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eldritchaccident · 11 months ago

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Timing: Early early yesterday morning Location: Oldtown, near the river Feat: @deathsplaything & @eldritchaccident Warnings: n/a! Summary: New Trouble in Oldtown.

Why did trouble always find them? It wasn’t like Teddy ever went out looking for it (well, most of the time they didn’t.) but somehow, someway, they always managed to find it. Or be found by it. Tonight’s trouble came in the form of someone long dead. Ugly, sunken creature wasting away from its own putrefaction. Teddy should’ve smelled it before they got too close. Should’ve been a little more cautious waltzing along the riverwalk. Too many of the old alleyways spilled out onto the trail, and it wasn’t traveled quite enough that folks noticed when someone say, had died and come back.

Teddy barely noticed the guy. At first, and large in part due to the bar the alley bordered, they thought it was just a tourist who had a few too many. It was cold and he wasn’t quite dressed enough to combat it. But it wasn’t booze the creature was thirsty for, and by the time the ex-demon realized it was not human, they had to turn and bolt before it dug its claws deep into their flesh. Teddy was fast enough when they had to be, their joints would be screaming later, but they had pretty long legs and a stride that was fairly akin to a spooked gazelle.

Of course, their phone had been smashed. There was no way they could call their very favorite slayer, or even their least (another guy they happened to know and not be on terrible terms with named Edgar, he was kind of a prick but hey, at least he’d know how to deal with a wight.)

A fucking wight.

Only Teddy could manage to find a wight on a random populated city street. Only Teddy could pull that off while alone and lacking proper defenses. A creature like that was something dangerous. Something they’d actually have to be scared of now that they were all squishy and human. Ugh. The thing was surprisingly spry too. Keeping up with the ex-demon as they sprinted towards the closest source of light and– Oh shit. People. Fuck. More people to put in danger. Great.

“HEY!” Teddy shouted, frantically waving their arms to try and get the pair’s attention. “GET OUTTA HERE, YOU GOTTA RUN.”

—

It was past closing for the Sugar Pot, and Alistair had begun their nightly routine of walking Brutus for the second time that day. Once in the morning, once in the evening, as was their routine. They always stuck to Oldtown because that’s what Alistair knew best. Even without being able to see it, Alistair appreciated the river walk. The water's smell and the current's sound, the way Brutus would take extra care to sniff around and stop at every duck (when the weather permitted). It was peaceful. Well, until it wasn’t.

The sound of a person’s voice shouting, telling them to run. Alistair stopped in their tracks, knowing that something was wrong. The person walking behind them turned and ran, and they listened to the sound of their retreating steps. “Brutus, I need you to be my eyes for me, buddy,” Alistair spoke to the dog, and the necromancer quickly cast the subtle spell to allow themself to see through Brutus’s eyes. It was a wight, barrelling right toward them with someone sprinting at full speed right in their direction. Right, so that’s how this was going to be.

Alistair severed the connection with Brutus and pushed a foot backward, dropping the lead that he was holding to walk Brutus. As the necromancer began to concentrate, the water on the river began to slow its current, the already dormant trees turning a grey color as they died around them. Then, a grey-green smoke began to cast around the wight, and Alistair’s hands shot out in front of them. “I can’t hold this long. It’ll kill all the plants that want to return in the spring.” They hissed out as they moved their hands like puppetting the wight. The wight stood stock still, then began to reach for its head. “Do you have something to take its head off?” Alistair asked the other in a hurried tone.

Instead of listening, the stranger with the dog turned then stood stock still. A current filled the air with a certain electricity, bringing bristles to Teddy's arms, and a strangely familiar feeling to the back of their neck. The waters too, seemed to churn with the effort. The inkling that had begun to spark in their mind was confirmed the instant the stranger's hands flicked out in front of them.

“Woah–!” The shock slipped out of Teddy's mouth long before they could formulate better words, or better yet, a plan. Dark eyes frantically scanned the area, seeing approximately nothing that'd have the heft needed to relieve the creature of its head. The only thing remotely close was an old rusty sign that loomed over the walkway. Reminding anyone who passed that there used to be a delicatessen here. With any luck, they could knock the thing down and gabagonk the wight into the great beyond.

Reaching didn't work, and the wight was catching up. Next option, smack it with a branch. A little budge but not enough to give way. “Fuck–” Teddy glanced over, the panic rising like bile in their throat. Something else, too, itched in their chest. Something that had been building up in the last few months, something that had been dormant for so long. Unfortunately it didn't activate right away.

The spell didn’t last long; Alistair wasn’t properly channeling magic, he was more seeking out living plants in the dead of winter. Of course, it wasn’t going to last very long. As soon as the spell severed, Alistair felt tired. He’d used more of themselves than they should have, and it was leaving him wavering on their feet. Sensing his owner’s distress, Brutus heeled at Alistair’s side.

Quickly making use of their familiar’s eyes, Alistair saw the wight running after the other at a high speed. Alistair would have to do something, and quick. Letting out a curse in Gaelic, Alistair quickly began to channel another spell. He didn’t have much in him, but it would be enough to give the stranger time to get further away. “Gotta crush it’s skull,” they forced out as the spell began to weave around the wight, the energy rooting the creature in place, but it only lasted a few seconds. It wasn’t proper spellcasting and it being winter made it so Alistair couldn’t suck life out of plants that were already dead.

Staggering back as the spell broke, Alistair was left without sight, their dog’s harness out of reach. Pulling out their folded-up mobility cane, Alistair decided to use it in a way it wasn’t intended. Once again, they looked through Brutus’s eyes, and saw that the wight was heading toward him to get to the Teddy who was struggling with… with something.

Taking a leap of faith, Alistair wound their cane back like a baseball bat and swung as hard as they could at the wight’s head, hearing the thunk against its skull. It wasn’t enough to kill it, but it was enough to make it stagger backwards and reassess. “I��m not going down against the undead!” Alistair snarled as they wound their arms up to strike at its head again.

Crush its skull. Okay. Okay okay okay okay. Yeah. Right. Easy to do. Easier said than done. Teddy reeled against the sign again, wailing in on it with the branch, it groaned and began to teeter. Falling from its height. Only not in the direction Teddy had knocked it. The thing was coming straight down at them. Both of them. It was certainly big enough to clip the pair at once, which is why the ex-demon had figured it such a good option. Could crush the whole wight all together. Bish bash bosh. One and done. But no, the old iron sign started to keel, closing in on the wrong side of the fight.

A spark of fear was enough to ignite the power surge. Teddy’s hands followed the wave of energy that started somewhere in their gut. Rippling outward until it was met with the icy cold air of midwinter Maine. The bright teal light burst like a splash, forming a canopy around them and the stranger. Twinkling like starlight, but swirling like the sea. It illuminated the whole of the alleyway in a flash of protective flare.

The strange forcefield deflected the sign. It bounced off to Teddy’s surprise and (if it could form more thought than a piece of wet paper towel) they imagined to the wight’s horror. It collided with a much more wet sounding squelch as the weight of the sign and the force it had fallen with stretched the sinue beyond its limit. Cutting the strings that attached body and mind, so to speak. Bones snapped apart, finding the stress from the sign too much. It crumpled as the blunt object and its head went rolling off the walkway. The sign was stopped by the fence, the head was not. Plunging down into the raging river below.

There was a sudden strength of power in the air, power they were not wielding, which meant only one thing: the other that the stranger that Alistair found themselves with was also a spellcaster. A hand shot out for Brutus in fear that their dog was in the line of fire, only for their hand to meet the familiar fur of his dog. They quickly connected with the familiar, catching a glimpse at the forcefield around them. It was bright enough to throw off Alistair’s perception of light and shadow. They closed their eyes at the flash, knowing it would lead to a headache if exposed to it for too long.

Brutus’s attention turned to the head that rolled into the river, and Alistair swallowed. “Well.” They spoke as the connection with Brutus severed. “Not every day I run into another magic wielder.” They remarked as they began to fold up their cane. “You alright?” Alistair then asked, turning their attention in Teddy’s direction. Whoever they were, they knew protection magic. They hadn’t met many of them in their time, strangely enough. “Quick work on your part.”

Alistair felt their hands over their body quickly, everything intact, no bites taken out or feeling of blood. Good, that was good. “Brutus, you alright?” They then asked the dog, who simply licked at his hand with a wagging tail. “Good to hear it, buddy.” Alistair picked up the dog’s lead and then frowned. “That was a fuckin’ close one,” They murmured under their breath, running a hand through their hair.

A shrill soaring tone endlessly droned on in Teddy’s ears. Ringing like an alarm for the end of days. The sudden burst of power was more than they’d ever displayed before. More solid, more bright, more concrete in the sense that it came from them. Even if something in them didn’t want to believe it. Twitching fingers still electric with the energy spent opened, palms to the sky for Ted to inspect, as if they’d find something there. As if an answer would have been written in flesh. No secret sigils or secretly planted signs from Leviathan marred the ex-demon’s hands. No outward influence, except–

Teddy’s head turned, slowly, towards the stranger. A dumbstruck look on their features, not quite aligning with the other’s assessment of their… arcane prowess. Teddy had only ever done rituals. Only ever weaved magic in the ways a demon would. Only with the help of that power from their father. But this? This was raw, fast, emotional. Everything a ritual wasn’t. They swallowed, not even realizing how big of a lump had formed in their throat. They didn’t catch the end of the battle. But it was over all the same.

“M-Me?” Was it directed at the first statement, or the question that followed? As if incredulous to either being personal. Everything went from a frantic flailing to a stock still stupor in just a fraction of a second, they were still trying to catch up.

Dogs, however, always had a way of peeling Teddy from any negative emotion. (Or emotional static–y void, as it were.) Their eyes drifted down from the other individual to the pup. Settling on taking in the details of what had to be a working dog, deciding it was a much better thing to spend focus on. “Think he did most of the work, honestly…” Teddy trailed off, eyes following the line of dust crumpled under the mangled sign. Saw the particles floating along the river, mixing with the foam and detritus of winter. The realization that it could have easily been flesh and bone starting to sink in.

Quirking a brow at the other’s clear state of flustered confusion, Alistair sighed and nodded their head. “Yeah, you. You alright? Body parts intact? No cuts, bruises, contusions, et cetera?” Alistair waved their hands around as they spoke. Magic aside, they were worried about Teddy, stranger or not. The necromancer blinked, and they were looking through Brutus’s eyes, who was looking over at the corpse of the now downed stop sign. A chill went down Alistair’s spine as they realized how close the encounter really was.

Wiping a hand over their face, Alistair took a deep breath, tone going from worried to calm and collected. “You haven’t done that before, have you?” He surmised, clutching Brutus’s lead a little tighter in their hands. “I can’t do that type of magic that you just did, but I can do magic. After something like that, you’ve got to be a little out of it.”

In truth, Alistair wasn’t good at comfort. They’d never been shown such things growing up, so learning it when they’d finally broken free from Scotland, it was a learning process. But they knew despite their own issues, they wanted to be what the rest of their family was not, and that was understanding and comforting. “If you want to talk about it…” they trailed off, not knowing whether this stranger would be a talker or a runner.

“I’m Alistair.” They introduced, taking a step back. “Thanks for, er, saving my life. I owe you a lifetime supply of free tea from my shop.” A nervous laugh escaped their mouth, and the reality of the situation finally began to sink in. They could have died.

“Think so–” This kind of shock was still so new to the ex-demon’s body. Teddy still didn’t know how to register what it was. Sure, they’d felt adrenaline before. Sure, they’d run into things that should have been life threatening. But a threat was only so terrifying as it was viable. The deadly things of the vast wide world had a way of slipping off the demon like water. At least, until that cushion was removed. Pulled out from underneath them and left with a consolation prize of being able to give damage away. But that�� that wouldn’t exactly help in the case of a swift crushing. Or if no one else was around to siphon health from.

A cool breeze, a few blinks, a moment of physically shaking the sleeplike stance from their head and forcing air into their lungs finally snapped Teddy back to normal. Well. Normal as they ever were. A soft smile replaced the confusion as their eyes finally settled on the other person. Alistair, apparently. “Yeah no I– I did, I’ve done it before– just not–” They didn’t think it was them. Didn’t think that was possible. “Sorry, still catching my breath. I’m Teddy.” Their grin stretched wider, playing the part of relieved stranger.

“Aleister? Like… the famous occultist?” A spark of interest clipped Teddy’s heart, they’d always had an interest in old folk tales. Especially when the man in question was routinely mistaken for a demon. Which obviously captivated a young Ted. “Afraid I actually brought the trouble to you so, don’t know if that’s the case, but I’ll take the tea.” They laughed, starting to feel a lot more jovial overall. Later on, they’d find time to process everything, that’s what they always did, right? What it meant, what it could mean. For now, maybe it just meant a new friend.

Alistair relaxed upon Teddy, verifying that they were okay. Good, that meant the crisis was averted. It was in moments such as these that Alistair wished they could see. Someone could say one thing, but their face would reveal a different truth entirely. Still, Alistair didn’t need to see to know that this person was clearly in shock from what had just transpired. Brutus let out a tiny whine, walking over to Teddy and licking their hand. Alistair felt the tug of the lead and the lapping of the large dog’s tongue.

“Well Teddy, you’ve made a friend in us.” Alistair declared with a bright smile. “You’re absolutely fine, dear boy.” They waved dismissively as they fumbled over their words to come up with a good explanation for what had happened.

Then, they asked the question that made Alistair chuckle. “Yes, the very same.” They admitted with a bow. “My parents have always loved anything to do with the occult and everything spooky, so here I am.” They sighed, tilting their head. “While I don’t have a cult and am not a demon in disguise, I own the Sugar Pot.” They shot the other a smile. “So if you need a cup of something calming for the nerves, I implore you to follow me to my shop.” They tilted their head in the direction of the shop that was just at the end of the street.

For the briefest moment, Teddy’s hand recoiled from the dog’s lick, but only until they realized they might be winded, but they weren’t actually harmed during the altercation. Brutus wouldn’t be taking on any injuries just for being a very good boy. A softened smile settled on their lips as they let the dog continue its inspection. “Is he on duty?” They asked, resisting the urge to settle down and give him a good scritch and pat. “Don’t wanna distract my new buddy from his job, y’know?” A slight laugh pulled from their chest, relieved that the stranger was kind. That this wasn’t going to turn into a whole different kind of debacle. Though, Alistair showed off their magic first. Teddy just wasn’t used to having a source of power that wasn’t, well…

A demon in disguise.

Teddy tried not to let the word settle into their expression. Habit, as it were. Keep an even keel, avoid any suspicion. Not a terrible one, as the ex-demon didn’t want to make any assumptions on the other’s condition. Didn’t need to be completely blind to need a service dog. Didn’t need to be blind at all. No guarantee that Alistair wouldn’t be studying their features the way they often did with strangers. Not that everyone had the same inclinations. Paranoia or a parasocial need to understand humanity, Teddy had a habit of staring far too much.

“Well they had good taste.” They laughed, properly this time. A crackle of mirth that had them bobbling their shoulders. “You too, I’ve been to the Sugar Pot before, you guys have the best dirty chai in all of Wicked’s Rest.” Plus a few other sweets Teds liked to pick up from time to time. “Can’t say I would mind having one now, but aren’t you guys closed?” A pause, consideration. “I mean, I guess if you’re the owner closed doesn’t mean much. Still, I should probably be heading back home. I feel like my–” Fuck what did they call Emilio? “–roommate” Not nearly enough of an explanation for the bond, but okay. “–has a sense about me running into trouble, he’s probably gnawing on the walls by now. Maybe another time?”

Alistair shook their head with a soft smile on their face. “He’s just out for a walk, you won’t be distracting him. Besides, he senses your panic. He knows when someone could use the love of an animal.” There was something in Alistair’s smile that was affectionate in the way they talked about Brutus that just didn’t come up when they talked about other people. For Alistair, Brutus was their family. They didn’t have anyone else besides Melody and her son, Tommy.

Even though Teddy panicked, Alistair couldn’t see their expression, nor did they think to pry by looking through Brutus’s eyes. They were sure all they would see was Teddy’s hand anyone, seeing as how the dog was absolutely laser-focused on helping the other feel better.

The necromancer brightened up as Teddy mentioned having stopped in before. “Well, I thank you for your patronage.” They responded with a chipper tone. “Your roommate has the right to worry, seeing as how you managed to run into quite the situation.” Alistair put their hands down before them, clasping Brutus’s leash. “Stop by any time, but let them know you’re there to see me.” They gave the other a knowing look. “I feel like we could learn a lot from each other.” There was something in the way Alistair spoke that seemed intrigued and excited. The idea of learning about someone else’s magic always had. “Don’t let your roommate eat the walls. I’ll see you another time.” And with that, they were headed back toward their apartment above the shop, away from another near-death altercation that only Wicked’s Rest brought about.

#wickedswriting

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pixeldistractions · 11 months ago

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That evening, Jordan got a little campfire going, which was peaceful and quiet and he didn’t look unhappy. He did look like if she talked too much he might throw her into the river. But he spoke first, which she was grateful for.

“So I guess we’ll be in California tomorrow,” he said.

“Yeah. Can you believe I’ve never seen the Pacific Ocean?”

“Actually, no, I wouldn’t have guessed that.”

“You’ve been there before?” she asked

“Yeah, I came out west back in the day, after the boys were born.”

“You didn’t like it?”

“No, I really did,” he said.

“Then why’d you come back to Wisconsin?”

He paused for a good minute before deciding whether he wanted to elaborate or else shut it down. “My dad died,” he said. “I guess I kind of changed my mind about some things.”

“Damn,” she said. “That’s a bummer. I can’t imagine. So, you learned the secret of life then? Care to share?”

“I was just more alone than I cared to be.”

“I hate being alone,” Ingrid said. “What about your Mom? Siblings?”

“Nope, it was just me and my dad. Then, when he was gone, and all I had on the whole planet were those two little dudes. And now, this isn’t the same. What I’m doing now, it’s not like that. I would have them with me if she wasn’t being such a fucking —”

“Do it,” Ingrid goaded with a mischievous grin. “Go on, call her a bitch. You know you want to.”

He took a sobering deep breath and let out a single chuckle. He shook his head. “She’s the mother of my children. Unfortunately.”

“Okay,” she said. “Have it your way.”

Weird, Ingrid thought, being struck by such a weighty personal truth. In that instant, she felt what budding crush she had on Jordan dissipate. He just seemed so real, like a whole human being, all that flesh and bone and sadness.

And she thought about Clayton and his wild neurotic ambitions, and she thought about the five months she spent with Kevin when they bared their souls and hurts to each other. And it made her wonder, what did she really know about Charlie Roseland? Besides that he couldn’t get over Natty? Besides his irresistible punkish smirk, besides his bad attitude and sharp wit, besides his deep brown eyes, besides that kiss. Well, she pretty much knew nothing about Charlie Roseland at all. They only spent three weeks together.

Sigh.

“I don’t want to fuck you anymore, by the way,” she told Jordan.

“Okay. Um, thanks?” He laughed awkwardly.

“I mean, I totally did want to. But I don’t want to anymore.”

“That’s, um, good to know,” he said. “Is that something you have to announce to people often?”

“Yeah, well, so I guess you could say I have a type,” she said. “Usually, they have girlfriends. Or just finished having a girlfriend. Ha, one of them had a wife. And well, you’ve got two women hounding you, so maybe that makes you double appealing. What is that about?”

“Sounds like something you should talk to a therapist about.”

He said it in a funny way, not like he wanted to drop her off at the train station. She appreciated that.

“There was this one boy, Charlie Roseland. He and his girlfriend were on a break, all summer, the chemistry was so intense you could bite it. Ugh, I wanted a bite.”

“Did you get one?” he asked.

“Yeah, I got a bite. One tragic, beautiful kiss. I’ll never forget it for as long as I live. But, I guess I lose most of the time, so maybe I need a new game.”

“You should try dating a single guy next time.”

“What about you?”

He took that the wrong way, which she hoped for, and he made that shocked and panicked face that she found totally amusing.

“I mean,” she said, “shouldn’t you try not dating anyone? You’ve got your ex calling ten times a minute and a new girlfriend already. Isn’t it a little soon for a serious girlfriend?”

“Oh, it probably looks that way, huh? But no, that’s been brewing for years. It should have been sooner.”

“But everybody knows you need a rebound first,” she said. “You gotta work out the kinks of the last thing.”

“I don’t think I’m the rebound type of guy.”

“I had a beautiful rebound once,” she said. “It lasted about five months, after Charlie. His name was Kevin. He was sweet, I wonder what happened to him.”

They were both quiet for a moment, thinking about things past, things yet to come. That serene smile crept across Jordan��s face, the same look he had whenever he thought of Maria.

“If I wasn’t such a fool, maybe this all could have happened differently. I feel like I’m doing it all wrong, making so many mistakes already.”

“There are no mistakes,” Ingrid said. “We’re just meat sacks wandering around, stepping in shit. Some of it is literal shit and some of it’s sublime. Who knows what comes next? There are no rules.”

“Ha, not according to Colette,” he said. “There are definitely rules, and her lawyer has them in writing for me.”

They sat a little longer beside the fire. He listened to her woes, and she listened back. The listening was something she’d grown into in the past few years, learning to listen. To really listen. To hear. To see. There were times before when she wasn’t very good at that. She listened like a girl who took a couple of psychology electives in university, throwing around words and diagnoses, thinking she had him all figured out. A lot of the time she was right. It didn’t serve her well, most of the time, but maybe her art would be better for it, at least.

— from “boxes and squares #2: this is not that story again” (9/10)

Next ->

#ts4 #sims 4 #simblr #sims story #jordan #ingrid #PFSN: boxes and squares

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nothwell · 1 year ago

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Thanks to Wanderer for this thoughtful review of Fiorenzo!

** spoiler alert ** If novels had tags: period romance, steady burn, lust at first sight, past trauma, whump, healing, class differences, copius amounts of plague doctor, bodily insecurity, scars are sexy actually.

Long books, for me, often grow tiresome and difficult to get through. I find myself skimming scenes or jumping ahead to see if I can keep reading without losing much info on the story. It’s hard for me to stay engaged the entire time, and even harder still for me to sit and binge read for hours at a time.

Fiorenzo is none of that. At a hefty nearly 700 pages, this novel kept me entranced all the way through. It’s story is best described as meandering, a bit like a river with the occasional rapids or waterfalls along the way, but no less delightful to be swept away by.

Fiore is a courtesan with a plan, who wishes to find himself a wealthy, elderly patron so that he can live out his days in comfort when said patron passes away (goals, my guy. Goals). At a festival, he meets Enzo; a masked stranger who is as secretive as he is wealthy. Together, they learn to navigate a world of class difference, societal expectation, unconditional love, and healing.

THE YEAHS

Enzo: This gentle giant. He is the most loyal and beautiful character I think I’ve read in some time. If I could have a man with just about a half of all the good traits that Enzo possesses, I think I’d be a happy woman. The way he cares for Fiore, the way he cherishes him and pays not a single mind to Fiore’s history and class, or the expectations of his own place in life, it’s all done so incredibly well. I kept expecting there to be some ounce of jealousy from Enzo when Fiore took other clients, which, ugh, he’s a courtesan, what do you expect man, you can’t just possess him because you like him! But not once. It was pure bliss getting to know him.

Fiore: Sweet little firecracker. He’s been through so much. Fiore works as a courtesan, and carries himself proudly and unashamed of it. But underneath the surface, there is deep loneliness and isolation, and a shame that he seems almost unconscious of. He often jumps to the conclusion of of course, why would a courtesan be worthy of x? when he and Enzo are navigating some societal expectation, when all Enzo is trying to do is figure out what Fiore’s shoe size is or some such thing. It’s sometimes a little funny, but a lot of the time will pull the heartstrings taut. Fiore deserves the world, and Enzo is the right person to give it to him. Together, they’re just picture perfect.

The whump: I love a good angsty story. And this is cheerfully tagged on the authors instagram as whump. It’s done well. Oh, man there is one particular moment in this story where I was tied up knots, so if you love a character who has to work for his happiness, then you will find it here.

The narrative style: the novel is set in a land inspired by what I guesstimate to be around the equivalent of 1700’s La Serenissima, and the writing style reflects this. There’s an old world air to the way that it’s written, and I found absolute delight in the familiar, archaic medical terminology that dots the story. The choice in narrative style makes the setting so much easier to become absorbed in—it really does feel like I’m reading a story from that era, by someone who lived and experienced such things every day.

The creative anatomy: this is a bit of a plot point, so at risk of spoiling, I will keep it brief. I loved this plot device. It made the spice even spicier. Delightful.

The spice: Speaking of spice. This has the absolute most perfect amount for me. I’ve been finding some novels a bit too saturated of late (not sure why that’s changed), and was a bit nervous that Fiore’s job would mean smut every second scene. While sex and sexuality is a central theme of the novel, it’s not so -heavyhanded as to become repetitive. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate the love of the gentle giant bottom and feisty tiny top dynamic? Chefs kiss.

THE NAH’S

Orazio: This is only here for the sake of me writing something in this section. What a dick. Oh, and that other guy too. You’ll know him when you see him.

I can’t say that I skimmed through this novel even once. Every single theme, scene and plot device is meticulously placed for a reason. Even a drawn out scene about fencing is placed to set up the scenes following it, and to skim or skip it would risk losing the full impact of the following chapters. Fiorenzo is masterfully written, and seeing as this is the first novel of Sebastian Nothwell’s I’ve read, I will be immediately going through his back catalogue and getting every single one.

FIORENZO is a queer fantasy-of-manners romance featuring secret identities, hurt/comfort, and a happily-ever-after. Out now wherever fine books are found!

Amazon • Apple Books • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • Smashwords

#gay romance #mm romance #sebastian nothwell #kind words #queer romance #mlm romance #queer fantasy #historical fantasy #romantasy #fantasy romance #fiorenzo #fantasy of manners #mannerpunk

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odysseywritings · 2 years ago

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It's a Hard Road, but We're Making It

@flashfictionfridayofficial

Reina was exhausted, reeling from an emotionally exhausting fight against the invaders. Haven had just removed his armor and went to sit with Reina as she started to cry. He'd known her enough to know what might be weighing on her and he held her closely and firmly.

"It's never going to stop, is it," she shivered. "How many years of this? I can't think of a normal life anymore."

Haven let her talk, being her anchor in the neverending stormy sea. He got up and offered her some fruit, knowing she wouldn't eat it, but that she would appreciate the gesture of sharing.

"I keep thinking," she continued, "maybe it would be better if we just minded our own business. I don't care if it sounds selfish. There's people out there more qualified to fight this. Hell! What a nightmare this is!"

The rest of her tears burned up, and she hated feeling this weak, though Haven knew this made her real. His expression didn't change much outside of these moments, where sadness and grief were clear, and that he did not have to second guess what someone was feeling. He liked that about Reina, how visible her reactions were, how he could know when she needed help even if he wasn't sure what to do.

"Reina," he started softly, almost boyishly. "Do you remember when we first met? I don't have the best memory, but we both hated these guys, but we were too weak and scared to do anything while they made our homes prisons. And I think we both knew it in some way. Just speaking for myself, it made me angry how nothing seemed to matter. Even when these things were ruining things, I just wanted to live my life. And then... Well, you know about my family..."

Reina sniffled and leaned on his head, looking down. She compared the scars on her arms and his, how similarly pale and deep.

"I don't know if things happen for a reason. Like, if fate is real or if we're cursed. But I know this much." He held her hand and looked at her with big sad blue eyes and a pained smile. "We can still dream. This doesn't have to be our life forever. And look at this journey we've made! All the things we experienced, not just the bad, but the people and animals we've helped. I wish it came with better circumstances. But if we had given up in the past, we wouldn't see how much that's great about life, why we fight for it."

She exhaled, uncertain about his words and if he was talking sense. Still, she lifted her head up and looked at him with her dark eyes.

"I know I want to go exploring, rescuing life from hazards, learning about the universe, making things! And I know who I want to," he blushed with a small smile, "start a family with."

"You are hopeless," she chuckled, wiping away the final tears.

"The opposite, though. I had no confidence in my future or myself. But now I get it. Life is dumb, and mean, and you wish it were different. But life that we can create can be good. There's more children around, there are trees and rivers turning normal, and more people joining our side. It's BECAUSE we're kicking ass that these war freaks keep throwing everything at us. They're scared we'll win. They were arrogant when we were younger and insecure and they could just get stronger and do whatever they wanted. We have a chance now. I think it's good to know the things we went through aren't wasted. If we're both alive after all these years, we can do anything, like dreaming."

"You're... Ugh, when you get so optimistic? You're like a dog sometimes."

"I'm just paying it forward when you saw something in me. I didn't think you were right back then, but I'm glad I trusted you. You're more like a queen now than before, too."

She stifled a grin, feeding off that desire for pride, and she gained a lighter mood. It still took time for her to recover fully, but she soon could match Haven's energy, and it wouldn't take long until it surpassed his. Perhaps this all was inevitable, or just they are both going to be unlucky no matter what, yet she did not want to give in to a bleak future. It was harder, but she had more freedom, and she would have more of it once these interdimensional tyrants were stopped for good. Dreams of a scientific, enlightening future appealed to her as well. Altruism and creativity were still decent. As for a family? She'd think about it but she couldn't think of a better person to make one with.

#writeblr #creative writing #original writing #hurt comfort #flash fiction #wip: starlight journey #haven and reina #mywriting #njm

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gleefulpoppet · 1 year ago

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Heee . . here ya go for the ask game:

🤡 What's a line, scene, or exchange you've written that made you laugh?

💞 Who's your comfort character?

🤯 What's a genre you struggle with as a writer (ex. romance, action, etc.)?

Oh my gosh, thank you for sending this in! I totally missed it! 🤡 What's a line, scene, or exchange you've written that made you laugh? Okay, so my entire story, Stranger Than Crackfiction, was so much fun to write (several times, I made myself cry from laughing so hard). But this scene right here is the one I still think about and chuckle to myself. It's the beginning of Chapter 2.

Richly Dynamic Narrator Voice: Deep in the Costa Rican jungle, two men are terrified for their lives as they navigate a steep dirt road, taking them higher into the treeline of the coast. The handsome one—who is five foot ten with stunning glasz eyes that sparkle in the afternoon sun as his chestnut brown hair, with just the right amount of highlights, blows in the breeze—is holding on to the handrail installed on the dash of their bright cherry red, four by four, all-terrain, open-air Jeep that they rented for the adventure. A scream is ripped from him as the vehicle hits a rut in the road and tosses him forward forcefully. When he looks up again, his eyes widen, and he shouts dramatically at his husband. “Blaine! This is not the kind of controlled danger I get off on! We are going to die! Are you telling me we have to cross another river?” “It’s a stream! And yes! You know you love it!” “I don’t love this. The Richly Dynamic Narrator Voice is in my head again. You know what that means!” “Oh, I do know what that means! Did he wax poetic about your eyes again? Call you the handsome one?” “I hate you,” Kurt says with a half-crooked smile. --

💞 Who's your comfort character? Elliot! I love, love, love writing him he is my comfort character for sure (and often plays the role of "comforter" in my stories. But of course, the boys themselves are my ultimate favorites to write, I especially enjoy writing Kurt. --

🤯 What's a genre you struggle with as a writer (ex. romance, action, etc.)? Ugh. Action, for sure! I *can* do it but it is a tug of war with the words and they come slow.

♥♥♥ Thank you so much for the ask; that was fun! I really appreciate it!

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mythvoiced · 2 years ago

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@tewwor | ‘my voice is not pleasing to others. I am told it sounds like a gull crying,’ ( YOU ALREADY KNOW. CIRCE AND ZAG )circe - madeline miller sentence starters

---

"What?"

You'd think his most recent bath in the Styx had somehow clogged his ears. But the way he spits the word out does not resemble a helpless prince momentarily deafened by the death river he keeps springing out of, but rather by the prince so well known to be so easily angered on someone else's behalf.

The mistreatment of those he holds dear, contracts he must cut and bonds he desires to forge also to drive the point home that the person on the other end of the string he's tying is worthy and deserving of kindness, love, and the chance to be happy.

Achilles insists - though he didn't when Zagreus asked him not to and the subject has never been breached again, the words echo both in sound and written form in his head whenever he sees them attached right to his relationship with Thanatos, there, in the warrior's codex - that Zagreus is god of blood, of life.

Zagreus is god of nothing, he holds no domain and he'd much rather keep it that way.

But if he could choose one... perhaps, the fates would find it more fitting to assign him something that could better associate him to the rage he feels at hearing the mage-goddess recite ill-intended words of her past.

"With all due respect, ma'am, but that's simply not true." Bi-coloured eyes darkened under his frown, Zagreus looks to the voice of the witch aiding him and tries to maintain the speed of his words at a more casual pace, compared to the spit-fire he delivers when his father pushes him into that type of defense.

"I find great comfort in hearing you. Granted, I've only recently begun growing... somewhat familiar with the cries of seagulls, but I guarantee you, they are nothing compared to the sound of your voice."

Gods and their... ugh.

He can't claim the relationship he's forging to the transmutation goddess is adorned with a particular amount of positivity - not due to his lack of trying, truly - for there is a wall there he's struggling to get past, one he doesn't want to force himself through, when the goddess must have any and all reason to not want him on the other side.

And even if she simply spoke as she did for reasons that don't run as deep as the conflicts and derision she insinuates here inflicted upon her in the past, Zagreus is not the kind to barrel through.

Any reason to respect someone is a good reason.

But, even in spite of the lack of warmth, he grows fond fast. Yes, he's mature enough to break things off if he's simply not being treated as he too deserves to be treated and he does not hold his tongue if he's less than appreciative of someone's demeanour, but his heart is quick to open.

If he can even chuckle about Theseus nowadays, he most certainly can tilt his head to the side and feel offense for the goddess aiding him.

"Who said that to you? If you don't mind me asking."

#tewwor #the son;zagreus #rEMEMBER THIS ONE RO SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG I HOPE IT TURNED OUT OKAY #zag vc: hey i know we're not super close or anything but i'll literally sTART shit forr you WHO SAID THAT #hermes is my best friend in hades i can't believe i have to live through his circe bullshit DAMMIT #i'm kidding I LOVE IT HERE RO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CIRCE IS EVERYTHING TO ME!!!!!!!!!!! YOU'RE AMA-#;answered

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vivianleighwishesshewasme · 10 days ago

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Cursed- DeGhants 3 witches series (PB)

The 3 sisters set out in their respective places to weave fate and life curses for the 3 doomed men in their new lives. *time travel/ witchcraft.

_____________________________________________________________

Chapter one

No shrinking Violet, 1919.

Camping was never Violet’s thing. She loved to cook, bake, craft and garden, which was ironic considering she absolutely hated getting dirty.

She’d set up her camp outside of a prominent gypsy encampment next to a deep flowing river. She didn’t want to stir up the community yet, introduce herself in daylight and slowly work her way in with her warmth. That was her plan.

What wasn’t the plan was her atrocious fire making skills. Her fire was a pathetic attempt to start something akin to dinner. She aired out her caravan after using sage and blessing it. She’d miscalculated the timing in arriving to1919. It was almost dark and her meeting with her sisters had run over. She won't have much time to cook until it gets late enough for bed.

Truthfully even though she was just thirty two years of age she got tired more easily now then when she was at Seraphina’s or Sabrina’s age. She had blamed it on her four children and husband, now she just knew it was life slowly draining her. “ Ugh, I’m never going to bed tonight!” She slammed down the stick she was using to stir the embers which seemed to roar upward with her temper.

“Tsk, you keep that up and it'll stay lit just in fear of your temper.” Violet turned the amused voice and met the eyes of Charlie Strong. She smirked, earning her an honest smile from him. The warm light spilling out the caravan showed his smile lines and kind eyes. She felt she could trust him. She cleared her throat begging her head to do the same.

“My husband used to light the fire since I'm obviously inept at it.” She groaned and glared at the dying light.

“Here.” The kind man took the stick off the ground and gently pushed at the flames. “ Your wood is too green, it won’t burn well.” His smile grew as her scowl deepened. She’d been in such a rush to “Fix this life” that she’d forgotten to do any real research to survive.

“I have some coal,I can spare a bit for tonight.” The white haired man turned and walked to his boat to retrieve a pail of dark salvation for her.

None of this was like her at all. She was kind and well thought out. Her kitchen had labeled drawers back home and her dinner lists were planned weeks in advance. She was out of her element here. She had old coins, money and knowledge of magic to run a business but no basic life skills, her sisters were doomed since she was the responsible one at least in her mind.

She glanced around, darkness was now properly set astound her. Darkening blue sky with black trees silhouette the forest around her. She took a deep breath and felt a warm breeze caress her face. Their grandmother Wilimena DeGhant had always said a warm breeze was a soft caress of life. She took in the smell of clean grace and flowing water as the scent wafted past her.

She knew this was the right decision, even if their other family members had accused her of running from the pain, sometimes you had to remove yourself to heal. She wouldn’t heal around her children's toys cluttering her living room or her sneaking to her husband's side of the closet and smelling his clothing. She knew it had been right to burn down their home sending up her broken dreams like dying prayer and smoke to heaven with them. Her attention was once again back on the cursed flames as she heard him approaching.

“Here, I can’t leave a widow to languish away.” Mr. Strong returned and built her a real fire that would keep for the night and perhaps early morning for breakfast if she was lucky. She watched as he bent down and took his time really padding up the fire, moving rocks and shifting embers. He was content here to help her and she appreciated his soul's kindness.

“Thank you. I’m happy to pay.” She offered in earnest and lurched forward to hand him some coins. She was surprised when he pushed her hand away gently. He scoffed and waved her off with another brilliant smile.

“I appreciate your help.Would you like some very late soup? She smiled but faltered when his eyes darkened and his smile went tight. She recognized that look. He saw something…no someone in her eyes.

Grief. Her throat tightened as her stomach lurched. She was so ill prepared. She’d known he'd never married after the Shelbys childrens mother had drowned by her own hand. This poor kind man had fished his love out of the river and stayed nearby to keep her family together but….it had been unrequited.

“I’m so sorry, I know water holds memories and we're kind of surrounded by it.” Her brown eyes cast down to the ground. He gave her an odd look and locked his mind. He sat down and fiddled with carving something as she worked around her now lit fire dumping veggies and potatoes into a pot. She caught him stealing glances. He had no idea that fate had a kinder hand in store for the man.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Violet DeGhant

Velvets and roses

London England, 1919

______________________________________________________________

Seraphina had already done her homework. In a year the little black taylors shop would be shuttered and Fenacci would be in New York, on Mott Street.

The timing couldn’t be better for the master seamstress who would have enough time between now and then to establish a relationship established between her and the man to hopefully secure the shop.

She stood outside pretending to look at the displays in the window. While expertly stitched they lacked something, as most men’s businesses did. A woman's touch.

She smiled thinking of how she could add a little color and pops of haberdashery here and there to really style and sell the clothing. After all, each piece should be a compliment to the person wearing it.

She knew if she could secure the coveted position, she’d be able to tell when his fittings were, sink her teeth into him slowly once she knew his type, and twist his fate around hers. Thus preventing the demise of Tommy Shelby, if her sister Sab was successful it would prevent the Vendetta from happening.

Her sisters each had men they were trying to secure and subdue, depending on who you asked was how it was worded, She preferred to fuck and marry her targets…you know, as a proper lady did. She even knew how successful her lineage was and how extensive, provided she was successful of course.

The little bell chimed cheerily arranging her arrival as she stepped into the shop admiring the scents of different fabric and rich colors that stood like soldiers on mannequins for men and women of taste to peruse. She could wait to get her uncovered hands on the decadent and lush fabrics, she couldn’t wait to drap, pin and tuck the fabric into an intricate manipulation of pattern and design.

Oh! This was heaven to her.

She didn’t have to wait long for the elder man to come out of the back room and make a bee line for her.

She smiled and waited patiently. She’d worn a perfume that smelled of basil, citrus, jasmine.

She knew he’d smelled it and recognized instantly. His eyes watered and he took her dainty hand into his and kissed her red velvet clad hand. She smelled like his deceased wife, Lucia Fenacci. She knew the power that scent had on memory and first impressions.

“Signora, Come posso aiutarla?” She smiled warmly at him. She was surprised he’d offered to help her himself. The shop was busy, but this worked better for her.

“I need a job, I have fabulous references.” She handed him the paper, it was hand written in Italian and English. She was so glad she’d been a curious child. She stood admiring the work around her, even small details on the silk handkerchief he had sticking out. Red and white striped silk. His wife's favorite colors and hers as well coincidentally. She was made for this family.

“Do you have a sample of your work?” He asked, eyes gleaming with delight. She grinned at him pleased with how smoothly the meeting was going. She’d planned for everything, except it being this easy.

Seraphina took a quick glance behind her, mindful of the people milling about. She raised her hand and swept it over her body indicating that she had personally created her well tailored jacket, black lace blouse and jacquard velvet skirts. He inspects her lining to her jacket, a beautiful blood red satin. She’d used fine italian lace to tack over her seams to hide boning and little hems.

He flipped the seams and ran his fingers over her seams.

He pushed his glasses up and stood smiling warmly at her and took her hands into his.

“Bel lavoro.” She giggled and bounced on her heels causing him to chuckle. He complimented her on her work.

“Can you come in tomorrow at 8 am?” He asked. She was thrilled she’d gotten the job, now she just needed to secure lodging for a bit.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Signore.” She squeezed his hand again and thanked him profusely. Now she was on track.

Seraphina DeGhant

Eyes of the Faye

Sabrina DeGhant, 1919, Birmingham England.

Sabrina Denny slipped through the dark and dingy streets of birmingham. This was no place for a girl, let alone a gypsy one unescorted. At least that's what everyone kept murmuring and she sped walked past hoping to not bump into anyone and send herself crashing.

She had an address and luckily for her, she could hypothetically get a room to rent near her target. She just had to get there before curfew. She bounded up the steps startling the people near her door. She pounded on the solid wood and cursed her breath failing her. Her asthma hated the humid weather and the smoke from the factories nearby wasn’t helping. Why couldn’t she live the caravan life.

She hung over the side of the railing feeling her chest tighten like a hungry snake. She squeezed her eyes closed and muttered a quick prayer before a soft cloth slipped over her lips. Startled, she reeled back and jolted upright to keep from falling back. A lovely woman about her height stood before her smiling. “

Take small breaths of fresh air love. City is no place for a wisp like you. “ The woman's lopsided smile was friendly but that gaze swept up and down. She didn’t trust her, hard brown eyes looked into her blueish ones searching for something. Sabrina nodded and pushed the older woman's hand away Gently. The elder was dressed well and her tailored coat made her look more intimidating than she needed. Sabrina knew who this was, a famous tea leaf reader and notorious gypsy herself. Polly Grey.

“What's an unchaperoned gypsy girl doing in a place like this pounding on a boarding house door. What could you possibly have for the money?” Her cold voice froze the girl in her tracks. She wasn’t planning on such an intimidating meeting yet. She also hadn’t even solidified her alibi yet, shit. “ Cat got your tongue? Deaf or stupid love?” The tone was amused but Sabrina didn’t know how to take this woman yet.

“Both?” She answered unsure, causing the older woman to laugh. Sabrina sighed in relief. She wasn’t an enemy yet nor an ally. At least she was amusing.

“The Scotts are visiting family in the countryside. No telling when they’ll be back. No boards are occupied as of now. “ Polly grew serious and gazed at the girl shaking her head. She was too soft for life out here.

Sabrina started softly crying. She hated being weak and had no plan…God, was she stupid! Sobbs started to wrack her frame as Polly grabbed at her and drugged her over to the Arrow house door.

“Enough, you're making a scene. God knows I can’t just leave a girl like you out here. You’d be dead or worse by morning if it even took that long. My house isn’t much better girl, look at me, stop your crying. You're a gypsy woman for god's sake. You're tougher than you know.” Polly’s no nonsense attitude snapped her out of it. Soft sniffles filled the night as Polly cursed in Romani. “Get inside.” She snapped. Sabrina followed clutching her bag to her chest. She looked around and followed Polly's lead upstairs.

“Lord help you, not sure I’m doing you any favors. House full of men, most of them back from the war. I don’t want trouble, do you understand?” The harsh tone made Sabrina very tired but she nodded gratefully and relieved for a place to stay. Once upstairs Polly addressed her gruffly while she draped her coat over a kitchen chair.

“What can you do?” The elder woman asked hands on her hip assessing the girl.

“I…um.I” Sabrina’s eyes were wide. She was inside the Shelby family home. In the dragon's lair and all she could do was stumble over her words. “ I can cook, clean, tell fortunes and I’m decent at math.” She closed her eyes to keep from laughing. Why had she said she was good at math. It was 1919. No one cared if she could do math, she was a woman.

“And how are you keeping secrets?” Polly was challenging her. Sabrina could feel the weight of the test bearing down on her. Hopefully she wouldn't say anything stupid. She met her gaze with a steady strength.

“I’m honestly great at keeping them. Half the time I can’t recall the secret anyway.” She’d answered honestly. Polly smiled. She’d passed the test.

“Oh my dear girl, that’s what I’m afraid of.”

_________________________________________________________

Fits of sleep came and went. Sabrina was in and out so much she couldn’t tell if the muffled voices were distant in her dream or beside her. A slam on wood rudely awoke her causing her to sit straight up wide eyed and wild looking. Polly's hands covered her mouth and she watched the women glare at the stone-faced man. Everything about him was cold. His chiseled face, tight lips and ice cold eyes daring her to keep looking lest she drown. He crossed the room and crouched down next to her face to face as she shifted on the couch. She reeled back a bit for space sake. A shiver ran through her. She wasn't cold due to the room temperature.

She was told you never made aggressive eye contact with a predator, that's what he was. No kindness in his eyes as he searched her for lies.

“Look at me.” It was a command, not a request. Her gaze flickered upwards and she inhaled sharply. “What's a good gypsy girl doing unaccompanied in Birmingham streets.” His eyebrows raised demanding an answer she couldn’t give him. “ Unless you aren't a good girl.” His gaze bore into her soul and her chest tightened but not due to asthma. His jaw clenched. “I asked you a question.” Sabrina remembered what Polly said.

“ A house full of soldiers.” She muttered. Her eyes glazed over and her head shot up. She slumped forward feeling his hard shoulders tense. She could feel the power rise out of her, a cold wind and her mutterings were quick and true. She convulsed and sat up a joint of cold power shooting her up. She blinked as her breath slowed back to a normal pace. She blinked rapidly as her blue eyes came into focus on him. Thomas Shelby's gaze softened. He glanced at Polly whose mouth was hung down and her eyes wide. She closed it and shook her head at the man. His gaze hit her again and captured her soul.

That shook her worse than his intimidation tactics.

“You're a powerful witch, Miss Denny.” He smirked. Her blood froze.” Were in need of a witch and fortune teller to the Shelby family. I have grand plans.” He stood up and took steps to Polly who stood frozen in place horrified by the events taking place.

“Her eyes Thomas, she has eyes of the faye.” Polly kept a stalwart watch on the girl. She was frightened. Sabrina slipped down hanging off the couch as sleep claimed her. Her power was exhausting and getting worse. She couldn’t ride it out like Jasmine or Violet.

At least she could escape his plans for a bit. She hoped.

Sabrina Denny “DeGhant”

#peaky blinders fanfic #original character #thomasshelby #gypsy #luca changretta fanfic #polly grey #arthur shelby #grace burgess #witches #coven #witchcraft #time travel #circa 1919 #DeGhant witches

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dujour13 · 2 years ago

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"stolen kisses while hiding away from a crowd" !

@dmagedgoods You asked for the same prompt within an hour of each other. Great minds. This one kept me up a couple nights but here it is at last. The Andoren rebels’ story is largely plagiarized from The Tale of Two Cities so credit to Dickens.

“…and they said if the Queen-Regent found out, they’d get a thrashing, but I told them ‘It’ll be fine,’ and that night I threw pebbles at their window a little after midnight and down they came. I can tell you, that was definitely not the first time those two had climbed out of the window.”

“I’m not in the least surprised,” Daeran grinned.

“Anyway, we got over the wall and thought we were free, but we took two steps and standing right there was the Interior Minister, out walking his horrible little dog. For a second we thought it was all up, but I said ‘Why don’t you join us?’ and he seemed happy enough. So we headed down to the river, all four of us and the dog, and had a fine time.

“Such a fine time that when we headed back it seemed a shame to say goodnight already, so I invited them all to the wing where my delegation were staying—I had my guitar and a bottle; they could sneak back later.

“Thank Desna we were being sneaky. It was quiet enough that I heard the whispering and noticed the window was open. I peeked in, and right there in the Ambassador’s chambers there were two shadowy figures with glinting knives.

“So in a panic I escorted the princesses back while the minister and his dog raised the alarm. By the time I headed back to our wing, the whole place was in an uproar, but I was out in the garden all by myself, and that was when something strange happened.

“The two assassins were slinking past behind a hedge, and I could have sworn one looked right at me—and didn’t see me. I had gone invisible. Back then I didn’t even know that spell. It just happened, out of the blue.

“Lucky too, because I had the letters they were looking for in my pocket.”

“Wait—you went skinny dipping with those letters in your pocket? You just left them on the ground by the river?” Seelah stared at him over the lip of her mug with an incredulous grin.

“I thought it was safer to keep them on me. More or less. Turned out I was right.”

“Sounds like you’re no stranger to divine interventions, my friend. It’s a miracle you’ve lasted this long.”

“Anyway, the assassins escaped, but no one was killed at least. We were all questioned, and when the Interior Minister and I both claimed we just happened to be out for a midnight stroll, people put two and two together and even though it was the furthest thing from my mind—I was in a relationship and he definitely wasn’t my type anyway—I didn’t disabuse them of the notion because the poor princesses looked so frightened they’d be caught."

“He didn’t disabuse them of the notion either, I gather,” said Daeran, smirking.

Siavash winced. “I don’t know if it was for the princesses’ honor or the notch in his belt. Ugh.”

“Audacious. I think I like the fellow.”

On his left, Lann knocked back a deep draught of lukewarm Mendevian beer and let out a great sigh of satisfaction.

Siavash grimaced. “Sometimes I envy you, Lann.”

“Yeah, all kids ought to be sent to Neather camp, teach ‘em how to appreciate the good things. Builds character.”

“Deadens the palate,” said Daeran. “Not unlike this swill, as a matter of fact. What will you have instead, Intrepid Iconoclast?”

“Wine this time—please.”

“Excellent. Pitaxian? Chelish?”

“Only from the homeland.”

“Pah, Andorens are too sweet for my taste. Common. Lack that certain je ne sais quoi of nobility.”

“Medevians are sour,” Siavash retorted. “And there’s this sort of scum that floats to the top.”

“Touché. Fye.”

Amazing how the barkeep was attuned to the tiniest wag of a finger from certain clients, even when the Half Measure was bursting. He was off his bar perch and at the Count’s elbow in an instant. “Your Grace.”

“What do you have in Andorens? And don’t you dare say Sauerton. If you possess even one bottle of that appalling sin against all things pleasant I shall never set foot in your establishment again.”

“Of course not.” Fye looked slightly nervous. There was unfortunately a market for such things in the Fifth Crusade. “We have a selection of Côtes d’Andoshen, a Darkmoon Valley ‘08 I believe, and a nice, floral white from Steyr.”

Daeran looked aghast.

“We’ll have the Darkmoon. The Count’s tab.”

Daeran shook his head. “Very well. I shall partake, but only to toast our miraculous victory.”

“More like our miraculous rescue,” snorted Lann into his mug.

Siavash shrugged. “We did exterminate the Ivory Sanctum’s bug infestation. That’s something.”

When the wine arrived they passed a glass down the table to Sosiel, whose patience and magnanimity were being put to the test by a very chatty tiefling. It was a welcome distraction. He swirled the glass and held it up to the light. “They say you leave your heart at home, but this is like a taste of it. My thanks, Count.”

Across the table from him, Woljif watched him drink with a calculating look. How many of those would it take to get a big guy like Sosiel sloshed enough to start gambling? Nenio probably knew. But she looked busy trying to convince Arueshalae to kiss her on different body parts and he was going nowhere near that. Back to the task at hand.

“…That’s just it. Supply and demand. You gotta hold back, get people salivatin’. Only the Knight-Commander himself has one on his wall. To get one you gotta be cream duh—”

“Crême de la crême,” Sosiel said patiently.

“Yeah, that. And what you do is make secret deals with ‘em. Tell ‘em, you’re the only one I’m sellin’ to, ‘cause you’re such an esteemed and refined collector, so don’t tell anybody. Pretty soon they’ll be beatin’ a path to your door, throwin’ money at you.”

“Woljif that’s not the point of—”

He was rescued when Siavash jumped up with his guitar, the Andoren wine having put a nostalgic gleam in his eye, and leapt up to perch next to Fye on the bar.

A hush fell over the crowded tavern.

It was an Andoren ballad set in the People’s Revolt, about the rebels Danton and Griffith, rivals for the same woman’s love yet bound by friendship. When Danton was captured and imprisoned by the Chelaxians, Griffith drugged him, exchanged their clothes, and went to the gibbet in his stead. Danton lived to lead a decisive uprising in Augustana, married the woman, and lived happily ever after in the peace and prosperity of the new Republic.

The legend is told though the ash has grown cold Of two men who were bonded by duty Of Griffith it’s said, in Pharasma’s cold bed, His head bought our freedom, but dearly

As he sang, Woljif had to exert all his self-control to look nonchalant. He coiled his tail around his chair to keep it from betraying him. Now and then he would forget himself and have to snap his mouth shut. He was pretty sure Sosiel was laughing at him.

Siavash brought the song to a close to a wild and drunken round of applause.

“Oh what rot,” Daeran said, clapping nonetheless. “I much prefer the one about the barmaid.”

“You would,” said Seelah, brushing a tear from her eye and applauding loudly. “Friendship, self-sacrifice, bittersweet endings—that’s what I’m talkin’ about.”

And suddenly in the midst of the clamor, their gaze met across the tavern: Siavash’s laughing hazel eyes and Woljif’s, golden and enthralled. The look closed the distance between them and pulled a veil over the cheering crowd so that for a dizzying instant they were alone. A bolt like lightning passed through that gaze.

Siavash handed his guitar to Fye. “Guard this with your life. Just need to—go...”

Fye held the holy relic in his lap and watched him head for the front door. “The privy’s in the ba—”

But he was already gone.

When Sosiel turned back around, Woljif too had vanished. This pleased him for three reasons: because watching the tiefling’s face during the performance was watching the gentle hand of his goddess Herself; because his ears needed a break from the chatter; and because the Count was looking flushed and waving exaggeratedly and might be up for cards, and it was impossible to play with Woljif around.

Outside in the cool night air, they darted for cover. Woljif knew the spot: down a side street and into a narrow alley between two shops.

Siavash was pushed up against the wall by Woljif’s tense, whiplike body. He gasped.

Their lips met hungrily. Then there was nothing but the taste of wine and whatever honeyed herbal infusion Woljif had been drinking, the salt and sweet tang of each other’s mouths, tongues searching, the sharp intake of breath as Siavash pulled his hips in. Neither said a word. Their bodies entwined, surrendering to one another completely in their stolen little corner of the night.

#thanks to both for the ask!!#silversiren1101 #dmagedgoods #fanfic #siavash x woljif #pathfinder: wrath of the righteous

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sassooda · 3 years ago

Text

Worlds Away JJK AU / Chapter 39 - Run

w/c - 7,590

**Warnings- This chapter is very violent.**

The waiter returns with replacement drinks and sets them down accordingly. He doesn’t stay long this time but he once again intensely stares at them all. Toji postures himself and rolls his shoulders back while unabashedly glaring him down. He’s sure the waiter can tell but his brown eyed gaze is now of Elska as he leaves. Toji grumbles, “He’s begging for an ass whooping doll, would you be upset if I delivered?”. She giggles out, “You are not allowed to hit him!”, and bumps him with her shoulder playfully.

Naoya cracks up from Toji’s words and adds, “I’ve felt your punch, you’ll fucking kill the guy!”. His deep laughter carries through the patio causing the young parents of the three kids to look over awkwardly and smile. Naoya nods and waves to offer the universal gesture that he wasn’t intending to be that loud. He looks over to Toji and Elska with a grin while lifting his glass into the air, “I just want to say that I’m grateful to be here with you two today.”. He brings his eyes to Toji, “I’ve always looked up to you and hoped that I could be that cool when I grew up…,” he chuckles with slight embarrassment, “…and I know things with all of us are, unique but I appreciate you having the room in your heart for me, it means a lot...”. Toji’s face experienced a quick wash of gentleness that Naoya was happy he saw, returning it without being shy. The Zenin now looks at Elska, “And you my princess…”, he sighs at her sweet eyes, “Thank you for showing me what it means to be cared for by a woman. Come what may, I will always be rich in all things with you by my side.”. He watches Elska sip her wine with watery eyes as he drinks his Mojito until the opportunity to kiss her arises. After he hums to the feeling of perfection, he pulls back and chuckles, “It’s so peaceful without Gojo around, isn’t it?”, he admits as Toji cackles and leans forward while setting his drink on the table.

Elska sips her wine and puts the glass down before wrapping her arms into both of theirs. “Thank you so much for bringing me out here today!”, she feels it’s impossible to address both of them at the same time so she scoots back, “You two bring so much happiness into my life, Sati too…”. She squeezes their arms, “I can’t imagine what life would be like without you.”. Her eyes now take to the kids as the youngest is waving at them in the awkward manner that a toddler would. “We’ve made a friend!”, she laughs as she waves back. ‘Could I be a mother? A good one?’, she asks herself as she watches Naoya interacting with the child, wearing a goofy face. ‘He would be a good father…I know he would.’, the idea creeps into her heart as she heavily considers giving him what he wants. Naoya leans back and says, “They’re reeeeally cute actually. It doesn’t help my baby fever whatsoever.”. Elska inhales sharply after a stark possibility blares into her brain, “I could already be pregnant and not even know it...”, her words sounded dreadful but only because she wouldn’t have the first fucking clue as to who the child would belong to. She didn’t want to say anything out loud but Toji was hot on her trail of thought.

“Any one of us could be the father!”, Toji’s eyes widen as he’s not even considered what a quandary that could turn out to be. He looks over at Naoya who’s left eye is twitching and feels defensive, “Boy don’t make that face, I never pull out.”. As soon as the words left his lips, he can feel the heated aura from Elska, “Doll, I have no idea why I just said that...”, but is relieved to find he’s not in the doghouse after she says, “I’m going to pretend that didn’t happen!” with a squinted expression.

“You dirty old bastard!”, Naoya does not like the idea of anyone else knocking her up. “You’re not supposed…she’s a princess!”, and looks at Elska with a furrowed brow. She seems pretty uncomfortable and he assumes it’s because of his reaction so he feels bad. He huffs, “Well I don’t either!”. Elska can be heard humming like she’s thinking of a punishment but his mind takes to the night of him, Gojo and Elska. He recalls something he feels is important and darts his eyes to Toji with a devious grin, “But Gojo does.”.

“Naoya…I’m about to take your drink away again!”, she buries her face into her hands as she tries to not feel grossed out by herself. Naoya pulls her hands away and turns her in his direction, “Baby! Like I said before…we’re unique!”, and brings his drink within his guard. She feels his lips against her own and somehow the simple action instantly comforts her. ‘We’re all degenerates…’. She leans back into her seat after they break away and looks up to the sky. Thinking of a great comeback she smirks and flippantly says, “Maybe Choso’s the daddy.”. She laughs when Naoya gasps with anxiety but is surprised by how Toji saw right through her.

“Baby? Are you messing with me right now?”, he knows she’s laughing but is honestly afraid of that thought after the lack of clarification with what happened between her and the being. “Tell me you’re just kidding!”, he leans up and pokes at her sides until she admits that it was just a bad joke. Once he’s satisfied and reassured, he sits back again and threatens, “That deserves a spanking...”, and bites his lip as he envisions it. He looks to Toji, “How were you able to be so calm?!”, but pouts when Toji shrugs and says, “I just know better.”, and Naoya now feels silly for getting worked up. “That’s two spankings now since my pride is hurt as well!”. He giggles with her as she doesn’t seem to protest against the idea. ‘Just you wait, Elska!’, he’s now planning to give them to her tonight.

The waiter approaches them again, still eyeing Toji. “Ugh…not again…”, Toji feels the man staring at him and wants to avoid having to directly deal with him but the brown eyed fellow walks over to Toji’s side. He gives Elska and Naoya a loathing look as he warns of his tolerance being low. The waiter says, “I’ll explain the menu since you’re unfamiliar with the language.”, but his tone was different. Toji abruptly states, “I’ll take anything chicken.”, and starts to feel aggressive as the waiter remains. The man leans down and places a hand on Toji’s shoulder and the moment it makes contact, Toji feels a surge of pain shoot through his arm and bellows out an inhuman screech. Naoya stands up immediately and asks what’s wrong but Toji’s unable to respond.

Naoya looks at the waiter, “What the fuck did you do? WHO ARE YOU?!”, and then back at Toji who has doubled over, heaving in pain as his presence darkens. “Baby, get up…GET UP NOW!”, He grabs Elska and moves her away while glaring at the waiter who arrogantly standing by the giant. The man laughs wildly and says, “This is for Master Kokoro…”. The waiter goes to lower his hand back onto his shoulder but Toji snatches it, crushes his wrist and cries out as his wings start to form. “Oh fuck…”. The Zenin man yells to the other tables, “GET OUT OF HERE NOW!”. Naoya steps back with Elska tightly in his grasp and worries about everyone around them. All of the people sitting outside have now tuned in and are watching in horror as the skin of Toji’s back stretches to form the bones and feathers…but they do not move.

“TOJI DON’T!”, Elska breaks away from Naoya to run to her beloved but before she can reach him, Toji yanks the waiter down by the wrist and proceeds to send energy at the man’s torso, hollowing him out completely. The body remains standing for what seemed like forever as Elska views the beautiful river through him until he collapses. Screams erupt chaotically as terrified people try to flee but Elska’s only focus was on Toji, who seems to be falling progressively deeper into this dark energized way. “TOJI!”, she cries out to him again but feels Naoya securing her. The children can be heard squealing in tears at the top of their lungs as their parents struggle to function well enough to gather the kids. “Why…This is…?! Naoya!”, she’s already crying as he takes hold of her. The clamor of fear booming around them was almost too much all together but it abruptly silences as a warm liquid sprays her and Naoya. In what seemed like slow motion, the entire family and table was crushed into the pavement, leaving nothing but a compressed pile of bones and flesh where their beautiful faces used to be. She can’t move. She can’t avert her eyes. She can only watch in absolute horror.

“Oh my God…”, Naoya is also left otherwise speechless and mortified as the high chairs can still be made out due to their green color, amongst the mounds of human tissue. He calls out to Elska who is back in his arms but she’s unresponsive and hysterical. Toji flies past them and Naoya screams when he watches his cousin shred through a businessman before turning to one of the middle-aged women, tearing her arms off simultaneously. The woman screams but soon falls into shock and seizes on the ground. “TOJI!!”, Naoya finds himself crying too, shaking while Toji uses his strength to literally rip through the innocent humans. “Holy fuck…he’s going to kill them all!”, his cries are muffled as he dips his face into Elska’s hair, not knowing how to react. He needs to stop his cousin but understanding that this is an attack, he doesn’t want to leave Elska alone. “Baby… What do I do?!”, he sobs with her. The others that were outside with them are unable to open the door to the building for some reason and he perceives another of the businessmen try to make a break for the water. Naoya screams again as he helplessly watches Toji tackle him and tear the man’s neck from his shoulders. Toji now turns around eerily and targets him while the remaining survivors cower and mentally decompose. With wide eyes, Naoya picks Elska up and activates his projection technique. He feels so heavy when he engages it and can’t understand why Toji is getting closer as he exerts his full force into the speed. ‘It’s not working!’, the weight of the dread hindering his usual decisiveness brings him to a new low as he surmounts the worse of outcomes. He holds Elska tighter and says through his cries, “Baby, you have to run. I need you to run.”. He’s not sure if he’s going to make it out of this but knows it will be worth it as long as she escapes. His heart breaks while he lowers her down fearing that this will be the last time they’ll see each other. He shouts with urgency as tears stream down his face, “RUN ELSKA!”.

She’s aware that she’s being placed back on her feet but feels so cold without Naoya’s body heat. “The children…”, she’s still in shock. Upon looking around she notices the other bodies, at least 2 overlapping each other near the door leading inside. She stands there, dazed and numb until the restaurant and all neighboring buildings explode. The powerful shock wave sends her flying towards the water as she feels a blunt object hit her side accompanied by internal cracking. Moments pass as she lies there incoherent as multiple smaller explosions erupt from the establishments around them. Her ears are ringing loudly. She tries to push herself off of the ground but her equilibrium is shot so she falls over to her right side. Her eyes are struggling to focus but when they do, she sees that the object that likely cracked her ribs is some poor man’s mangled leg. She can’t make out her own voice but she cries for Naoya and shuts her eyes to the fear that him and Toji were caught in the blast. Her own bloodcurdling sounds now make way to her ears, finding she doesn’t recognize her own voice. Only when she can feel her body being jostled around do her eyes unfasten.

Naoya was thrown into a table near the edge of the patio. He feels the burns lacing up his body as he stumbles over to Elska. She’s covered in cuts from the glass and can tell she’s not breathing normally but is alive. ‘BABY!”, he scoops her up into his arms but they fall backward since he’s yet to fully regain his senses. He sits up and tries again while looking around and witnesses the gore and destruction. His breath is hitched in his throat as he sees the dismembered pieces of people all around them, some bits floating in the water nearby. He’s crying again as he struggles to his feet with her, “Baby, we have to run!”, is all he can say as his eyes finally spot the wings. “TOJI!”, he wails as he sees the charred feathers, it looking like he suffered burns as well. He finally is able to stand up and releases more tears when he sees Toji stirring. “Thank fucking God…”. He checks around for other survivors but is unable to make out anything amongst the body parts and debris. To his left a table is crushed right before his eyes, leaving a depression into the concrete. ‘Getou’. His eyes widen when he hears Toji release another wild call. “Baby…”, he shakes Elska, trying to get her to respond. “BABY YOU HAVE TO SNAP OUT OF IT!”, and panics as Toji growls and picks up speed towards them. “SHIT!”, he places Elska back down, straining from his melted skin and whispers in tears, “I love you Elska, forever.”, before charging the best he could towards Toji.

She heard him. His voice itself guided her out of her own mind and back to the disaster that’s before them. She fully comes to when she sees Naoya and Toji exchanging energy. Upon trying to stand, she sways but doesn’t fall and has yet to realize all of her wounds as the adrenaline kicks in. She screams feverishly at the two men to stop but is forced to watch them struggle against each other, Toji having the upper hand as he seems to have lost his usual reservation. “NAOYA!”. The scene around her is completely disturbing as the heat from the flaming buildings add to the smell of over-cooked flesh. She starts running towards Naoya and Toji but an unfamiliar voice calls out to her so she turns around to see where it came from.

“Elska Oda!”, Genghis hollers out as Getou and the other Titers now manifest into view. Genghis is especially thrilled by the scene and claps his hands together in praise to Toji’s handiwork. “He has surpassed my expectations greatly!”, He nudges Getou joyously as his pupil studies Elska. He as well takes in how bloodied Elska is and wishes that she wouldn’t have been harmed in the process.

When she sees Getou, Elska completely snaps. “YOU FUCKING DID THIS?!”, and forms her metal wings instantly. “I am going to fucking tear you APAAAART!”, she growls before trying to charge him blindly. She’s consumed with rage as she thinks about the children, the unsuspecting innocents and Toji and Naoya. “FUCKING COWARD!”, she screams at him and is almost taken back by how remorseful his expression is.

Lidia was hoping this would happen. “Winged bitch.”, she mutters while drawing her arm back, aiming her spear. ‘I knew she wasn’t right for Master Suguru…’. She notices Toji become aware of her actions and gets freaked out, so she hurls the weapon towards Elska before he can get any closer. Naoya can be seen trying to run towards Elska. To her dismay, she hears Getou scream for her to stop but it had already left her hands. She turns to him, “She’s trying to kill you Master Suguru!”, and feels her heart stop as he finally looks at her but with absolute abhorrence and wrath. She watches Getou try to stop the spear with gravity but he’s unable to.

Elska was so furious that she didn’t even think about how utterly moronic attacking head on would be. The spear is heading straight for her, leaving no time to react as she simply failed to notice it because of her focus on Getou. Knowing that she’s about to be impaled only fuels her more though as she can’t let this opportunity go to waste. Right before what she assumed were possibly her last moments, she briefly closes her eyes and tries to remember all the good she’s experienced up until this point. The laughs and love she’s received and shared with Satoru, Toji, Naoya and everyone else flood her as she’s so desperate to live but is willing to throw it all away for their safety. ‘I have to kill him.’. The end never comes but her soul leaves her body along with all of her sensibilities.

Naoya staggers in front of her. He was able to use his projection at least this time but the look on her face shatters his heart as he follows her eyes down to see the spear’s large tip sticking out of his sternum. “B…Bab…y…”, he feels the world spinning around him as he falls, no longer having the ability to remain on his feet. He hears Elska shriek and feels her warmth but he can’t focus his eyes or make them stay open. “Bab…y…” is all he can manage to articulate. ‘I made it...’, soothes his mind as blood pours from his smiling mouth.

Toji dashes past them towards the Titers and manages to kill one upon contact. Elska heard the short-lived cries but finds solace in it as she attempts to catch Naoya. They both fall to the ground and the spear tip punctures her hip. She frantically tries to lay him on his side in a specific manner and sobs as she brushes the hair away from his eyes. Using her wings, she slices open her wrist and holds Naoya’s mouth open to force her blood into him but her arm is shaking so violently that it’s causing her essence to get all over his face and neck. “FUCK! NAOYA!”, she yells through her tears as she’s desperate to save him. “My prince…please…you can’t…”, she heaves in shuddering breaths, “You can’t leave me!”. She attempts to take a deep breath but there’s no calming down, he’s barely taking the blood even when some lands into his mouth. “Naoya…please…no…”. She’s met with a choice but before she can decide for herself the ancestral guide within barrels through her.

“TURN HIM.”

She absolves all of her previous restraint on the matter and doesn’t hesitate. After repositioning and somewhat side straddling Naoya, she turns around to see all of the Titers fending off Toji except two. Getou and a shorter but older man are both watching her but with different expressions. Getou looks mystified, probably not understanding because he thinks Naoya is already dead. The other man, next to him, appears to be brimming with anticipation. She says nothing to them as she places her left hand over Naoya’s heart, becoming submerged with relief as it still beats, albeit faintly but then it stops. She screams his name while her world disintegrates.

“SAVE HIM!”.

When she feels the surge of ancient energy course in her veins, she leans down into her prince’s neck and whispers, “I love you Naoya. Please…stay here with me.”. She licks the targeted area and pierces him immediately afterwards.

Toji is taken out of his hypnotic ferocity when he feels Elska’s energy shift. His eyes come clear as he’s surrounded by five Titers. “ELSKA!” He can’t see her initially and panics as his recent actions immobilize his mind. ‘I…killed…I did that?’. Through his own eyes he saw everything but was unable to stop. The complete devastation that was caused by the explosion rocks him again and his frustration with everything happening reaches its peak. He releases a wave of energy that sends all of the Titer’s flying backwards with superficial injuries but can finally can see her. He drops to his knees when he takes in the spear that’s lodged through Naoya and strains into a cry that has no sound. He now understands what Elska is doing and although he’s always hated the idea, he’s not ready to say goodbye to his younger cousin so he finds himself hoping with every cell he’s made from that she’s successful. He hurriedly crawls over to them, becoming more distressed as the details of Naoya’s condition are more apparent. Violet energy travels over Naoya’s body and he jolts like she’s shocking his heart but is otherwise completely still and pale aside from his burns. He hears her moan as she drinks and sees the tears running down her face. Her presence darkens immediately and he holds his breath as he waits worriedly to gauge her. When Elska lifts her head from Naoya’s neck, Toji finds himself overcome with a foreign emotion. Her eyes glow bright purple still but the green dashes are clearly visible and for the first time ever, Toji’s welcoming this. He darts his eyes down to Naoya and notices he’s breathing, “Boy don’t scare me like that ever again…”, and bends down to wrap his arms around Naoya’s head as he was frightened that Naoya wouldn’t have been sustainable in that state. He goes to pick Naoya up but Elska stops him and says in the lowly voice, “He’s safer on the ground, as are you, my beloved.”. Her expression doesn’t feign any emotion but she grips the handle of the spear hanging out of his back and splinters it with ease but holds onto it. With wild eyes she looks down at Naoya, brushing the hair from his face and seethes, “If this doesn’t work, I will enslave and destroy this entire world.”. She now calmly stands up and turns around to head in the direction of the Titers. “My beloved, protect him.”.

Genghis just fell in love. As the true Elska walks towards them he finds himself in complete awe to her presence and mannerisms. “Even covered in blood…”, he sighs and notes how lucky Suguru is. He leans over to his pupil who has become shaken by her switch, “I think we just witnessed Zenin’s rebirth!”. Getou turns to him with an angry face and asks, “How the fuck is any of this good?!”. Suguru wears the expression of a man who has been betrayed but Genghis brushes it off and chalks it up to shock. Seeing that Suguru was not mentally up to the task right now, Genghis smirks and raises his hands high in the air as he takes two steps towards Elska, gesturing that he would like to engage in conversation. In a composed and submissive tone, he tells her, “Miss Oda, there’s something I must do for you.”.

Getou finds himself disgusted by how the plan was enacted. When he engaged his gravity to crush the tables, he didn’t realize there were children present. It reminds him of Kechi all over again and his rage slowly becomes directed towards his mentor. He’s unnerved by how happy Genghis is and finally puts more weight into the idea that something is wrong with him. Watching Elska approach them with the frayed spear handle, he feels the absolute urge to defend her as he no longer knows what to expect but understands this whole situation has only fueled her hatred for him. ‘She thinks this was my idea…’, he glares over at Lidia and desires to smash her into the concrete beneath them as her actions were severely out of line. Elska’s desperation over Naoya wrecked his cold demeanor as the sheer sounds of her breaking in front of him were not as sweet as he once imagined. He doesn’t know why he’s feeling these things but he comprehends that somewhere along the way, he stopped hating her and begins to question if he ever really did to begin with.

Elska stops out of curiosity. It makes no difference to her but she’s intrigued by the Titer Man’s lack of fear. “Proceed.”, is all she says. She becomes more entertained by him when he grabs the red headed girl who threw the spear and brings her back to where he was standing. He announces, “My name is Temujin Genghis, I lead the Titer clan and I am hoping we can be friends. This is Lidia…”, Elska smirks with approval as Genghis jerks her head around by her curly long locks, “…When she attacked you, that was of her own accord. I have never carried any intentions of causing you harm, I admire you deeply.”. Elska can’t help but acknowledge that every word said seems to be truthful although she’s still not moved. She walks up coolly as Lidia struggles, trying to explain her side of the story. Elska sends her glowing red eyes at Genghis who pleasurably shivers into a smile before she turns her attention to the girl and wrenches her grip around her face. In the same lowly and demanding tone she says, “You…you misjudged your situation and threw that spear into my prince.”. Elska notices that the words sting Getou but he seems unphased by the girl being in peril. ‘I see.’. Elska brings her hand into the Lidia’s hair, yanks her head to the side and exposes her fangs. Getou’s eyes shoot open and she keeps her glowing gaze on him and she bites down into the girl’s neck, causing Lidia to moan loudly from the sensation.

Getou can’t take his eyes from Elska as she drinks. He’s so perplexed by Lidia’s reaction as she continues to moan and whimper and wonders why that would be happening. ‘Does it feel good?’, he asks internally but his question is answered as he recalls how territorial Naoya was about her feeding. His lips part as the realization hits him fully and he whispers, “The missing piece of the puzzle…”. Elska flashes him an evil smirk after lifting her head back up as if to help sanction his uncertainties. Suguru is feeling like she’s making a show out of biting Lidia for him alone and is severely confused by her actions.

Lidia has no idea what that was but as the sensation fades, she’s still gasping whimpers. She feels Genghis tug on her hair again and can feel that he’s forming an erection as its pressed against her from his hold. Through her eyelashes she sees Elska glaring into her with superiority but is now noticing that her neck is still bleeding. ‘What…was that?’, she wishes she could see Suguru but instead her eyes take to Toji. His bore holes into her as he bears his fangs maliciously from afar.

Elska wipes her mouth, bringing her concentration back on Lidia and continues, “It’s such a shame…all of this natural beauty is wasted on such a stupid woman.”. Elska was able to decipher the girl with ease and if she could feel anything, it would be pity for the distressed damsel. Elska speaks to Getou while lifting the spear handle up, “This woman is in love with you and she threw the spear to be rid of her biggest obstacle.”. She grabs Lidia’s face again and smiles maniacally, “Me.”. When she tightens her grip, she hears Genghis’s heart start to race and thinks of how strange of a human he is for being so turned on. Looking back to Lidia she says, “Your entire life has been pointless but today you gave me my prince. I would thank you if you were worth it…”. Elska now watches the horror blanket Lidia’s expression as she brings her arm back. “…But you’re not.”, and aggressively flails her wings and laughs as the girl flinches and wails with regret. “Since you don’t use them well…”, she steps aside so Naoya can be in the girl’s view, “…I don’t see why you should be burdened with these anymore.”. She quickly jabs the jagged handle into both of Lidia’s eyes with precision. She closes her own and inhales satisfyingly as the screams erupt through the air and opens them to smile at the leaking vitreous fluid running down Lidia’s reddened face as she panics to being brutally blinded. Elska thinks about Naoya again and finds that was not enough so she takes the handle and violently shoves it downwards into Lidia’s throat, penetrating it through the back of her neck. The woman still lives but is clearly distraught by the mutilation and struggles to breathe. Elska hisses, “Stupid woman.”, but then takes a few steps back while scowling at the pathetic redhead.

Toji stands up now, ‘Master…’. He can’t believe what he just saw but is enthralled by the revenge. He knows this isn’t his Elska but is reassured that her in this form was extremely beneficial. He wonders though, ‘Why is she toying with them?’. He looks down at his cousin with heartache until he notices, ‘He stopped bleeding!’, but is still worried as he hasn’t figured out how they’re going to remove the giant spear. Naoya starts violently seizing so he cries out, “ELSKA!”, and looks to her, being completely confused by the smile along her lips. He remains by Naoya’s side, trying to steady him because of the spear. Tears well in his eyes as Naoya flops next to him but he hears Elska’s voice in his mind, “Don’t fret my beloved, that means it’s working...”. His head snaps up in amazement as her eyes meet his. He thinks, ‘Did I just imagine that?’, but jumps when he hears her again, “No you did not. We are able to communicate like this.”. Instantly, he’s brought back to the day he fed from his cousin and how he swore he could sense and hear her screams, becoming marveled. He listens to Lidia’s gurgled broken shrieks of terror but finds they don’t bother him one bit. Naoya settles back into the ground which causes Elska to whip her head in his direction with a hint of disbelief on her face. Toji becomes startled again as he looks back down to Naoya but he hears her, “His transformation is rather rapid…”. Regaining his hope after being fed this knowledge, he unintentionally lets out a grateful sob. He looks to Elska and thinks, ‘Tell me when.’. Toji knew from the moment he saw the green dashes that she was going to hopelessly decimate them. This Elska holds such immense power and was completely ruthless, being the exact and only reason he happy to see her switch.

Genghis is smitten by this version of Elska and is enthusiastic about demonstrating this fact to her. He pushes Lidia to the ground, lodging the handle deeper through her flesh and places a foot on her back before saying, “Miss Oda, I would be more than pleased if you would accept this act as a token of Master Suguru’s and my own affection.”. He leans down to grab Lidia’s red curls again while she struggles in absolute fear and pins her underneath his left foot. She screams, “Master Suguru!”, or it at least sounded like that could be it but Genghis takes his right leg from ground and bends his knee, balancing on her spine while pulling back on her head. He sighs breathlessly when Elska grins to the obvious pain Lidia is experiencing and although he would like to relish this moment, he kicks his right leg out. He can feel the trauma to her cervical vertebrae vibrate through her bones the moment she finally silences. He takes notice to how the handle was launched back out her mouth as it now lays, bloodied in front of them. ‘Godddd it feels so good to finally be able to do that…’, he speaks internally as he releases her hair, allowing her head and body to bounce off of the ground and straightens his posture.

Getou stands in complete disbelief, ‘That’s what he meant by Lidia’s purpose?!’. He’s not upset by her death but he finds himself in complete incredulity from listening to how his mentor behaves around this Elska. He thinks about how spearing Naoya was the wrong route to take now as he can sense the darkness and hostility still seeping from her. Suguru can tell how strong she is by her presence and finally understands why Genghis has been so adamant about her cooperation. ‘Would I be able to overpower her?’, he’s convinced that he isn’t capable and wonders how his mentor can seem so calm in this situation. ‘Does he want her for himself?’, Suguru doesn’t actually believe that but wonders where this strange fascination for her came from. He looks back over to Elska who stands stoically as her smile fades back to that resting ominous expression. He feels like he’s supposed to say something when she looks at him. The cold chill that runs down his back compels him to bow to her, “Elska, I apologize for hurting you in the past.”, but finds that somewhere in him, he actually meant it. He slowly brings his body back upright and feels his tension skyrocket as she near him.

Elska stands before Getou and raises her hand to his face. He flinches which causes her to grin and can see the look of uncertainty in Genghis’s expression. She quickly snatches Suguru’s hair and pulls him down to his knees, being enticed by his lack of resistance. He remains studying her but she can see his apprehension and enjoys causing him such muddle. She now grabs both sides of face and lowers hers down to hover over it. Toji’s presence can be felt magnetizing but thinks to him “I need more energy.”, but he doesn’t respond. She quietly speaks in her lowly tone to Suguru, “You would be suitable if you had you own thoughts…”, and gently kisses the scar on his cheek. He gasps with bewilderment as she thinks to give herself a little more time in this form. She whispers seductively, “I’m going to provide evidence for your suspicions…”, and sinks her fangs into him.

Suguru is stunned immediately as he feels the bliss circulate through him. It takes him a moment to realize that he’s moaning deeply and has even since placed his hands on Elska, holding her as she draws from him. His moans turn into whimpers as he clings to her waist and thigh all while not understanding how this feeling could be possible. He shuts his eyes as he feels his body give and fall to the side but she drops down with him in order to not break their connection. Titers start rushing towards him aggressively but hears Genghis say, “Do not interfere!”, with full authority. What his ears pick up now cause his eyes to roll back as Elska moans into his neck. He feels her presence surge back up but it lowers a little each time until she swallows. He now finds that the hand not supporting his weight is now wrapped in her hair and loosens his grip so that can be gentle. When she’s done, she closes his wounds and whines lowly, “You need more time but you could be worthy.”. Their eyes meet and she continues in a much colder tone, “Be weary of how you approach me in the future…and don’t you dare come after my lovers again.”, as he can see she’s lethally serious.

Genghis helps Suguru to his feet, trying to provide the balance for them both after Elska walks back to Toji. He struggles to steady his swaying pupil and can’t believe that she actually bit him right then and there. Getou is still heavily breathing with wide eyes that are fixated on her. He whispers, “That was incredible…”, and finds that Getou’s expression is now that of someone who longs for the other. He calls out sheepishly, “Th-Thank you for not harming him.”, and shifts their stance as Getou seems to be finding composure.

Elska is so amused by these two. She has a much better understanding of Getou now that she experienced his taste. “Delicious.”, she states as she licks her fangs. Toji huffs out of spite and glares at her but she quickly whispers, “The hybrid isn’t here so that was necessary…”, noting that he doesn’t seem ok with is still. With all eyes on them, she turns to Toji and slowly pulls his head down towards her, giving the soft command, “Kiss me, my beloved.”. Toji’s eyes glow and his wings flutter even with the indecision plaguing his features. When their lips meet, she moans wholeheartedly as she found her turned’s touch to be completely intoxicating. His hesitancy remains although he’s kissing her back but she’s satisfied enough that he obeyed. She feels a weak signal from Naoya, and it steals her attention. He’s not gotten any worse but his energy is already changing. An emotion creeps into her dark heart and it aches as she remembers the actual love she harbors for her prince and Toji both. “I’m going to tend to you two right now.”, she whispers to Toji and nips his bottom lip. Elska knows for a fact that the Titers have more up their sleeve and wishes to draw a curtain on this charade for the sake of her lovers. She locks her lips to Toji’s once more, addicted to the way he feels. After their extended meeting, Elska turns her head to observe the two men’s reaction and laughs when they’re exactly what she predicted. Genghis watches with an endearing envy as Getou’s eyes express heartache. She looks over at the other Titers that are grouped together, on edge. “They will suffice.”. They’re all cowering to her but remain in a defensive stance, one of the men bears beautiful grey eyes but they’re trained on to Lidia’s body. She smirks and kisses Toji again but this time places her right hand flat against her chest and holds it there as her red lightning surrounds them. While experiencing Toji’s tongue, she extends her arm in the direction of the huddled Titers, bends her fingers and unleashes it. The red light travels so fast that three of the four Titers are unable to evade it, their bodies torn through by the energy while being crystalized at the same time. Genghis gasps in confusion as he seemed to think things were going his way. Blood pumps out of Elska’s wings into a pattern of symbols that surrounds her and Toji and then the markings glow. Toji ‘s eyes respond along with hers as his widen, remembering that same blood design around her in the park. She thinks to him, ‘I take life from death.’, and smiles to his wide-eyed nod. What’s left of the Titers bodies breaks down into a red powder, swirls into a vortex in the air and then travels gracefully over to Toji and Elska. The Titer dust blankets around their wounds and fuses with the exposed tissue, healing them both. She waves her hand to direct the remnants and sends it towards Naoya. As the glass shards push out of her body, she watches Toji’s burns become nonexistent and hums with gratification. Naoya’s presence increases as he’s rapidly healed, his burns disappearing as well. His wavelengths tell her he’s still in pain, even when unconscious but she knows it due to his body now rejecting the spear. “That should do it.”. She nudges her beloved to show him and listens to him exhale relief. “He’s taking to the change extremely well.”, she says to Toji confidently, hiding her bafflement of the rate in which the DNA synthesis is working. Her being in true form was surely going to speed up the process but he shouldn’t have such an intense aura already. She runs her hand down Toji’s chest while still studying Naoya, “He is going to be strong.”, and contemplates on his perfection, “Just like you.”.

Genghis retracts his smile as soon as he realizes his fellow clansmen are no more and that things are not going as planned. ‘WHY WOULD SHE DO THAT?!’. He turns to Getou who’s mirroring his wide eyes but doesn’t know how handle this right away. Not once in any of the futures he seen has this happened. He was aware of the possibility of alteration but this goes far beyond anything he prepared for. “Something’s wrong.”, he panics, “We won’t be able to take her.”, is all he can say as he thinks of what to do next. Sain appears by them as he was the one Titer that escaped her lightning and Genghis sighs being overjoyed that he at least survived.

Getou is so astonished by what he witnessed and says, “We need to run.”. He’s still figuring out his new emotions but doesn’t mistake for a second that she won’t kill them too. He thinks of all of the times her importance has been reiterated to him and it finally makes sense. Suguru fails to see how he would be able to control her though and also now understands why Genghis has been pushing him to face his feelings about her. Now he has. The convergence of puzzle pieces lock together to form the bigger picture but he fears that he’s even further away from their goal of her affections as he gathers they’ve royally pissed her off with their actions. His mentor doesn’t seem as eager to flee and Suguru’s had about enough of his twisted games. He grabs Genghis in a panic, “WE NEED TO RUN!”.

Genghis understands Getou’s reaction but turns to Sain, “I have the most daunting task for you but if you can achieve it, the rewards will be endless…”, and passes him a syringe filled with sedative. This will shift all of their plans but he knows there’s really not another choice left at this point. He may even be foolish for attempting this. He brings stern eyes to Getou and whispers, “We need leverage first.”.

Elska watches the third Titer disappear into thin air and becomes aggravated by their inability to take her seriously. Her collected demeanor fades momentarily when she senses him behind them, near Naoya. She bears her fangs and roars as she launches herself towards the man while he bends down over him. She salivates at the idea of ripping his throat out but before she can reach him, he disappears again. She ends up having to use her wings to slow her speed so she can lean over Naoya to make sure he’s not been harmed further. The emotions that usually flow through her begin to resurface as she becomes weary for his safety while searching his body, noticing the spear has almost worked its way out. She sighs gratefully, “My prince…” and feels the love for him melt away at her ability to maintain her form so she steps away, ‘There’s still more to do first.’. She hears Genghis yell, “We will be in contact!”, but quickly snaps her head when she hears Toji struggling. Getou can be heard screaming, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”, and before she knew it, she was racing against time trying to reach her beloved that has fallen limp in the third Titer’s hold with a needle sticking out of his arm. She howls in anguish when her finger tips grasp at nothing, revealing the stark fact that she was too late. They took Toji with them. She doesn’t even breathe as her failure boils through. Looking up to the sky she cries out the demonic like sound while her energy releases a tremoring wave that further devastates the structures that remain around her. When the wave travels into the restaurant, it fans in oxygen, further feeding the flames and she can’t help but think the heat has nothing on rage inside of her. She continues to send out wave after wave until the building begins to crumble and she remembers that she still has Naoya who is defenseless. “My beloved…”, she whimpers under her breath as her presence begins to fade knowing that her time in this state is up, feeling heavy. She walks over to where Naoya lays and drops to her knees beside him. Tears fall from her face as she takes his hand and asks, “What do I do?”. Feeling hopeless and exhausted, she lays down next to him and curls up near his chest while his unconscious body faces her. “I lost Toji…”. After a few minutes of sobbing into Naoya she feels her awareness fading and clings to him desperately. She hears her name being screamed following by her body being lifted off of the ground and against someone’s warmth. The last thing she sees before completely passing out is Satoru’s teary eyes.

“ELSKA!”, his voice is distant as her limbs relax, not having any strength left.

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transraptortrainer · 4 years ago

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Yasmina and Ben challenge each other to a race of who can spill the beans the fastest

Camp Cretaceous Fic | Spoilers for S2

It was midday at the ruins of Camp Cretaceous. The sound of tropical birds and insects and distant dinosaur calls filled the humid, wet-season air around Ben. That, and there was the sound of jogging steps as Sammy heeded Darius' call from the fort. That left Ben and Yasmina on this log-shaped bench alone, about 2 feet of distance between them, their shoes kicking ditches and sketching shapes in the gravel. Beside them, Bumpy laid across the patch of sunlight that streaked the ground, snoring quietly.

There was a smile on Yaz's face that lingered a while after Sammy had departed. Sure, Sammy was a blast, but Ben wasn't that degree of amused. Nor was he so affectionate with any of the other campers, he noted, recalling Sammy and Yasmina's hand holding and playful shoving just minutes ago. That can of peaches they were sharing moments ago now sat beside Yaz on the bench, as if another echo of Sammy's presence.

"You and Sammy have been close," Ben remarked. He had noticed it before, during the old camp days. The two of them were touchy-feely in a way that implied quite a few things. It was sweet; Ben appreciated it more than he probably let on. But then there was the issue of the phone. Yaz had taken it very personally when Sammy lied to her. So what had changed?

"What do you mean?" Yaz asked, brushing her hair behind her ear. Her eyes widened before Ben had a chance to respond. "Oh! We made up. Well, she apologized and...I don't know, it's been a while since then. I've been feeling like I can trust her again."

It really had been that long, hadn't it. And all that time, Ben was feeling helpless and alone. He was covered in dirt, drinking river water for God's sake - no, no, it didn't help to think about that now. "Sooo, you guys are…" he hesitated, unsure where he was going. "...friends again?"

Yaz seemed to freeze up, staring into nowhere. The peach slice she was carrying slipped out of her clenched fingers. "Oh, whoops," she said when she noticed. She picked it up and sat it on her lap awkwardly, clearly not knowing where else to put it. "Umm, yes! We are. Sammy and I are really good friends…"

Ben raised a brow, his gaze unwavering. He might've been putting Yaz on the spot, just a little, but what could he say? He liked to be in the know, especially with his friends.

Yaz swallowed hard. "Okay...can I tell you a secret…"

"Oh, do tell…" Ben answered, a tiny hint of feigned surprise in his voice.

Yasmina straightened, fidgeting with her hands. "I've never really...liked anyone before. But Sammy, well, I like her. And I think I might even...like her." She spoke quietly, words meant only for Ben to hear. "But I don't know what to do! What if I'm reading into my feelings too much or something?"

Ben nodded thoughtfully. "A classic case…" And it was. Yasmina was very closed off in general, but Sammy brought out a happier, calmer side of her. The two acted as though they'd known each other for years. "I mean, I understand what you're saying. Feelings coming on fast can be stressful, especially when you're not used to opening yourself up to others." He might have been speaking from experience.

Yaz looked surprised. "Yeah...you're right. It probably is just my own nature getting in the way." She leaned back on the log and stared at the gravel road. "I care about everyone here, but it's like...wherever Sammy goes, I want to go too."

"I know what you mean," Ben said, kicking Yaz's shoe gently with his boot. "We've been through a lot, but it's sorta strange how little feelings can start slipping through, even at a time like this," he chuckled.

Yasmina turned to smile at him. "You seem to know a lot about it," she said coyly.

Ben's heart skipped. "Ohhhhh, no no," he waved his hands, furrowing his brows anxiously. He had let too much on! Abort, abort! "I didn't say anything!"

Yaz poked him harshly on the shoulder, like the worst ever older sister he never had. "Do you like someone here?"

"Y-yes - maybe, but my lips are sealed!" He complained, turning up his chin.

"Well now you have to tell me, dude," Yaz said seriously, as if that was just plain fact. She didn't even break her stare to notice the fly buzzing around her can of peaches.

Ben crossed his legs, letting out a grudging hmmmph. "Since when are you nosey?"

Yasmina didn't let up, giving the boy a knowing look.

"Fine, okay…" Ben huffed, taking a deep breath. How could even start? This was embarrassing enough as it was, and it didn't help that Yaz was still staring. He crossed his arms. "You have to look away."

"Look awa- ugh, okay," Yaz groaned playfully, rolling her eyes as she shuffled in her seat. When she was facing away from Ben, she gave a thumbs up over her shoulder.

Ben let his shoulders slouch, rubbing the dirt off his arm with a palm. "...It's Kenji." Yeesh, just saying it filled him with an inconsolable mortification. Kenji was so...Kenji. And Ben had sworn off falling in love until he was at least an adult capable of making good decisions. It wasn't his fault that there happened to be a boy at camp that was handsome and tall and annoying and smart but at the same time so incredibly stupid. So sure, he had a little crush. It meant nothing! There was no way Kenji felt the same way, so it didn't matter.

For a moment, the space was starved of words. But then a far too loud laugh erupted from Yasmina. "WAIT, REALLY?"

"What!" Ben replied indignantly.

Yaz had doubled over, but shuffled back to face Ben. "You like Kenji," she wheezed out. "That's not hard to believe actually."

Ben slapped her shoulder, his face red with grief but unable to keep a small smile from his face. "Shut up! Shut up!" he exclaimed.

Yasmina raised her hands, a disarming expression on her face. Ben could tell she was mostly happy to have the spotlight off of her crush, but why was Ben's dignity the sacrifice? But even he knew he was being dramatic. It wasn't the end of the world, and Yaz had every reason to poke fun.

They were silent for a moment, until Yaz spoke up once again. "You know, when you were gone...I was surprised to see how upset Kenji was. He didn't want to leave without you. He held on to that fanny pack of yours, like, 24/7…"

"I noticed...the fanny pack thing, I mean…" Ben lowered his head shyly. "I honestly didn't process it until later, the way I thanked him was kind of stupid, hah…"

"It couldn't have been that bad," Yaz reaffirmed, a joking glint in her eyes. "But, you know, the way you two act around each other is kinda strange."

"I could say the same about you and Sammy," Ben said, leaning over his knees and holding his hands together.

Yasmina blushed. "M-maybe...I don't know, maybe we're all figuring things out…"

Could that be true? What if Kenji did like Ben back. That would be nice, he had to admit. He looked down at his fingers, the brief image of them interlocking with Kenji's entering his mind and making him far too flustered. Beside him, Bumpy grumbled, and if he didn't know better, he would think she was looking at him encouragingly.

Well, the way things were going, the six of them were going to be on the island for a while longer. And Kenji was a certain kind of nice to Ben. A kind of shelter that made him feel like he could let his guard down, just a little. As it were, they would have plenty of time to "figure things out". And if things went well, which admittedly they never did, then...Ben allowed himself to silently hope Kenji would "figure out" making the first move, because God knew, as brave as he had become, Ben certainly wouldn't.

#camp cretaceous #camp cretaceous spoilers #camp cretaceous s2 #jurassic world camp cretaceous #benji #sammina #yasmina fadoula #ben pincus #jw:cc

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watchyourbluesturngolden · 3 years ago

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songs that make me think of vampy and why

this is for drea and leyla ONLY thank u

daylight- taylor swift "i don't wanna look at anything else now that I saw you, i don't wanna think of anything else now that i thought of you" bc vampy loves her so much he only wants her 😔 midnight love- girl in red "I know I'm the last one you try to call but I always give in to give you it all" "your silver is my gold" bc miss chiropractor treated him terribly but he loved her with everything and would have gone back to her no matter what watch you sleep- girl in red this one is obvious: bc vampy watches bloodbag sleep :) also "the scar on your spine, you fell off a roof when you were nine" is all appreciating the tiny details about someone and that is definitely something vampy would do :( paper rings: taylor swift "i hate accidents except when we went from friends to this" line without a hook- ricky montgomery "oh baby i am a wreck when i'm without you" bc vampy loves bloodbag so much he just wants to be with her always 😔 dead girl in the pool- girl in red this one is kinda weird but i feel like bloodbag is gonna die at some point and then vampy will just be like "theres a dead girl in the pool (or wherever her corpse is laying slfjskldfjkldsj) i don't know what to do" and then he's gonna make this face

bad habits- ed sheeran bc he was just slutting around before he met bloodbag demons- imagine dragons dont make fun of me for this I KNOW but fr it's vampy renegade- taylor swift "you wouldn't be the first renegade to need somebody" he needs bloodbag 😔 starting line- luke hemmings i can't really explain this one but it's like how you always talk about how his happiness is overshadowed by the fact that he's a monster or whatever million dollar bills - lorde "theres nothing i want but money and time" and vampy has literally all the money and time :) solar power- lorde this is harrys hot girl anthem idk happiness- taylor swift "there'll be happiness after you, but there was happiness because of you" this is him reminiscing on miss chiropractor i wanna get better-bleachers "i didn't know i was lonely til i saw your face" "I didn't know i was broken til i wanted to change" come on 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔 good 4 u - olivia rodrigo this is his fuck u song for miss chiropractor my tears ricochet- taylor swift "if i'm dead to you why are you at the wake" it's ironic innit 😌 what a feeling- one direction "what a feeling to be right here beside you now, holding you in my arms" please 😔 "everybody needs someone around" 😔😔😔 "but i can't hold you too close now" bc he has severe attachment and commitment issues :) all you had to do was stay- taylor swift "had me in the palm of your hand, then, why'd you have to go and lock me out when i let you in" omg miss chiropractor really hurt him 😔 king of my heart- taylor swift "and all at once you are the one i have been waiting for" bloodbag @ vampy 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔 cruel summer- taylor swift "I love you ain't that the worst thing you ever heard" bc he knows getting close to bloodbag will ultimately only lead to pain for everyone involved "i don't wanna keep secrets just to keep you" bc he can't tell bloodbag everything about him even tho he probably wants to :( thank u next- arianna grande this is weird BUT if miss chiropractor hadn't fucked him up so much he never would have met bloodbag tear in my heart- 21 pilots again don't make fun of me for this I HAVE AN EXPLANATION "you fell asleep in my car i drove the whole time but that's okay i'll just avoid the holes so you sleep fine" if bloodbag fell asleep in his car he would definitely do this :( shape of you-ed sheeran "now my bedsheets smell like you" his room probably smells like honey and lavender all the time now and he's probably foaming at the mouth constantly cowboy in LA "let's skip the club, lets skip the crowd, i wanna take you on a date" bc they both hate clubs!!!!! "I'll hold your hand I'll hold the door bc that's how i was raised" he's a gentleman 😔😔😔😔 & burn- billie eilish "i'll sit and watch your car burn with the fire that you started in me, but you never came back to ask it out" idk for some reason this has vampy and miss chiropractor vibes take me to church- hozier religious trauma babes 🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼 speechless- dan+shay "i'm speechless, staring at you standing there in that dress" love 😔 yours- russel dickerson "i came to life when i first kissed you, the best me has his arms around you, you make me better than i was before, thank god i'm yours" SCREAMING AND CRYING AND SHAKING tolerate it- taylor swift "i know my love should be celebrated, but you tolerate it" MISS ******** DIDN"T APPRECIATE OR CELEBRATE HIS LOVE MIA- anarbor "thinking about my life and everything i did wrong along the way"😔 lay low- josh turner for when bloodbag and vampy go to a cabin in the woods for a week and just love each other 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔 who can save me now- anarbor "you stabbed me in the back" this one is pretty literal LSKFJLKSJFLKDSJ "you could have at least been kind enough to let me turn around" ouch 😔 dopamine- anarbor "i'm hooked on your dopamine" vampy and bloodbag ugh lie to me- 5sos this give me vampy and ******** vibes "i wish we never met, cause you're too hard to forget" "while i'm cleaning up your mess i know he's taking

off your dress" bc she probably cheated on him while they were together 😔 and he would have stayed with her if she told him she loved him, even if he knew it was a lie 😔 cotton candy- yungblud it's just a happy song with good vibes like bloodbag and vampy currently have :) small talk- niall horan i don't even have to say anything here pillowtalk- zayn "so we'll piss off the neighbors" chappy 9 vibes dancing with our hands tied- taylor swift "i loved you in spite of deep fears that the world would divide us" vampy rn 😔 once in a lifetime- one direction vampy will live a million lifetimes but he will only ever have one bloodbag 😔 holy ground- taylor swift "tonight i'm gonna dance for all that we've been through but I don't wanna dance if i'm not dancing with you" they've come so far omg 😔 since we're alone- niall horan "you can show me your heart, if you put it all in my hands no i swear no i won't break it apart" crying if i could fly- one direction "for your eyes only i'll show you my heart" rollercoaster- bleachers again i can't explain it but it makes me think of him 😔 so long- niall horan "so if we knew all along why did it take so long" good question bestie current location- LANY "i need your current location to be my current location" they're idiots in love and want to be together all the time 😔 why dont we go there- one direction "hey i don't want you to be the one that got away i wanna get addicted to you you're rushing through my mind i wanna feel the high i wanna be addicted" well hes already addicted to her blood so might as well like you lots- LANY bc they both have issues and can't say love lmao too much to ask- niall horan vampy though wanting love was too much to ask of miss chiropractor 😔 walking in the wind- one direction this one just has his vibes man 😔 heartbeat- carrie underwood "dancing to the rhythm of your heartbeat" bc vampy is obsessed with listening to bloodbag's heart (fan behavior if you ask me) idfc- blackbear this is vampy and ******** bc "tell me that you love me even if it's fake" city of angels- 24kgoldn "i sold my soul to the devil for designer" yes this made me laugh the woods- olivver the kid "waking up in the middle of the woods" "don't you wanna get out of here, out of the woods" flashback to when he was dead in the woods oop "you brought me down to the river, and you pushed me in, hoping that the white rapids would challenge my ability to swim" bc... she's a murderer omg this verse is talking about leaves and i'm freaking out it fits 100% this is crazy "You pick up two handfuls You tell me they're all dried up & dead You know that's nothing like us We'll live forever instead" just a little bit of your heart- ariana grande vampy bc he loves so deeply and completely that he will give all of himself to someone even if they won't do the same my strange addiction- billie eilish bc he is addicted to her blood :) cross your mind- niall horan this is vampy and ******** "love the way you hurt me and it doesn't even cross your mind" "leaving me in pieces (literally lmao) but i swear it's worth it every time" everywhere- niall horan that scene where vampy smelled some perfume or soap or something and it made him think of bloodbag 😔 everything makes him think of her now 😔 "swear it's hard to think it's hard to breathe when you're in the air" put a little love on me- niall horan "you're the only one i need" 😔 bend the rules- niall horan VAMPY AND ******** ALL THE WAY "i'm not saying that you're lying but you're leaving out the truth" heartbreak weather- niall horan "all of my life i've been sleepwalk living, running around the same bars i've been in, it can be so lonely in this city, but it feels different when you're with me" bloodbag and vampy 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔 mr loverman- ricky montgomery "i miss my lover man" vampy is probably dramatic like this all the time now that they're official 😔 bad blood- taylor swift again, just for the irony 😌 vapor- 5sos "i want to breathe you in like a vapor i want to be the one you remember i want to feel

your love like the weather all over me" they're so in love like this 😔 catch fire- 5sos "all my life i've been waiting for moments to come" he's been waiting for bloodbag his entire life 😔 beside you-5sos "i wish i was beside you" they want to be together all the time 😔 black and white- niall horan "that first night i was standing at your door fumbling for your keys then i kissed you" ARE YOU KIDDING ME not in the same way- 5sos this is vampy and ******** just bc they were so toxic lkfjskldfjsdlkjf lonely heart-5sos "and i haven't slept in days" lmao ghost of you-5sos "my feet dont dance like they did with you" thinking about when vampy danced for bloodbag and what if they break up 👁️👁️ why wont you love me- 5sos vampy at ******** 😔 he just wanted to be loved 😔😔😔😔😔 fool's gold- one direction "i let you use me from the day that we first met" "i know your love's not real, but that's not the way it feels" STOP IM SAD last first kiss- one direction "let me be your last first kiss" i want them to be together forever 😔 truly madly deeply- one direction "foolishly completely falling and somehow you kicked all my walls in" bloodbag really snuck into his heart huh 😔 fireproof -one direction "nobody saves me baby the way you do" ugh 😔 long story short-taylor swift "clung to the nearest lips long story short it was the wrong guy" (or in vampy's case the wrong vampire) gold rush-taylor swift "and the coastal town we run around has never seen a love as pure as it" bloodbag and vampy are all i want 😔 no judgement- niall horan bc vampy would never judge bloodbag 😔 daddy issues- the neighborhood again im not even gonna say anything here new angel- niall horan "the touch of someone else to save me from myself" this is vampy 😔 god is a woman- ariana grande vampy after he brought bloodbag home the first time something like this- the chainsmokers "just something i can turn to, somebody i can kiss" ALL VAMPY WANTS IS LOVE sweater weather- the neighborhood idk this song makes me think of him all of me- john legend "all of me loves all of you all your curves and all your edges all your perfect imperfections" KSFLKSDJFKLDJSFLJSDKLFJDSKL i like me better- lauv "i like me better when i'm with you" she makes him a better person 😔 sex- eden "oh no, i think i'm catching feelings" vampy when bloodbag went on a date with someone else half a heart- one direction bc bloodbag completes him 😔 theyre so disgusting 😔 only angel- harry styles "turns out she's a devil in between the sheets" woman- harry styles vampy when she was on a date with someone else bc hes a jealous moron temporary fix- one direction this has chappy 1-2 vibes a.m.-one direction when they first started falling in love and he wanted to be with her more often 😔 something great- one direction "i want you here with me like how i pictured it so i don't have to keep imagining" through the dark- one direction just all of this song 😔 happily- one direction "you know i wanna be the one who holds you when you sleep i just want it to be you and i forever" 😔 electric love- borns "i can't let you go now that i got it" canyon moon- harry styles they're just happy like this rn 😔 sunflower vol. 6- harry styles "kiss in the kitchen like it's a dancefloor" "mouth full of toothpaste" when they brushed their teeth together 😔 adore you- harry styles obviously

#music #og post

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some-dr-writings · 4 years ago

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Kokichi, Rantaro, and Shuichi x SHSL Military General Reader

Kokichi Oma:

· The Super High School Level Military General, that title sounded to be a mere invitation for a challenge to Kokichi. The moment he heard of you, your reputation of being so cold and distant, more stoic and silent than even stone, he knew you were his next target. He was determined to get you to crack that façade somehow!

· There was just one problem.

· No matter what he pulled you always either didn’t react, or effortlessly avoided it. You had to have some weakness. He just needed to snuff it out! And so that was how Kokichi began to follow you. The moment you exited class he’d be there to greet you at the door with some prank, after which he’d momentarily complain about how you were emotionless in a joking tone before hugging your arm talking nonstop about anything and everything that slipped through his mind. Not once did you ever utter a word or make a sound during these encounters.

· One day after class you sat in the library, studying for an upcoming test. “Ugh, Y/N, this is soooo boring. We don’t even need to study at this school, just improve our talents. What are you dooooing?” You simply jotted down some notes before flipping to the next page in the textbook. Groaning he took out a drawing pad and crayons and started scribbling on it. Loudly humming he worked away, even when in the corner of his eye he saw how you had closed your text book, daintily placing the book onto your lap, your hands properly held atop one another on the cover of the book. “… Give Tojo Kirumi a task in the gym.” “Ah HAH! You do speak!” You stared at him, standing on the table, pointing, his finger touching the tip of your nose. “… Tomorrow is Tuesday. Normally she’d be doing laundry by eight, but yesterday Yasuhiro Taeke, more commonly known as Ludenberg Celestia, will be hosting a card gaming tournament at the behest of the principle since a well renowned group of talent agents will be coming here. Tojo Kirumi will be asked to assist with setting up the hall. In order to get as many of your targets as possible give her a request immediately before nine. That will lead both Yasuhiro Taeke and the talent agents to the sight of your prank and keep Tojo Kirumi from intervening and cleaning up the aftermath too soon after your prank is ignited.” So, a peak into the mind of the SHSL Military General.

· Since that day you would occasionally speak to Kokichi, it was always abrupt and short, but it was always to assist in his scheming and nothing else.

· Eventually Kokichi got bored following you, saying it wasn’t fair that you two only ever did what you wanted so he’d begin to drag you around. You never resisted, not even once. Kokichi didn’t think much of this, just that you likely went along since it was the better option than fighting against it.

· Then he realized that was not the case.

· You and he were meandering around the school festival, Kokichi making fun of the sad horror house effects much to Korekiyo’s chagrin. It was then one of the students from your class told you things had gone array at your booth, and they needed your help. They were about to take your hand and lead you there when you jerked your hand away, a harsh snap sound cracking the air. You look down at them with a cold steelie gaze and in an intimidating, confident voice you said “No.” Then you began to walk away at a brisk pack. “Come now, I know you can keep up.” And that same tone immediately got your classmate to walk in time with you, in your exact stride too. Not long later you returned to the haunted house where Kokichi still was. “Y/A What was that all about? Wait! Hey, hey! That’s your weakness, isn’t it! Tell me, tell me. It’s your weakness! Come on! Just admit it!” You didn’t do a thing for a moment before taking his hand. “Letting one of my soldiers lead the way would be a sign of weakness. The same however can not be stated about the closest thing I have to a friendship with another.” “… Aw~ You think of me as a friend? That’s so sweet!” … closest thing you had to friendship… What exactly was your life like before entering Hope’s Peak, he wondered. He had some guesses… Likely awfully lonely. But that’s exactly why he’s here. Kokichi is a clown, and he was determined still to get a reaction out of you.

· It was strange. For the longest time he thought your stoicism was a façade, but truthfully that was just how you were. It just made the moments when he did get a reaction all the more special and mesmerizing. He wanted to be there to see each and every one of your little reactions. “Hey, Y/N!” He let go of your hand, spinning around and stopping before you. “Want to go out with me?”

· You blushed.

· Your eyes slightly widened, your posture laxed and your hands held the hem of your shirt. “I… l-like a date?” “Nishishi.” Your blush swiftly spread to the tips of your ears as Kokichi took your hands into his own. “Heh, who knew. Honesty is your weakness.” Suddenly he started skipping away, still holding one of your hands. “For a liar like me, this might be difficult but, if being honest with my feelings plucks at your heart strings, I guess I have no choice.” Seemingly out of nowhere Kokichi had a megaphone in hand and held it up to himself before taking a deep breath. “HEY WORLD! I’M IN LOVE WITH Y/N!” “Ah, O-Oma! I- uh Yes? I’d like to go out, b-but…” You covered your face with both of your hands, too embarrassed and loving how Kokichi smiled, continuing to announce his love for you to the world.

· Equal opposites yet exactly the same you and Kokichi seemed to be a reflection of one another. You almost unemotive and Kokichi very emotive. Both of you were fantastic leaders always trying to manipulate the world as to protect your own even if it meant manipulating them too. As the Ultimate Supreme Leader and Ultimate Military General, nothing could stand in your way. You could own the whole world if you wished. Luckily for the world, all you wanted was for all you cared about to be safe and happy. Safe under both of your watchful eyes and happy at the silly shenanigans you’d plan out for your own but mostly other’s amusement. After all the fighting you had been through it was therapeutic to use your skills outside of fighting and perhaps… that was Kokichi’s goal the whole time. Maybe, for as smart and clever as you were, you were outmatched by the emotionally intelligent Kokichi. Whatever his true intentions he had for approaching you that even he possibly didn’t know, you were still together and something you were forced to accept as a Military general is that sometimes it matters not how you reach a goal, just the end result and though that thought often weighed heavily upon you, maybe just this once, a single clown had helped you lift up and carry that burden, even changing it to something lighter. Something with no blood, just tomfoolery. And… after all you had been though, it was like a dream to have it be this way.

Rantaro Amami:

· The pair of you had met only once before joining Hope’s Peak. Rantaro had stumbled upon a training camp you were temporarily heading. Impressed he was even able to make it there since it was near impossible to get through those snowy ranges without a helicopter or some way to just skip over manually trekking through the dangerous terrain, you allowed him to rest for the night after thoroughly checking he didn’t have anything dangerous or was a spy that is. Promptly the moment the sun rose you kicked him out, but he was still appreciative you let him stay at all. So when he saw you at the entrance ceremony he took the opportunity to thank you since you never gave him the chance to back then.

· Since that day whenever Rantaro was at school and not traveling he’d make sure to spend time with you. You never spoke much mostly keeping to yourself or intervening into our class’ affairs should a leader be helpful, even so Rantaro would still chat with you. That was actually something he quite liked about you. The few times you did speak, there was always purpose and power behind it. No matter what was happening, even if you quietly muttered a single short word, you’d instantly garner the attention of all those around you and even if they were preoccupied with something else, you did not need to repeat your words, for they already knew what they were.

· Others always though the two of you to be a strange pair. You were strict and up tight while Rantaro was more relaxed and laid back. Seemingly opposites, yet you did have a common thread. Nurturing. Rantaro, often his big brother instincts would kick in and he’d comfort and help just about anyone, even if he wasn’t all to great at the task at hand. You on the other hand always push those around you to their limit, motivating them to work as hard as they could independently while still being good team players. Rantaro more so focused on being the emotional side or being the rock others could lean on while you were their leader, assisting them in finding the best plan of attack that was most efficient but least costly on materials whether it be monetary or their health, you took all that into consideration as costs. A mentally damaged soldier can’t properly fight with their everything after all.

· Sometimes when Rantaro was planning his next trip away from school you’d join him. “If you cut through the mountains, you’d have a direct path to the town.” “Well… Yeah, but I don’t know. There’s supposed to be wolves there.” “You said the town you’re coming from is known for fishing.” “Yeah.” “Surely one of them would have a boat or shipping route you can hitch a ride on. There’s a large river that cuts through the mountains, unless there’s white rapids I’m sure someone uses it for transport. If not, with your persuasion skills I’m sure you can convince someone to do so.” “Persuasion skills? I don’t know about that, but thanks.” You looked to him with that icy glare, one that would make most anyone flinch, but not Rantaro. His regular demeanor was just so calm and relaxed he was one of the few people who was unaffected by it. “Never doubt yourself. Hesitating for a moment will get you killed.” Rantaro simply smiled with his eyes closed, patting you on the head. “Okay, I won’t. Thank you.” “ah!... don’t, don’t patronize me. We’re friends, don’t treat me of a lower station, we’re equals.” “Huh?” He looked to you in confusion. There was still power in your voice, but did it waver? Your cheeks and tips of your ears were dusted with a bright pink. He retracted his hand. “Sorry, I wasn’t doing that. I forgot you don’t like touch. It’s a habit I guess.” “… Please refrain from doing so in the future. It’s common practice to treat a child in such a way. Not to say children are lower than us, but most often with head pats and that sickeningly sweet tone you took is used for looking down on those younger, those one sees as beneath them… Children are not given enough respect.” “Oh? I don’t look down on my little sisters.” The blush on you face kept darkening as you made unwavering eye contact with Rantaro trying to not show just how flustered you were becoming. “Well, I, I mean… Often people only treat others they see as lower like that, and, I…” You then abruptly stood up. “I need a moment to collect my thoughts.” You then ran off wondering what the hell you were even doing. Meanwhile Rantaro simply smiled watching you as you left. “Cute.”

· As Rantaro thought about it, he did appreciate what you were trying to say. He knew how highly you treated respect, and you give that to children as well… Perhaps you’d be a good person to be around his sisters.

· For all of Rantaro’s life he had always gone with the flow, so it was not surprising that the same happened when getting together with you. Neither of you ever confessed, you just knew you were together and that was that.

· On occasion you’d go with Rantaro on his trips. Though he never had much luck before, Rantaro felt that with you by his side, perhaps he could find his sisters again. With a person as strong and smart and dedicated as you, he was sure you’d come up with some ingenious plan to find them all. If anyone could do it, it would be you. These trips, when these thoughts appeared, it reminded him of all the reasons why he fell for you, how kind and caring you were under that cold exterior. You just always wanted the best for others so should you be separated, you didn’t have to worry about them, because you knew you trained them well to be independent and a team player when needed. You were the best partner he never could have even dreamed of and with you by his side, he felt that just maybe anything was possible.

Shuichi Saihara:

· Shuichi was introduced to you through Kaito. Kaito acted like you and he were the best of friends, but you seemed to be so distant. “Kaito… Are you sure you’re friends?” “Huh? What do you mean, Shuichi? Of course we’re friend’s, just look at how happy they are to be here with me!” You did not even take a glance at him as he draped his arm across your shoulders, pulling you closer, he so brightly smiling. “They’re like Akamatsu and me, a great leader! I actually brought them here to see if they’d take you on as a sidekick as well!” “Soldier.” Shuichi’s breath got caught in his throat hearing that quiet, yet powerful voice. “Yeah, soldier, sidekick, they’re the same for you.”

· Not long after you ended up joining he, Maki and Kaito for their training in the evenings. As the SHSL Military general, he thought it was going to be hell, but… it was not? You gave Maki, Kaito and Shuichi different amounts of push-ups or whatever exercise they had decided to do. Every one of you were pushed to your limit. You’d correct them on their form, but more so, you’d encourage them, saying you knew they could do better and asking that they not disappoint you, which was surprisingly motivating. Though he hadn’t known you for long, he didn’t want to let you down, something about you made him want to do better. Perhaps it was that commanding tone that made him feel he had too or how you were working out with all of them, not taking a break or slowing your impossibly fast pace till everyone was done. Whatever it was, some part of Shuichi wanted to make you proud of him as odd as that may sound.

· You also ended up following Shuichi around. Nothing stalker like. You’d just sit by one another in the library or at lunch. Being more introverted, Shuichi actually rather liked this. Neither of you had to speak much but your friendship still blossomed.

· One day you spoke up. “Shuichi, are you free after school?” “Yeah, I am.” “I’ll meet you at your classroom then.” And you just left. Indeed, when Shuichi left his classroom you were there waiting for him by the door. Locking eyes for a brief moment you began to walk away, and he followed. You lead him out of the school, down streets and alleyways till you arrived at a small building.

· Once inside you were immediately greeted happily by men and women. “Hey, General, who’s this kid. A new friend of yours?” “Yes. A childhood friend of mine introduced us and I was asked to take him under my wing. I believe this place may be useful to him. I’ll be heading to my therapy session now.” With that said you walked up the stairs and left Shuichi behind. “Uh, therapy? What is this place?” It looked to be a large cozy house. There were not too many people about ten or so but most were of different ethnicities or were injured in some way. One of the people sitting at a table eating baked treats approached Shuichi. “A drop-in center. A place for us retired soldiers to gather and… just talk with others with similar experiences. You don’t seem like the Ultimate fighter or anything so a civilian like you must have been through something rough. Come, let’s share some snacks till the General gets back.”

· And there Shuichi was told many a story of the battlefield, stories of you, how you always tried to take as little life while still being realistic. How you’d push everyone to the breaking point but also be tender. War is not kind but that didn’t mean you couldn’t be. “So… what about you?” “Eh- Me?” “Yes, Shuichi. You feel up to sharing your experiences?” “I… I can’t. My problems must sound so trivial compared to what you’ve been through.” “Enough! You never fought in a war but that doesn’t make your pain any less real.” “Exactly. This is a safe space to share any troubles, but if you don’t want too you don’t have to. I know it sure took me a while before I shared any of my stories.” “Well…” And Shuichi told them. About how he got his title, about the look the killer gave him, the guilt he carried on his shoulders, the fear of finding the truth only to cause more pain. And… everyone was so supportive. Some even saying that in some ways they weren’t sure they could deal with what Shuichi had gone through and fighting seemed easier to them. It seemed so surreal to Shuichi. So surreal in fact he didn’t notice you came back down those steps, briefly smiling before sitting in a corner to do your homework.

· It was around dinner time that Shuichi had noticed you and realized how late it had gotten. You both quickly left, not wanting to miss out on Teruteru’s delicious cooking. About a block away from the building, you spoke up. “I go there just about everyday after school. Even if I don’t go, you’re welcome. A drop-in center is for everyone, not just soldiers of war.” Shuichi knew what you were getting at and accepted your offer. It was nice and quiet there. There were different regulars for each day, so conversation never got stale and… it was just so pleasant.

· Eventually after you and Shuichi started going out you were occasionally teased at the Drop-in center, but it was always lighthearted. Some even shared stories of their spouses or past romances.

· With Shuichi’s life seemingly being a rollercoaster, always so fast, loud and busy, he loved being with you. You were able to help him clear his mind. You were one of the few truly stable things in his life. No matter what happened he could always seek your guidance and you’d help to an extent but make sure Shuichi did most of the leg work. And you… truthfully you could say the exact same about Shuichi. He still needed to gain confidence, and independence, but you knew that you could rely on him. Should all the spilled blood seem overbearing, Shuichi would help you out of that dark place. You relied on him just as much as he relied on you. You were truly equal partners and neither of you could want for more from a partner.

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maevemarethyu · 4 years ago

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Unexpected (6/?)

(Not my GIF)

(This is my shitty border though. First try and all.)

You weren’t expecting it. Neither of you were.

That didn’t mean you weren’t happy with how it ended.

Bucky Barnes x Reader Fic.

Warnings: I don’t think there are any in this one? Sad Boi Hours, Firearms, A lot of dialogue from a lot of people.

“You haven’t heard from Frank? At all?” Karen worries over a cup of coffee the next day and you roll your eyes.

“Nope. I’ve tried calling him but, it goes straight to voicemail.” You sigh as you stare out the coffee shop window at the people passing by. “He’s fine though. I can feel it.”

“It’s not him we’re worried about.” Elektra snorts before reconciling her words. “Not that we’re particularly worried about which river they’re going to find Patrick in a few days from now.”

That brings a faint smile to your tired face. You doubt that your brother would actually kill Patrick. Frank had begun carving out a new life for himself here as and you knew he wouldn’t jeopardize it for the likes of Patrick Vaughn.

So, no, your brother wouldn’t kill him but, maiming wasn’t out of the question. A few broken bones wouldn’t lay too heavily on your conscience either.

Your phone goes off for the fifth time in as many minutes and you reach for it quickly.

“Ugh. Again? Who’re you texting that’s so important?” Elle groans, obviously slighted by the distraction. “This is the first time we’re seeing each other since you found out about Pat. We demand your undivided attention.”

“And you’ll get it.” You promise. “This is about my door needing to be fixed. Bucky asked me when I was free so he could get it done.”

The two women sat across from you share a look as you type out a response, laughing at the photo of Sam and Steve that was sent with it. It was abundantly clear the Captain America had no idea how to use a drill when you see him frustratedly trying to get it to turn on while Sam stands in the back, holding the battery in his hand, with a finger on his lips.

It was a comfort; knowing that the all mighty Avengers were just normal people.

“We’re calling him Bucky now?” Karen hums as she leers over the table. “And he’s offering to fix your door?”

You knew that tone and you knew what she was implying. For some reason it brings an irritated heat to your face.

Foggy had been implying the same things when you had called him last night and you weren’t sure how to broach the topic.

Sure, Bucky was a nice guy but, you knew he wasn’t over Claire and you definitely weren’t over Patrick no matter how much you wished you were. You couldn’t run away from fifteen years like he had and, just because everyone else was sick and tired of your previous relationship (which they had made abundantly clear in every call you made last night) you weren’t.

No. Your mind kept replaying all of the good times you had with your ex-husband. After what he had said to you yesterday, you wanted nothing more than to erase him from your mind but, it didn’t work that way.

Having Bucky, someone who was going through the same thing, helped immensely but, after he left last night and you were left alone with your thoughts, you crumbled. Your breakdown had almost been as bad as when you’d first met the super soldier. You were hurt and you wished your friends would stop telling you how much they hated the man you had been married to. It didn’t help. All it did was make you feel stupid and weak for not seeing the signs in the first place. They made you feel like shit every time they pointed out how poorly he treated you and they had no clue.

How do you tell your friends that? They were trying to be supportive but, it wasn’t the support you needed right now. Right now, you just needed someone to sit next to you and listen to you rant while watching cheesy movies and eating your favorite take out.

You needed Bucky as pathetic as that sounds.

“Yes. He’s fixing my door because Frank kicked it off of its hinges in a fit of rage last night.” You reply curtly when you realize you had been silent for an odd amount of time. “He should be at my place in a half hour so-“

“Okay, let’s get ready to go then.” Elektra cuts in. She’s pulling on her coat and throwing away your empty cups before you can protest. “What? I want to meet him and I’m sure Karen would too. Right Karen?”

She poses the sentence as a question but, you know it’s not. Her tone leaves no room for you to say no and you have to remind yourself that she was just trying to be there for you. The former assassin was still learning how to be someone’s friend and she often came off harsher than she meant to.

Forgoing a worded answer, Karen nods enthusiastically and you know you’re stuck. You knew that if you wanted to continue having a friendship with Bucky he would eventually have to meet your friends but, you weren’t sure if you were ready for that.

It wasn’t in Elektra’s nature to give you a choice though and you mentally resign yourself to it as you pull on your own coat and finish the muffin you had gotten for breakfast. The brunette smirks at you, knowing she’s won and Karen claps her hands giddily.

This wasn’t how you were expecting your day to go. You were hoping that you could go out to breakfast with your friends, go home, get your door fixed, and spend the rest of the day hanging out with Laysa and Bucky before collapsing back into bed so you weren’t dead on your feet tomorrow at work.

It would be your first day back since taking in the snow leopard cub and you had been counting down the days, now even more so.

Karen opens the door and you three make your exit onto the busy sidewalk. A cool breeze has you pulling your jacket tighter and you inhale the smell of the incoming fall season. The first day of October was quickly approaching and you hoped the changing of the seasons would help you adjust to the changes in your life.

“Let me just call Bucky to let him know that you guys are coming.” You voice when the thought pops into your mind that he might not want to meet your friends. He seemed okay with your brother but, that had been a whirlwind encounter that caught you both off guard. “I don’t want to spring this on him.”

Elektra purses her lips but shrugs instead of arguing.

When you look down at your phone, you’re shocked to see it already ringing with Bucky’s name being displayed on the screen. Once again a smile creeps onto your face at the sight as you press the answer button and bring the phone to your ear.

“Hey! I was just about to call. Is everything okay?” You chirp, signaling the girls to follow you as you begin the trek back to your house.

There’s a rumble on the other line and faint arguing that piques your curiosity and you’re trying to discern what’s being said when Bucky finally answers.

“Hey Doll.” He sounds out of breath and you have to wonder what has a super soldier like him breathing hard. “Everything’s fine. It’s just-“

“Y/N we wanna come over!” A voice that could only be Sam Wilson yells from the background, causing you to shake your head with a grin.

You hear James grumble something unintelligible before letting out a long sigh. “They want to meet you.”

“They being Sam and Steve?” You guess whilst biting your thumb, trying to hold back the peal of laughter that threatens to escape.

“Yes ma’am.” A much calmer voice comes through and you vaguely recognize it as Steve Rogers from yesterday’s call. His politeness is every bit what you would expect from America’s sweetheart.

“You’re free to say no.” Barnes cuts in. “Please say no.”

He was obviously in the same boat as you but, you weren’t throwing him a life vest anytime soon. If you go down. So does he.

“You can come on two conditions.” You hum and he groans. “One is that Steve never calls me ma’am again and two is whether or not you’re okay with meeting two of my friends that so rudely invited themselves.”

Karen sticks her tongue out at you childishly. When she does stuff like that it’s hard for you to picture her as the woman who stood up to Frank. The woman who shot an unarmed man all those years ago.

The thought suddenly strikes you that you and Foggy were the only people in your friend group that hasn’t committed murder.

You feel as though that should disturb you more than it actually does.

“Sam’s already on his bike.” Bucky’s deep chuckle snaps you out of your thoughts.

You bid him goodbye and find yourself walking with a bit more of a pep in your step. You didn’t want to think about why talking with the super soldier managed to dissipate your sour mood. You just accept it for what it was and continue walking.

“Was that a yes?” Karen coaxes whilst she loops her arm into yours, grabbing Elle as well.

Her excitement is palpable and you find yourself nodding. “You two are going to be meeting the ex-Winter Soldier, Captain America, and the Falcon.”

“Who wants to take bets on whether or not I get arrested?” Elle says it as a joke but, it opens a very real pit of anxiety in your stomach. Elektra had always been off most mainstream radars but, it was entirely possible that the Avengers know who she is.

Your blossoming mortification must show on your face because Karen swiftly elbows the brunette with a frown. “Why would you say that? No one’s getting arrested. Besides, its not as if you’re aren’t dating the best lawyer in New York City.”

Her words do little to quell the swelling storm in your gut but, you appreciate them nonetheless. Regardless, its too late to turn back when your home creeps into view, just in time for a trio of motorcycles to park in front of it.

None of the men are wearing helmets and you make a mental note to berate them later.

“That them?” Elle asks, feigning disinterest. She can pretend to not be apprehensive all she wants but, you can always tell when she’s lying. This is one of those times.

Meanwhile Karen is bouncing on the balls of her feet as if she wasn’t personally acquainted with several super humans, mutants, heroes, and villains.

Hearing your approach, Bucky turns to face you flashing an uneasy smile before opening his arms.

“Oh he’s hot as-“ You purposefully ignore the rest of Elektra’s sentence in favor of letting yourself be enveloped in James’ hug.

“Hey sweetheart. Sorry ‘bout this.” His voice is low in your ear and you have to fight the shiver that tries to run down your spine at the sound of it.

“Don’t you start apologizing.” You huff before reluctantly pulling away. “My girls are going to eat them alive.”

You wave over Karen and Elle brushing off their stunned stares as Bucky does the same.

“Bucky. This is Karen and Elle. Girls. This is Bucky.” While Elle hesitates to wave, Karen is grinning wide enough that it had you wondering if her cheeks hurt.

“Nice to meet you. I’m sorry it had to be under these conditions.” Elektra steps up when Karen blanks, shaking Bucky’s hand and nodding to the men behind him.

Captain America and the Falcon introduce themselves when James refuses to. Sam flashes you a mega watt smile that has you hiding a laugh behind a hand. Steve forgoes your offered hand and follows James’ suit, pulling you into a tight hug.

Steve’s mouth opens to say something but, is quickly cut off by Sam asking a question that makes your blood run cold.

“Hey, have we met before?” You don’t have to turn around to know he’s talking to Elle and you stiffen in Steve’s hold.

Peeling yourself away from the blond super soldier, you take your place next to Bucky and elbow him in his side.

Elektra shakes her head with a shrug. “I just have one of those faces-“

“Hey! Why don’t we head inside? I’ve gotta feed Laysa. You know how cranky she gets.” You cut in as you drag the brunet around your home and into the backyard. The back door was the only way in since Bucky nailed a few two by fours over the front door to keep it in place until he came back to fix it.

If Barnes notices your panic, he says nothing.

The back door unlocks with a click and you can hear Laysa as soon as the door opens. A smile creeps its way onto your face at the sound of mewling and, when you turn to face James, he’s wearing a matching grin.

You ask him to get her from the nursery while you get the bottle ready and he nods, motioning for the guys to follow him into your home.

“Smooth Kare.” Elle jokes when the blonde trips over the doorstep; obviously too entrance by the Falcon’s ass to pay attention to where she was walking.

“Shut up.” She hisses. “Can you blame me? I’ve never seen a group of men that good looking.”

“Karen.” You hum. “Super soldiers equal super hearing.”

Her face goes bright red and you do nothing stop the peal of laughter escaping your throat. It was a much-needed reprieve from the tension that had been tightening your muscles since stepping out of the coffee shop.

“Like Matt super hearing?” He worries, biting her lip and dutifully avoiding the office door as we pass by it.

That was a good question but, it wasn’t one you wanted the answer to anytime soon. For now you were walking the fine line of knowing heroes and vigilantes with no overlap. You wanted to keep a grasp on it for as long as you could. When lines blur, things get messy, and you had enough mess in your life as is.

“Who knows?” Elle sighs before taking a seat on your counter as you begin the process of heating up Laysa’s bottle. She seemed a bit too relaxed for a criminal who had almost been recognized and you absentmindedly wonder how long she could keep the act up. Elektra was the epitome of a strong woman but, everyone needed a place to crash. Matt was her place. Lord knows they earned each other.

The microwave beeping mixed with Karen’s hand waving in front of your face brings you back to reality.

“You okay?” She mouths as James and the others make their way into the kitchen. You wave off the question before taking the cub from James’ arms.

“That may be the coolest thing I’ve seen.” Sam grins and James rolls his eyes. “And I’ve seen a lot of cool things.”

“You do that often?” Steve’s eyes widen in fascination as Laysa eagerly latches onto the bottle. “Take in animals like that?”

“Y/N’s always looking to take work home. Before her it was the Macaws and before the Macaws it was-“ Elle trails off, snapping her fingers in frustration.

“Oh it was the Gharial baby with the nub leg.” Karen supplies while cooing over the cub. “Remember it bit Foggy and he had to get like five stitches? How’s he doing now?”

You remembered that night very well. More accurately, you remember Matt laughing his ass off when Foggy fainted at the sight of his own blood.

You loved that little reptile.

“He’s doing great now. Swims better than the rest of the clutch.” You reply, laughing when you hear Sam (not so quietly) asking Steve and Bucky if they knew what a Gharial was.

You choose to save the herpetology lesson for another time.

“Do you guys want anything to drink?” Elle asks, taking on the role of hostess while you’re indisposed and you shake your head before silently thanking her.

“I’m good, thanks. We better get started on the door.” James declines, petting the cub in your arm once more then walking out of the kitchen, toolbox in hand.

“You have fun with that Bonky. I’ll stay with the kitten.” You snort at the nickname Sam throws out and you file it into the back of your mind for later. “And Steve can’t figure out how the drill works so-“

The Captain flushes with a frown before grabbing the Falcon by the back of his collar and dragging him into the room Bucky had disappeared, leaving you alone with Elle and Karen.

Both of which were eyeing you with matching grins.

“No.” You deadpan. “Don’t even think-“

“So Bucky seems nice.” Karen voices. “Helpful too.”

“And hot.” Elle adds.

You groan.

Across the house, Bucky was diligently ignoring the probing stares of Steve and Sam wile removing the planks on the front door.

“So. How did the door break again?” Steve questions for the hundredth time since finding out about it last night. His best friend had been tight lipped about the aftermath of yesterday and, after seeing how Bucky was with you, he could understand why.

“Hand me the hammer.” He grunts while gently yanking the first piece of wood off the frame. James wasn’t sure if you’d be okay with the others knowing who your brother was so, he chose silence, much to the Falcon’s irritation.

“Doubt the ex kicked it down.” The aforementioned bird continues. “Man barely looked like he could lift a chair let alone break down a solid door.”

Bucky wants to comment that you ex wasn’t a man as much as he was a rat as you so eloquently put it yesterday. He takes the hammer from his friend’s hand and uses it to pry another set of nails out. The ex- Winter Soldier refused to leave you in a house with no front door and, after a silent staring contest that lasted all of three minutes, you caved, showing him to your basement filled with half finished projects. Apparently, you were quite the handy person yourself but never finished anything due to lack of free time.

Luckily for him, you had been meaning to replace the doorframe for some time and you already had all of the parts and pieces he needed.

“The world may never know.” Bucky grumbles with a roll of his eyes, effectively putting an end to the door questions. He had been looking forward to another quiet day, away from the pitying eyes of his team and, if he were being honest with himself, seeing you again. He didn’t have to pretend to be okay around you and you didn’t push him to talk about things he wasn’t ready to say out loud.

Laysa wasn’t a bad incentive either.

Your house had quickly become a safe place for him. Something you made sure he knew when you both said your goodbyes last night.

Steve’s phone goes off and the Captain wastes no time in opening the new text message. “Claire’s filed for a transfer. Nat just got the request.”

For a split second, Bucky pauses. For some reason, he had thought that his ex-wife would have put up a bit more of a fight for him. A part of him wished she would have put her foot down, said no to the divorce and demanded they work things out.

He would have said no but, knowing that she had given their relationship up so quickly stung. Steve and Natasha knew that he still had love for Claire and were hesitant to bring her up, while the others kept telling him how glad they were that she was gone.

Suddenly the image of you landing a punch to Claire’s cheek pushes the thought from his mind and he regains control over his body.

“Wait. Nat got the request?” Sam questions. “Isn’t that a Maria thing?”

The bird-man had a good point. Claire was a SHIELD agent and that was Maria Hill’s turf.

“As if that was going to stop her.” Steve chuckles. “Romanoff doesn’t concern herself with minor legalities.”

James couldn’t complain. This was Natalia’s way of showing she cared and he appreciated it more than she knew. He was sure hell would freeze over before Claire stepped foot in the Avengers’ Compound again.

The Captain pockets his phone once more and watches his best friend work. The way Bucky’s whole body relaxed when he saw you outside hadn’t escaped his watchful eye. Even if he had managed to miss that, the way he had opened his arms to you without a second thought sure as hell would have caught the blond’s attention.

Bucky had gotten better with people touching him but, he still avoided it as much as he could. His best friend hadn’t gone out of his way to hug someone since before the war. Steve wasn’t oblivious, he could see the hurt that lingered in the ex- Winter Soldier’s eyes and he’d seen it mirrored in your own. The moment you walked yourself into Bucky’s arms the Captain knew that there was something between the two of you; a mutual understanding of one another’s pain.

No doubt Sam was going to tease him about it later but, Steve was happy. He couldn’t pretend to know what his best friend was going through right now. He was just glad that he had you to go through it with.

Minutes pass in blissful silence and Bucky has to restrain himself from strangling Sam when he breaks it with a corny joke.

“You guys should go to the zoo. I heard they offer senior discounts.”

While Steve frowns, a grin crawls onto Bucky’s face. He stays silent for a moment as he relishes what he’s about to say next.

“You’re a little late to that train. Already made that joke yesterday.” You take the words out of James’ mouth when you enter the room with Laysa clumsily trailing behind you.

“Oh that’s cold.” The Falcon grumbles and the sheer disappointment on his face brings a chuckle out of Bucky’s chest. He turns to find you smirking at the air force veteran while rolling your eyes.

Elle passes you and grabs a remote off of the coffee table. Sam’s words from earlier come to the forefront of Bucky’s mind. Your friend does seem eerily familiar but, he just couldn’t put his finger on why. Her standoffishness reminds him of Natalia in a way but, other than that, she seemed like a completely normal woman.

After hitting a few buttons music pours out of the television, filling the silence with a low tune.

Sam, ever the conversationalist, decides to break the awkward tension. “So, do you guys work with Y/N?”

Karen shakes her head. “Oh god no. That’s too much school for me. I’m a journalist and I work at our friend’s law firm as an assistant part time. Never a dull moment there.” She finishes sarcastically and, as normal people do, Sam and Steve look towards Elektra next.

Your breath catches in your throat when she clears her throat. “I’m a personal trainer. Moved here from Greece a few years back to live with my boyfriend.”

Her answer is surprisingly normal and you applaud her for adding the personal touch.

“She’s actually dating one of my best friends, Matt. He was one of the lawyers that got our papers together.” You fill in a couple blanks to make the story more believable. “And we of course know what you guys do for a living. Saving the world must be a dangerous way to get paid.”

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Karen and Elle struggle to keep a straight face. They were no stranger to danger (Elektra being the danger most of the time) and you all knew it.

“Someone’s gotta do it.” Sam boasts with a puffed out chest.

Steve is more subtle. “We try our best to keep people safe.”

Conversation flows steadily from that point on with Sam and Karen picking up the slack from Elle and Bucky. An hour passes in what feels like seconds and you’re fearing that Karen has finally met her match when Bucky and Steve shoot to a standing position.

Its an odd sense of déjà vu when James backs away from the door to stand in front of you just as it’s kicked in once more.

There’s no cloud of dust this time and you can clearly see the form of your brother rushing in with a hand on his weapon.

“Y/N! Are you okay? I saw-“ He trails off when he sees the three men in the living room.

“Are you kidding me?!” You yell, pushing James aside then stomping your way to your brother. “Again Frankie?! Again?!”

Despite your anger, you’re relieved to see that he’s not covered head to toe in blood but, that doesn’t stop you from smacking him upside his head. “What part of you have a key don’t you get? Stop kicking down my damn door!”

Frank’s posture relaxes immediately and he shrugs sheepishly. “I saw the bikes and I thought-“

“Thought what?! That I was being murdered at noon on a Monday?” As soon as the words leave your mouth you wish you can take them back. You remember how bright the sun was shining the day your brother lost his entire family. “I’m sorry. I know you’re just looking out for me because you’re a great big brother and I love you for it. Can you just do that without busting down my poor door?”

Sam lets out a quiet what the hell at your admission. His shock warms your heart- not because your brother’s reputation proceeds himself but, because Sam’s surprise tells you that Bucky hadn’t told the Avengers about Frank. A secret that was now moot.

“Nat’s gonna freak when she finds out.” Sam chuckles behind you and, once again, déjà vu creeps up your spine.

Déjà vu that turns into a shiver when a low and feminine voice cuts through the air. “Nat already knows and she came down here to make sure you three don’t get turned into pink mist and a memory. Looks like there was no need.”

You can see a speck of red hair from behind your brother’s hulking frame. This whole situation was getting more ridiculous by the moment and you revert to your wish for a quiet day.

You could handle one Avenger. Tolerate three. But add another, your brother, Elektra, and Karen to the mix? It was too much.

“Hey danger.” She adds, bumping your brother’s shoulder with a wink. You had to hand it to the woman. She knows what she wants and she goes for it. Her blatant flirting obviously catches Frank off guard and all he can manage is a furrowed brown and wide eyes. “You don’t seem too shocked by this Barnes.”

“Not my story Natalia.” His response is simple and to the point but it still brings a smile to your face.

Shaking off your surprise, you then grab your brother by his arm and wave Natasha into your home.

“I guess that answers our door question, Cap.” Sam chuckles.

The aforementioned Captain stares at you with wide blue eyes. You’d think for a century old man he’d have seen it all but, watching you manhandle the most gruesome vigilante in New York (ex-vigilante he reminds himself) wasn’t something he was prepared for. Steve know understood what Bucky meant when he said you were something.

“Kare- check him. Make sure he isn’t hiding any stab wounds or bullet holes from me.”

The petit blonde takes his hand with a smile before leading him away from the group. You didn’t put it past your brother to have just shoved gauze into an open wound and call it a day.

You unconsciously gravitate back to James and you don’t realize it until he lays a hand on your shoulder.

“At least I was just measuring when he kicked it down. I can have it fixed in no time.” His reassuring smile coupled with Laysa now rubbing against your leg calms your frazzled nerves. Your house hasn’t been this lively in years and, although you know you should embrace it, you were tired.

“Tweedle dee and tweedle dum. Castle isn’t the only reason I came here. We have a mission.” The redhead points to the Captain and Falcon. Both men stand at attention and you have the gnawing feeling that although Steve was the captain, Natasha was the leader. “Nice meeting you Y/N.”

You watch with a raised brow as she crosses the empty threshold once more before answering with a weak you too.

She pauses and looks up at the cracked door frame with a frown. “Barnes you’re in this one too but, finish this up first.” Steve and Same both bid their goodbyes before following the woman out. You don’t let out the breath you’ve been holding until you hear three motorcycle start up and disappear down the street.

Karen comes back out- frowning at the now empty room before she shakes her head. “He’s clean but it doesn’t look like he’s slept in days.”

You scoop Laysa up with a frown. He was having his nightmares again and it had you worried. Guilt creeps into your veins when the thought crosses your mind. Patrick hurting you might have dredged up the past for Frank which explains why he rushed in earlier.

“I’ll take him hom-“

“No. I’ll take him. You have enough on your plate right now he won’t talk to you. You know that.” Karen bites her thumb after cutting you off. You could never piece together the nature of the bond she and your brother shared but, you’re happy that it’s there nonetheless. She was right, Frank would rather die than add his own problems to your full plate.

“Thank you.” You nod solemnly and she disappears from sight. Moments later you hear the back door close and you sigh.

“That’s my cue. Matt and I have plans for tonight and I’ve gotta get ready. You know- limber up.” Elektra stands with a cat-like grin. Her words have James coughing in shock and you snort. You almost want to tell Bucky the truth but you knew telling an Avenger that your blind best friend and his girlfriend were planning on canvasing the city to fight bad guys wasn’t the best plan, so you leave him to his embarrassment then give the woman a hug.

“I’ll talk to you both later. Be careful.” Out of the corner of your eye you see a blush burn onto Barnes’ face. Maybe it was cruel to tease him like this but, no one said that cruel couldn’t be funny.

She disappears in a flash of black hair, leaving you and Bucky blissfully alone.

“That was something.” You groan before plopping onto the couch. Of the several scenarios you had run through your head of meeting Bucky’s friends- the one that just transpired wasn’t one of them.

“It could’ve been worse.” He shrugs, picking up the forgotten door in an amazing display of muscle that has your eyes lingering on his back. “I think your brother and Natalia showing up added a bit of spice.”

You slam a pillow over your face hoping that it would somehow erase the memory of the last twenty minutes from your mind. “Weren’t you born in the twenties or something? Didn’t think you could handle spice.”

The playful jab has him shaking his head with a smile.

“I’ll have you know that I’ve eaten Carolina Reaper wings before. I can handle spice just fine.”

The pillow over your face muffles the snort that leaves your throat at his defense. The mention of the infamous pepper brings up an old memory from college.

“I almost killed Foggy with Reaper wings. He didn’t know what they were and, after eating one, he rushed for anything to stop the burn. He ended up grabbing a brownie laced with Black Scorpion pepper. Immediately started throwing up.” You find the strength to remove the pillow from your head with a bright laugh. “He had to chug half a gallon of milk to stop.”

Those had been easier times. Back when the three of you had the whole world ahead of you.

“Who laces brownies with pepper?” The man across the room frowns. “That’s just wrong.”

“Hey! It was a Halloween party. Trick or Treat.”

“Remind me to never come to one of your parties then.”

You gasp in indignation ready to fire back with I’ll have you know that I used to throw great parties before you think better of it. You stopped throwing parties years ago because Patrick never hid how much he disliked parties and your friends in general.

The thought of your ex-husband douses you in cold water causing a shiver to run down your spine. Instead of answering, you run your fingers through Laysa’s soft fur to calm yourself down. Glancing at James across the room, it appears as though he lost in thought as well. The clock on the wall strikes one in the afternoon.

It has officially been twenty-four hours since you both confronted your spouses. It was a thought that was both liberating and terrifying.

“We’re going to be okay. Right?” The words escape you before you can bottle them back up and, when Bucky freezes, you wish you could take them back.

“Yeah. We’re going to be better than okay Doll. Maybe not today but, eventually.” His deep voice wavers slightly causing you to worry your lip between your teeth. You had the feeling he wasn’t normally this open with his friends and an odd mix of feelings swirl in your chest; relief, a little bit of pride, and another that you couldn’t quite put your finger on.

Regardless it’s that feeling you can’t put a finger on that has you standing up. “Natasha said you have a mission?”

“Yeah. S’gonna be a rough one if all of us have been called in.” This time there is no waver of worry in his voice. He’s firm and matter of fact in a way the reminds you of your brother and Matt. That didn’t make you fear for his safety any less.

You decide to follow the same routine as you do with your friends who like to put themselves in dangerous situations on a regular basis.

“Do you have time for a home cooked meal before you go?”

Once again the man pauses but, this time he turns to you slowly as a smile grows on his handsome face.

“Yeah sweetheart. I’d like that.

Tags: @luthien-t @vicmc624 @cherryblossomskye

#Bucky Barnes #bucky fanfic #bucky x reader #bucky x y/n #bucky #marvel #the avengers

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