “Don’t be shy.”

He inhales deeply through his nose and sighs as he breathes out, his eyes roll back as you feel a few drops of wetness roll down his cock.

“That’s it, good boy.” You praise in hopes that he’ll fully let go.

“‘m trying,” he whimpers, “kinda hurts though.”

“Shhhh,” you keep one hand on his cock and use your free hand to brush his hair back and tuck it behind his ear. “Just think of how good it’ll feel once you’re done.”

He hums in agreement and closes his eyes. A few deep breaths later, you feel his stream pick up, spraying his lower stomach with the angle that his cock is pointed at. You coerce him gently, “There you go, keep going.”

You gently stroke his cock as he continues with a choked back groan of relief. He swears under his breath as the wetness sprays both of your stomachs and runs down, pooling at your feet on the shower floor.

You can’t help but point his cock towards you, aiming the stream directly above your belly button and feeling as it runs down between your legs. Everything hits at once and you’re suddenly dizzy from the sounds and smell of his relief. You run your free hand down your wet stomach and pubes, quickly swirling your clit for a hint of relief.

“Jesus,” he whispers under his breath a few moments later as the stream begins to slow down. He leans down and presses his forehead to yours, both of you looking down and seeing the last of his piss run out over your hand.

His chest heaves as he tries catching his breath, his sweaty hair hanging down in a curtain around his face. You feel his breath against your lips and lean in to kiss him languidly. He tastes like Aperol, a taste you have yet to acquire but seemingly enjoy if it comes from him.

You break the kiss and sink back to your knees, noting how cold and uncomfortable the puddle underneath you was becoming as you grab the base of his cock and suck the tip into your mouth. He tastes more salty and bitter than earlier, given the circumstances, but not unbearably so.

In his relaxed state, Sam slowly drags his fingers through your hair and lets out a soft moan.

“Your mouth feels so fucking good, I’m so close.”  

Wasting no time, you grab onto his thighs and sink down until he hits the back of your throat. You gag slightly and squeeze your eyes shut as you swallow around him.

You begin bobbing your head slowly, letting him hit the back of your throat each time. A few moments later he lets out a slew of curses and grips tightly onto your hair as his orgasm washes over him, filling your mouth with his salty release.

You pull away from his cock and swallow him down, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand as you catch your breath and look up at him. He holds his hands out to help you stand back up.

“Thank you, lovely. What do you say we get you cleaned up?” He says with a soft smile as he reaches for the shower knobs on the wall.

You nod up at him. “That might be a good idea, I feel pretty gross.”

He turns the water on flinches as the coolness hits him. His cheeks flush slightly pink as he speaks softly and adjusts the temperature. “That’s okay, I’ll get you all taken care of.”

He motions for you to trade spots so the water can warm you up. “Yeah? You promise?”

“I promise,” he opens the bottle of shampoo, squirting some into his palm before massaging it into your scalp, “but we should probably hurry and get out of here before someone comes looking for us.”

You close your eyes and hum, enjoying the feeling of his fingers in your hair and the warm water rinsing away what will certainly be a topic of discussion at a later time.

[hibisha]

Can you make a wedding RadioDust?

Please!?

You ask and I shall deliver!  👀 

“Take My Breath Away”

"Molly, I don’t think I can do this.”

Angel twisted in his seat to give his sister a panicked look, desperately tearing the veil off of his head, gripping the delicate fabric so tight that his claws almost tore through. His female counterpart responded with an exasperated look in turn, rolling her eyes affectionately as she took the veil from his hands and placed it back on his white fluffy head, fussing over it as she tried to set it in place.

“Tony, will ya just relax?” Happy with how it looked, Molly looked down and leaned in to cup his face in her palms, staring directly into his mismatched eyes and seeing the uncertainty hovering there. “When ya came to tell me your man had proposed to ya - Tony you were over the moon. I ain’t ever seen ya that happy. It's understandable ya getting cold feet now suga’ cuz I know it’s scary, tying yourself to one person forever. But ya gotta know how much he loves ya. Everyone can see it.”

“We keep fighting about the stupidest things.” Nervously fiddling with his dress, Angel bit his lower lip, eyes downcast. “This whole time: do we want lilies or carnations? Red or pink? So much. If we couldn’t handle even that, what's ta say he won’t bolt the minute we hit a slight hiccup? What if ten years down the lane he doesn’t love me anymore? What if he can’t stand ta look at me cuz he realized I don’t have much ya offer?”

“…you got all that from lilies and carnations?” Molly raised her eyebrow, both sets of her arms folded, looking dubious. “Seems a bit over dramatic if you ask me hun.”

“He also made boxed pasta last week, Molls. It’s like the man doesn’t even know me!” Angel waved his hand around looking agitated. “It was one of the worst things I’ve even seen him do. I had him sleep on the couch.” Snorting, Molly wrapped her arms around her twin, pulling him close so he could hide his face in her chest.

“The audacity! Tony, ya should have shanked him. He should be grateful he only got the couch!” Giggling, she stroked his hair. “But - I’m glad he takes care of you. Any idiot can see that he loves ya so much. And if he breaks your heart - well, ya know Niss has always been a tad bit trigger happy.” Wiping her eyes at the tears forming, she squeezed him tighter. “He’s a good one Angel. As good as they come in hell I guess. Though I gotta say, you sure do know how to pick em huh. A cannibalistic serial killer.” Angel laughed, a small sound but his shoulders were immediately set at ease.

“Thanks Molls.” Molly pulled away, beaming. “Now fix your dress hun. He’s waitin’ for ya at the altar and I’m pretty sure he’d burn the hotel down if he thought you were missing.” Molly took his hand and placed a soft kiss on his forehead, stepping back to look him over, tears starting to leak from the corner of her eyes as she stared at him. “Oh Tony, Ma would have been so happy to see ya like this.”

Angel quickly jumped to his feet, trying to ignore the pit growing in his stomach. Sharing one final hug between the two and they stepped out of the dressing room, walking over to the courtyard where everything was set up. Arackniss gave him one look and immediately looked away muttering but Angel was sure he saw a familiar emotion simmering in his eyes, and Angel could feel himself soar. Taking his brother’s arm, the two motioned for Molly to go take her place at the altar as Angel’s MOH. Once she was there, standing proud next to Cherri, they slowly made their way down the aisle themselves, Angel refusing to look at Alastor just yet.

The gasps around him were enough to let him know he looked stunning - something Angel already knew -  but no one’s opinion mattered as much as Alastor’s and Angel was almost scared to raise his eyes. What was going on in that antlered head? Was he having second thoughts?

When he reached the front, his brother gently squeezed his arm and let him go. Angel raised his head, squaring his shoulder to face his husband-to-be.

Magenta pupils met widened red ones.

Alastor’s smile had disappeared- mouth parted slightly in surprise as he openly gaped at Angel. His ears twitched, an endearing habit that had Angel’s hand almost reach out to play with them. The music filtering through the speakers screeched to a halt, stations flickering as they reflected upon Alastor’s inner turmoil. One sharp elbow from Husk later, Alastor straightened up, a smile spreading across his face slowly.

“Oh darling, you look simply divine.”

And at that moment, Angel knew it was all going to be okay.

[countrymusiclover]

7 - Mikaelson Kids Are Key

Part 8

Family is More than Blood

@secretdreamlandmentality

Henrik’s pov

Running through the halls of the school with Pedro we had been playing tag for hours seeing as my parents were busy with protecting the school. We ended up running across the Saltzman twins room. I paused, confused seeing Lizzie talking with a blue lady. “Lizzie, who is she?” I asked to enter the room. 

“She probably has magic like us.” Pedro responded by taking my hand in his. 

The blue lady snapped her fingers before I stepped forward touching the blue woman's back to which she didn’t notice. “Lizzie, what’s she doing?” Before our eyes we were transported into an old warehouse and saw pictures of my mom and dad on the wall saying they were wanted by the law. 

“I don’t see Lizzie.” Pedro looked around until we heard some screaming around the corner. 

Together we ran around the corners and I felt like I was about to throw up at the sight before our eyes. There were two people standing in front of us tearing into some strangers' necks until the body dropped to the ground dead. One of the people who we’re feeding turned around to us where I croaked out terrified. “Mommy?” Her hair was a tousled mess, blood stained all the way down her chin and her vampire fangs visible to us.

“Who the hell are you, boys? I don’t have any children.” She spat in my direction slowly walking towards us and I could feel my heart beating against my chest. 

My father glanced over his shoulder grabbing a hold of my mother’s shoulder holding her there for a brief moment. “Easy Raelyn, we shouldn’t hurt these kids…is what I would say if I had any humanity left in me.” He vamped forward shoving me against the wall about to bite into my neck until someone shot something into his back and my mothers where they collapsed onto the ground. 

“Henrik, what do we do? Please don’t hurt us.” Pedro begged the stranger that lowered their crossbow.

The figure removed their hood revealing the familiar face of my uncle Jacob. He cocked the weapon again with something else coming up cheek us for injuries. “Are you boys okay? Does anything hurt?” Blinking my eyes I recognized my younger cousin standing in front of me with her brown hair tied up into a braid. 

“Andrea, it’s me, Henrik. Henrik, your cousin.” I stepped forward to hug her until she drew back slightly away from me. 

She knitted her brows confused. “I’m sorry kiddo but I don’t recognize you.” 

“Andrea, help the kids up. We need to get back to the base before they wake up. Alaric will need our help with the war.” Uncle Jacob tilted his head in the other direction heading outside. We followed after them where I glanced back at my sleeping parents horrified that they didn’t know me and nearly killed me. 

We reached something that looked like the school but it wasn’t anything like we knew. There were maps and weapons everywhere. Everyone was dressed in military type clothes meaning they were prepared to fight something. Andrea held a curtain open showing me and Pedro someone that looked like an older Ric standing over a war map. “We found some other strangers, Saltzman. Maybe your daughter knows who they are.” 

“Thanks Andrea. Sweetheart, do you know these kids?” Alairc glanced in the direction of Lizzie who rushed over to the two of us. 

“Pedro, Henrik. What are you doing here? How did you follow me?” She asked us. 

Pedro answered her question looking around the room with a nervous stance. “We followed the blue lady.” 

“Come here you two…The world knows about vampires?” Lizzie picked up a picture of a piece of paper that showed enemies of the state. And it was drawings of my father and mother. 

Alaric leaned down noticing what we were all looking at. “You've forgotten more than I thought. 

Klaus Mikaelson and Raelyn Lane lost everything that anchored him to his humanity, and so he shut it off two years ago and started a war. Outed supernaturals in the process. And just like that, Triad had an ugly, racist platform to stand on, and nothing's been safe ever since.” 

“What did they lose? Where are my  sisters…Hope, Alina…Missy?” I asked the older man, remembering when my mother said she had no children which I knew wasn’t true. 

Alaric lowered his gaze to the floor sniffing through tears. “After they took this magic called the Hollow it took control and killed them. I don’t know who you are. But Hope, Alina and Melissa have been dead for two years.” 

“If they’re gone then that means you were never born either.” Pedro turned to me with tears in his eyes figuring out what must have happened. “That’s why your parents didn’t recognize you.” 

Clutching my hands into fists at my sides I felt anger building up inside of me before Lizzie asked her father. “Where's Josie? Dad. Where is she?” 

“She's dead, Elizabeth. The vigil's for her.” He weakly told his daughter. 

Lizzie fell against the table of paper’s behind her. “No. No, no. She-she can't... she can't be. That's not what I wanted.” 

“I know. But, right now, you just... need to get some sleep.” Ric tried to calm her down. 

She pushed through the tears in utter shock looking toward us seeing that I was sobbing through heavy tears. “No. No, no. I-I can... I can fix this. I-I can make this whole miserable world go away. Josie's not really gone…neither are your sisters Henrik. I promise, okay?” 

Alaric grabbed her shoulders. “Elizabeth, please, please... “ 

“This was my last wish. I can't take it back.” Lizzie whipped her head around to us sobbing uncontrollably. “Oh. I've ruined everything. Oh, no. It's my fault!” 

Pushing past Pedro I suddenly threw one of the tables across the room smashing it to pieces. Grabbing one of the pieces I spun around on my feet launching it towards Lizzie but her body collapsed into sleep in her father’s arms. The piece of wood gets thrown into the witch. I think Penelope was her name. “Urgh!” I grunted seeing her body drop dead where instantly I collapsed onto the ground when my legs broke. 

“Henrik!” Pedro screamed seeing the rest of my bones starting to break. 

I don’t really remember what happened next but somehow they put us inside a cell with my bones still breaking slowly while I fought against the pain that it was bringing me. Lizzie slowly woke up seeing me curled up in the corner moaning in pain. “Henrik, oh god. You triggered your curse because of me…Genie, please come back!” 

The blue lady appears beside us staring down at me seeing my bones still breaking and I begin crying loudly. “Quite a pickle you’re in, Lizzie. Involving a poor innocent boy into this world. You now see that wishing me what I want is the only way.” 

“No way am I giving you my wish!” She snapped at her running her fingers through my hair. 

“Incentivized?” The blue woman snapped her fingers transporting the three of us outside where I lifted my head up seeing men throwing Alairc to the ground. 

Pedro panicked when I buried my face into the ground yanking my head up flashing my golden wolf eyes at the pair. “Lizzie what do we do…Henrik’s turning into a wolf.” 

“When I fix this he’ll be fine. I promise, Pedro.” She whipped her head around back to the blue lady. “I am never wishing you that urn.  You want it so bad? Why didn't you just take it when it was right in front of you…Because you can't. That's it, isn't it?  You said it yourself. You can only do what someone wishes you to do. That's your curse.  And you are just as broken as I am. But I know how to fix you.” 

“Lizzie ah!” I screamed up at her trying to still fight against the pain seeing my hands turning into claws. 

She gulped never wanting me to turn at only the age of seven so she thought quickly on her feet. “By winning your dumbass game. I wish that you had never met the monster that sent you to Malivore.” 

The magic lady trails off. “Huh. If I never went to Malivore…” 

“You'd have completed your years of service. That's my wish. Take it or leave it.” Lizzie glared at the woman with my back breaking and a low growl coming from my throat. 

She raised her fingers. “Your wish is my command.” 

Lizzie cheered dropped taking my hand in hers. “Boom! Suck on that! You won’t have to turn, Henrik.” 

“But there's a catch. We will never have met, either, which means... he won’t remember triggering his curse and you…” The blue lady cut her off. 

Lizzie mumbles. “I won't remember the Merge.” 

She explained to the three of us. “Not consciously. You'll be just like all those poor souls I helped over the centuries who used their final wishes to reset their realities.” 

Pedro asked nervously with my neck snapping in the opposite direction. “What did you do to them?” 

“They found their worlds just as they left them. Only their minds weren't.  Because somehow our journeys stayed with them and slowly drove them insane. It's like you said. There's always a loophole with magic.  And when you find out your father's secret, as you inevitably will, history will likely repeat itself, and you'll kill Josie all over again.” The genie tilted her head to the side with a curious look. “The only thing I am not sure whether or not Henrik will trigger his curse at the same time yet. But it still may be your fault.” 

Lizzie gasped realizing what she had said but it was too late. “I take it back. I-I wish to…” 

“I thank you for my freedom, Lizzie.” The genie snapped her fingers where I passed out for a brief second before I shot awake seeing Lizzie standing in front of the mirror in her bedroom. 

Getting to my feet I wasn’t sure why but I bolted through the hallways of the school searching for my mom or my dad like I was afraid that something had happened to them. Yet I couldn’t explain why. Screeching to a halt I found both of them standing out in the center room with the fireplace. “Mommy. Daddy!” 

“Henrik - offf. Hey, is everything okay?” Mom hugged me when I tackled her into a bear hug sobbing happily into her shirt. 

Dad bent down on a knee seeing me crying. “Son, why are you crying?" 

"I don't know, I just…Where are my sisters?" I croaked through heavy tears. 

"I love you, sisters!" Multiple sets of footsteps came around the corner where I spun on my feet seeing my three big sisters all standing there. Wrapping my arms around all three of them I didn't quite understand why but something told me that without the Mikaelson kids there would a war. 

[basiccortez]

Say No To This- JTK

note: in honor of me finally picking a lane I present: a spicy fic ahaha. I'm still learning and improving my spicy fic writing so don't be mean to me. anyway REQUESTS OPEN

warnings: smutty, cheating, cursing, reader goes fucking crazy

taglist form (i promise I will get my shit together and will be better at this. I'm a work in progress people:)

Did she feel bad? Of course she did. It was dirty, and disgusting, and a thousand other kinds of wrong and stupid. But to her, it was like a drug. Jacob Thomas Kiszka was a drug. He was intoxicating from the first time she had ever laid eyes on him. His band had been playing the Greek Theater, and your friends had begged you to go. The overall sound of the band was intoxicating from the pounding of the drums to the sweet voice that filled your ears to the magnificent art of the piano player. But what really seemed to take over her 5 senses was the guitar player.

Y/N had taken over Jake too. Her confidence is what stood out to him as he watched her in the bar that night. The way she could get a guy to buy her a drink with a simple look, to the way she could clear a path and drag some poor soul to the dance floor. Jake knew he shouldn’t have gotten jealous and possessive over a woman he didn’t even know, but there was something in the way her hips were swaying and grinding on the stranger that made Jake flood with anger. He pushed off his seat and made his way over to her, the flashing lights and loud music almost disorienting as he got to her and pushed the sorry sucker out of the way.

“That wasn’t nice,” She said to him, as Jake’s rough hands took over from where the strangers had been.

“Don’t give a fuck,” Jake said, his hot breath fanning over her neck, “You’re mine.”

“But am I?” Y/N asked innocently, taking her left hand and running it over Jake’s. Jake glanced down at her hand and smirked. He knew there was something about her and this explained it.

“Left the husband at home?”

“He’s banging the intern,”

“Even better,” Jake smirked and placed a chaste kiss on her neck, “You catch them?”

“Panties in his pocket that weren’t mine,”

“God, what a child,” Jake said and pressed against her ass. She giggled at the feeling of his hard-on. Jake’s hands wandered down her body to her thighs, which were exposed from her short skirt. Y/N leaned her head on his shoulder and gripped the back of his neck, bringing his head down to hers. Their lips connected in a hot fit of passion. Her hands tangling in his hair, their teeth clashing, and his hands running up the inside of her thigh. His hand felt hot as it moved ever so slowly towards the place where she wanted him the most. Jake could hear the small whimpers leaving her mouth, her hips trying to get a bit of friction and relief from his hand.

“Do you want to get out of here?”

“Please,” Y/N sighed and Jake smirked.

That night was the night that did it. Sealed the deal for Jake and Y/N. Their sneaking around got insistent. Y/N spent more time going home to Jake than she did to her own husband. She didn’t dare to bring Jake to her own house, it really wasn’t even her house, it was her husband’s house. She felt less guilty about rolling around in Jake’s bed than the one she shared with her husband every night.

Y/N also pretended like things were still normal between her and her husband. She woke up every morning at 6 with him to go to the gym, and then helped him cook breakfast when they got done. She always packed him his lunch and laid out his clothes while he took a shower. She kissed his lips goodbye and told him she loved him. It was the second his white Porsche was out of the driveway, she was texting Jake how much she missed him.

“What’s got you looking at your phone all funny?” Josh asked his twin.

“Oh nothing,” Jake shrugged, responding back to the dirty message Y/N had sent him.

“This got something to do with the trophy wife you’ve been banging?” Jake looked at his twin with wide eyes, how the fuck did he know about Y/N?, “You aren’t as secretive as you think you are. But do you even know who her husband is?”

“Some prick who’s banging the intern,” Jake shrugged.

“How about the exec of the fucking label that fucking owns us,” Josh said pointing to the man in the expensive suit that was shaking hands with Danny and Sam.

“You’re fucking joking,” Jake said, “How do you know?”

“I did some digging once you said her name,” Josh said, “Y/N L/N is also Y/N King, she’s married to that prick,”

Jake scoffed and clenched his jaw. He had fallen in love with forbidden fruit. For the one thing he actually couldn’t have. Josh elbowed his twin and made him stand up to greet Eli King, the head exec for Lava Records. Jake played nice, well as nice as he could with the thoughts of his boss’s wife down on her knees sucking him off just days before in the very studio he owns. Josh introduced himself to Eli, explaining what he does in the band and what they were working on.

“And you must be Jake,” Eli said, “I love the work you’ve been doing,”

“Thanks man,” Jake said shaking his hand, “Means a lot,”

“My wife has been nonstop talking about you guys. She’s a big fan,”

“So am I,” Jake slipped out and Josh elbowed him in the ribs, “I mean we are fans of your wife cause she’s a fan of us. . . we’re fans of anyone who is fans of- how about I play you this solo I’ve been working on,”

“I’d like to hear it,” Eli said and Jake nodded, walking into the booth. Josh cursed his brother out in his head and watched his interaction with Eli. Jake tried pushing the thoughts of Y/N out of his head as he played his solo for her husband, but he couldn’t. He knew that he couldn’t say no to her, she was his weakness. And clearly Eli didn’t care enough either. Jake had noticed the dark purple mark on his neck, his shirt was mismatched buttoned, and that his wedding ring wasn’t on his hand. Jake knew Y/N and knew that she wouldn’t let her husband walk out of the house looking a mess. It seemed like hours until Eli left, but not before inviting the band to his house for his wife’s birthday party.

“She’d love to have you all there,” Eli smirked, “She’s kind of an attention whore like that.”

“We’ll be there,” Jake said giving him fake smile.

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

When Jake got home from the studio that day, he wasn’t surprised seeing the blacked out mustang in his driveway. He rolled his eyes and opened the door, seeing the trail of clothes in his hallway. He knew where she was and her current state on undress, she had sent him pictures of her stark naked against his white sheets. Jake decided to prolong her waiting, knowing that she could hear him walking into the house.

Jake whistled as he walked to the kitchen and chuckled seeing an empty wine glass on the counter, remanites of red wine in it and red lipstick on the top. Jake was thinking in his head on how he planned on confronting her about not telling him about her husband’s job occupation. He thought to himself, there was no way she didn’t know they were signed to his label. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey off his shelf, and then walked up the stairs to the bedroom.

His eyes about fell out of his head at the sight. Her head was thrown back in pleasure, her fingers buried deep within in her, moans and gasps leaving her pink lips. Jake smirked and leaned against the door frame, watching her. She was mesmerizing, the way her hips bucked and she thrashed with pleasure.

“You gonna watch me, or help me?” Y/N asked and Jake shook his head, crossing the treshold.

“You’re in trouble,” Jake said pointing at her, “When were you gonna tell me the scum bag cheating husband owned our record label?”

“You never asked what he did,” Y/N shrugged, using her other hand to rub circles on her clit.

“Stop,”

“Make me,”

Jake set his bottle down, and climbed on the bed, taking her hands away from her dripping core. She let out a wine and Jake chuckled, “You were sending me dirty texts and pictures while I had to lie to your husband about knowing you. I probably know you better than him. Tell me sweetheart, when was the last time you let him fuck you?”

“How long you been fucking me?”

Jake smirked, “Seems like I got everything. My girl, my pussy,”

Jake’s rough hand slowly made it’s way up her thighs, the roughness of his fingers made her moan. The pad of his finger grazed her clit lightly, making her jump. Jake gently pushed his finger into her wet core, making them both moan at the feeling.

“More, Jake, please,” Y/N moaned as Jake added another finger into her. He slowly moved them in and out, curling them to reach her g-spot, “Fuck me, Jake. Make me feel good, make me yours,”

Jake pulled away and undid his pants. Y/N knelt on her knees and undid the rest of his buttons on his shirt, and pushed it off his shoulders. The sparkle of the diamond ring on her hand always caught his attention. She never took it off, and it was a constant reminder that she wasn’t really his. Jake felt guilty whenever he felt the cool metal against his body. He wondered why she didn’t take her ring off like her husband did. Jake pushed her back down on the bed, and then grabbed her ankles, pulling her down to the edge. Y/N let out a giggle and Jake opened her legs by pushing her knees down. He let out a hot breath against her pussy that made her jump, before spiting on it for added lubrication. Jake pumped himself a couple times, before pushing his head through her folds.

“Jesus fuck,” Y/N moaned out, her back arching, as Jake leaned down and kissed her, pushing his lips flushed with her pelvis. Jake looked down at her perfect features, feeling her hands run over her shoulders, “You gonna stare at me, or fuck me?”

“You need to shut up,” Jake said and started moving his hips at a bruising pace. Y/N’s eyes rolled back in pleasure as all coherent thoughts left her mind. Jake’s lips found her neck, kissing and sucking, for sure leaving behind marks. Her manicured nails dug their way into his back, leaving red angry scratch marks behind.

All the anger that had built up over the day, having to listen to Eli talk about Y/N like she was his most prized possession drove Jake crazy. He wanted so badly to shut him up and show him the pictures or the videos of his wife in his bed. Jake took his left hand, and wrapped it around Y/N’s throat, squeezing the sides of it.

“Yeah, you like that?” Jake asked, and felt her clench around his dick, “I know you do. You like being choked,” Jake pulled out and quickly turned her over to her stomach. Y/N groaned at the loss of him from inside her, but let out a yelp as he smacked her ass, and slid back inside her.

Jake was relentless, his hips slamming into her plump ass over and over again. His hand tangled in her hair, pulling her back against him. Jake bit her cheek lightly, and she moaned at the feeling.

“You gonna cum baby? You gonna be a good little whore and come for me?” Jake asked her, his voice dripping with desire. All Y/N could do was nodded and Jake smirked, “Then cum baby, all over my cock, cum for me,”

Y/N came loudly, her moans echoing off the walls as warmth spread throughout her body. Jake was close behind her, spilling white, hot ropes of cum into her warm pussy. Jake groaned at the feeling and let his head drop back in pleasure. He stilled inside her, letting the feeling of euphoria fill his body. He looked down at Y/N who looked completely fucked out. He pulled out of her slowly, and Y/N let out a small whimper. He walked to his bathroom and grabbed a warm, damp wash cloth and helped her clean herself off. Jake helped her up off the bed and walked her to the bathroom. He stood outside the door in his boxers as she did her thing.

“I met your husband today,” Jake said and Y/N froze.

“You did?” Her voice sounded light and faraway, “Where?”

“At the recording studio,”

Y/N stared at herself in the mirror. There were deep, dark hickies on her throat and collarbones. She noticed the small finger like bruises on her hips and a hand print on her ass, “Oh,”

“Yeah, oh. Were you ever going to tell me that he owned our label?”

Y/N rolled her eyes and opened the bathroom door, “Didn’t think it was necessary.”

“Didn’t think- Y/N, he holds my whole career in his hands,”

“He actually doesn’t. He’s just a partner,” Y/N said, walking over to Jake’s closet and looking for a shirt to wear, “What did you say to him?”

“That his wife calls me daddy and sucks my dick,” Jake said in a serious voice. Y/N dropped the shirt in her hands and looked at him, “I’m joking,”

“Not funny,” Y/N rolled her eyes picking up the shirt and slipping it on her body. She walked over to Jake, and wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands went straight to her hips, pulling her into him, “My birthday party is this weekend-“

“I know, princess,” Jake said, “We’re invited. All of us,”

Y/N smiled and kiss his lips softly, “Perfect.”

“You’re going to be the death of me,”

“A perfect way to die if you ask me,”

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

The party had to be perfect. Y/N made sure it was perfect. Eli was pulling out all the stops to make his wife happy. The couple had been fighting more and more, and Eli was doing what he could to make his wife happy, even if that meant having a significant dent in his bank account. Y/N chose a black tie event, making it one of the most elegant parties that Lava Records had put on in months. Y/N had hired chefs from France, imported wine from Italian vineyards, had a hand crafted dress from Donatella Versace herself. The night was to be perfect.

“Princess?” Eli asked, walking into the bedroom, seeing her dressed in red lingerie, “I thought it was your birthday not mine,” He smirked walking into the room.

“Nice try,” Y/N smirked and walked into the bathroom, “Go greet the guests please, I’ll be down soon,”

“Fashionably late like always,” Eli muttered and Y/N rolled her eyes, “I’ll see you down there,”

Y/N let her stylist finish her make up and hair. She thanked them nicely and finished getting ready as there was a knock on her bedroom door, “Eli, I already told you-“

“Eli? I didn’t think you were getting us confused already, sweetheart,” Jake’s sultry voice said filling the air, “Looking good, baby,”

Y/N felt a surge of confidence flood through her body as he sauntered over to him. He looked delicious in his navy blue suit that Y/N insisted on him wearing. If there wasn’t a hurry for her to get down to her own party, she would’ve been on her knees for him. Y/N bit her lip and grabbed her dress, unzipping it and stepping into it. She pulled it up her body and Jake moved quickly, walking behind her, so he could zip it up.

“You’re perfect,” Jake whispered, his breath hitting her neck, “You’re also mine,”

“Play nice Jacob, your boss is out there,”

“Fuck him,” Jake sneered and kissed her neck softly, “Come find me later, so I can give you your birthday gift,” Jake patted her ass softly and turned on his heel to leave. Y/N took a deep breath as she listened to his footsteps fade, before following him down to the party.

Everything was perfect, and Y/N was soaking up every ounce of attention she could get. Eli was by her side the whole time, his hand on the small of her back, and the silver band on his ring finger was mocking Jake the whole time. To everyone, they seemed like the perfect couple, happy in their own world. But Jake knew the truth. Besides just fucking her, he had learned everything about her. He knew that she basically came from nothing, and worked hard to put herself through college, studying marketing and event planning, that’s how she met Eli. He knew of their fights, how Eli had accused Y/N of only marrying him for money and security, when in fact, at one time, she did love him. Jake had held her and listened to her as she cried about Eli coming home late, mumbling some other woman’s name, smelling of another woman, and deep red lipstick smeared on his shirt collar.

“Unclench your ass,” Sam said nudging his brother. Jake looked at him confused, “You look like you’re going to commit a federal crime.”

“Maybe I am,” Jake shrugged, downing the rest of his drink.

“You think he knows?”

“What? That I’m fucking his wife? I don’t know,”

“Why couldn’t you go for a woman who’s not married. Why did it have to be her?”

The words bounce around in Jake’s head: why did it have to be her? Truth was, Jake really didn’t know. All he did know, was that he loved her, “I love her,”

“She’s married,”

“I know. But I love her,” Jake said, and looked at his empty glass, “I’m going to get another drink.” Jake looked up just to see Eli pulling a smirking Y/N into the house, “Or maybe the whole bottle,”

Eli’s lips smashed against Y/N’s as he held her against the wall in some random dark hallway of their house. Y/N’s lips tasted like the rose she had been drinking. Eli made sure to have her drink full, knowing very well that it made her promiscuous. His hands roamed her body, as his lips fell to her neck. Y/N moaned as Eli ground his hips against hers.

“So pretty,” Eli whispered, “So fucking pretty, but such a fucking slut,”

“What?” Y/N said.

“I can see the way the guitar player of that little band you like keeps eye fucking you all night,” Eli smirked, “He wants what he can’t have, and its funny,”

Y/N thought she had been caught, all the blood drained from her body, making her head spin. But when Eli went back to gripping her ass and kissing her, she realized that she hadn’t been caught, well not entirely. Y/N smiled and kissed her husband back, but pushed him back gently.

“Not until later,” Y/N whispered seductively, “I can’t have you ruining my makeup before the night is over,”

“Please, baby, it’s been too long,” Eli whined, rutting his hips against hers.

“After,” Y/N said and Eli smirked, kissing her one more time. Y/N watched as Eli adjusted himself, before walking back out to the crowd. Y/N followed behind him back out. She shot a look over to Jake, his face hard to read. Jake looked at her, he knew they weren’t gone long enough for her to be satisfied, but that didn’t mean she didn’t get him off with her sweet mouth and hands.

Jake ended up leaving the party earlier than his brothers, not being able to stand the way Eli and Y/N were behaving. He had no right to be angry over it, they were husband and wife, they were acting like husband and wife. Jake shrugged off his jacket and kicked his shoes off, walking up to his bed alone. He flopped down on the soft mattress and couldn’t help but wonder what she was doing right now. If she was on her knees for Eli, if he was making her scream and shake like he could. Or, better yet, Y/N imagined it was Jake pounding into her instead of Eli.

Y/N sat at her vanity, and took the pins out of her hair, sighing at the feeling of letting her hair be free. She had stripped out of her dress and hung it up in her closet. Eli was busy making sure everything got cleaned up. Y/N whistled a tune as she brushed out her hair out. She set her brush down and stood up from her spot and walked over to the large windows that over looked the backyard. She scoffed, seeing Eli shoving his tongue down some young waitress’s throat. Y/N tried not to cry, believing this was her karma for everything she had done with Jake. Y/N shook her head and laughed, this was perfect. Everything was fucking perfect. She changed into some comfortable pajamas before writing a note and posting it on the door. She slammed the door shut and locked it, knowing that Eli was going to saunter in at some point in time and want to fuck her.

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

The next morning, Y/N went on with her usual routine. Gym, breakfast, shower, make Eli’s lunch, lay out his clothes. But today, she purposely forgot to pack him his water bottle, knowing that he would be back for it. Eli fixed his tie in the mirror by the front door, as Y/N stood in her bathrobe.

“I’ll probably be late tonight, so don’t wait up,” Eli said, “Okay, baby,”

Y/N gave him a fake smile, “Okay, I love you,” She kissed his lips and his hand squeezed her ass.

“I love you too, I’ll see you when I get home,”

“Okay,” Y/N said as he left the house, “No the fuck you won’t, bastard,” She muttered, and smirked running up the stairs. She turned on her house speakers, and pressed play on the first song on her ‘Revenge’ playlist. The intro chords to safari song filled the air and Y/N let out a sinister giggle as she walked over the her shared closet with Eli. She ran her fingers over the designer clothes and shoes and watches. She lit a cigarette before grabbing an arms full of his clothes and pushed the door to the balcony open. As if the stars had alined perfectly.

“Hey baby, I forgot my- WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!?” Eli yelled looking up at her with his clothes in her hands.

“FUCKING CHEATER!!” Y/N yelled and threw his clothes into the pool below.

“Y/N, BABY COME ON!”

“SUCK MY DICK!” Y/N yelled as she threw a pair of his Chelsea boots over the balcony.

“HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!? I WOULD NEVER CHEAT ON YOU!”

“I WATCHED YOU!”

“WHAT?!”

“I WATCHED AS YOUR DICK WENT ON A CHEERLEADER HUNT LAST NIGHT!”

Eli scoffed and shook his head as Y/N threw a couple of his Grammys over the side to go crashing into the pool, “Okay, NOW YOU’VE REALLY LOST IT! I KNOW YOU’VE BEEN FUCKING THAT GUITAR PLAYER!”

“AT LEAST HE CAN MAKE ME CUM!” Y/N yelled as she threw anything she could get her hands on; suits, watches, shoes, platinum records, ties, sunglasses. Eli shook his head, having enough and storming into the house. Y/N yelped and quickly ran out of the room. She grabbed her phone and a bag she had packed last night tucked in her closet.

“Where are you going!?” Eli said, crashing into her small frame at the bottom of the stairs, “You’re just gonna go all pyscho on me and ditch out?”

“I am doing more than just ditching out,” Y/N said and threw the diamond ring at his face, “I’m leaving your ass,”

“Oh really?!” Eli laughed, “And where will you go? You have nothing, Y/N, you live off of me.”

“Thank god you made me sign that pre-nup then,” Y/N smirked, “My money stayed my money, and last time I knew. . . Lava was dumping you as an exec, meaning. . . sorry buddy, but as the great Ice Cube once said: “Broke as a mother-fucking joke,” Y/N spit in his face and pushed past him, “Better think twice before you go on a fucking cheerleader hunt next time.”

“Like I don’t have enough shit to worry about!? I got you causing issues now! It wasn’t my fault!”

“And it wasn’t my pussy!” Y/N yelled as she stormed out of the house. She raced into her mustang, and let it roar to life as she sped away from her home. The last image she got was of Eli sitting down on the front steps in defeat, hanging his head in his hands. She laughed as she turned on her stereo, blaring Safari Song as loud as her speakers could do.

Jake felt like shit. He hardly slept last night, and didn’t feel like working at all today. He sat in silence as his brothers worked around him, messing with different things in the studio. His phone, which was usually going crazy with texts, snaps, and tiktok messages had been silent all morning. Maybe Y/N had finally come to her senses and decided to end her little relationship with Jake, and this was her way of doing it. Jake should’ve known eventually she would choose the man she married over the man she was just sleeping around with.

“Hey, I know it hurts but-“ Sam started saying as the door was pushed open.

“Jake!” Y/N yelled storming into the studio.

“What-“

“Are you in your bathrobe?” Josh asked looking at the girl.

“Yes, but that’s besides the point. I left him,”

“You left him!?” Josh asked again.

“Josh, right?” Y/N asked the curly haired man next to her.

“Yeah,”

“Shut up, please,” Y/N said and then directed her eyes back to the other twin, “Jake I love you. And I went all ‘Diary of A Mad Black Woman’ on Eli and threw his clothes, and boots and watches, and a couple Grammys into the pool-“

“You threw his gram-“ Josh was about to ask but Y/N glared at him, “We’ll be in the next room,” Josh said and nodded his head towards Sam and Danny. The three of them left Jake and Y/N alone and Jake walked over to her.

“You are probably the craziest woman I have ever met,” Jake said, “But I am so stupidly in love with you, that it’s making me crazy too,” Jake pulled her into him and kissed her. He wrapped his arms around her body not wanting the moment to pass. Jake pulled back and then looked at her, really looked at her. She was still in her bathrobe, but had her pajamas, which consisted of a ratted USC Trojans t-shirt and playboy sleep shorts, on underneath, “So. . . you went all what and threw what?”

Y/N giggled and shook her head, leaning her head on his chest, “That’s a story for another day. . . or for TMZ.”

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

all boys taglist: @godzillalyz @gretavanfleas @sarakay-gvf @barbariansgvf @leah2002 @raeraybaebay @tastic-gvf

Jake taglist: @gretavanfle3t @444tpwk

[eggtoasties]

Pairing: Eventual Osamu x Reader

Rating: E for fucking Samu in the car :-)

Word Count: 4.4k of Miya twin shenanigans, fluff, then eventual smut

Summary: A hopeful love and a blossomed love; years of wishing on candles and they’re both content.

a/n: @powderblew​ ur the hopeful love my beloved

Contrary to popular belief, Miya Atsumu does not speed. Yes, he nearly loses his mind on the interstate every other day but his road rage is completely contained to cursing in the confines of his car. Most people think Atsumu’s the reckless driver with his loud personality and penchant for pulling off risky moves on the court, but surprisingly, it’s his counterpart who fully believes that the actual speed limit is at least ten above the posted signage and weaves through lanes with one hand on the wheel and the other on her thigh.

Atsumu got Osamu the car as a birthday gift—black, sleek, and quiet. He had been dropping hints for weeks but Osamu had brushed them off, figuring his brother was spewing incoherent nonsense.

It was the weekend before their birthday. They decided to take a trip to the mountains—it was rare at this point in their young adult lives to have the free time to spend with each other. Osamu was busy with the shop: serving customers, preparing food, and trying new dishes. Getting Onigiri Miya off the ground was a seven day work week with early mornings and late nights. Atsumu on the other hand, had regularly scheduled practices and travel matches with the team. Although his schedule was incredibly hectic, there was a sort of rhythmic regularity to it.

So, for the first weekend in a long time where it would be just them, Atsumu wanted it to be special. Afterall, it was their birthday. Atsumu was the one who drove them to the campsite, taking in the scenery with appreciation, going slowly on the winding roads while mindlessly tapping a beat on the steering wheel. As they got closer and closer to their destination, Osamu could tell his brother was antsy.

His eyes would flicker from the road, to Osamu, then back again. His mindless tapping to the music turned into an incessant drilling and he kept readjusting his legs and changing his hand position on the wheel, fidgeting in his seat.

“Wouldya’ quit that, yer gonna crash the fuckin’ car,” Osamu said, exaggeratingly clutching to the grab handle at the top of his window.

“Yer really gonna yell at me on ma’ birthday that’s jus’ like ya’ Samu—”

“It’s ma’ birthday too ya’ idiot!”

The sound of his brother’s bickering quelled Atsumu’s nerves and he settled in the driver’s seat, humming along to the song playing on the speakers. In response, Osamu turned up the volume, but Atsumu just grinned.  

“You will arrive at your destination in .2 miles,” the smooth voice of the GPS chimed.

Atsumu began fidgeting again and Osamu swore he was gonna punch him the moment they made it out of the death trap.

They pulled into the winding driveway and Osamu banged his head against the dashboard.

“Please tell me ya’ didn’t screw up the reservation,” he said quietly.

“What kinda idiot, do ya’ take me for, Samu?” Atsumu whined. Although Osamu couldn’t see with his forehead pressed against the polished wood interior, Atsumu was smiling.

“Then why is there another car parked in our spot?” Osamu deadpanned, turning his head to his brother, still pressed into the dash.

“Look again an’ eat yer words ya’ scrub.”

Driving slowly forward towards the car and parking next to it, Osamu realized that a bright red bow was tied to the hood. He stilled in his seat and stared dumbly out his window, slowly turning towards his brother.

“Do ya’ like it, Samu?” Atsumu nearly whispered, leaning in close to his brother, eyes wide, committing every micro reaction to memory.

Osamu blinked once. Twice. Then turned back to the car.

“Yeah, Tsumu,” he said shakily, “I really do.”

Against the burning in his throat and the tightening of his eyes, Osamu willed himself to remain composed when he heard rustling. Atsumu took out a crumpled and worn piece of notebook paper, its edges frayed and torn and began to smooth it out in his palms.

He cleared his throat and stared at the empty space across Osamu’s shoulder.

“So, uh…” he began, uncharacteristically shy and Osamu sent a prayer that this wasn’t a speech about how Tsumu had somehow accidentally razed Onigiri Miya to the ground in the short period that he wasn’t there and this was all an elaborate apology.

“I know that this year’s been tough with Onigiri Miya jus’ startin’ out an’ everythin’ but I jus’ wanted to say,” Atsumu trailed off and scratched his ear before suddenly, startling Osamu, squaring his shoulders and directing a piercing stare into his brother’s eyes. “I’m so proud of you Samu!” he nearly yelled, face flushed with embarrassment.

Osamu felt the heat prickle against his neck and all he could do was blink owlishly at his twin.

“What on Earth are ya’ goin’ on about?” he questioned incredulously.

“Okay, okay, wait I wrote it all down,” Atsumu said quickly, smoothing the worn paper once again. He cleared his throat a few times before reading.

“Osamu—”

“Oh my god is this a proposal, why is this so formal?” Osamu asked out loud.

“God, shut yer big ol’ trap wouldya I am tryin’ here,” Atsumu bit back to the amusement of his twin. “Anyways,” he grumbled. “Samu. I’ve been thinkin’ for a while and I jus’ wanted to say thank ya’ for always bein’ there for me.”

Osamu did not often feel stupid. Well, that’s a lie, he thought. It’s been a year since Onigiri Miya’s opening and he was only just beginning to feel as if he was able to call his job stable and that he had a solid understanding of how things should be ran. However, it was not often that his brother made him feel stupid, but here he was, at a loss for words at this uncharacteristic show of appreciation.

Yes, high fives and hugs had always come easily after a particularly clean hit or a perfectly executed pass, but they never sat down like this and talked about how much they appreciated each other. Osamu figured it was unsaid in the little things—how the clothes Atsumu stole in high school always ended back clean in Osamu’s closet, how Osamu usually ended up making two bentos when they still lived together, or how Atsumu had always tried to include Osamu in team bonding even when Osamu was in college.

“I think,” Atsumu said, breaking Osamu out of his thoughts. “That you were what made me work so hard at volleyball. Not because you were the only one that could challenge me,” Osamu scoffed at this. “But because you were the only one I cared to play with for a long time.”

Tears pricked at his eyes and Osamu nodded at his brother to continue.

“An’ thinkin’ back, yer probably the only reason why ma’ teammates didn’t excommunicate me like they did to Tobio-kun,” Atsumu joked and Osamu cracked a smile despite the burning of his throat.

“An’ I know we’ve talked about this before, but I am still really sorry when I went off on ya’ when ya’ told me you were quittin’ volleyball. I don’t mean to beat a dead horse or anything—”

“You sound like Baa-chan,” Samu choked out, still trying to hold back tears, hands balled into fists on his lap.

Undeterred, Atsumu continued to read. “But the fact that fer the first time, ya’ wouldn’t be by my side on the court was jus’ never a possibility I’d considered. So ‘m sorry ‘bout the fuss I made even though I know that’s all old news.” He paused and nodded at Osamu, noting his fists and drew in a shaky breath.

“’Samu, I jus’ want to let ya’ know that I am so endlessly proud to be yer brother and all the work ya’ put in in college and startin’ Miya Onigiri honestly scared me a little,” he said chuckling. “The way you really focus in on somethin’ when yer concentrating was always so intense, but I’d only really seen it with volleyball. But ever since you went to college, and especially with this past year, I can’t believe I fought you to go pro with me because I’d never seen ya’ more fired up or intense than ya’ have been this past year.”

The sides of Atsumu’s paper begin to tear with the force of his grip, and both twins are mirror images of each other. Red in the face, hands in fists, and willing the other to cry first.

“Basically,” Atsumu drawled on, hands slightly shaking, “thank ya’ for bein’ the best brother and teammate I coulda’ ever asked for and I’m so, so, proud to be the brother of the founder of Onigiri Miya.” He lowered the paper from his line of vision and accidentally crumbled it with his hand as he blurt out, “And I love you!” turning even redder in embarrassment. “Even though ya’ never respond to my texts and make fun a’ me when I bring my teammates ‘round,” he quickly added in.

Osamu undid his seatbelt and forcefully opened his door. He heard Atsumu’s confused “huh” and watched as he fumbled with his seatbelt through the windshield as he crossed to the other side. Atsumu stumbled out of the driver’s seat and Osamu captured him in a bone crushing hug. One hand wrapped around his back and the other held Atsumu’s head as he cried into his neck.

He thought back to the first semester of culinary school when he questioned himself every single day if it was the right choice to have made. Learning and practicing different techniques that felt foreign was a hurdle that had seemed impossible at the time. Then, when he graduated and he figured he knew almost everything there was to know about the food industry after hours and hours of lab, internships, and class and began preparations for opening Miya Onigiri, he realized once again that he knew nothing. Even a year after founding Miya Onigiri and he still found himself doubting his success.

But, hearing his idiot brother tell him he was proud—was all he needed. Because Miya Osamu also pushed himself to the upper limits of his physical and mental abilities because his brother was the only one he wanted to compete with. It didn’t matter who else might try and challenge them, at the end of their finish lines, the only person they wanted to see was each other.

The autumnal air was incredibly crisp and although the forest surrounding their luxury cabin was teeming with life, time around them seemed to still as they both cried.

“This is too much, ‘Tsumu,” Osamu sniffled out. “My gift ta’ ya’ was literally like, two hundred dollars.”

“It’s okay,” sniffled Atsumu. He paused. “What’d ya’ get me?”

Osamu pulled away and wiped his face with the bottom hem of his sweater.

“I got ya’ a signed copy of that book you were yappin’ on about with yer favorite author and I got her to make a video for ya’ sayin’ happy birthday and all that—”

“Oh my god,” Atsumu said excitedly, “Yer tellin’ me ya’ got Sonia Barnes to write me a handwritten message and a private video!?”

Osamu grimaced at the snot Atsumu had dripping down his chin. “First of all don’t say it like that, an’ second of all, wipe yer nose or somethin’ ya’ scrub.”

Completley ignoring his brother’s complaints, Atsumu lunged at Osamu, begging him to show him the video. Osamu tapped at his phone, opened up the email attachment, and watched the myriad expressions of surprise, admiration, love, and happiness flicker across Atsumu’s face during a 20 second video while red eyed and swollen. He mused that this was possibly the best birthday they ever had.

.

“Let’s take this baby on a test drive,” Osamu said, eagerly waiting by the door as Atsumu watched his birthday video for the umpteenth time.

That Sonia Barnes was a very pretty lady, Osamu reasoned, but if he had to hear her chirp, “Happy Birthday Tsumu!” one more time, she was going to be the cause of fratricide.

.

Settling into the leather seat, Osamu pressed the start button and nearly cooed at the soft rumble of the engine.

Throwing himself into the passenger’s seat Atsumu said, “Let’s figure out how ta’ connect to Bluetooth so I can hear ma’ angel on speaker,” fiddling with the touch screen.

Osamu grabbed Atsumu’s phone and threw it in the backseat and put the car in drive just as Atsumu started to clamber in the back for it. He peeled down the driveway as Atsumu screamed and picked up speed down the secluded road as Atsumu managed to get back in his seat and secure the seat belt.

The pretty autumn foliage was a blur of orange and reds and Osamu breathed in the smell of new leather and wood polish.

“S-slow down!” Atsumu yelled, quickly activating the lock function on the seatbelt and gripping the grab handle with both hands. “I-is this b-because I told the whole team you’d giv’ em’ free food if they said they were my teammate,” he screamed, “I’ll tell ‘em nevermind!”

Osamu rolled down the windows and the sun roof and laughed as the wind ran through his hair while his brother cried for the second time that day.

.

A year later and Osamu’s still in the driver’s seat of his car, but this time, she’s in the passenger’s seat. They have all the windows down and he’s speeding along the coast of Hyogo, sea breeze whipping through their hair and the sound of waves breaking in the distance.

She had planned a full day for his birthday: brunch at their favorite restaurant, a walk through the shopping district, and a homemade dinner with a fruit tart from his favorite bakery. Now that he had two years of experience running Onigiri Miya, he could afford to step away from the shop every so often. Unfortunately, his counterpart was on the other side of the world for a match, but they managed to squeeze in a short videocall despite the time difference.

“’Samu!” Atsumu screamed from the other line, “Happy Birthday!”

Wincing, Osamu turned the volume of his phone down as she giggled and wished his brother a Happy Birthday.

“What’d ya’ plan for Samu’s birthday,” Atsumu asked her, “good luck beatin’ ma’ gift from last year—”

“Tsumu!” Osamu berated.

“Unfortunately, my research job doesn’t pay as much as being a pro-volleyballer,” she rolled her eyes, “but I do have some fun things lined up,” she said, smiling softly at Osamu to which Atsumu gagged.

“Ya’ scrub, just ‘cause yer jealous—”

“Tsumu!” she interrupted, “did you get our gift? We were a little nervous about the international shipping but your hotel said they got it so—”

“Yes!” Atsumu exclaimed, screen blurry as he shuffled around his hotel room. He set his phone down and propped it up, showing them the neatly packaged box. “I can’t believe ya’ got me another signed copy of Sonia Barnes’s book—I couldn’t even get this one off preorder, it was so popular—”

“Did ya’ open the envelope yet?” Osamu asked impatiently.

“Of course I did! I always open the letter before the present, what do ya’ take me for, Samu?” Atsumu whined, but the duo noticed how Atusmu’s hands were off screen and they could hear quiet tearing noises in between pauses.

Rolling their eyes, they patiently waited for Atsumu to unsubtly open their envelope. They watched as Atsumu quickly scanned the contents of the letter and Osamu hit screen record as his brother’s mouth dropped open.

“T-tickets to a live reading and meet and greet?” Atsumu whispered to himself. He pulled the letter closer to his face and read it over and over again before gingerly setting the cardstock down and gently looking into the envelope to produce two ticket stubs. Carefully placing the tickets back into the envelope, Osamu failed to cover his snickers as Atsumu’s lower lip trembled.

“I know it’s no car,” she said, “but I do happen to know people who know people, so I hope you like your gift, ‘Tsumu” she said kindly.

Atsumu suddenly held the phone close to his face and Osamu could see his brother’s ears turn pink.

“Yer the best sister in law I coulda’ ever asked for, I don’t know why yer with that good fer nothin’ scrub—yer not married yet, so ya’ still have time to run away, but ‘Samu, ya’ better not mess it up,” he rambled, roughly wiping his nose with the sleeve of his jacket.

Osamu scoffed and she placed a placating hand on his shoulder.

“I can’t believe I get ta’ meet ma’ angel,” Atsumu mumbled to himself in disbelief, pacing in his hotel room, running his hands through his hair. “Angel, angel, angel—I gotta bring ma’ copy of her books with ma’ notes! I have so many questions for her, like how she came up with the storyline—didya know she went to school in New York City? Isn’t that the coolest? And she made a video for me for ma’ birthday last year,” he broke his monologue to gasp. “Do ya’ think she’ll remember me—”

Osamu put him on mute and groaned.

“Maybe we shoulda jus’ gotten him those fancy mugs,” he complained, leaning heavily into her side.

She rubbed the sides of his neck as she watched with amusement as Atsumu continued his ramblings, completely unaware that she and Osamu were having a side conversation.

“But look how happy he is, Samu,” she crooned, giggling as Osamu pinched his nose bridge. But she knew that Osamu was the one who spent hours scouring the web for those tickets and sent several emails to Sonia Barnes’s manager for a signed copy.

Watching his brother run his mouth with no regard to himself or his girlfriend, Osamu clicked the unmute button and nearly yelled, “We get it ya’ scrub, we get it!”

“Let me be happy why dontcha!” Atsumu retorted.

“Alright well I’m gonna spend ma’ birthday with ma’ real girlfriend,” Osamu taunted, finger hovering over the ‘end call’ button.

“Once Sonia meets me she’s gonna fall in love, just ya’ wait!”

She yelled one last, “Happy Birthday!” before Osamu disconnected the call and tackled her into the bed.

.

For the end of his birthday, Osamu requested a car ride. It was just past sunset; the sky’s vibrant pinks and oranges faded into a cool indigo and the stars were extra bright in the rural area they were driving through.

They rode in comfortable silence, listening to seagulls call their good nights and the wind beating against the car. The supple leather of the seat underneath her contrasted with the rough pads of Osamu’s fingertips on her thigh and she stared out at the horizon, perpetually in awe of the beauty of the coast line. Here, twinkling city lights were hardly discernible specks in the distance and the only tall structures were the trees dotting the cliffside.

They rose higher in altitude until they were surrounded by lush forest—rustling underbush and singing cicadas took over the sound crashing waves. He pulled into a secluded nook that overlooked a cliff and she couldn’t believe they were only a forty minute drive from the main city.

He killed the engine and unbuckled her seat belt while she was still leaning forward, face close to the windshield, taking in the scenery.

“I’m feelin’ a bit neglected over here,” Osamu said, soft grin taking over his face as he watched her, lips parted and eyes wide.

“Sorry Samu,” she said, still looking out the glass, “it’s just so incredible here.”

“I told ya’ I knew a spot,” he teased and she intertwined her hand with his.

He pulled her arm towards him as leaned over the middle console so his lips caught her neck when she lurched towards him. Her surprised chuckle turned into a content hum, fluttering her eyes closed as he kissed the pulse point of her throat, her exposed shoulder, then where her neck met her clavicle. From there, he dragged his lips slowly to her ear and grinned when he felt her clutch at his sweater.

Nipping her ear and tracing the shell with his tongue, rough palms kneaded her thighs and his fingers played with the hem of her skirt. He let out a heavy breath when she brushed against his tightening pants and he smirked when she involuntarily shivered.

“Do ya’ like this?” he asked, mouth kissing down the expanse of her chest, pulling the hem of her shirt low.

She arched her back into him and guided his hand under her shirt and he grinned when she impatiently unhooked her bra and took it and her shirt off in one swift motion.

“Does that answer your question?”

Eyes half lidded, lips slick with spit and plump from his repeated ministrations, she had one leg folded under her and the other anchored to the floor. Fully facing him, she cocked her head to the side and dragged her eyes down his body, lingering for a moment before directing her heavy gaze at him. She leaned back against the door as he leaned forward on the middle console and she ran a hand slowly from her knee, teasing a peek under her skirt, tracing a finger around her navel, then making her way upwards, rolling a nipple with two fingers while slowly rocking her hips.

Osamu’s lips parted and his eyes flickered from her hands to her face as she brought her other hand to rub at the cotton beneath her legs. Gaze hungry, he licked his lips and rolled his neck, languidly leaning back against his door, mirroring her.

“Gonna give me a birthday show?” He rasped, slowly unbuttoning his pants and palming his length through his boxers.

Skirt bunched at the waist giving him an unhindered view of the growing wet stain between her legs and Osamu felt himself tighten at the sight. He wanted to press his nose against the ruined fabric and lap at her through her pink panties, he wanted to curl a finger in her and listen to her keel for him, he wanted to—

“Take your shirt off,” she demanded.

“I thought it was ma’ birthday,” he chuckled but does as she asks, pulling the fabric from the back of his neck. He tossed the garment to the backseat and lazily looked back at her.

The tops of her cheeks are flushed and her breasts shake with each pant. She’s worked two slender fingers from the side of her underwear and Osamu watches with rapt attention as her pretty folds are presented to him.

“Touch yourself, Samu.”

“Again with the demands,” he complained but freed himself from the confines of his boxers and matches the pace she’s set on herself.

“Fuck,” she whined, moving faster. The hand teasing her nipples moved south to pinch at her clit and Osamu couldn’t wait anymore.

He nearly launched himself to her, abdomen uncomfortably resting on top of the center console and she seemed all too satisfied with the result. He buried his face between her legs and groaned with her as he sucked and lapped at her overstimulated bundle of nerves through soaked cotton.

“Itadakimasu,” he growled and she rolled her eyes at the line.

Long languid licks interspersed with quick flicks of his tongue, he took her right to the edge of her orgasm. Her thighs clenched around his head while her nails dragged through his gray hair and she rocked her hips against his mouth. Toe curling heat had her buck helplessly against his tongue, rough hands gripping her in place as she reached her peak, but at the last second, he pulled away.

Her gasp was lost with the loud bang his head made as it slammed against the car ceiling and he let out a string of curses as he tried to fit in the passenger’s seat with her. She half stands, leaning back on the glove department as he sat down and she couldn’t help but giggle when he cursed at how slowly the seat was reclining back.

But just as quick, he grabbed her by the hands and has her straddle him. The seat is narrow but neither of them mind as he slowly entered her. She gripped at the back of his head as he teased a nipple and sucked constellations across her chest while her other hand gripped the grab handle, giving her more leverage.

Osamu slowly rocked into her and he captured her moans in a kiss. He gave her a second to adjust to his length before slamming into her, head falling back into the headrest as he watched her bounce above him.

Beautiful, was all he could think. Hair wild around her shoulders, a glistening sheen of perspiration across her forehead and chest, and the incredible sound of her slick around him. He was in heaven.

He slid his thumb between her parted lips and she immediately began to suck. She bobbed her head back and forth while giving kitten licks at the tip and nipping the underside of his thumb.

“Good girl,” he cooed as he pressed his finger further back in her throat and watched as her eyes rolled back and she rocked her hips even faster against his.

Removing his thumb and making a show of putting it in his mouth, he pressed the wet digit against her clit and grinned as her moans became louder.

The sweet call of his name as she begged him to make her finish led him to snap his hips up, rubbing against the spongy bit of her inner walls and he held her close to his chest as they came undone together.

Breathing heavily, he rested his forehead on her shoulder and watched as a rivulet of sweat ran down the valley of her breasts and he shifted his hips forward, just now noticing the dull ache in his thighs. She shuddered against him and he kissed her shoulder, her cheek, then her other cheek.

“We really have to thank Tsumu for the car,” she said, chuckling.

“Yeah?” he questioned, running his blunt nails across her back, “should we tell him what we used it for?”

She scrunched her nose and Osamu’s heart clenched too. Wrapping her arms around his neck, soaking in the warmth of his warm body, her lips ghosted the side of his cheek and he shuddered at the tingles running down his back with the contact.

“Happy Birthday, ‘Samu,” she whispered sweetly.

Rocking into her again just to hear her breath tick, he nestled his head into her neck and smiled.

[zambie-trashart]

I Don’t Own an IPhone: Wanna Trade? Chapter 2

Masterlist

Previous: “Oh. My. Rao!” Jon screamed in the lobby and his body trembled with panicked breaths as a hand found its way to his shoulder. Jon looked at the person attempting to comfort him and saw a girl with ombre hair, dark skin, and glasses. “Merci?” Jon said confused but sending the girl a grateful smile. Fuck you Murphy’s Law.

.......

Chapter 2: I Just Realized My Boyfriend is a Dick

“I speak english sweetheart, what seems to be the problem?” she asked.

“I think I- no I know I switched phones with someone back in America before getting on the plane and now they have my phone somewhere, probably looking through my messages, my pictures, oh Rao my pictures,” Jon said and another wave of panic spread through the teen and the girl chuckled slightly.

“What scared the poor person is gonna see some package they weren’t expecting?” she asked having the audacity to laugh.

“Yeah, my rich famous boyfriend’s,” Jon said shaking her by the shoulders and her face sombered up.

“Well, let’s see what we can do to get you your phone back, I’m Alya.”

“Jon Kent,” Jon said and Alya’s eyes widened.

“As in like Lois Lane’s son?” Alya asked smiling widely. “As in like dating Damian Wayne Jonathan Kent?” Alya asked smile growing bigger than the Joker’s. “I can see why you need that phone back now.”

“I was supposed to be meeting the owner of the phone’s friends here, you wouldn’t happen to be friends with a girl named Marinette right cause I mean your name is Alya and she mentioned....” Jon started and Alya laughed as a boy came over to join her.

“Nino you’re not going to believe this, Marinette traded phones with that stranger that we’re supposed to show around,” Alya said laughing so hard she was almost crying now and Nino joined in the giggles.

“This isn’t funny as much as I want to trust your friend, she has no idea what kind of stuff is on my phone… she doesn’t even know who I am,” Jon said shaking Alya’s shoulders.

“You know your own phone number right? Why not just call it from the phone as an emergency call, and I do know her password if that’s a problem,” Alya said trying to calm down the panicked teen. “Also I don’t think Mari would be the type to leak those kinds of things,” Alya said nudging Jon who rolled his eyes. There weren’t even any dick picks on his phone, more like mission statements that had the exact time and place he was supposed to meet the heroes and stuff that could totally compromise his identity. He just hoped that Damian put a password on it.

Marinette stared up at the ceiling as the phone next to her kept buzzing. She didn’t want to be rude and look especially since Jon wouldn’t do the same with her phone, at least she hoped not but whoever this was really needed to stop texting. She picked up the phone and the screen opened almost immediately. No password.

From Dami: Beloved have you landed yet? Jon are you ok? Did something happen? I knew this was a bad idea. Let me call my father and I’ll be over there right away. He said I couldn’t go, that we needed space but please text me back so I know you’re ok Jon.

Marinette felt guilty for what she was about to do but if it would soothe the boy of the other end’s nerves about sweet Jon for even a moment, she would do it.

To Dami: Nothing is wrong, I just landed.

Marinette texted back nervously and she shut the phone off feeling dirty for lying to her new friend’s boyfriend. It was wrong, so wrong. Marinette picked up the phone and started scrolling through the pictures app curiously. It couldn’t help to indirectly get to know her new friend through pictures.

From Dami: Good to hear beloved, I was getting worried, get some rest we can talk tomorrow.

Marinette clicked on the text gnawing on her bottom lip. Did Jon seem like the type to say I love you after all this? There were no previous texts so it was obviously a new phone with no backups saved.

To Dami: I’ll do that, love you.

She responded and the text was left on read. “What an asshole,” Marinette said to herself before clicking back on the pictures app a bunch of pictures of a white dog with various people filled most of his camera roll as she scrolled through. Pictures of people who must have been family based on the glasses and familiar face shape took up a bunch too but one picture stood out to her the most. It was a selfie taken by a masked teen pressing his lips up to Superboy’s. She dropped the phone on the ground. “Shit.”

Jon paced against the floors of Alya and Nino’s apartment nervously. 

“Dude calm down, we’ll get this all figured out ok?” Nino said and Jon nodded as Nino called his phone number again with no answer. 

“Oh my Rao that asshole,” Jon said suddenly and Alya looked offended.

“Listen I’m sure Marinette just doesn’t want to answer on a stranger’s phone or she’s asleep, no reason to name call,” Alya said offended.

“Not her, Damian, he must have changed the phone number after it got leaked last week, I was missing my phone then suddenly Damian gets me a new one, it all makes sense now and now I have no idea what the number is,” Jon said burying his head in his hands. “That also means that my old one is in Marinette’s but that won’t help either,” Jon said slumping, pushing the Iphone across the table roughly.

“Wait did you say boyfriend?” Nino asked after a moment.

“Is that a problem here, Marinette seemed ok with it and so did Alya so,” Jon started looking panicked not wanting to lose one of the two people who could help him through this hectic circumstance.

“No not at all, it’s just Mari and Adrien have been off their game lately, maybe you could pretend to text Adrien as Marinette but you know flirtier a you style, you guys are a lot alike,” Nino suggested and Alya smirked.

“More like twins, but he’s got a point, I’m sure Marinette would do the same in your situation,” Alya said and Jon picked up the phone seeing a text from a weird name: Chaton.

“Who the hell is Chaton?” Jon asked and Alya looked at Nino and panicked. 

“Um, Marinette thinks our resident hero Chat Noir looks a little like Adrien it’s just a joke they have going on,” Alya said and Jon shrugged before remembering.

“You guys have heroes here, I forgot about that, do they like patrol or something it might be nice to get a glimpse of them,” Jon said attempting to get the information that was supposed to be on his phone from the Parisians.

“Yeah, they’re normally out at night and thanks to the time change you might just be able to see them at some point,” Nino said smiling.

Jon looked back down at the phone smiling. Perfect.

From Chaton: I’ll miss you tonight, good luck in Gotham.  I’m also sorry about earlier, I should have been nicer to you about the whole leaving thing. Dad’s just been getting worse lately, he never has any time left. Not like he ever did before though.

Jon had no idea how to react. Nino looked uncomfortable reading over his shoulder and Alya sighed.

To Chaton: It’s ok, I forgive you, I’m a bit tired after the flight, I’ll text you tomorrow though, I love you.

Jon hit send and got hit with a read. Jerk.

Nino put a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s take you to your hotel and get you settled it,” Nino said and they left the comfort of the apartment. All Jon could think about was how bad he felt for poor Marinette.

taglist (open)

@jumpingjoy82 @liquid-luck-00 @megaafangirl @zorua-adorable @dreamykitty25 @pinkittwice @ghostdragonfang @ramos123 @redbullgivescaswings @jayjayspixiepop @sekhmet5 @blur-of-colours @roseisred  @nightlychaotic @ladybug-182 @novaloptr @prettylittlebutterflie @hammalammadamdam @niknak-3​ @certainmuffinbagelcalzone ​

[dreamrecorder]

Until then, we will find each other again. <||>

fluff & angst drabble, reincarnation au, modern au

| Xiao x Reader | Diluc x Reader |

Note: I'm sorry that I can't put the cut thingy bcos im writing in mobile. Once I get ahold of my laptop I'll put the cut thingy. Happy reading^^ i swear these were supposed to be short but welp

Xiao

Notes: Immortal companion* - Just think of someone immortal from the game. This is also a different take from Venti's and Zhongli's because I honestly think Xiao is so done with immortality and its consequences.

Suicide implicitly mentioned.**

Xiao is mourning for the passing of his immortal companion*, making him the last immortal to walk the world. Now, it is he, who last remains from a time of gods and monsters. Each passing of a mutual, he witnessed. They deemed it was their time to move on, for humanity has succeeded to bring fate into their own two hands. The world no longer needed them.

Xiao has already suffered loss way before the Archon War. Yet, he never expressed the emotion of grief for he needed to be strong lest the world will eat him alive. However, this passing made his heart of glass, chip a little, then shattering the whole thing altogether. Or perhaps, it was already chipped away and too fragile because of the losses that has culminated in his immortal life.

Now, he lays on the roof of a building of what used to be Wangshu Inn. He was trying hard not to break down again. By doing so, he merely cursed fate over and over again. Yet, to no avail, the man exploded in tears once more, too tired from all the pain and loss suffered from millenias.

Then... there's you. You who uttered the words, "Until then, we will find each other again."

With all sincerity he can muster, he wanted to believe those words. He wanted to believe in you. That's why he stayed. Yet... the pain he feels heavily overweighs his faith in you.

**

He just wants to... end it all.

"I just want to disappear..."

**

No one heard him utter those words, only the wind. And the wind- just as once the Anemo Archon had said, carries the words one thinks no one can hear.

It came like a whisper, yet loud and clear. Then all of a sudden, the memories of your previous life flashed before your eyes. You dropped the book you were holding and held your temples at the incoming migraine.

"Are you alright?" You friends asked in worry, looking for any visible signs of pain aside from your clenched eyes and your frowning expression.

You could only groan as a reply and your friends waited for you to take your time to recollect yourself.

Who... Whose voice? You knew this voice... But who?

You finally removed your hands and opened your eyes.

"I- I have to go... Go without me." Was all you said before leaving your friends in the dust who looked at your way with confusion.

Who? Many questions riddled your mind. And with all these unanswered, worry and anxiety grew in your heart. Tears began to swell in your eyes, worsening your headache.

This is not about you! You have to look for... something! Someone! Just-

"Dear gods, please please don't you dare fucking take him..."

You sprinted around the area, following and listening to that now faint whisper under the night. The whispers only became clearer and louder when you approached a building which used to be an inn.

The moment you stepped foot within the building, the lone whisper became mixed with more words which did not lift your heart.

Fuck.

With pure adrenaline, you opted to use the stairs instead of the damn elevator. You have finally reached the door leading to the rooftop, and at that point, the whispers became screams. However, when your hand grasped the handle, the voice in the wind stopped. You opened the door at full to be met by the back of the man who stands at the railing.

Xiao...?

Xiao..

Xiao.

"Xiao!"

At the call of his name by a familiar voice, his head whipped to its direction. But he shall not be fooled.

"You... you're not real."

The words along with lifeless eyes stabbed you.

"It's me, Xiao! Y/n! Don't do this! I'm sorry I took so long! But I'm here now! Just as I had promised!"

Your heart was beating against your ribcage. You had to prove you were real. But how?

"You're just an illusion made by my heart."

"Xiao, please! Fuck I'm really sorry! But please you don't have to do this... I... I remember everything, Xiao... All those times we battled in the war. Those times we shared almond tofu. The times we smiled, cried, laughed, and fought...

I remember everything..."

For each word you uttered, you grew confident in your memories. For each word, you took a step closer. For each word, you saw life coming back to the man you love.

"So please... Come back..."

At the final word, you released all your sincerity, genuity, and adoration for him. And finally, your hands took purchase in his (while trying so hard not to shed any tear for his sake).

"It's me."

...

"Y/n...?"

You beamed at him and finally, Xiao's eyes were now shining in clarity, and of course, life and love.

Diluc has been reincarnated many times, yet still has not found you. Through his reincarnated forms, he alternated between travelling and staying in Mondstadt. The former done in order to find you. The latter done in the chance you would find him there.

Diluc

For the first time in his many lifetimes, his current form surprised him. When he reached 'sixteen', his memories resurfaced and the realization sank in. His appearance ended just as how he looked in his first ever lifetime. The only difference was the length of his hair. He even ended up being reincarnated in the Ragnvindr Family along with inheriting the winery business.

To put it bluntly, walking within the old yet maintained Ragnvindr Mansion was a memory lane. However, the moment of reminiscence only gave him a heavy heart, for within these halls used to be filled with your laughter.

In this very same spot where he currently stands, is where you uttered your last words.

"Until then, we will find each other again."

Walking aimlessly around the mansion, he thinks about those long, long years without you. Must be fate so cruel? Making him search far and wide, when in the end fate does not want you to return to him? The man clenched his fists, and in anger, punched the nearby wall.

He expected a bursting kind of pain to come, yet what came was a dull throb on his knuckles. Yet this is not only what he had not expected. He did not expect for the wall to respond with a resounding hollowness.

A hidden corridor? Room? When had the family installed this?

Curiosity held him and began kicking the hollow wall without hesitation. What secrets does it hide from all these years, he shall know. Once the wall opened up for him to fit, he entered with a lit phone in hand at extreme brightness.

Again, what he saw, he had not expected. What he saw both filled and emptied his heart simultaneously. What he saw was a painting of you and him, together in a moment of shared happiness.

"Dilu-" His mother called which snapped out of his trance. His head snapped at her direction and saw her eyes fill with solemness.

"I didn't mean to-"

His mother hushed him with a gentle smile and entered the room to stand alongside him.

"You know," his mother began, "I always believed in the fantasy that had been once in our world. Lord Barbatos, the other Archons, the Twins that saved our world, Visions, and... reincarnation. I always believed in them.

The moment I saw your features when you were born, I knew you were the reincarnation of the Uncrowned King of Mondstadt... So I named you after him because I knew your memories would resurface someday. I knew the day would come when my son will no longer be my son. Because when that day comes, all I would see in your eyes is a long unspoken wisdom and pain that will replace your innocence free from battles and war."

Diluc was surprised, yet kept his emotions to himself. He understood what his mother was pointing at. "Is... Is this why this picture is hidden?"

His mother nodded solemnly. "Perhaps, I was afraid and scared about when the day I spoke of will take place. That's why I ordered this painting be hidden. I knew this painting of you and Lady Y/n will unlock your memories sooner, but I didn't want that."

For once in his lifetimes, his heart softened with love. The kind of love that assures you that someone cares for you. Never in his reincarnated lifetimes, had he experienced this feeling. All those years, he was just... lost in the feelings and thoughts of not being with you.

The man stepped towards his mother with hesitation to which he instantly erased. He hugged his mother with a soft spoken voice saying these words.

"I will always be your son and you will always be my mother. That will never change. I may be 'older' than you, but please do remember that I would not have grown to who am I today without your guidance. For that, I deeply thank you for taking care of me...

I love you, Mom."

With his words, his mother burst into light tears accompanied by a smile. "Don't make me cry, I'm going to wrinkle." Diluc laughed at the comment. After a loving moment, the two separated yet his mother still held onto his arms.

"You've grown so much... I guess little birds do leave the nest someday."

"It wouldn't be possible without you."

His mother looked at him with a proud gaze, "Go. Find her. If memory serves right, I might have seen someone like her dwell everyday in the local library."

The man released his breath he never knew he was holding. Diluc hugged his mom again with a peck on her cheek. He then let go and began to exit the room with haste.

"Once I come home, I will tell you everything. Venti, Morax, the Twin Travelers, the Archons, and Visions. I will tell you everything."

With a rush, Diluc was now out of sight. Yet, the Madam Ragnvindr was not saddened. Her heart swelled for her son whose eyes are finally, once more lit with happiness. However, who's Venti?

A/n: welp truth be told diluc's story took an unexpected turn lol. It's either I'm going to leave this like that or continue it. Take your pick by commenting because I'm actually fine with either options haha happy reading <3

[mochegato]

Hope on Board

Chapter 30 – Written in the Stars

Chapter 1     Chapter 29

“Congratulations Officer Grayson!” Bruce boomed, raising his glass along with the rest of the room of friends and family.  A loud cheer rose up in agreement with his comment.

Dick smiled at them graciously and clinked his champagne glass with Marinette’s juice glass, pulling her closer into his side with his other hand.  Marinette squeezed him back and looked up at him with a proud smile.

“Finally, someone who can fix my tickets,” Jason cheered.

“Not going to happen. In fact, I might write more up for you. Did you know parking your motorcycle in an alleyway is a moving violation?” Dick answered with a smirk.

Jason gaped at him, every inch of him conveying the betrayal he felt until he finally looked down to Lucy in his arms with a sour look.  “Man, fuck the police.  Can you say that?  Fuck. The.  Police.” He enunciated each word slowly for her.

“Language Master Jason,” Alfred chided.

“Jason, do not teach my children to badmouth their father,” Marinette warned with an accompanying glare.

Jason huffed and returned his attention to Lucy.  “Fine whatever.  But the cursing’s okay, right, Pixie?”

“No,” Dick answered quickly before Marinette could respond.  He really wasn’t confident what her answer would be considering the language she used when she and Jason were hanging out.

“Wasn’t asking you, Dickhead,” Jason singsonged while making faces for Lucy.

“Don’t badmouth their father while they can hear you, Jason,” Marinette repeated with a sharper edge to her voice this time.  “And I’m fine with you teaching them to curse as long as you’re willing to deal with the repercussions of Alfred and my Mother finding out exactly where they learned it from.”  She shrugged casually as she said it but the smirk on her face when she looked up at Dick made it clear she knew exactly how much of a threat that was.

Jason pouted and focused on Lucy.  “Your Grandmother and Grandfather are both deceptive bad asses.  Never cross either of them.” The room broke in laughter as Alfred grinned smugly and nodded in approval.

“So what are you going to do now, Officer Grayson?” Stephanie asked as she bounced Rob to quiet his fussing.

Dick rubbed the back of his neck.  “I don’t really know.  Hang out with the family, I guess.”

“I have a celebratory dinner planned unless you have other plans, Master Dick,” Alfred stated, looking at Marinette questioningly.

Dick looked back and forth between the two of them for a moment before answering cautiously.  “I don’t think I do.  Do I?”

“It’s up to you.  I was thinking maybe we could go out for a celebratory dinner.  Together. Just the two of us,” Marinette offered quietly.

“Like on a date?” His face brightened considerably.

“If you want it to be,” she answered shyly, suddenly not able to look in his eyes.  Suddenly, it felt dangerous to offer.  Her heart was pounding.  What if he changed his mind, which was ridiculous because he still acted the same as he had when they first started dating.  But some part of Marinette, the anxiety controlled part, insisted there was still a chance, and as always happened when anxiety entered the arena, it took over, regardless of rationality.

Dick wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him, adoration shining in his eyes. “I do.”

Marinette let out a relieved sigh and an exhilarated smile spread across her face.  “Great!  I know just the place.”  A devious glint appearing in her eye.  The same look she got whenever she had come up with a brilliant plan.  She looked him up and down, taking in the dress blues he was still wearing from his Academy graduation.  “You should change before we go though.” She looked down at her dress. “I should too if we’re taking the bike.”

“I’ll watch the rug rats while you’re gone,” Jason offered as he wiggled Lucy’s hand that was wrapped around his finger.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll watch over the infants to ensure they are safe and adequately mentally stimulated while they are awake,” Damian offered loudly, a confident look on his face.

Dick raised his eyebrows in surprise at Damian and looked down to Marinette to see if he was really hearing what he thought he was.  That was by far the strangest outcome of the situation, Damian taking his position as the twins’ uncle with deathly seriousness.  He watched over them like one of his pets, until they started crying. Then the twins were their parent’s or someone else’s problem.

Marinette smiled knowingly at him and nodded almost imperceptibly to assure him that Damian was in fact offering to babysit.  Dick subtly glanced to the more responsible people in the room to see if they would be there as well.  Barbara, Alfred, and Bruce all nodded at him to assure him they would stay as well.

“I’d help too, but… I have plans,” Adrien shrugged, deftly changing the topic of conversation before another fight over who the best uncle was could break out between Jason and Damian. Which was absolutely ridiculous anyway. Clearly, he was, precisely because he did things like taking this hit.

“With Wally?” Marinette asked innocently.

“Yeah,” Adrien answered a little too breathlessly.

“Ooooooohhhhh,” Marinette teased with a knowing smirk.   Dick grinned.  He had introduced Adrien to the Titans when they stopped by to meet the twins and take a second shot at meeting Marinette, this time without them having to hide anything and with Plagg sequestered in Dick’s bedroom, nowhere near Garth.  As expected, Wally and Adrien hit it off extremely well, the enthusiastic, bubbly, romantics, that they were.

“Shut up.  It’s not like that,” he grumbled looking away from them. He wasn’t about to give them the satisfaction of seeing his lovesick expression.

“Yes, it is,” Marinette, Dick, and Stephanie all chimed at the same time.

Adrien’s cheeks blushed a deep rose color and he growled halfheartedly at them as he left.  “Good luck,” Marinette called to him.  He waved and stuck his tongue out at her as he closed the door.  Marinette giggled and turned back to Dick.  “I’m going to feed the twins while you’re changing.”

“Okay.  I’ll take a quick shower too then.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek before making his way to his bedroom.

Marinette nodded and took Lucy from Jason, who only gave her up grudgingly.  “And we’re going to get you ready, too,” Stephanie informed her as she slung her free arm over Marinette’s shoulder.

Marinette laughed and shook her head.  “We’re going to have about two hours between when they eat and when I have to be back to feed them again.  I’m not wasting any of that time on appearances.  If Dick is still willing to go on a date with me after sharing a room with me when I hadn’t showered in I don’t know how many days, he will be fine with me not having a ton of makeup on.”

“Okay fine,” Stephanie groaned before immediately brightening again.  “I’ll do stuff while you’re nursing then,” Stephanie insisted, completely ignoring Marinette’s objections.

Marinette sighed and shook her head.  This was not worth the effort.  She was not willing to put what little energy she had into debating personal boundaries and priorities with Stephanie, and apparently Cass, judging by the excited glint in her eye.  “Fine. Just don’t get any makeup or hairspray on Lucy or Rob while they’re eating.”

Stephanie squealed and handed Rob off to Barbara as she and Cass raced to her room to get everything ready. They only had about ten to fifteen minutes to treat Marinette like their own personal doll and they weren’t about to waste any of it.  Marinette looked over to Barbara and Tim with a questioning glance.  “Either of you two want to get in on this?”

Tim waved his hands in front of him.  “Hell no. I’ve seen them in this mode.  I’m not getting in the middle of that.  Good luck.”

Barbara laughed and rolled over to her.  “I’ll come to help.  At the very least I can hold one baby while you feed the other one… and laugh at you while they work their magic”

Marinette giggled at her as she rolled her eyes.  “So very magnanimous of you.”

<><><><><> 

Dick’s entire body relaxed as he sped through Gotham’s streets.  He had missed driving through the streets of Gotham with Marinette’s arms wrapped around him.  They hadn’t done it since she was only a few weeks into the pregnancy then quickly had to switch to a car when it became too dangerous and awkward for her to ride with him. He loved feeling the rush of the wind against him and the warmth of Marinette’s arms and body pulled tight against him.  The way their bodies moved in sync with one another as he turned or changed lanes.

“Make a left here,” Marinette yelled.  He nodded his acknowledgement and made the turn.  They were in a very familiar neighborhood.  “Right,” she yelled again.  He nodded again and made the turn.  They drove straight for a few blocks until Marinette yelled the final time. “We’re here.”

Dick chuckled and shook his head as he pulled off his helmet.  “Batburger?” He raised his eyebrow at her.

Marinette shrugged and pulled her helmet off as well, giving him a sweet smile.  “Thought we could try it again when I’m not pregnant.  See if it really was just the pregnancy that made it taste so good.”

“Want to eat in the park again?” he asked as he secured their helmets.  He took her hand, entwining their fingers as they walked into the restaurant.  

“Yeah, if you don’t mind,” she nodded at him.

“I think that sounds brilliant,” he assured her, pulling her against him and circling his arms around her waist.

“You ready to order or what?” the cashier asked in an annoyed voice.

Marinette giggled into Dick’s chest.  “Not a fan of romance,” she whispered.

“Two batburger deluxe meals, please,” he looked over to Marinette to get her approval.  When she nodded in agreement he returned his focus to the cashier to pay.

Their order was done in just a few minutes and a few minutes after that they were looking out over the same park and sitting on the same bench they had sat at during their first date. Marinette took her first bite and quirked her lips to the side before continuing to chew.

Dick laughed and swallowed his bite.  “So, what do you think?”

“It was definitely the pregnancy.  But it’ll do. It was more about the nostalgia.” She grinned up at him and took another bite.

“How about you?  What do you think?  Are you excited for your first day as a Gotham Police Officer?” She grinned up at him, the proud look gleaming in her eyes again.

He smiled at the look, his chest puffing out ever so slightly at the way she was looking at him.  “I am.  I’m really hoping I will be able to make a difference, within the police department more than anything else.  I think if I can make a difference there, weed out as much corruption as I can, then that will feed out into the community, more than anything I could do as a single police officer.”

Marinette nodded in agreement.  “I think you’re right.  I’m worried about you though.”

Dick grimaced and considered not telling her the next part, but he’d promised her and, more importantly, himself, that he wasn’t going to keep things from her just because it might worry her.  He took a deep breath before continuing.  “I’ve already been approached by one of the families to work for them.  Saw him talking to a few other cadets as well.”

“Dick!” Marinette gasped, eyes wide with concern.

“It’s okay,” he assured her with more calm than he felt.  “Commissioner Gordon and I expected it.  It would actually be more concerning if I didn’t get approached by anyone.”

“I know.  It just makes me nervous.” She looked down at her burger and took another bite so he wouldn’t see her concerned frown.  “Your fellow officers are supposed to have your back, not stick a knife in it.”

“I can handle myself. I’ve been trained since I was nine to take on more than a few rampant officers.”  He puffed out his chest in an exaggerated motion to distract her.  “I’m like Captain America in the elevator.  I can take on all of them with nothing more than a stick and win.”

Marinette giggled and buried her face in his shoulder trying very hard not to laugh at him.  She finally pulled her face out of his shoulder to look up at him in adoration.  “You’re better than Captain America,” she assured him.  “Just as skilled, better moves, smarter plans, better leadership, and all without the need of a super serum.”  She brushed his hair away from his forehead and traced along the side of his face down to his jaw.  “And much handsomer.”

She guided his face to hers and pressed her forehead to his.  She let out a deep breath before continuing.  “Just… make sure you come home to me, to us, every night.”  She looked back up at him with concern etched deep in her features.  “Please.”

“Every night?  Forever?” Dick asked hopefully.

Marinette paused to think about it.  That was what she had meant.  Without overthinking it, without letting anxiety dictate her thoughts, that was what she had wanted.  That was what she was asking him for.  They had been waiting so they could figure out some issues they had between them and within themselves.  Dick acted to protect without sharing.  She hid away entire parts of her life.  They both had needed to learn to open up more.  

She was ready.  She was ready to break down the last bastion of secrecy hidden in the depths of a magical fortification.  If Dick wanted, she was ready to let him in.  The question was whether he was ready.

She nodded slowly, her forehead still pressed against his, her breath fanning across his face.  “I’m ready.  I’m ready to move forward, but I don’t want to rush you.  I don’t want to rush us if we aren’t both ready.  I want to make sure we last.”

Dick grinned and ran his knuckles along her cheek.  “We’ll last.  It was written in the stars.  The universe brought us together.  And we’ll take on the universe if it tries to tear us apart.”

“And win,” Marinette giggled affectionately, the smile on her face brilliant and hopeful.

Dick grinned against her lips.  “And win,” he agreed solemnly.  “That’s a very important part.”  She grinned at him and gently brushed her lips against his.  She started to pull away but he followed her, pressing his lips against hers more urgently.  She pushed back against him, bunching her fists into his shirt, pulling him closer with it.  He wound his arms around her waist, pulling her into his lap.

She whimpered against his mouth as his hand moved up her back until it wound into her hair.  The sound made his heart race.  God, he had missed this feeling, the feeling of her lips against his, of her body against his, the exhilaration her sounds produced in him. He missed knowing she was his to touch, that she wanted him to do it.  He missed the way they fit, like a perfectly engineered puzzle box, each piece fitting into the other so precisely, anything else felt wrong.  

She moved her arms around his neck, working her fingers into his hair to pull him closer.  She needed to be closer.  She had missed his warmth and the way he touched her and now she couldn’t get enough. She needed more.  She tilted her head to deepen the kiss, opening her mouth to grant him access.  She moaned as his hands traced her face and worked down her sides and back up her back.

She finally pulled away breathless after a few minutes and smirked at him.  “Definitely more enjoyable without the nausea.”  She rested her head against his neck as she fought to recover her breathing.

“Glad to hear it,” he laughed.  He hugged her closer to him, keeping his arms tight around her.  “I missed kissing you,” he whispered as if afraid to break a spell.

Marinette grinned and kissed his neck.  “Me too. I missed kissing you, hugging you, being held by you,” she looked pointedly at their situation, “sitting in your lap, calling you my boyfriend.”

He hummed in agreement and nuzzled his head against hers.  “I’d prefer fiancé or husband, but I’ll take boyfriend for now.”  He smiled thinking of the ring he already had stuffed away in his drawer.  

“You’re ready for that move?” she pulled away in surprise.

“I’ve been ready for months.  Even after our fight, I’ve never changed my mind.  I love you Marinette.  I am completely, utterly, ridiculously, unapologetically in love with you.”  He leaned down to kiss her, slowly, sweetly, passionately.  “I know what I want my future to be.  I’m just waiting for you to decide if it’s what you want too.”

Marinette stared at him in awe.  She shook her head and buried it in his neck again as tears began to fall.  “Marinette?” he asked carefully, trying to pull away far enough to look her in the eye.  He wasn’t expecting tears.  That was… a concerning reaction.  He didn’t think suggesting they eventually marry would make her cry.  Damn it, way to kill the mood just as they were getting back to a great place.

She took a breath to steady herself, a breath that very much smelled like Dick. She pulled away enough to look up at him, love shining in her eyes.  “I don’t know exactly what I want for my future, but every time I picture it, you’re there with me.  Every iteration of it you’re there with me.  Sometimes with just Lucy and Rob, sometimes with more kids.  Sometimes in the manor, sometimes in our own place.  Sometimes in Gotham, sometimes somewhere else.  Sometimes I’m running a major fashion label, sometimes I’ve become a WE employee.  Sometimes you’re still an officer, sometimes you’re a detective.  But every version, every iteration, you’re there with me.  I know that much.  That’s all I know.  I love you and I want my future to be with you.”

He examined her eyes to look for any indication of uncertainty in her words, but her eyes were confident and adoring.  He surged forward to capture her lips in another searing, breathtaking kiss. The moan she let out into his mouth made his body react viscerally.  They needed to get somewhere more private before they continued.  “Maybe we should take this home and away from prying eyes,” he gasped out when he was finally able to force himself to break away.  She nodded wordlessly, still trying to catch her breath.

<><><><><> 

“Perfect timing,” Barbara smiled at them.  Lucy was rooting into her chest searching for something to latch onto. “They just started fussing and searching for milk in places they won’t find it.”

Marinette laughed and took her from Barbara.  “Sorry about that.”

“No problem.  I feel worse for her.  She’s never going to find what she’s looking for here.  Hate to be a disappointment.”

“If it makes you feel better, they find me to be just as much of a disappointment,” Dick offered.  “No milk, no value.”  He shrugged.

“Come here, sweetie.  Don’t let them shame you for knowing what you want.”  She stuck her tongue out at them and left the room with a smile.  

Dick picked up Rob from Duke with a smile and a nod of thanks.  “Anytime,” he shrugged as he handed Rob off.  “So… how did it go?”

“Hm?” Dick responded absentmindedly, checking Rob to see if his clothes needed to be changed too or just his diaper.

“How did it go?  How did the date go?” Stephanie elaborated annoyed by his lack of attention.

“Oh,” Dick’s eyes brightened and he grinned excitedly.  “It went brilliantly.  We’re back together and we know where we want to go with our future.”

“So… proposing within the year or within a few months?” Tim asked with a smirk.

“Pft. Knowing Dickieboy, within a few hours,” Jason scoffed popping a handful of popcorn into his mouth.

Dick ticked his head to the side.  “Considered it, but I want to make it romantic.”  He turned to Tim with a wink.  “Give me a few days.  Come on, Rob. Let’s get you changed and ready for Mommy.  Night guys.” He smiled at them as he carried Rob to the family bedroom.

“Have fun tonight,” Stephanie called after him with a laugh.

“No more babies tonight,” Jason called immediately after.  “Turn the movie up.  I don’t want to hear them ignoring me,” he grumbled to Duke.

Dick made it up to the family bedroom just in time to change Rob’s diaper, reswaddle him, and switch Lucy for Rob so Marinette could nurse him.  She took him with a smile.  “Did I hear Jason yelling?”

“Yeah, he was just saying how happy he was that we’re back together,” Dick assured her with a laugh.

Marinette chuckled then immediately quieted when the movement startled Rob. “Sorry Rob,” she cooed at him.

Dick swaddled Lucy quickly and laid her down in her crib.  “How about I set up a movie in the other room?” he whispered into her ear as he gently ran his hand over Rob’s head.

Marinette hummed in appreciation and pressed her head against his.  “That sounds wonderful,” she whispered back.

He kissed her temple and quickly made his way to his bedroom.  He pulled out a few fuzzy blankets and navigated to a movie he thought she would like.  He ran down to the living room where the rest of the family was and grabbed one of their bowls of popcorn and a few drinks.  “Thanks,” he called out to them as he ran away before anyone could stop him. He set up the popcorn and drinks on the side table and propped up a few more pillows for them to lean against while they watched the movie, if they did in fact watch the movie, though he really hoped they would be too busy doing something else.

He kicked off his shoes and double checked that everything looked perfect. Assured that it was, he made his way back to the family bedroom.  He had expected Marinette to be done already and come find him.  He silently opened the door to check on them and smiled at the scene in front of him.  That was why Marinette hadn’t come to find him.  She had fallen asleep nursing Rob.  Rob was lazily sucking at her breast in his sleep.  Dick shook his head at her.

Dick picked up Rob and put him back in his crib.  He fussed sleepily for a few seconds, trying to get back to the nipple, but quickly fell back asleep.  Marinette opened her eyes at the movement, arms reaching out to keep Robert from falling. She looked up at Dick with a hazily confused look.  “What’s going on?”

Dick smiled at her and made his way back to her, picking her up in a princess hold and carrying her to her bed.  “We have the rest of our lives to watch a movie or do anything else.  Tonight, I think you need sleep,” he told her quietly as he gently laid her down, pulling a blanket over her.

She hummed in response and pulled the blanket closer around her.  He kissed her cheek and ran his fingers over her face lovingly before pulling away to get ready for bed.  Before he could move away from her, she caught his hand and pulled him down next to her.  She looked up at him with soft, affection filled eyes.  “Please stay?”

Dick’s heart stuttered at the request, so open and vulnerable and filled with love. He smiled at her and climbed into bed next to her as she lifted the blanket for him.  “Always,” he whispered into her hair.  He settled in behind her and gently pulled her against him, feeling her warmth against him as she curled into him and he curled around her in a perfect harmony.

The End

Tags:

@dickinette-february @demonicbusiness @ichigorose @iloontjeboontje @ladybug-182 @toodaloo-kangaroo @dast218 @golden-promises @trippingovermyfeet @emimar7 @laurcad123 @lady-bee-fechin @thewitchwhowaited @redscarlet95 @jayjayspixiepop @alessialeone6997

[oftomorrow]

The Kent Twins

This is a reference post for when I refer to or play the twins as side muses. Please do not reblog. I do take a few minor liberties from S&L canon here and there. If you play one or both of the twins, by all means disregard this -- I will go with your headcanons over mine.

(Gifs in this post are all credited to lane-and-kent-reporters / kentfamily.)

The basics! Jonathan and Jordan Kent are the twin sons of Clark Kent and Lois Lane -- born August 3, 2007. They are the first (and usually only) known pair of Human/Kryptonian hybrids. They initially grow up in Metropolis, but the family moves to Smallville when they are fourteen, shortly after they learn that Clark is Superman.

Full Name: Jonathan Samuel Kent

Nickname: Jon

Gender: cis man (he/him)

Orientation: bisexual

Hair Color: blond

Eye Color: blue

Height: 5′11

Build: tall, athletic

Face Claim: Jordan Elsass *

Jonathan is the older of the twins, born about an hour before Jordan. Initially he’s the much more laid-back of the twins, with a very easygoing attitude and natural charm. But after moving to Smallville that begins to switch as Jon struggles socially and begins to feel less important than his incredible family. He’s still a good kid, of course, but he begins to lash out more and make some poor decisions out of both a desire to prove himself and to feel safe.

Jon is very athletically gifted, especially when it comes to football. He also a sharp eye and a knack for reading people, much like his mom. His overall personality is very similar to his dad’s, and people in Smallville also say that he reminds them of Clark’s dad -- but since they’ve never met and aren’t biologically related, this is mostly coincidence.

Despite initial suspicions, Jonathan has not inherited any Kryptonian abilities from Clark. While there are some minor biological differences, he’s essentially a standard human. On the flipside, he does not share Clark’s weakness to kryptonite or red sunlight.

Jonathan is named for his two human grandfathers -- Clark’s dad, Jonathan, and Lois’s dad, Sam. He responds to both Jonathan and Jon, with no real preference for either. His looks largely come from Sam, though he has Clark’s blue eyes.

Jon has had a couple serious girlfriends, including Eliza Humphrey in Metropolis and Candice Pergande in Smallville. Neither of them knows the truth about his family.

* Elsass no longer plays Jonathan, but for the time being I am sticking with him simply because I prefer his appearance for the character. There is absolutely no shade towards Michael Bishop here.

Full Name: Jordan Elliot Kent

Nickname: Jor (occasionally, just by Clark)

Gender: cis man (he/him)

Orientation: demisexual

Hair Color: black

Eye Color: green

Height: 5′8

Build: shorter, stocky

Face Claim: Alex Garfin

Jordan is the younger of the twins, born about an hour after Jonathan. His childhood has more obvious struggle than his brother’s, as he’s prone to meltdowns and panic attacks. Things don’t come quite as easily to him -- he’s academically gifted, but struggles to make friends. At age thirteen, he’s diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. His life turns around somewhat after moving to Smallville -- turns out he’s much more suited to small-town life, and he thrives in the tighter-knit environment.

Jordan is generally quieter and more introverted than his brother, needing more time to get comfortable in a new setting. His personality is closer to his mother’s, though he’s also a lot more like Clark as a teenager than he probably realizes.

At age fourteen, Jordan begins exhibiting his Kryptonian abilities, which begin to develop very quickly. He has the same assortment of powers as his dad, but with less intensity -- where Clark could take a bullet with no physical damage, Jordan would be lightly bruised. This still makes him considerably stronger and faster than a standard human. Jordan also shares Clark’s weaknesses, including kryptonite and red sunlight.

Jordan is subtly named for his Kryptonian grandfather, Jor-El. His looks are almost entirely from his dad, with people in Smallville often commenting that he’s just a shorter Clark with more hair. But he does have Lois’s eyes.

Jordan is head-over-heels in love with Sarah Cortez, the daughter of Lana Lang. Their relationship is mostly steady, but does have some rough patches, mostly when Sarah learns the truth about Jordan’s family.

[bitchin-beskar]

honey and clementines - chapter one

Rating: T (eventually changing to M)

Warnings: brief mentions of injuries/blood, but nothing too graphic. 

Pairing: Marcus Moreno x Reader (no use of y/n)

Word Count: 2.1k

A/N: hey all!! this is my first ever Marcus Moreno fic!! this is one-hundred percent the fault of @mxndoscyarika, she is my thot twin and an enabler and I love her so much. y’all need to check out her series, Honeydew, which is a beautifully written Marcus Moreno x OC fic. it’s seriously one of my favorite M.M. stories ever!!! I really hope y’all like this story!!!

Please consider reblogging and leaving a comment! I love hearing what y’all think!!!

“Have a good day at school Missy!”

You waved to the young girl as she dashed into the building, her backpack disappearing inside the doors just as the warning bell rang. Slumping back in your seat, you sighed, scrubbing a hand over your face. This morning had not gone according to plan, and you’d barely managed to get her to school on time. It wouldn’t be the first time Missy was late, but you always felt guilty whenever she was. Usually her teachers were pretty understanding, what with her dad being the Marcus Moreno, afterall, but you tried to avoid tardiness whenever possible. 

Pulling out of the drop-off lane, you began the short drive back to the Moreno household, mentally going over the list of things you had to accomplish today. Marcus had some late meetings tonight, so you and Missy were going to be on your own for dinner. 

You were mentally going through the list of ingredients you’d need for spaghetti when you pulled into the driveway. Grabbing your purse, you shut the car off, climbing out and locking the doors behind you, double-checking with a quick yank on the handle. 

So lost in your thoughts, you nearly tripped over a package sitting on the front porch, placed dead center of the welcome mat. Sighing, you bent down, picking it up and tucking it under one arm as you unlocked the front door, and stepping inside. You needed to be more aware of your surroundings, isn’t that what Marcus always told you? 

Shutting the door behind you, you dumped your purse and keys on the table in the foyer, walking on autopilot into the kitchen. You set the package down on the counter and grabbed the notepad you always kept sitting beside the bowl of fruit, beginning to write down the things you needed to pick up when you went to the store. 

You were startled out of your scribbling by the feeling of your phone vibrating in your pocket. Pulling it out and glancing at the caller ID, you smiled. “Hey Marcus, don’t worry, I got Missy to the school in time–”

“I need you to listen to me carefully.” 

Back straightening, you jerked up in surprise at the low growl of Marcus’ voice. He sounded scared, which worried you, a lot. When the leader of the Heroics sounded scared, you knew it was serious.

“Was there anything suspicious laying around when you came home? Is there anything out of place?”

You quickly scanned the kitchen and living room, looking for anything strange or out of the ordinary. You couldn’t see anything, everything looked pretty much how you left it. In fact, the only thing that looked any different was the package you’d brought in–

Marcus could hear you suck in a sharp breath over the phone, and his frantic voice crackled through the speakers. “What? What is it? What do you see?”

“I–I brought in a package–” You stuttered, slowly backing away from the counter where the small brown box was sitting innocuously. “I–It was sitting o–on the front porch–”

“Get out of there! Get out! Now!”

Turning, you dashed for the front door when there was a sudden explosion of sound and heat, and your world went dark.

***

Marcus stared horror-struck at his phone, the sound of an explosion still ringing in his ears, even though the screen showed that the call had dropped. 

He was standing at his desk in HQ, phone held limply in his hand as the giant screen at the front of the room flashed with the warning they’d received from Explosivo only minutes earlier. 

 B I G  S U R P R I S E S  C O M E  I N  S M A L L  P A C K A G E S,  M O R E N O. 

His heart had stopped when he’d first seen the message, and his first thought had been to call you. When you’d answered, he’d breathed a sigh of relief, but the panic came back full force when he heard the explosion just before the phone went dead.

“Moreno?”

Granada’s voice cut through the haze, and he jerked his head up frantically to look at her. 

“Send a team to my house and Missy’s school. Now.”

He didn’t wait to see if she listened to him, turning on his heel and sprinting out of the room. He called Missy’s school to warn them of the potential threat as well as the fact that a team was on their way to secure the building as he raced towards his car. 

He probably broke every single traffic law in existence in his effort to get to his house as quickly as possible, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. His heart sank when he saw the multiple fire trucks and ambulances parked outside, as a team of firefighters worked over the smoldering ruins of his home. 

Screeching to a stop, he ripped his seatbelt off and threw his car door open as he practically fell out of the vehicle in his haste. 

He frantically scanned the people milling about outside the caution tape, trying to spot you. He finally spots you, sitting in the back of an ambulance, a shock blanket wrapped around your shoulders, a paramedic tending to a bloody cut on your head.

His feet are moving before his brain can even process what he’s seeing, and in what seems like seconds he’s standing just behind the paramedic, eyes roving over your figure as he tries to see if you’re hurt anywhere else.

***

You winced as the paramedic dabbed at the cut on your head, your fingers tightening in the scratchy grey fabric of the shock blanket one of the many first responders had draped over your shoulders. You were still shaky and a little dazed from the explosion, but miraculously, you weren’t too badly hurt. 

 Your eyes drifted shut for a moment, and when you opened them again, you saw Marcus standing in front of you, just behind the paramedic. Eyes flying wide open, you went to stand, the paramedic placed a hand on your shoulder to keep you still. 

“Marcus–!” you gasped, and he jerked forward, coming to stand next to you, his hand hovering just above your shoulder, hesitant to touch you. 

“Are you okay?” He demanded, eyes frantically flicking between you and the paramedic who’d just finished bandaging your head. “Is she okay?”

The paramedic nodded, before turning back to you. “You’re gonna be just fine, ma’am. The cut on your head isn’t as bad as it looks, head wounds tend to bleed a lot, but you won’t need stitches. You’ve got some bruises that’ll be tender for a few days, but nothing worse than that. You’re incredibly lucky ma’am.” 

“Thank you,” you whispered, and he nodded again, closing up his medical bag, and stepping away, leaving you and Marcus standing alone at the back of the ambulance. 

You barely had time to open your mouth before Marcus was pulling you up and into a frantic hug. His grip was tight and unyielding, and he pressed his face into your neck as you felt him take in a deep, shuddering breath. Your own arms came up to grip the back of his leather jacket in your shaking grip. 

He holds you for a long time, longer than is probably appropriate. You can tell he’s reluctant to pull away, and you’re reluctant to let him go. But eventually, he does pull back, only to cup your cheeks as he turns your face to both sides, eyes scanning all the little superficial cuts and scrapes along with the larger, bandaged cut on your forehead. 

“You’re sure you’re okay?” He murmurs, thumbs brushing over your cheekbones. “I’m so sorry, I called you as soon as I got the warning–”

“I’m okay,” you reassured him, letting him check you over to confirm for himself. “How did you know? What– Am I allowed to know what happened?” You knew that unfortunately, being a civilian, you weren’t always allowed to know what threats the Heroics faced, even with your connection to Marcus. 

Marcus sighs, and releases you to drag a hand over his face, and you faintly notice that he looks exhausted. “It’s a new supervillain,” he starts, speaking quietly so as not to allow the emergency personnel milling about to hear him. “Calls himself Explosivo, has a fascination with bombs and explosions. He sent HQ a message that mentioned me directly, right before I called you. I don’t know why he’s targeting me specifically, I’m so sorry–”

You placed your hand on his chest, stopping his apology in its tracks. “Don’t you dare apologize, Marcus Moreno. I knew what I was signing up for when you hired me as Missy’s nanny. This is not your fault.”

You can tell by the look on Marcus’ face that he doesn’t believe you, but before you can argue, a team from Heroics HQ arrives, and immediately descends on the ruined house. You watch, dumbstruck, as heroes use their powers to begin repairs immediately, undoing the damage left behind by the package bomb. 

Suddenly, your eyes widen, and you frantically grasp at Marcus’ arm. “Wait, what about Missy? Is she safe?” 

Marcus’ eyes widen, and he quickly yanks his phone out of his pocket, frantically checking for any messages. He lets out a sigh as he sees a message from Granada confirming that Missy is safe and waiting for him at HQ. 

“Missy’s safe at HQ,” he confirms, and you let out your own relieved sigh. “I’m gonna take you to HQ too, until the house is repaired and the security is updated.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but the look on Marcus’ face killed your arguments. You let him maneuver you towards his car, knowing that Marcus isn’t going to rest until both you and Missy are safe. You know his wife was killed in a supervillain attack, and you’re not surprised he’s being so protective right now. You’ve been Missy’s nanny for close to five years now, and you’ve grown extremely close to the leader of the Heroics. 

The drive to HQ doesn’t take long, something for which you’re grateful. Now that you’re no longer in immediate danger, the adrenaline is leaving your system, leaving you feeling drained. Your whole body aches from being thrown into a wall, and you feel slightly dizzy from the blood loss. 

Marcus is driving, but his right hand is resting lightly on your knee, thumb rubbing small circles as though to reassure himself that you are indeed sitting beside him in his car, and not in a bloodied heap of twisted limbs and broken bones under the rubble of his house. 

He’s not usually this tactile, preferring to try and keep a more professional relationship, what with you being his daughter’s nanny and all. But right now, touch is a comfort he’s willing to indulge in, and you’re certainly not going to complain, no matter how your heart is going to hate you for it later. 

When you walk into HQ, you’re nearly bowled over by a tiny, curly-haired freight-train named Missy. She wraps her arms tightly around you, burying her face in your stomach as she tries to get as close to you as physically possible. Immediately, your own arms come up to wrap around her shaking form, smoothing over her hair, already whispering reassurances. 

Marcus just stands back and lets the two of you have this moment. You’ve become almost like a mother to Missy in the five years you’ve been her nanny, and he couldn’t be more grateful. You love her like she was your own flesh and blood, and Missy adores you. 

He tries not to think about all the times Missy has begged him to ask you out so that the three of you could become a real family. 

He’s much too old for you, in his forties with a child of his own. You’re barely thirty, not even considering you were only 25 when he first hired you. You’ve got so many options, so much still ahead of you, he’s not going to try and ask you out and ruin things between you. 

He’s content with how things are, secure in the fact that you’re not going anywhere soon, and that he’ll have you in his life for as long as he can convince you to stay. He’ll do everything in his power to keep you safe. He already lost the first woman he loved, he’s not about to lose you too.  

Permanent Tags: @theocatkov, @cosmicbug379, @marydjarin, @perropascal, @mxndoscyarika, @hayley-the-comet, @phoenixhalliwell, @ahopelessromanticwritersworld, @pedroepascal, @roxypeanut, @rynadjarin-reading, @anerdydragon, @justanotherblonde23, @rosiefridayrogersunday, @meshlamando, @sunsetmando, @bucketbunny, @mudhornchronicles, @huliabitch, @nerdypinupcrystal, @blackmarketmummy, @dinsbeskar, @mischiefnevermanaged94, @randomness501, @bisexual-space-slut, @lucifer-, @captainmunroe, @liadamerondjarin, @tulipsun-flower, @marvgrrl, @waatermelon-sugaar, @pedrospunk, @areolanya, @computeringturtle, @starlite41, @driftllocked, @gallowsjoker, @firstofficerwiggles, @pedro4ever

Marcus Moreno Tags:  @tulipsun-flower, @captainmunroe, @thevoiceinyourheadx, @snow30285, @pedro4ever

If your name is crossed out, I couldn’t tag you! sorry!

[like-rain-or-confetti]

Request: A Child’s Imagination (Female!Reader x Aro Volturi)

WARNING: Character death mentions!

"What do you think? A boy or a girl?" You asked, trailing your fingers over the small bump that was your stomach, leaning back in your seat for better access. Aro leaned against the arm of the seat, smiling fondly at your stomach. "I can't say I know, Cara Mia." "Come on!" You pressed with a playful smile. "Pick one. You'll love them just as much either way." "I am inclined to say a son for reasons I was raised with that are significantly unnecessary and outdated as of this time. Although a daughter would be just as lovely." You smiled lovingly at Aro. "You'd spoil her rotten, you spoiled the twins after all." Aro smirked. "Isn't every child spoiled after several centuries of gifts?" You paused. "That's true. Although you know exactly what I'm talking about. I think that if our baby were to be a girl or a boy. You'd spoil them just as you did the twins." You said. "It's not always a bad thing." Aro smiled slightly. "And your answer, my dear?" You hummed. "A girl. I can only imagine all the battles i’d lose if it were you and our son against me. The men of our large family." You grinned and Aro chuckled. "We only do what's best." He responded before kissing the top of his head. "What would you name them?" You asked him, in sudden deep thought. "Aro, please don't tell me you're going to insist we name our baby some name that's older than dinosaurs." Your eyes widened in dread. "I need to be able to say the name!" Aro chuckled. "Well why don't you give me a name and we'll compare?" You paused. "Nate for a boy? Aiden?" "No, it looks like I'll be naming our son because those names are terrible. For a girl?" You hummed. "Charlotte? Evelyn? I'm trying to go a bit more classic for you." You giggled. "Those two are...decent." Aro said with no enthusiasm. "Meaning you aren't too fond of those either." You laughed. "Alright, what about you then? Girl and boy names." "Cleisthenes-" "I'm sorry, what?" Your tracing stopped as an incredulous look moved across your face. "I don't even know how to say what you just said never mind spell that." "It means Glory and Strength. See names in my era actually had meaning." Aro smiled slyly. "So does my era." You laughed. "We just care less about the meaning and more about if we can spell it and if we can say it. Pick again." You continued to giggle as Aro rolled his eyes. "Heliodoros." You said nothing but pressed him further. "Two girl names?" "Artemisia or... Eumelia." Aro responded. "...It appears we'll be having a lot of discussions for baby names." You giggled to yourself. 

Somehow the two of you made a deal. If a girl, you'd choose two baby names that the two of you would pick which was preferred. The same going if the baby was a boy. Then Aro would pick two names for you both to reach a decision on. When the birth arrived, the baby was a boy and Aro made the decision alone on the boys name. However it wasn't the two names he had first said. "Archelaus." Aro had told his brothers. "The people's ruler'." Caius responded with an eyebrow raised. He seemed almost impressed. "How fitting." Marcus drawled.

"Aro, it's time. You need to decide." Caius said as he hovered over you. Aro tore his eyes away from the baby, yet to be cleaned, but bundled in a towel. He looked at his son momentarily, a flash of doubt in his eyes. Yet he said nothing. Caius stared Aro down as Aro looked at you. You were seconds away from your heart stopping altogether. 

Finally Aro shook his head. Caius nodded and Aro left the room, with his newborn son in his arms. There was a sickening crack as Caius mumbled to a guard about ensuring you wouldn't suffer any longer. It was as of Caius considered that a gift. Your heart stopped and perhaps by coincidence, your son began to cry in Aro's arms. "Mio figlio." Aro cooed in a soft voice. "Everything is alright." 

Aro moved into the next room, Renata already waiting for Aro's next instruction, as always. She had always been the most rigid of the Volturi and in a constant state of internal stress whilst her face appeared void of emotion. Then again, that's what made her a good guard and one Aro trusted with his life. She was constantly on the look out for danger. "Might I ask you get him cleaned up, my dear?" Aro asked lightly and Renata nodded immediately moving forward to take the baby from Aro as gently as she could. 

When Renata moved into the closest bathroom, Aro left the room and returned to the room you had given birth in. "They didn't feel it." Caius assured Aro, who nodded in thanks. Caius stepped back, giving Aro some more room with you. Aro ran his fingers through your hair. "Thank you, my dear. Our son will be remarkable, I assure you. I have no doubt you would have been wonderful." Aro leaned in closer towards you, his head hovering over yours. "I'm sorry, my dear." Aro kissed your forehead and closed your eyes with his hand. This hadn't been the first time he had decided to sacrifice those he loved for his goals and no one really knew if it could have been the last. 

Your son didn't seem very affected by your passing. Aro figured it was that he really didn't know you when it came down to it. Although that thought was sad, you had loved your son in the end of the universe. 

Aro saw you curled up in a blanket, running your fingers along your stomach. You had always got little nudges in return. Your stomach softly nudging back at you. You had looked at your bump adoringly the whole time you were showing and when alone, always telling your unborn son how much you loved him. "I'll always love you." 

You did it more so when there was chances you wouldn't survive. So therefore it was no longer just bonding with your unborn child, it was telling him and loving him for every moment you had, in case any of those would be the last. You had hoped he'd remember you if the worst came to be- if you didn't survive the birth. 

There was a pang of sorrow in Aro’s chest. Sorrow for you and sorrow for his son. Aro had really loved you. He had no doubt and he loved his son too, appreciated the gift you had given him. The greatest gift he had ever received. Although he had planned that gift for himself. He had plans for himself, the Volturi and his son. Gaining more power, it was always the plan. Your son was a part of that plan. However you were not and in the end, whilst his love for you was strong, it wasn't enough to discard centuries of plans, reputation and centuries of work. So he let you die, but he made you were comfortable. He had Alec numb your senses, you wouldn't have known when you slipped away and you wouldn't have felt a thing. A peaceful end. Your legacy beginning as you departed from the world with Aro's love and gratitude. 

 Aro kneeled down to Klaus' level faced with answering his son just where his mother had gone. "Such matters are very difficult to tell children- to relay in words that they understand." Aro said softly as he held his son's hands in his own. "Your mother passed away and she's not coming back. She left this world with so much love for you, little one. The last thing she wanted was to say goodbye to you. However these things happen sometimes." Aro paused, searching his son's thoughts, trying to piece together if perhaps Klaus understood even a little bit. "Archelaus..." Aro said quieter, looking into his son's eyes. "Your mother isn't coming home." Aro let go of his son's hands. "She'll always be in here, with you." Aro patted his son's chest lightly, just where his heart sat beating a little faster than before. Klaus, barely looking two years old, looked away from Aro putting his thumb near his mouth as he looked around the room. Although Aro's heart would have shattered if it hadn't already stopped so very long ago. Tears ran down his son's face, his eyes moving back to his father. There was no sound, nothing. Aro couldn't bring himself to say anything, simply watching his son. He wasn't sure what exactly made his son think about you but he seemed to be growing aware of his surroundings, so much so that he is noticing people who are missing from what he remembered. Vampires couldn't cry. No tears could ever fall but to see tears run down his son's face reminded him that his son wasn't just half vampire. He was half human, half you. The human in him cried for the loss of his mother. Aro couldn't help but wonder if you'd have cried too, seeing your son try to understand why he couldn't hear his mother's voice anymore. The moment was brief and ended as quickly as it had began. He had never wondered about his mother before that day and he didn't after that day either. Almost as though Archelaus had forgotten and Aro figured that perhaps it would have been better that way. 

Aro was hoping that Archelaus would meet Renesmee Cullen and when the opportunity arose, he jumped on it. It worked well, checking in on Renesmee's progress, effort to rekindle his friendship with Carlisle and his son meets someone like him who's close to his age.  "Some friends of ours are coming for a brief visit since they're passing by." Aro said fixing Klaus' collar. "They have a little girl who is like you, half human and half vampire." Klaus looked up at his father before nodding. "Would you be willing to keep her company while she's here? I believe she'd be a wonderful friend." Aro asked. Klaus nodded. "Yes, father." 

The two children had ended up in Klaus' room. Klaus having his toy train in hand whilst Renesmee flicked a switch repeatedly to change the lanes. Whilst Klaus knew Renesmee's name, he had yet to introduce himself, giving off the impression he was a rather quiet boy who more than likely kept to himself. Then again, Aro couldn't help but consider perhaps it was due to being around someone who was close to his age. Renesmee was older but it wasn't noticeable in the childrens appearance. "When I get older, I want to travel on a train just like this one!" Renesmee said brightly. "Like the ones in Europe!" "Where would you go?" Klaus asked almost absentmindedly. "I don't know. I just like the thought of getting on a train to anywhere, going wherever I want at the time. So I promised myself that one day I would." "By yourself?" "Yeah!" She grinned. "Unless Jacob says he has to go too. He doesn't like the thought of me going anywhere alone." She looked almost disheartened and Klaus picked up on it. "I know the feeling. I overheard my father and uncles saying I may never get to leave here. At least not alone.” "Would you want to?" Renesmee tilted her head in curiosity. Klaus shrugged. "Maybe. I'd like to see what's out there, I think." Renesmee gasped. "You should come with me! When we're older! We should go together! Wherever we like!" Klaus was surprised. "Really?" "Yeah!" She grinned. "You should tell me your name if we're going to be friends!" "Friends?" Klaus repeated, surprised at how quickly the conversation had escalated. "Of course!" "My name is...a little strange." Klaus admitted. Even he knew his name was a mouthful bit then again, so was 'Renesmee'. "They like to give us strange names, don't they?" Renesmee cracked a smile. "My name was two names mashed together." She said almost bashfully. "Although, I'm mostly called Nessie." "Nessie? As in...?" Klaus tilted his head, trailing off and Renesmee nodded. "...like the monster. Although it wasn't intend as an insult." "My name is Archelaus. It means 'the people's ruler'...but in the human world and some call me Klaus for short." He responded. "What would you prefer I called you?" Renesmee asked. He lightly shrugged. "Klaus is fine." "Nice to meet you Klaus." "Likewise...Renesmee." "I don't mind if you call me Nessie." She smiled and Klaus' mouth twisted. "I'm sorry but I really can't call you that." Renesmee giggled. "That's okay."  "Can I ask you something?" Klaus asked. "Sure!" Renesmee smiled brightly. "Do your parents call you that? " She giggled at the thought. "No! My mum hates it, my dad doesn't like it but my uncle's think it's pretty funny." She paused momentarily. "Does your dad call you by your full name?" Klaus nodded. "Yes. As do my uncle's. Most of the guard call me Klaus though...unless my father and uncles are around." 

After another moment of silence, Klaus spoke up. "My father says you're gifted." Renesmee nodded. "Wanna see?" "How?" He asked. "Like this!" Renesmee cupped a hand to his cheek and he went rigid, startled by her sudden movement. 

Flashes of images rushed through his mind and he began to realise that this was Renesmee's story, showing others her abilities before himself. "Woah..." He said quietly. "Do you have a gift?" She asked. Klaus shrugged looking down. "Don't you ask your mum and dad?" "I think my father would have told me if I did but...my mother died when I was born. I can't ask her." "Oh...I'm sorry." Renesmee said sadly with a sympathetic expression. "It's okay. You know the feeling. I saw it. Your mother nearly died too." Renesmee nodded. "Yes. She was lucky. At least that's what my dad says." Klaus lightly shrugged but nodded. "Do you miss her?" Renesmee asked. "No...I mean, sometimes I do but I just think about how much I love her and that she loves me the same." 

Klaus looked up hearing the door open to be met with Jane. Klaus simply looked back down at his toy train absentmindedly. “Hello, I heard you talking about your mother.” Jane moved to stand in front of him.Klaus paused.  “Would you tell me about her?” Jane asked. "I think I see her sometimes." Klaus quietly and Jane joined him on the floor. Klaus continued to play with his toy train. "Not all the time, only when I miss her the most." Klaus added with a small smile. However Jane could see his sad eyes and understood it. Children like Klaus, children like herself and her brother, they should never have such sad eyes. Yet they did. "Would you tell me about it?" She asked. "Well, I think it's her. I look her at her and somehow I just know that it's my mother. She's always happy to see me. She has a pretty smile." Klaus added, quickly glancing at Jane who smiled slightly in response. "She does?" Klaus nodded. "I talk to her sometimes. She doesn't say much back but that's okay. I asked her once, if I could keep her." "Oh? Did she answer?" Jane asked softly. "She said I could. That she'd always be with me, even when I can't see her." Klaus was completely unaware of the sadness Jane had begun to feel. When Jane's mother died, she wasn't able to face it, being a newborn and learning to trust Aro. After a couple of years, Jane began to think about her mothers death. It reinforced how alone she was and how alone she had always been. Although now she had lost someone, making her life even more empty than it had ever been before. 

It had been Athenodora who comforted Jane and Alec as best as she could. Although all she could say was that their mother would have been relieved to know her children had survived and were safe. Klaus didn't get this same conversation, yet it seemed as though he didn't need it. He had found a way to cope on his own. Or at least, that's all Jane could hope. She couldn't help but wonder if Klaus didn't hear you say much was because he didn't really know you. It was clear ghosts didn't exist. Yet he had created someone in his head that he assumed was you and would respond in his interpretation of what you would have said rather than what you actually would have said. Perhaps that silence he received by his imaginary friend was Klaus not knowing what his mother would say and so no response would be given. "Does it make you sad sometimes?" She asked. "Not really." Klaus looked up at Jane again with a slight smile. "I know my mother loves me and that's all that matters really." 

When Caius entered the room, he entered a war zone. For once, Marcus was mentally and physically present in the room. He was angry. Not only that, angry and arguing with Aro. Both Marcus, and Aro had pitch black eyes and it didn't take long to recognise just what they were arguing about. "I don't need to sympathize to you!" Marcus snapped. "You chose this! You did this to yourself, you did it to her and you did it to your son! You decided she wouldn't be changed so I won't have any sympathy for you because I know I sure as hell did not choose my loss!" "Everything I have ever done, was for this coven!" Aro seethed through a clenched jaw. "(Y/N) would have been apart of that. Spare me your words Aro. You let her die because she didn't fit your goals. You never even consulted us, this decision, and rightly so, was on you. You knew for months where this was going and you made your choice!" Aro scoffed. "You make it sound so easy. Then again, when have you ever made a difficult decision in your life Marcus?" Aro responded icily. "I loved (Y/N) with everything I had and my decision to let her go was not easy. If you cared so much then you wouldn't have sat there for all those months knowing she'd die!" Marcus was immediately on his feet, standing feet away from Aro. "I watched that girl die. You should have been where I was standing. I told her she had a healthy son and my face was the last thing she saw and it should have been you! Furthermore, I was by her side as she gave birth because you weren't there!" Aro snarled before Caius intervened. "Enough!" Caius snapped, stepping in between the two men. "We all knew this would happen. What we didn't know was that Aro would grow attached. Now let me make myself quite clear." Caius began coldly. "(Y/N) died loved and appreciated by Aro and held many of the guards hearts. She was wonderful and she died. We all know that many women have died in childbirth in our time. She brought Archelaus into this world and passed away. Before she could suffer, I killed her. She felt nothing and wasn't alone! We cannot and will not destroy ourselves with the 'what ifs'. We all did what we did and now we live with it because that boy needs it. He is what matters now!" The situation de-escalated greatly after this but Caius continued. "Aro, I understand you are in pain and Marcus is the only one here that knows that pain. So why don't you be help one another with that pain and not use it to tear each other apart?" Marcus and Aro stared at each other before they both back down in unison. "Make me the mediator one more time and I kill you both." Caius growled. "Honestly...see the gift (Y/N) gave you both. Memories, a son and a nephew. Could you even fathom what she'd be thinking right now seeing you both like this!?" 

When night had fallen, Archelaus was taken to bed with his usual nightly routine. Renata was the one who took him to bed this particular night. The guard took turns and later Aro himself would check in on him. As usual Aro received a good report that Archelaus was in bed which left Aro a couple of free hours before he checked in. He spent those hours properly patching things up with Marcus, the two understanding each other by the time he was done. Thankfully the two were able and willing to overlook the incident. 

Aro couldn't help but frown slightly. It was in the middle of the night, the lights were off in many of the rooms down the wing where Klaus stayed. It was to help him sleep, even the lights for the hall were off. It helped the illusion that everyone was asleep at the same time he was. Even though it wasn't necessary, Aro figured it may appeal to his human side. 

However, instead of sleeping he wasn't even in that wing. Aro found his son on the floor below his room in one of the many rooms that had a TV in it. Aro figured his son was sneaking in some TV time or playing when regardless he should have been asleep in bed. However Aro stopped, before reaching the doorway, hiding in the shadows and out of sight. 

His son giggled again, arms stretched out at nothing and grinning up at something Aro couldn't see.  A excited squeal escaped his son and Aro blinked. Suddenly, his son was no longer alone. Someone lifted him into the air, spinning him before setting him down before spinning with him. That someone looking an awful lot like you. "I'll always love you." Aro heard your voice whisper with an echo. Aro blinked again and suddenly you were gone, his sons giggling dying down. It seemed he could no longer see you either, hands dropping to his sides. 

Aro moved closer unable to really pinpoint an emotion, many swirling and battling for the spotlight. His son turned to look at Aro and fully expected to get a scolding at the very least, however it never came. Aro slowly entered the room, barely making a sound and sparing a glance to the empty space you were previously in. Aro looked down at him with a soft expression. "Was that your mother?" He asked quietly. Klaus looked nervous, looking down at his hands. "It's alright Archelaus, I saw it too." Aro explained. "I miss her sometimes." Klaus finally spoke. "When I think of her, after a while, she comes to see me." "Oh?" Aro tilted his head. Klaus continued. "I mean, I know it's not really her. I like to pretend she's here and if I'm patient, she's comes to see me." "Can you show me?" Aro asked holding out his hand. 

Klaus slowly put his hand in Aro's. He was right, this wasn't the first time. He remembered what you looked like, his imagination doing the rest of the work. Whenever he found himself thinking of her, longing for her presence. She'd come to see her son. Of course it became very apparent this was simply his impression of her, Klaus' imagination building the pieces to replicate his mother as best as he could along with what he hoped she'd be like. 

"I'm sorry I got out of bed, father." Klaus said quietly. "That's alright little one." Aro said, unable to punish his son after discovering his son's gift. "We'll take you back to bed." Before leading his son away, he pulled his son into him, bending ever so slightly to hold his son closer. 

Aro had always wondered how his son dealt with topic of his mother although could never bring himself to venture into his son's thoughts for you. However, he held comfort in knowing that his son had found peace and comfort to cope with your passing. He had no doubt that his son would have questions about why you weren't saved when he grew up but he could live with that. He could live with the spare time, your son had unknowingly given him.

[thiswasinevitableid]

for the mermay fills: indruck, 25, any rating

Here you go! I went with SFW for this one.

The thing no one tells you about journeys of self-discovery is that they’re really fucking boring.

Duck’s been on this highway for days, and another highway for the days before that. He wanted to see the desert in the spring, but it’s involved fewer super-blooms and more butterflies dying on his windshield than he hoped.

Now he’s on some two lane strip of barely paved road in the vast expanse between Las Vegas and Reno. Green catches his eye to his left; a ribbon of well-watered trees shines in the distance. Closer to the road are dueling picket signs shoved into the ground, some demanding the preservation of the tiny pocket of wetlands and others proclaiming this the site of the Hungry Man Casino expansion. The signs continue all the way to the tiny town of Kepler, where he pulls into a gas station in front of Tarkesian’s General Store.

After filling the tank and chatting with the owner and his incongruous New York accent, Duck decides to stop in Kepler for the night. The road north is mostly open range, and he’s already had one near miss with a cow on a pitch black stretch of asphalt. The lone place to rest is the Reconciliation Motel Court and Casino. He gets his key, pulls up to the chipped door, and flops onto the burnt orange bedspread for a nap.

He doesn’t wake up until eight at night, wondering what the hell is wrong with the other guests that they’re all playing music loud enough for him to hear. He counts at least six separate voices, their overlap meaning the lyrics turn to gibberish. It’s still hot and stuffy in the room, and maybe outside will be quiet. He pulls on his swim trunks and rash guard; a peek out the window at the pool shows it’s empty and that, plus the general sparseness of the parking lot, makes him confident enough that he won’t bump into anyone and try to make up some lie about being shy or mormon or whatever the hell else would explain a dude keeping a top on to swim.

But, just his luck, when he latches the pool gate shut, he discovers he’s not alone. A man with silver hair floats in the pool, eyes closed. When Duck sets a towel on the chair, his eyes fly open and he dives under the water, giving Duck twin shocks: glowing red eyes and a long, jet black tail.

“What the fuck?” He says aloud in case someone else is watching and can explain why there’s a fucking mermaid in the pool.

The merman resurfaces, blinking at him, “How in the world did you get in here?”

“Uhhhh…” Duck points to the gate.

“You...you see the pool? Do you see the motel as well?”

Duck turns, wondering if this is some kind of prank, “yeah?”

“Apologies” the merman swims to the edge of the pool nearest him, “it was such an unlikely future I am having a hard time processing it.”

“You’re havin a hard time”

“Oh, oh of course, this is all very confusing to you. Here, have a seat.” He gestures to one of the pool chairs. Not knowing what else to do, Duck sits.

“Now, have you heard singing while you have been here?”

“Yep. Thought it was the other guests.”

The merman shakes his head, “They are sirens. As am I. We are the descendants of sirens who lived here in the days when there was far more water in this area. As the water dwindled, we made our home in that river and wetlands” he points towards the south end of town, “and then the founders of this fine establishment decided to catch us and use us to lure people to their rundown casino. Since you are about to ask, a siren song shows you what you want; turns out many people want the promise of easy money, food, or sex. But you...somehow you do not seem to respond to it.”

Duck shrugs, “Guess not.”

“I wonder...hmm, perhaps you do not want anything?”

“Don’t think that’s it. Been drivin up and down the country lookin for somethin I want but can’t name.”

The merman rests his arms on the concrete, “You must tell me everything about your travels.”

“I mean, uh, they ain’t all that excitin-”

“I have been stuck in this pool for three years.”

“Okay yeah, more excitin than that. Also, what the fuck?”

“There are ones like it in almost all the lower level rooms. I get stuck out here because I will not sing, but due to having future sight I am too valuable to do away with.”

“This ain’t gettin less fucked up.”

The merman laughs, “Perhaps that is why you don’t fall prey to our song; you are just very honest.”

“That a nice way of sayin I can’t lie for shit?”

“I suppose so.” He grins, sharp teeth glinting in the yellow streetlights, “regardless, I am glad you are not susceptible. I haven’t spoken to anyone aside from the owners in months. They even keep me from my own kind.” His tone is breezy, but Duck sees the flash of pain in his eyes.

“What’s your name?”

“Indrid. Yours?”

“Can’t you see it comin?” He teases.

“Yes, but I want to hear you say it. I get ahead of others often enough as it is.”

“Duck. It’s a nickname.”

Indrid flips his tail once, “Care to join me for an evening swim, Duck.”

“You ain’t gonna eat me or anythin, right?”

“I only taste humans when offered” His tail undulates hypnotically as he pushes into deeper water. Then he pauses, “that was meant as flirtation and not as a threat.”

Duck slides into the water, smiling when he meets Indrid’s nervous gaze “Yeah, I got that.”

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

“See, you can tell it’s a saguaro because--fuck” the camera slips from Duck’s hand, only for Indrid’s to shoot out and catch it before it hits the water.

“Thanks, ‘Drid, startin’ to wonder what I’d do without you.”

The mer, cheek resting on the warm concrete, shifts sideways so he can bump Duck’s knee with his forehead, “The feeling is mutual.”

For the last two weeks Duck’s stayed at the motel, watching his fellow occupants walk zombie-like through doors or stagger from them in a daze when their money runs out and the owners kick them to the curb to make way for new targets. Following Indrid’s instructions, he delivers messages between the trapped sirens, the kind they dare not sing aloud, brings them things they’re missing, like favorite foods or things to do, when he can manage it.

He’s also careful to spend time in town, away from any lingering influence of the siren songs. Leo Tarkesian gives him a job in the store, and he strikes up a friendship with a woman going by the name of Mama, who comes in once a week with beautiful wood carvings for Leo to set out for sale. It turns out her family used to own the motel before Reconciliation swooped in and stole it in what Mama insists was an illegal move.

“Worst part is, they crowed about creatin jobs, bringin’ in more tourists. But they won’t let no one outside their inner circle work there, and folks who stop never leave and visit the rest of town. Now they’re gunnin for the state park. But they ain’t gonna get away with it this time.”

More than anything, Duck spends his time with Indrid. The siren tells him stories about life in the wetlands and river, Duck tells him about his travels, about his home, talks with him until the stars come out, would stay until they go away again except the mer tells him he needs his sleep.

Indrid is a very encouraging conversation partner, disdain and aloofness only appearing when he has to speak to the owners of the motel. He’s also very affectionate, resting his head in Duck’s lap or winding his tail around him whenever he stands in the water. Which is why, when he asks Duck if he’s made up his mind about what to do come fall, his fingers are stroking the humans back and his tail is lazily petting his legs.

“I dunno. I could go back and finish my degree, become a ranger and all that. But what if I’m only doin that because I feel like it’s what I’m supposed to do?”

Indrid brushes Duck’s hair from his forehead, “When you think of the future where you meet that goal, how do you feel.”

“Happy. Content. Like, like there’s a thing I can do to keep the world healthy and whole. Sometimes I feel like I’m supposed to be out there savin the world, solvin every problem, makin everythin better. And that’s too damn much. But when I think about havin some forest or park or somethin where part of my job is to care for it, help it grow...yeah, think I could do that.” He smiles at the image of his future self those words conjure.

Indrid smiles at the current him, brushes their noses together, “It seems to me that you have your answer.”

Duck loops his arms around Indrid’s waist, “Then again, could just stay here, look after you and the other sirens forever.”

Chlorine stings his eyes as Indrid zips backwards, looking as if he’s been slapped.

“‘Drid? What’s wrong?”

“You cannot stay here any longer.”

“What do you mean? I wanna stay. I wanna be with you.”

“No! Don’t you see? This is how the song gets you. It is making you think that your greatest wish is to stay in this crumbling motel, looking after a siren who has seen better days.”

“Hold the fuck on” Duck tries to swim to him, only for Indrid to swim further out of reach, “‘Drid, it’s real fuckin insultin to tell a fella that the only reason he feels how he feels is because of a magic song. Maybe I am startin to feel the effects, but I know that when I think about you, no matter how near or far to this fuckin pool I am, I wanna be with you. I’ve fallen in love before, I can recognize the feelin from a mile away. And it’s what I’m feelin now.” He crosses his arms, daring Indrid to argue.

The siren swims to him, cups his face in cool hands, “It’s what I feel too. Why do you think I cannot ask you to stay? I am a prisoner here, Duck. If you remain for my sake, you will be one as well. I cannot do that to you. I know the agony of being cut off from the world you love, and you have so much love yet to give it I cannot, will not, rob you of the chance to do so.”

“I…” Duck he mirrors Indrid’s touch, runs his thumbs along his cheeks.

“Please” Indrid kisses him once, softly, “please, if you love me, don’t stay here and make me watch you decay.”

Duck pulls Indrid as close as he can, kisses him until his lips ache and the siren is pliant and purring in his arms.

“I’ll go. I fuckin hate the idea of leavin you here, but I’ll go.”

“Thank you.”

“There’s just one thing you gotta let me do first. Will you let me introduce you to another human? She’s got almost as much cause to hate Reconciliation as you do, and I got a hunch you two might be able to help each other out.”

Indrid cocks his head, then nods, “Of course, my love. Just tell her to wear earplugs and bring something to write on.”

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

The cottonwoods rustle in the summer breeze as Indrid floats lazily down the river on his back. A family is picnicking outside the visitor center, but only the youngest member of it sees him. She waves. He raises his tail in reply, smiling when she spills her drink in delight.

Most sirens give the heavily trafficked parts of the park a wide berth, still wary of interactions with humans. Indrid doesn’t blame them; Reconciliation was chased out ten years ago, but their memory lingers like smog. He himself stays clear of unfamiliar groups of humans whenever possible.

But today, the futures show him the park is welcoming a new ranger. And so he swims back and forth, hoping the recent arrival will see him. Hoping he remembers.

“I’m sorry sir, but swimmin ain’t allowed in this chunk of the river.” A teasing drawl drifts over his shoulder.

He spins in what he hopes is an elegant way, accidentally splashing the figure on the bank behind him.

“Of course.” He grins, swimming over and resting his arms on the bank and batting his eyelashes as the ranger crouches down to meet him, “how very rude of me. I am terribly sorry.”

Duck’s smile is brimming with years of stored up affection, the lines on his face hinting at stories Indrid cannot wait to hear, “S’okay. For my favorite roadside siren, I’m happy to make an exception.”

[nalgenewhore]

masterlist - ao3 - day three - day five

<3<3<3

TW: Mentions of PTSD, Psych Wards, Mentions of Child Abuse/Abuse, Gaslighting

<3<3<3

It’s so late. She’s exhausted after being on her feet for fourteen hours. 

Elide wants two things. 

One: The hottest, longest shower she’s ever had. 

Two: The piece of chocolate cake she bought, but hasn’t had the time to eat yet. 

As she drives home from the hospital, she nearly falls asleep at the wheel. Elide snaps her eyes open and sits up straighter. Opening her window, she hopes that the bitter winter wind will encourage her body to stay alert. 

It works well, and she starts to shiver, her teeth chattering lightly. She keeps the window open still. 

At a red light, her phone starts to ring. It’s in her bag, on the passenger seat, and Elide ignores it. The important people in her life text when they need something and she’s driving anyway. 

Her apartment building isn’t far from work, so she’s home shortly. After she parks in her unit’s assigned spot, her phone rings again. Elide reaches over and fishes it out. When she sees her girlfriend’s contact, she smiles and happily accepts the call. “Hey, you. I’m happy you called.” 

“Hi, love,” Lorcan says, her voice distant and shaky. “Are you at work?” 

“No,” Elide frowns at Lorcan’s voice, worried. “I just got home. Are you alright, Lor? You sound upset.” 

It takes a couple seconds for Lorcan to reply. “I’m- I… can you come over? I- I just really want to see you.” 

Immediately, Elide re-clips her seat belt. “Of course. I’ll be there soon, honey. Do you want me to stay on the line?” She waits with wavering patience, trying to force calmness for her obviously distressed girlfriend. 

“Yes,” Lorcan all but confesses, like she’s ashamed to have needs, “please.” 

“Good. I missed you today,” Elide puts the phone on speaker and places it in the centre console’s cup holder. “And last night.” She fakes a pout, “It’s so cold without you.” 

Lorcan chuckles, the sound forced and choked, “Yeah, ‘m sorry I couldn’t be ya personal furnace, princess.”

Elide smoothly changes lanes, “You should be. Anyway, I’m glad you called. I showered at work and was probably going to crash the minute I got home.” There comes another red light and Elide stops in the left turn lane. “Work wasn’t too busy, just so gods-damned long. I had rounds at five AM, hon, but I got to scrub in on a femur repair today.” 

Both of the women know that Elide’s chatter is so that Lorcan can be distracted. Lorcan makes minimal comments and mostly communicates in monotonous hums. 

Elide parks in front of Lorcan’s building and picks her phone up, taking it off speaker. She holds it to her ear, “I’m here, Lorcan. Buzz me in?” 

“Yeah. I’ll see you soon.” 

“I love you,” Elide says, biting her bottom lip. 

Lorcan’s voice is soft and warm, “I love you, Lee.” 

They both hang up and Elide gets out of her old Ford Explorer. She walks to the lobby and presses the button next to Lorcan’s unit number. 

“‘llo.” 

“It’s me, Salvaterre.” The locked doors buzz open. “Thank you, honey.” Their friends don’t understand how Elide can call her six-foot-seven girlfriend ‘honey’ but it just fits, and Lorcan melts when Elide calls her such. 

Elide pulls the door open and walks to the elevator. Lorcan’s building is relatively new, so the ride is short and smooth. Elide steps out on the thirteenth floor and goes down the hall to Lorcan’s apartment. Knocking on the door, Elide waits on the doormat in relative calmness. 

The door is opened a few moments later. Lorcan stands in a ratty t-shirt and rugby shorts, one hand on the doorframe and one on the doorknob. “Hi.” 

Elide grins and rests her hand on Lorcan’s arm, “Hey. Can I come in?” 

Lorcan nods mutely and steps out of the way. She lets Elide in and closes the door. The petite woman hangs up her jacket and toes off her shoes. When she stands back up, Lorcan wraps her in a long, tight hug. Elide melts against her girlfriend and slides her arms around Lorcan’s broad shoulders.  

She slides a hand through the loose hair at the back of Lorcan’s head and the other soothes circles between Lorcan’s shoulder blades. “Honey, I’m here. I’m right here.” 

Lorcan nods again, “I know. Thank you for coming.” She drops her hands to the backs of Elide’s knees and easily picks her up. Lorcan wraps her girl’s soft, warm thighs around her waist. Elide smiles. 

Lorcan walks them into her room and doesn’t turn on the lights. She puts Elide down on her bed and sits down on the edge of the mattress, not knowing how to say what she needs to.

Elide gets up, “I’m going to get changed and go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” 

Lorcan hums and her eyes silently track Elide as she moves around. 

She trades her athletic shirt and scrub pants for a long sleeved skate shirt of Lorcan’s she had cropped and a pair of compression shorts. Her hips swing as she pads into the toilet. Lorcan stretches out on her bed and stares up at the rotating ceiling fan. 

Her father never calls. He never contacts her. 

The last time she saw or heard from him was seven years ago, and the subsequent PTSD episode landed her in the psych ward for a month.

Right now… she’s fine. She’s- she’s fine. 

Since he called her this afternoon, since she heard his low, threatening voice - the voice that haunted her childhood and nightmares - Lorcan’s been in a state of shock. 

Her phone rang. Not caring to see who it was, Lorcan picked it up and held it to her ear, “‘llo.” 

“Now, I don’t think that’s how you’re supposed to greet your father, Lorcan.” 

Her blood ran cold and her heart stuttered to a stop. The report she’d been working on was forgotten. “C-cillian?” 

He clicked his tongue and she flinched. Her hands began to shake as she remembered what used to happen when he clicked his tongue. Her father clicked his tongue when he was upset, not angry. Whatever punishment he doled out after he clicked his tongue was always worse, because he wouldn’t be blinded by rage. 

No, he was meticulous. Careful. 

“How are you, Lorcan? That mother of yours told me you’d moved to Perranth. She tells me you have a girlfriend, too.”

Still shaking, Lorcan asked, “You… you talked to my mom?” He knows about Elide.

“Sure did. You know, I was almost certain that you knew about my house in Perranth. It hurt that you didn’t ask to rent from me.” 

“Why can’t you leave me alone,” Lorcan whispered, trying to block out the memories and flashbacks his voice triggered. “I don’t want anything from you.” 

“Now, I know I’ve been gone for a while, but I am your father. I deserve the chance to make it up to you.” 

Nothing can ever make up for what you did to me, Lorcan thought. She closed her eyes and the tears she hadn’t known were forming spilt down her cheeks. “Please,” she said, “just- just leave me be. Leave my mom and the twins be.” 

Cillian sucked on his teeth, “Don’t be selfish, girl. You were such a difficult child. It hurt me so much to discipline you like that, but I had to. You know that.” 

“Good-bye, Cillian,” Lorcan said, her entire body trembling. “This conversation is over. If- if you attempt to contact me again, I will file a restraining order.” With strength she didn’t exactly know she had, Lorcan hung up and immediately blocked the number. 

“Lorcan?” 

She sits up suddenly, her heart beating quickly. Of course, it’s only Elide, so she relaxes. The mattress dips as Elide crawls back into bed. She rubs Lorcan’s tattoo-marked thigh, where there is hardly any skin left untouched by ink. “Do you want to be under the blankets?” 

“Yes.” 

Lorcan and Elide move so they can lift the duvet and quilts. When they’ve settled, Lorcan rolls onto Elide. She spreads Elide’s legs with a hand to fit flush against her and rests her head on Elide’s tits. 

Elide chuckles softly and scratches Lorcan’s scalp, “You big softy.” 

Lorcan works her arms around Elide’s waist and exhales slowly. 

“Do you want to talk or sleep?” 

“Talk.” 

Elide nods, unseen by Lorcan and kisses the top of her girlfriend’s head, “Ok. You don’t have to.” 

“Yes, I do,” Lorcan responds, unconsciously hugging Elide tighter. “I… I need to.” 

“Ok, honey.” 

It takes a full minute for Lorcan to speak another word. “My… Cillian called me. I was at work.” 

Elide stiffens, her hand stopping in Lorcan’s hair, “Your… your father?” 

A nod. “He talked to my mom, El,” Lorcan whispers, trying not to cry. “He- he knows that I live here. He knows about you .” A shuddering sob escapes her and Lorcan shakes. Her eyes screw shut. “I ca-an’t make him leave. ”

In her chest, Elide feels her heart crack in two. She kisses the top of Lorcan’s head and scratches a loop between her shoulder blades. “He’s gone. You’re with me. You’re safe.” 

Lorcan still cries, her grip desperate and greedy. 

Soon, she grows quiet and nudges Elide’s neck with her nose. “I love you, Lee. So much.” 

“I love you too.” 

As she lifts her head, Lorcan searches Elide’s face. She tilts her chin up and kisses the ‘v’ between her brows, and then presses her lips to Elide’s. Just for a moment, nothing but a mere touch. Lorcan rolls them and sits up, pulling Elide’s knees around her hips. Elide squeaks at the sudden movement, and quickly settles, looping her arm around Lorcan’s neck. 

Lorcan clasps her hands around Elide’s waist and stretches her long legs out. She rests her chin on Elide’s shoulder and closes her eyes, “I want to be fine. I-I want to be fine.”

Elide lifts her head, her face directly in front of Lorcan’s, “I know you do.” 

“I’m so tired,” Lorcan whispers, a confession. 

Her girlfriend’s eyes mirror her exhausted, drained state. Her fingers are soft and light as she traces them over Lorcan’s features, “I know that too.” Elide climbs off of Lorcan’s lap and chuckles at her whine of protest. “You baby. Lie down.” 

Lorcan grumbles, but does as she’s told. 

“On your side.” 

Again, she complies. She moves her arms, ready for Elide to slip into them and to hold her close. Instead, Elide slides her arms around Lorcan’s waist, her chest pressing against Lorcan’s back. For a moment, Lorcan stiffens and looks down in silence, sort of confused at the new position. She’s- she’s never been little spoon. Her girlfriends were always shorter than her, and it just made sense. 

Elide kisses the nape of her neck and doesn’t pull away as she asks, “Is this ok?” 

Lorcan carefully eases into Elide’s hold. Their legs move and Elide’s is stretched over her hip. She grips Elide’s thigh and nods, “Yeah. ‘t’s kinda nice.” 

“Kinda?” Elide teases, her grin spreading across Lorcan’s skin. 

A slight, barely-there smile curls Lorcan’s full lips. “I feel safe, Lee.” She takes Elide’s hand and kisses her fingertips, “You make me feel safe.”

<3<3<3

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[ladylofspades]

This story takes place in the events of OPERATION: I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W.S.

A Codename: Kids Next Door story.

Those not familiar with the movie Codename: Kids Next Door: Operation ZERO and series episode Operation I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W.S, please be warned of spoilers ahead.

One day and twelve hundred hours.

That much time -- though short -- has passed since the fall of Father and the disappearance of the Delightful Children from Down the Lane. Just as such time has passed since Nigel Uno was informed of his place as the Earth's representative in the Galactic Kids Next Door.

Amidst the overall victory of the kid organization, crimes against children by tyrannous adults didn't seem to seize. Every day, kid operatives scatter from respective treehouses or home bases to the destination of their missions.

One such mission was that of Sector TW, in a public park.

Hiding in one of the trees were Numbuhs 32 and 34, both armed with their customized S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R.s and protective headgears. What felt like hours to the two operatives was, in fact, thirty minutes precisely; and yet, there had been no sign or any communication with the twin operatives and their tactics operative, making their waiting time feel more than a day.

It's been hours since we last heard from Numbuh 37, thought Numbuh 34 to herself, watching her teammate replacing old batteries for the talkie with the new. It isn't like her to just go off the radar like that.

"Numbuh 37! Do you read me!" Numbuh 32 called out, thumb pressing the button of his talkie, earning a static noise after releasing the button. The leader of Sector TW let out an impatient groan.

"No luck. Her comms might be off." Numbuh 34 sighed in frustration, removing her headgear just to wipe off the perspiration on her forehead before putting her headgear back.

Panting from both walkie-talkies sounded off, prompting the two operatives to pull their talkies out.

"This is Numbuh 35B to Sector Leader. Guys copy?"

"This is Sector Leader. Any updates?" Numbuh 32 replied, with Numbuh 34 sighing in relief.

"Yeahp! We found Numbuh 37 in an abandoned treehouse a few blocks down --"

"-- but we need backup." Numbuh 35A interrupted, before a pouting Numbuh 35B scooted beside him and both simultaneously added, "Medical backup."

A beat dropped. Numbuhs 32 and 34 looked at each other with frowns of concern, before the former held the talkie near his lips. "Alright, we'll request a dispatch immediately. Can you tell us the exact address, if any?"

As instructed, the twins indicated their location to Numbuh 32 and 34, with the latter jotting down the address. After a quick once over from the twins, the sector leader looked to Numbuh 34, who responded with a thumb-up.

"Copy that. Let's meet at the med bay. Great job, you two."

The talkie let out a static. == some time later ==

The twin operatives fidgeted their fingers while they waited, until they heard running footsteps heading towards them. Hands on their weapons, they simultaneously looked at the source and found disheveled Numbuhs 32 and 34.

"We came as fast as we can," Numbuh 34 panted, hand resting on the wall for support.

"Any updates?" Numbuh 32 asked, taking deep breaths after meters of running. He frowned in concern as the twins both shook their heads.

"She hasn't woken up yet --" Numbuh 35A replied.

"-- but we're told that results will be here soon. They told us to wait until she does." Numbuh 35B concluded. Both of their teammates nodded in understanding before they settled in the chairs next to the twins.

"I heard what happened to... them." Numbuh 32 started. "Were there any--?"

The twins sadly shook their heads, as they said their replies one after the other.

"It's a pretty deep hole --"

"-- so there's no way they all could've survived."

Numbuh 32 crossed his arms in deep thought, while Numbuh 34 had her face buried in her hands.

== somewhere the void ==

White.

White everywhere.

Nothing beyond the horizon, if there's any horizon at all.

Not even a speck in the distance.

Nothing but endless, blinding white.

That is, until Numbuh 37 bowed her head, her hands now becoming more opaque and clear. She slowly lifted her hands to her eyes, nose cheeks, lips... everything seemed to be alright, save for a bandage wrapped around her head.

One hesitant step forward, then the other, she continued to wander into the white void, searching for any opening, door or sign that can lead her away from the whiteness.

When her foot landed on the ground one more time, the scene began to shift before her.

Wh-What's going on?

The white earth below her disappeared, causing her to float in the air. And the scene before her made her eyes widen. Her heart beating rapidly against her ribs.

It was an amusement park in ruins. Then and there, she spotted them. Descending down water slide were her best friend Nigel Uno and, to her horror, the Delightful Children from Down the Lane. They were facing off in a life-or-death fray in that log cart, until Nigel backed away.

Tears started to form in the corners of her eyes.

No... No...

Helplessness filled within her, as she watched the whole thing unfold.

The Delightful Children are --- NOOOOOOOOOO

Her hand reached out desperately, but she felt as if something was pulling her back, preventing her from going forward.

She frantically struggled against the invisible bonds holding her, as she watched what became the cruel, irreversible fate of the Delightful Children from Down the Lane.

Nigel hung onto the signage for support, as he watched his enemies fall continuously, their screams echoing in the abyss below.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Numbuh 37 shrieked and wailed, her limbs struggled in many directions. Tears continuously gushed out from her eyes. Nose unceasingly ran. Her shoulders shook furiously. Her hands slowly lifted up to cover her face.

In her wasted, strangled voice, she cried, "GET ME OUT! THIS IS NOT REAL! THEY CAN'T BE GONE. THEY CAN'T BE!"

She buried her face in her hands -- and for the first time in her life, feeling not giving a care to what becomes of her.

They can't be gone.

I promised that I'd find a cure.

I promised that I'd help all of you get back to normal.

I promised.

I... promised...

The scene reverted back to the white void.

Body curled up on the floor, face buried in her hands, Numbuh 37 continuously wept until they were soft sobs.

"T?" Sounded a hesitant male voice.

It's one of their voices! ... but she doesn't want to hear it.

"Numbuh 37?" A stern-sounding and concerned female voice called out.

She can't let their voices echo in her mind now. Not when they are --

"Sis, how long are you gonna stay curled up like this?"

She felt a hand on her shoulder, causing her body to stiffen.

That touch...

She recognized it all too well. And the one who would give warm touches and hugs like that would be --

"D-David?"

Numbuh 37 slowly moved her hands away from her face until her the blinding light greeted her, causing her to flinch with a hiss. Her eyelids opened slowly until she was face-to-face with blurred figures slowly becoming more lucid. Tears continued to flow as her eyes panned and absorbed their appearances individually.

The matching dark berets bearing an inverted red triangle with the letter Z. The mission attire with a mix of military and samurai influences. And their wearers?

A short, blond boy with an air of firm leadership. With his recognizable carrot nunchaku, he's clearly proficient in the art of Karate.

A tall, golden blonde girl with a firm but kind aura about her. By how she held her umbrella, she has an air of a disciplined swordswoma -- swordsgirl.

A dark skinned boy that radiated a fun-loving soul. With a playful air to him combined with his boxing gloves, he's the type who can shift from fun-loving to dangerous when needed be.

A plump, brunette pig-tailed girl with a fun, big sister-like air. And, judging by her weapon of choice, with an experience in the culinary arts.

Then the one who touched her shoulder.

The very person who taught everything she needed to know.

The very individual who loved her dearly ever since she was born.

The very person who inspired her to become a Kids Next Door operative.

*plip plip*

That tall brunet boy sporting his favorite red turtleneck and military attire before he and his team disappeared. Resting beside him was his trusty eraser-tipped spear.

His emerald green eyes stared into Numbuh 37's, tears slowly forming at the corners. Right after he nodded slowly, in an instant, the young girl lunged at him with a tight hug-- a hug that the boy yearningly returned.

"I missed you," she cried into his turtleneck, before she looked at him with a couple of sniffs and a teary smile, "so much."

A pair of lips kissed her forehead before holding her once again, not letting her go. Patting her head lovingly, David replied, "As do I, sis." He gently tucked strands of hair from her face, smiling at her tenderly. "As do I."

"When can we get a turn?" The dark-skinned boy called out in a playful tone. The rest of the quintet, save for David, all looked at him with pouts. David held his sister tighter.

"Way t'ruin an emotional moment, Lenny," the tall brunet boy pouted. Lenny gave a hearty laugh.

"Sorry, man," Lenny chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye, "but you're not the only one who misses her, y'know."

David looked to everyone, who all nodded in agreement. With a defeated sigh, he releases Numbuh 37, who walked over to Lenny.

"Your bro's STILL real greedy about you," Lenny playfully pouted at the girl before giving her a tight hug. "A stingy dude till the very end."

Save for David, the blond boy and the two girls muffled their laughter, covering their mouths with their hands.

"Ohmigosh! Finally got to make you laugh, Bruce! FINALLY!" Lenny pointed at the blond boy, who cleared his throat after.

"What's that supposed to mean? You think I can't get a good laugh?"

"You've been too proper your whole life to laugh at all, dude."

"I can have a good laugh," Bruce retorted, facing away from him with a huff and crossed arms. "You just didn't get a chance to see it." This earned a laugh from Lenny.

"Give our leader a good ol' hug, will ya, T?" Lenny gently elbowed the girl, signaling her to go to him.

"I... have grown taller now?" She hesitantly said, fidgeting her finger.

*recorder scratched*

Clearing his throat, amidst the muffled laughter among his teammates, Bruce turned to Numbuh 37, unimpressed. "Yes, you clearly did," before he made a soft chuckle. "About time, Tania."

Numbuh 37 (nickname Tania) lunged at him with a hug, which he stiffened at first before reciprocating the hug with a couple of pats on her back.

"Nice to see you again, T," he whispered, earning himself some small giggles.

Tania looked at him with her cheerful smile -- the same smile he remembered all too well all those years ago. "Nice to see you again too, Bruce."

"OOOkay, my turn~" The pigtailed girl grabbed Tania away from Bruce, much to the latter's dismay. She inhaled then exhaled heavily, a sign that she was going to ask an important question. "How are the lollipops, T?"

"Really?" The blonde haired girl raised a brow, crossing her arms and tapping her foot in disbelief. "This is our chance to talk to her properly, and that's what you wanted to ask her, Constance?"

"As if you've something else just as important to ask her, Ashley," Constance said with her tongue stuck out, earning a 'Hmph!' from the blonde-haired girl. "So, how were they?"

"They're... tasteless," Tania deadpanned, but was surprised to hear laughter from Constance. "W-Wait, you're not mad?"

"Why should I be?" The pigtailed girl laughed, taking off her glasses to wipe her eyes before putting it back. "It's made of water and some preservatives to keep 'em intact. Adding flavors to it will just destroy the lollipop's purpose, y'know."

Constance circled around, looking at Tania from head to toe. "And it did work!" She clapped.

Both of them heard someone clear their throat, and turned to Ashley. Constance moved aside, and gestured Tania to the blonde-haired girl.

"Tell me you kept your regime like I told you before," Ashley started, "because if you didn't--"

"I did... senpai~" Tania beamed, making Ashley feel flustered by how she was addressed. But the blonde girl knew that it wasn't wrong. "Years pass, and still keeping true to what you taught me."

Ashley placed a hand on Tania's shoulder and gave a small smile, before pulling the latter into a hug. "That's a relief."

"Ash, you done?" Lenny called out.

"You always have to -- Lenny, what's happening to you?"

Everyone turned to the dark-skinned boy who was slowly dissolving away. And he wasn't alone.

Bruce closed his eyes in understanding and let out a sigh. "I think... we have accomplished our last mission." Everyone in Sector Z nodded in sad agreement, then turned to the wide-eyed Tania.

"Last group hug?" Lenny raised his remaining hand, his voice slightly shaking.

Without hesitation, Tania lunged onto Lenny, followed by Bruce, Constance, Ashley and David. The group didn't budge and remained that way, tears falling down their cheeks with few sniffs.

"I guess I'm goin' first," Lenny scratched the back of his head. "T, don't stay too uptight and learn to chill every once in a while, 'kay? Don't be too much of a stick in the mud, like our stick in the mud leader over here." He gestured a thumb pointing at Bruce, who seemed to be fuming in irritation. "See ya guys. Numbuh 0.4 signing off." With a final salute and a teary smile, Lenny dissolved into nothingness.

Tania felt a pat on her back, for her to face Constance. "Don't starve yourself and eat lots AND LOTS of good food, alright?" The latter instructed with a doting finger. "And don't leave for missions with an empty stomach. I remember you doin' that before, so don't do it again, got it?" With a nod from the younger girl, Constance knew that it was finally okay to leave. "Better keep boxer boy company." She added with a laugh before she looked at them with a teary smile and her own final salute. "Numbuh 0.5, signing off."

Ashley bumped elbows with Tania before placing a hand on her shoulder. "T, just remember this: the past doesn't define who you are." She quirked a small smile. "It's the choices you make. I mean," she looked to the last remaining members of Sector Z before turning her attention to Tania, "most people in your position would've chosen to quit. And yet, you decided to still join, even risk your life in missions just to find the cure... even if it's all for naught." Ashley rested her forehead on Tania's. "You're one of the noblest people I know. Follow your instinct and it'll lead you to where you're meant to be -- may it be with the Kids Next Door or not." Taking a step back and with a final salute, "Numbuh 0.3," she inhaled, while keeping herself composed, "signing off."

"Ashley took the words out of my mouth," Bruce walked over to Tania, placing a hand on her arm. "But..." He inhaled deeply before turning to her. "Don't be afraid to fight for what's right. Lead others when no one else can... I'm sorry." Eyes widened in shock, Tania watched the fearless leader of Sector Z... sniffle and sob quietly. Hesitantly she embraced him tightly, with Bruce returning it. "I'll miss this the most. These hugs." He whispered in her ear, before parting from her. "Ever since the beginning, I knew you have great potential to be an operative -- going as far as going against Father or us." He flinched at the last word, before he shook his head. "Never forget the true mission of the Kids Next Door, Numbuh 37. No matter what." With a firm salute and a few sniffs, he concluded, "Numbuh 0.1, signing off."

As she watched Bruce dissolve, Tania didn't turn to the last person with her.

"Sis, I don't have much time left," David gently urged her, "please, look at me." He earned a shake of the head. With a sigh, he walked over to her, just for his sister to move the other way. "I seriously don't have time."

"That's why I don't want to face you!" She cried out before her legs gave in. "Y-You'll... You'll leave me... for good!" She turned to him with a tear-stained face and runny red nose. "I'm so scared that when you say your last words, you'll disappear like everyone else! Not just that..." David did his very best to stay composed amidst the thoughts of the irreversible fate awaiting him. "I didn't get to find a cure that can turn all of you back to normal. And then Nigel, he... he just let you..." She wailed at the mention of her best friend's name.

Strong arms wrapped around her in a gentleness she missed for more than a decade, and will miss from this moment on. All she could do now was snuggle into the warmth that will never comfort her from now on. Tania inhaled the scent of peppermint on her brother's turtleneck, her head resting on his chest. The tall brunet boy inhaled the strawberry scent on his sister's hair, while rubbing her back.

No words were exchanged that time. It wasn't necessary.

David gently rocked her while humming the lullaby he used to sing to her when she was a baby. He rested his head on top of hers and planted a long kiss, as she finally wrapped her arms around his torso.

As soon as she felt him dissolve away, Tania shut her eyes firmly, wrapped her arms around him in the tightest she could.

"Please don't leave me! PLEASE!" She begged, and all she got were a few sniffs and a silent sob. "PLEASE DON'T GO!"

He remained silent amidst her begging, until he finally spoke in a shaky voice. "I love you, Tania. I've loved you even before Mom gave birth to you. My precious little sister... my little Niah..."

Her wailing prevented her to say anything else. But he saw right through her -- her last unspoken message. Her hands tightly gripping his shirt, her head resting on his chest then looked up straight at him with glistening eyes... he let out a teary smile and a nod, before his own shoulders shook as he struggled to tighten his hold around her.. even when he knew it was futile.

Her legs gave as soon as she found that all she could hug was air.