#wait till they figure out they can force him to do any chores like this

[the-uroboros]

Zoro turned out to be surprisingly easy to manipulate

This man will do anything to prove he can be the world greatest swordsman

[youarejesting]

Jinnie

[MASTERLIST] Beta: @hoebii​ Pairing: Jin x Reader Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, Mystery, Angst, Adventure. Rating: All Words: 11.3k

Summary: Jin is a genie, who as folklore warns trick humans, to get their souls. He twists their words and taunts around into actual wishes to be used against them if it is phrased properly. But as a law student you are careful with your words and beat him at his own game.

Stepping out of 5330LAW ‘Wrongful Conviction: Journeys to Freedom’ you rubbed your temples, trying to ease the pain coursing behind them. It was like your brain had just been filled with wood chips and the sharp edges were trying to dig their way back out. How could learning hurt you so bad? There were so many dates, legislations, different clauses, and terms that you had to memorize- BUT, you forced yourself to move your thought process along.That would all have to wait. 

You would rather not think ever again, so you rushed off to the little convenience store where you spent the night scanning products and taking money. You were like a robot repeating a script over and over. 

“Welcome” “Can I help you?” “Just these items today?” “That will be twelve forty, on the card?” “Whenever you are ready” “Have a nice day”

It was easy. You happily lost yourself in those mundane tasks whilst standing there and growing bored. Suppressing a yawn, you cleaned the floors, tidied, and restocked the shelves. Eagerly counting down the final hour until you could go home and take a nap. While cleaning you had cut your hand on the plastic shelf display, quickly purchasing an antiseptic cream to cover the injury, it was the only thing that stood out about your shift today. Or so you thought. 

Counting the till slowly you allowed for a few last-minute customers to come in and purchase what they needed. Most paid by the card so it wouldn’t ruin your count. They bought alcohol and snacks and other little things one might need. When it was finally time to close up, you headed around the counter walking towards the door ready to flip the sign from OPEN to CLOSED. As well as turning off the little neon ‘OPEN’ sign on the window.

Leaning down you reached for the plug, fingers so close to the switch ready to turn it off, you stretched down a little more, smiling triumphantly when you flicked the switch when the bell above the door rang a man ran in painting. “Excuse me miss,” 

Ah! This is why you didn’t close off the till until the door was locked, allowing people to buy things last minute, if they needed something urgently. The amount of single parents who need baby wipes that barge into the store last minute was more than you could count. 

“Good evening Sir, What can I help you with?”

“Please take this and make a wish?” He spoke, voice panicked as he kept nervously looking over his shoulder, “It is the lamp of a genie, it will grant you one wish, but you have to use it now” 

Without a chance to refuse, the lamp was thrust into your hands. You stared at the beautiful gold and ruby lamp. This looked expensive and you wanted to refuse but the man had already started hiding behind the fridges. There was a bright flash of light coming from the street as a figure appeared outside on the sidewalk. The figure was quick, pushing open the door and practically gliding across the room where he grabbed the man.

You heard the man scream and you couldn’t help but run away in fear. You got into your car shaking, throwing everything on the passenger seat. Your breathing was shallow and erratic as you drove away as fast as you could, the adrenaline quickening your reflexes and keeping you alert to the road ahead.

When you got to your apartments, you scooped everything into your arms and ran up the stairs and along the corridor until you reached your door, your breathing wasn’t coming any easier and the pain in your chest was so sharp you felt like you were going to pass out. Fumbling with keys trying to find the right one for the door, the next-door neighbor started shouting about the ruckus you were making running in the hallways. It wasn’t until you were successfully inside the safety of your home that your breathing slowed down. That’s when you noticed the fancy lamp in your hands.

It looked like real gold, it looked like real jewels, did the man steal it and try to hide it with you, did the other man that showed up kill him. There were so many questions and you didn’t know what to do, so you ran out to the hall and threw it down the garbage shoot, hoping no one came for you.

Sleep didn’t come easy, you felt like there was someone on your balcony or someone walking down the hall, and every time you closed your eyes you saw this horrible-looking man. His eyes were dark and his skin was like Ash. Though you hadn’t seen any specific features your mind conjured the creepiest man; with a pointed hooked nose and a narrow protruding chin. You had seen his hands which were boney and each finger bent a little oddly like they weren’t natural human joints.

Deciding around midnight to study and use the time not sleeping wisely, you were well into the third chapter of the night when you finally dozed off, the textbook still opened.. Waking the next morning to a call you jerked awake, heart racing from the fright. Still adorning your uniform, you lunge across the floor to your bag where you heard your phone ringing. It was a stupid ringtone. From the floor you could see the gold lamp gleaming on the kitchen tiles and remembered the events of that night. Looking at the phone you saw the caller ID and groaned. It was your boss and you did not want to work. It was your first day off in two weeks and you were wanting to do some cleaning school work and chill out. 

That and any thought regarding the shop had the barely repressed memories clawing at the edges of your mind. You had decided it was obviously a prank and two people were joking around. Reluctantly you cleared your throat before answering, sitting up straight and rubbing the sleep from your eyes.

“Hello, this is Y/n speaking,” You said politely and waited to hear what the store owner had to say with your fingers crossed. He was a nice guy and you knew it was stressful for him to have to fill shifts as the younger employees tended to take multiple days off in a week but you were really in need of this free day.

“Hey Y/n, it is Choi,” He said his voice seemed a little stressed but also slightly amused and you felt your shoulders slacken, “I was wondering if you could see me this morning in about half an hour?”

“Of course, I will be there in fifteen minutes,” You replied, getting changed and retying your hair in a bun before racing out the door. You drove to the shop and began planning your chores for the day. When you get home you would have to do your laundry and then sit and try to get a start on more assignments and essays. You were feeling really productive after reading from your textbook last night.

The boss wasn’t asking you to work today so it must be about something else, you frowned pulling into a parking space outside the store. What if he is going to fire you? No, you were one of the best and most experienced, also the only one he trusts to lock up the shop.

The shop.

Oh hell. Last night you left those two wannabe psychopaths in the store, they could have stolen anything. If you were fired today you were going to have a breakdown. What if that weird guy had actually killed the other man, he had seemed so panicked and you just locked them in and left.

Taking a deep breath you stepped out of the car and strode into the store, bracing yourself for the worst, like to see the cash register ripped from the counter and snacks and shelves raided for free products. What you didn’t expect was the man to be sitting at a table being served coffee from the boss.

He was handsome. He was looking at the owner who was talking adamantly about compensating for something, the bell on the door had alerted the young handsome man of your arrival, his eyes flickering to you. They were so beautiful, a dark caramel and his lips pulled up into a soft smirk as he looked you over. He took a sip of his coffee to repress the smile and you looked away feeling your heart speeding up and your face flushing.

He was very handsome, unlike anyone you had ever seen. Better than any idol, he didn’t look human and you were feeling the adrenaline starting to pump through your veins, your fight or flight was prompted last time by the man’s scream and you had run away. However, this time was different. Your flight was to just freeze up and pretend you were dead like a possum.

“Ah, you are here,” Choi smiled and walked over to you and led you out the back of the shop where he had a small office/staff room which was beside a small bathroom. The boss walked you inside and explained that you had accidentally locked the handsome young man inside alone for the entire night. “We are lucky he is an honest man who said he didn’t touch anything all night but sat and waited for someone to come and open the store.

“He what?” You said, confused this man had been locked in because he was trying to kill another man, did you forget, maybe it was lack of sleep that made you see things. You had heard that stress and not enough sleep leads to hallucinations. Had you thought it all up and locked an innocent man in the shop?

No. If he was truly innocent he wouldn’t look at you like that, like he knew you, like he knew how much he scared you, like he knew you were confused about the other man and where he had gone. He knew what he was doing. You didn’t trust him and he left a sour taste in your mouth.

The boss told you, that they were lucky he wasn’t pressing charges and that he was thankful you were not hurt, “I thought that maybe this man had done something to you last night, the closing was in shambles”

“Yeah, I think lack of sleep got to me,” You admitted your cheeks flushing in embarrassment, if this was all in your head, you must be in need of a long night’s rest. You looked at the old man and touched his shoulder, “Thank you for thinking of me, I am so sorry this happened, I will go apologize to the customer and head home and rest.”

“Wait, did you check the footage?” You asked the owner, his old eyes looked up at you as he rubbed his face, pushing his wrinkles around his face with equally pruney fingers. You almost cringed at how stretchy his skin looked.

“I can bring it up,” He said and brought up the footage from last night. You could see the door open but there was no one there and you were surprised that you were looking and talking to no one. That was suspicious, had you actually imagined it all and locked up some poor young man last night? 

Walking through the aisles you saw him leaning back in the seat and you sighed, “Are you okay? I am so sorry, that I had locked you in, I haven’t been sleeping well and I think I had a moment when I started seeing things. I thought you were a murderer and was killing someone, that’s why I locked the door and ran.”

The young man threw his head back and laughed, you almost spat your drink at him. What was that laugh? It was dorky and sounded like a broken squeaky toy, you couldn’t help but laugh as well in surprise. 

“That explains why you ran and locked me in,” He wiped his nonexistent tears from his laughing and smiled at you, his teeth looked so white and perfect it made you feel self-conscious. He touched your arm and your breath hitched, “I am sorry, I frightened you, but I promise you, you can check the footage, I was the only one who came in last night.”

“No, it wasn’t your fault” You blushed again laughing and shaking your head, “I must have gone crazy”

You were happy that he didn’t seem angry at all, if anything he seemed really charming, he brushed his fingers along your arm soothingly. “You do look like you need some sleep, Would you like me to drive you home?”

“Uh... no, it’s okay” You waved your hands in protest, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I think I will be fine”

He took your hands in both of his and leaned in, you were struggling to breathe, why was this brunette bombshell so forward, “If there is anything you need, I am happy to help or even just listen. He reached behind his back and brought his hand back with a card and grinned, “My card, call if you ever get scared, or when you are tired. Imagination can make you see the scariest things.”

He held out the card and you noticed his fingers were bent strangely and you starred, “Ah, it’s a medical condition, they are called swan neck fingers, they are pretty weird aren’t they?”

“No sorry, I was just thinking about what I saw last night, you aren’t what I remember but then again I was so scared I think I imagined you more like a monster.” You laughed and he rubbed the back of his neck with a small laugh.

“Speaking of last night, have you seen a small watering can, it was a shiny yellow metal and had red polka dots on it.” He smiled but this was different, heavier, his eyes weighed you down, it was like you were being squished and your heart thumped in your chest as if repeating a mantra. Run, Run, Run. 

“A watering can?” You asked leaning away from him in your seat but the back stopped you from going as far as you wanted, “I don’t remember a watering can, I am sorry, But I can keep an eye out for it.”

His grin split huge and unnatural and you knew. You knew that he knew. You were lying to him. He could tell and he liked it, he licked his lips watching you get out of your seat and talk about your pending chores calling you.

As you walked out of the shop you could feel his gaze on you and tried to stop yourself from shivering. You failed and when you opened the car door you looked at the window and saw him laughing. 

You could practically hear the squeaky sound that didn’t fit the refined face. You drove home, stopping in the underground parking lot you looked at the business card he had given you and scoffed, scrunching the paper and throwing it onto the floor. 

You froze there was a feeling like someone was watching you and from the corner of your eye you saw something in the rearview mirror and when you looked up you thought you saw his clothes pass the back of the car but when you turned you saw the old man from the apartment next door was there knocking on the window. 

“The bins are for average household garbage only, not furniture, not metals or glass, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t fill the garbage with your cheap metal figurine. That and last night it hit the walls of the disposal shoot on the way down making a clatter, try to keep it down.”

“Sorry, Mr Choi, I had a bad night last night, I was almost killed at work, I was scared” You admitted trying to get his sympathy, he faltered and nodded before walking away, leaving the conversation as it was. 

You were standing there with the lamp in your hands and with a frown you hurried into the elevator and into your apartment. From the safety of your home, the tension in your shoulders relaxed. Taking out a pen and paper, before quickly jotting down the evidence and the memories you had. You knew it wasn’t a plausible case and wouldn’t stand in court. The evidence against you would tear your whole case into pieces and it made you mad.

You took the crumpled business card from your pocket and opened it reading the name “Kim Seokjin,” You started an online search of the name and the business but nothing appeared, you decided to ring him. Taking your phone from your pocket you hesitated to dial the numbers, getting up you punched in the numbers with determination wilting when it came to pressing the green call button. 

“Come on, he is just a guy, albeit really attractive and charming and probably a murder psycho who probably eats people” You were shaking something about calling him made you nervous, and amongst your arguing, you had accidentally bumped the call button. Placing the phone up to your ear it began speaking.

“Sorry. The number you have dialed is no longer available. Please check the number and try again.”

“Oh thank gosh,” You sighed relieved only to squeal and throw your phone in response to a sharp knock at the door. You stood there frozen in fear as the knock occurred again. Slowly shuffled over quietly, your socks muting each step as you peered outside through the peephole. When you looked you squealed again clutching your chest. Two very familiar faces were almost pressed to the door staring back at you a little distorted. Throwing the door open you practically shrieked. 

“Kim Namsoon don’t you dare do that again I almost had a heart attack, Yoonji you should know better, get in here.” You grabbed them by the jackets and pulled the two girls inside, they chuckled brandishing a bag of snacks. It wasn’t long before you were revealing all the little details of the incident that occured in the shop. You told them everything that happened hypothetically of course.

“Easy, if I was handed a lamp from a random guy on the street and told to make a wish, I would make a wish?” Yoonji shrugged.

“Well, that depends. Hypothetically, if genies were real you have a few options classic folklore genies or djinn’s are beings who snatch souls, they claim they can grant a wish but say you said I want to be rich for as long as I live, then they will hand you money and kill you instantly because you were rich until the moment you died which means that was all of your life.”

You nodded glad that Namsoon was smart and well versed in all different genres of books fiction and otherwise. She twirled her hair thinking. 

“Your choice of words would have to be specific otherwise they can use different interpretations of the words and bend the wish to their benefit. You ask for a million dollars, they might give you Monopoly money.”

“I see, that would be annoying” Yoonji huffed, arms crossing over her chest as she began thinking over her wish if she had a genie. 

“Also not to say they wouldn’t make your life miserable with your wishes, you ask to be popular or the centre of attention and you will never have a moment of peace, even the wishes they do well are so over the top it is torture”

“How would you trick a genie, while still getting the reward?”

“You would have to think of a really good wish.” Namsoon said with a small sigh, “but I don’t know how you would do it.”

The three of you watched a few movies and devoured an almost embarrassing amount of snacks. You managed to finish all your washing and after lunch Namsoon and Yoonji decided to leave you for your school work. Waving them off at the door, you had decided that whatever happened last night was all in your head. The coffee table doubled as your work area, so it needed to be cleaned before you could even think about studying. Amongst the rubbish you saw Yoonji’s headphones.

A Lazy knock at the door made you smile, that would be her. Scooping the treasured device of one of your closest friends and heading to the door. “I got them, I know you can’t live without them Yoo~oooooooou”

You physically jumped back at the sight of him standing there, your body locking up. Yet he smiled as if it meant nothing. As if he was just standing at a bus stop, not like he had somehow found out where you lived got through the security system of the apartment block and found your door.

“Ah hello,” You breathed the words like you were deflating. 

“Good evening, Miss y/n, how are you this evening?” His smile brightened flashing his shiny Colgate grin, he gave you no time to think as he reached out, was this the end. You scrunch your eyes but felt him touch your hair, peeking an eye open he took a piece of fluff from your hair. He looked at it between his fingers for a moment before blowing it away.

Something woke in you as you slammed the door in his face and locked it. Backing away nervously, you decided to call the police. You turned your back on the door and ran for your phone instead slamming nose first into a broad chest. There he was, in your house, your safe place from the world. You flailed back, tripping over nothing and falling onto your behind.

“How did you get in?” You accused from the floor

He smiled striding over and squatting beside you, holding out his hand. “Your friends let me in,” you shivered. How did he know they were your friends. This guy was beautiful but he was starting to scare you. There was something about his calm nonchalant way of his words that made it seem worse. 

“Okay, is there something you needed? Or can I get back to my work now.” You asked ignoring his helping hand, you stood up and turned to him crossing your arms across your chest. You saw him still in the same position, hand outstretched, his smile had fallen and his face was dark. He didn’t like how you ignored his hospitality you could tell as his eye twitched in annoyance, and his fingers curled up. 

Standing he brushed his hands on his pants and gave you another sweet smile, “Is there anything you need?”

“What if there is nothing I need?” You asked defensively, trying to get him to tell you why he was here, was he a genie from the strange lamp you had been given the other night or were you going crazy and he was just a murderer. Whatever it is, you wanted him to leave you alone.

“Everyone needs something, you’re humans, you always need something.” He scoffed and you pointed at him with an Aha!

“So you admit you aren’t human?” You accused, watching him walk over towards your kitchen and sit atop the bench throwing one leg over the other and intertwining his fingers together atop his lap. 

His smirk grew again in that creepy way, “what would o be if not a human?” 

“You are a genie aren’t you?”

“Gold star human, Genie is one of my names but I go by Jin J-I-N” He spelt it with his finger and the letters appeared in a pink font, like something in the harry potter movie, his name didn’t form any pseudonyms. Instead he batted the word away and it disappeared in a light pink dust. “What can I do for you, human? You can wish for anything. Choose carefully, I can get you anything you have ever desired. But I have limitations, You only get three wishes and you can’t wish for more. Other than that, have fun.”

“Wait that’s it?” You asked confused and he looked taken aback that you weren’t jumping on the chance to make wishes.

“What do you mean?” He scoffed jumping down from the bench, “Yes that is it, but why are you worried about the conditions when you just have to make a wish. I can make you beautiful or rich or have everyone love you, you just have to clearly say ‘I wish’ before you ask”

“I don’t want that,” You walked away and sat on the couch turning on the tv, “I am already beautiful and I make enough money, and I am nice so the right people like me.”

“Look you have to wish for three things and then I can move on,” He said, standing in front of the television and you sighed.

“But what is the catch, what do you get in return for granting wishes?” You asked him curious and he looked away for a moment before heading over to you in quick strides dropping to his knees and holding your hands while you leaned back on the couch stunned by his sudden forwardness. 

“This is my job,” He said sincerely and you knew he was hiding a major clause in his deal.

“I will think about the deal, and I will call you when the time comes” You said with “Close the door on the way out” 

“Fine! Where is my lamp?” Jin asked, you didn’t let your eyes stray from the television as you answered.

“You mean the metal teapot thing, I threw it down the garbage disposal, Why?” You feigned shock, “Oh no, was it really gold and rubies?”

“Yes it is real,” He exclaimed horrified, you held your ground knowing the real thing was in your dresser, but you weren’t going to tell him that. He seemed to try to calm himself down asking in a clipped tone, “Where is it?”

“I told you I threw it out, it would be crushed into scrap metal by now the bins are emptied overnight.” He looked like he was going to scream, his body flailing as he began shouting in a language you didn’t understand, whilst pacing smoke literally poured from his ears. “How was I supposed to know, just lay down on the couch”

He huffed, reluctantly crossing the room and flopping onto the couch, practically kicking you off when he outstretched his long legs. You decided to forfeit the cushioned seat and slide onto the floor, losing yourself in you studies. Admittedly it was difficult to relax having a stranger in your house lounging on your couch behind you. But, you were more interested in observing him, so you feigned indifference and let him watch television. 

Part way through your essay you heard a growl tensing once more, you had almost forgotten he was there. Turning to the offending noise, you heard it again, locating the sound to Jin’s stomach, “are you hungry?”

“I’m fine,” he mumbled, watching what seemed like the fourteenth episode of ‘Say yes to the dress’ there must be a marathon or something. You faintly remember him complaining during the previous episodes about people not just saying what they wanted, giving death glares into the back of your head “It is your dress not theirs. Ughhh… just say what you want so the people can get on with their jobs”

“I’m going to make something to eat,” you had said it loud enough that you hoped it would peak his interest and he would accompany you for a meal. But he didn’t seem to move an inch, it wasn’t until you had added the seasoning to the ramen purposefully leaving the lid off so you could lure him away from the Television. 

It worked. Strolling in casually as he could muster but you knew from the sound of his stomach and the tilt of his nose in the air your kitchen skills had done the job. 

“Cheese Ramen and steak?” You asked, showing him the food cooking and his lips which had been parted in awe closed with a swipe of his tongue and he swallowed heavily before looking up at you. “It’s okay to say you are hungry, I will feed you”

His ears were turning red and you grinned, “Look go grab some plates from that cupboard there,” you used your leg; sticking it out in the direction, your foot tapping against the lower cupboard, just left of the sink, “and bring them over to the bench.”

Your apartment was small and you loved it. In your kitchen everything was within reaching distance and being able to touch both walls was claustrophobic to some, but comforting to you. That and there were only six tiles on the floor that needed to be cleaned. You had never thought your kitchen was small until Jin stepped into the kitchen, You turned slightly to watch him as he slid past the bench, your hand casually stirring the ramen making the noodles had all separated.

With his eyes looking into yours, he went to step around you, his chest pressed to yours and you blushed eyes faltering and looking at his wide chest. He grabbed out the plates and began his journey back and you turned to face the stove not wishing to be face to face with the handsome features again. 

You felt his clothes brush yours as he slipped past and placed the items on the bench. Letting out a breath you began serving the dinner and he licked his lips once more. “It looks good, huh?” 

“Yeah, thank you,” JIn smiled and looked up, “Maybe I can repay you, you could wish for a grand house?”

“No thanks, that’s too much, I live alone that would be too lonely,” You laughed sitting at the tiny table, “But I would like to discuss your clauses and limits.”

“Of course, what can I tell you?” He asked curiously

“You killed that man didn’t you,” You didn’t look up from your plate not wanting to appear judgemental, who knew this was what he had to do, it never meant he enjoyed it.

“Hey, I didn’t kill him,” He said and you knew the meaning, he may not see it as killing but taking payment for the wish. You watched his expression as he ate and looked at the suit he had been wearing when you met.

The two of you ate in silence, and you raised an eyebrow, “Do you have any other clothes, or do you roam around in formal attire?”

“I have more clothes in my lamp, but I feel as though now I will have to go see someone about making me another, I need it for strangers to pick up and use” He frowned, “You wouldn’t happen to know where I could get another lamp made?”

“Can’t you just magic yourself one?” You expressed your confusion, pouring him some juice and he laughed while taking the beverage.

“No, I can’t really perform wishes on myself, I live to serve until my debt is paid. I can do tiny things but nothing like that,” He laughed dryly, you were curious as to what his debt was.

“What is your debt?” You spoke concerned as you gave Jin the other half of your steak he had been eyeing, was it because he looked so nervous to ask for more food or was it a bribe to get information from him? You liked to think it was your professionalism taking over to get information but deep down you knew it was the look in his eyes.

“It’s just something that I stupidly accepted from the beginning that I regret,” He blushed eating the steak you had given to him, you took your plate and glass to the sink and began slowly washing the plates and pots.

“So, you don’t have any other clothes?” You asked him, you knew it would be best to pull back on the questioning until you two had a better bond, there were many ways for you to get the information you wanted. You had to appear like a trustworthy friend, give him the freedom to confide in you with even the smallest things without judgement and then perhaps he would tell you what you would like to hear.

“Only what I am wearing,” He sighed, “Are you sure they have taken my lamp? The thing is wherever my lamp is I am bound to it, my master holds the lamp and calls me and I appear to grant them a wish.”

“Listen, you want people to pick you up, you have to modernize, no one uses lamps anymore, let’s look around and maybe I can buy you some sort of replacement that will work similarly,” you started, “But for now, we have two hours until the department store closes and I was wondering if you wanted me to buy you some pj’s for tonight. I can’t afford a lot but, I can get you something that isn’t this suit to sleep in.”

Grabbing your bag and coat the two of you ventured out, it was along the way that you picked up some ice cream as dessert, the two of you talked and laughed until you reached the department store. Guiding Jin through the store, he seemed to get distracted or lost in the sea of people easily. Reaching out you took his hand and guided him through until you reached the menswear section. You found him some pajamas, blue button up with an Alpaca on the front that said ‘Adventure? Al-Pack-a my bags’. It made him laugh and you giggled, you loved when he laughed, it was so silly.

You had to purchase them, it would have been a crime if you hadn’t. You had him try on the tops, so you could compensate for his shoulders and when you decided on a size you headed on and grabbed him a toothbrush and more things to get him through the night. It was a last minute decision to get him a plain white shirt and black lounge pants. With all the things in hand you started heading home.

Once home he went for a shower and came out dressed and giggling in his pajamas, he looked youthful with his hair done. He was a smart businessman with it slicked back but done he was so boyish. Shaking these thoughts you went for a shower drying your hair and stepping out in your silk camisole and shorts. You saw him tucked into your bed and you blushed, “Uh Jin, that is my bed?”

“Oh, I am sorry, I just saw a bed and assumed it was where I was staying, I forgot,” Jin sat up and went to get out of the bed and you raised your hand.

“It is a queen sized bed, I am sure we can share it without any troubles.” You got in beside him, and he settled awkwardly, now a little unsure of the situation. “Unless you are uncomfortable, I have to sleep. I have classes in the morning okay?”

“Okay, I will sleep too,” the two of you turned in opposite directions, in an effort to forget the others' presence.

It was easier said than done, the two of you shuffled around all night trying to will yourselves unconscious and yet there was no forgetting the others presence. In the dark it consumed you, the warmth from his body so close to yours made your heart race, he was handsome and you barely knew him. Your feet accidentally brushed and you retracted them muttering a sorry in the cool night air.

“‘S okay,” Jin said under his breath, the gravel in his voice told you just how tired he was as well, it made you laugh, you were both suffering in each other's company. Picking up your pillow you moved it to the end of the bed and slept the opposite way. “What are you doing?”

“It was awkward so I thought instead of laying side by side and neither of us getting sleep, we could just top and tail and then it would be like a sleep over and not so weird,” You smiled, “but since we are both still awake we can talk until we fall asleep”

“What do we talk about?” He said rolling over and looking at you from the top of the bed, “I have never had a sleepover?”

“Wait really,” You sat up and frowned, he sat up mimicking your posture unsure if he was in trouble. “So at sleepovers, you talk about everything, like the people you like, and you play games and paint each others nails and braid hair”

“And this happens at every sleep over,” He said looking at his nails, your smile broke your face as you switched on the lamp and ran from the room, he called your name in concern and when you ran back into the room arms filled with snacks you saw Jin on his knees looking like a scared child who heard a bump in the night.  

You ate snacks and painted his nails, he didn’t know what colour to choose, so you gave him a ballet pink, something cute but still subtle. “Okay, when I was thirteen I fell out of tree and got this scar on my temple, that was three stitches”

He tilted your head to see the faint scar and traced the line with his finger, he listened intrigued about your stories and soon the two of you fell asleep. The next morning your alarm sounded and you realised you were going to be late for class. You raced around getting dressed, thankful you had gotten him a white shirt, you told him to wear it and his suit pants and blazer. 

He stepped out looking breathtakingly handsome, with little effort. You gestured for him to follow and began traveling down the hall, he was smart but unsure. He made up for his confusion with the modern world with his ability to lie and conjure up needed items and documents. 

“We are taking the bus, do you have a ticket?” He nodded, brandishing a paper ticket, out of nowhere making you smile. He followed you on the bus and when you sat down he sat beside you, for a second you hadn’t expected it and you forgot you were babysitting some other worldly being.

“So, what are your classes?” He asked trying to strike up a conversation, or just genuinely curious you explained you were in a law degree, it took little time to reach the auditorium and you thanked the heavens today for only lectures, anyone could sit in on a lecture.

Halfway through the lecture your stomachs were growling, you handed Seokjin some money and you asked him to get you both something to eat. “Where from?”

Sighing you took back the money, “we will have to wait for the lecture to be over,” He pouted at the thought of not getting fed and rubbed his tummy, a little uncomfortable. 

For whatever reason you felt pity, and searched your bag, for any snacks you might have left in the bottom just in case, finding a small granola bar, you handed it over for him.

He opened it happy and when he was done he heard your stomach growl and he felt a little guilty that he didn’t share. He thought you were a bit strange. Every human he met was always quick to make their wishes, money, fame, looks, the three most common things but you were the first person that made him wait. You were the first person to give instead of take, you worried about him and took care of him, reveling in his happiness.

He offered you money and a big house last night and you didn’t want it, he wondered if there was something wrong with you. After the lectures you went to lunch, Jin sat down at the table as you ordered burgers and drinks and a plate of fries to share. Sitting across from Jin, you watched him look around at the other patrons in the neighboring tables eating burgers and chips and you smiled cheekily behind your book.

“I didn’t have much money so i just got chips to share and a drink” you lied without moving your face from behind the book.

“Ah, that is okay, I can give you money if you ask for it” He assured you

“I don’t want money?” you waved his statement aside.

“What do you want, if you could have anything in the world?” He asked 

“If I could have anything in the world, I would want to work hard for it, not make a wish, it is a waste to just have something, if I have everything I ever wanted what is the point of living” you saw the food coming towards the table and closed your book. “What’s the point of reading a book if you know the end, what’s so special about happiness if that’s all you feel, it just becomes boring.”

“What’s the point of being a genie if all you do is grant wishes and never get to live a little, you have to admit sleep overs were pretty fun huh?” You continued your lecture knowingly as the plates were placed down. “What’s the point of life if there aren't surprises to make it fun?”

He was smiling hard at the food, a little bit bashful about being tricked, he was starting to understand your point of view but he thought, this couldn’t be possible, you couldn't be the only human in the world who thought this way, could you? Then again you were the only one Jin had the pleasure of meeting and yes it was a pleasure to meet someone who actually cared about him for once.

Your phone rang, your friends were asking to come meet you at the uni and you were quick to answer and agree. You were too invested in your food that you didn’t even think about the man across from you and your friends heading your way.

“Hey, Y/n,” Yoonji and Namsoon took seats on either side of the table before looking at Jin, they turned back to you, their mouths open. You were not a professional lip reader, but your best guess of the words they were relaying were. 

‘Oh my gosh, he is so hot! Is he single? What is his name? What are you doing eating with a man this gorgeous?’ Namsoon gushed over the handsome man.

You blushed, swallowing down some soda, so you could explain. “Hey, this is my friend Kim Seokjin, he and I met at work,” not a total lie, “and we became friends”

“Oh what do you do?” Namsoon asked curiously

“Yeah, do you go to Uni?” Yoonji searched the menu not phased by his beauty. His ears went red and he looked at you for help.

“Hold that thought, go order and then we can talk,” You waved them away, laughing as they went to order obediently. “Life is full of surprises Jin, live your life today, as if you were normal, just bend the truth a little, you could say you're an entrepreneur or a life coach because you make people's wishes come true.”

“I am excellent at charming people and making up stories, don’t worry,” He sat back in his chair putting one leg over the other, “Sit back and watch the master at work”

“I haven’t even started my assignments yet,” Yoonji said walking back to the table and flopping into her chair. “I was too busy sleeping”

“Okay we are back, as we were saying, what do you do for a living?”

“I am a life coach, I make people's wishes come true, help them figure out their life and make things happen” He smiled “It’s a pretty rewarding job.”

“That sounds interesting,” Namsoon smiled “So what do you do outside of work?”

“The usual sleep, eat, watch tv, I slept over Y/n’s last night and it was fun, we stayed up a little too late, so we had to rush to get dressed and get to the lectures, we didn’t even eat breakfast we were that late” He said with a smile at you that was proud at his skills of charming the girls.

“He slept over,” Namsoon hissed at you, “You had this man in your bed last night?”

You were bright red and you tried to settle them down, but it was useless and better yet, Jin was just sitting there smug, which didn’t help the image he had painted in their heads.

“You know, good on you, you haven’t been with a guy for a very long time,” Yoonji smiled

“It’s really not like that,” You blushed, waving your hands in denial, “um Yoonji these are your headphones you left them at my house”

“Oh yeah no wonder I didn’t get any study done,” she smiled softly as you put your bag over your shoulder. “You got work?”

“Yeah I have to go or I will be late,” you sighed taking one last sip of your beverage. 

“We will clean it up you go,” they sat giggling as you and Jin left from the small fast food restaurant. 

“Ah, Jin why did you say that?” You hissed at him, “I thought you said you were a master at charming people”

“What did I do wrong? They loved me”

“They thought you and I did things last night, not just sleeping” you said and he blushed, his ears, cheeks, and neck turning bright red. 

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh is right” you sighed dragging him to your house where you rushed to dress for work you told him to wait at home, “help yourself to water and up to three snacks in the cupboard no more okay, watch tv, it’s a tiny shift I will make dinner when I get home” 

He nodded, “okay, water and only three snacks”

You patted his head and grinned “you are such a good listener, such a good young man”

“I feel like either I’m a dog or you're an old woman,” he poked your side playfully as you pulled your hair up into a ponytail. 

“I will be home soon,” you left and headed to your car and drove to work, you were serving customers when the lady next door came in.

“Good evening, how is business in the bakery,” you grinned cheekily, as you got her usual order ready. A cold bottle of iced tea and kimbap. 

“Not great, I haven’t sold half the stock,” she sighed, “I have so many items left.”

“Do you have an apple pie, or a strawberry shortcake?” You queried wanting to help the woman and also eat something sweet. 

“We have everything mini’s and family sized?” She sighed, opening the iced tea and drinking slowly. At the mention of family size you thought of Jin and wondered what he might like.

“I have a friend but I don’t know what he would like in ways of sweets?” You thought allowed, “but if you have something nice I would be happy to get us something to eat after dinner”

“I have just the thing,” she declared running off faster than you had ever seen her, she came back with a white box wrapped in the stores signature blue ribbon and she smiled taking only half the payment for it as she wanted you to have the cake for free but your pressed to at least pay for the ingredients. 

You carried the cake to the car and drove home, nervous to see him. You took the elevator and practiced what you wanted to say, “it’s just something the lady next door was throwing out, no that’s too like iffy, I get this all the time it’s no big deal, no that’s too indifferent and sounds a bit unhealthy”

The elevator doors opened revealing the hall filled with your neighbours and a thin blanket of smoke. Walking towards your apartment heart sinking as you saw everyone gathered at your door pushing your way inside to see a mess, there was smoke in the air and the smoke alarms were disabled. 

Putting the cake on the bench you began cleaning up thanking the neighbours for their help and concern.

“What happened?” You asked angrily, “why were you cooking—”

“I tried to cook ramen, you made it last night so I tried to do the same,” he coughed and rubbed at his smoke strained eyes. “Are you mad?”

“I am a little mad not because you almost burnt the house down, because you could have been hurt, life is full of surprises, remember and this one is one of the bad ones, but we learn and we grow from them. Now, are you okay? You seem to have inhaled a bit of smoke.”

“I’m okay, I promise” he said “I really am sorry, it’s just I have never cooked before, I wanted to surprise you with dinner”

“Well let’s sit on the balcony and have dessert instead?” You smiled and you opened the cake to see a love heart red velvet cake and you laughed. “The lady at the bakery heard I was buying a cake for you and she picked this one”

“It’s tasty” he hummed, “being a human is hard, I wish I had my lamp”

“I think you are doing wonderfully, remember the bad times make the good times good” 

You sat in silence devouring a cake together and the two of you reentered the apartment and started cleaning the kitchen until it was spotless. “I will need to buy a new noodle pot”

“You could always wish for one,” he suggested, and then upon thinking shook his head “actually that’s a silly wish, don’t wish for that”

You were surprised he said that he had been trying to get you to wish for anything since you met, but this was the first time he told you not to wish for something.

After everything was cleaned you ordered in and ate, Seokjin’s obsession with ‘Say yes to the dress’ was becoming unhealthy. It was during the fourth episode that your eyes got heavy and you thought, maybe it wouldn’t be a problem to rest your head on Jin’s chest. He wrapped his arm around you and the two of you stretched out. 

You woke the next day and was happy that you didn’t have work but you had assignments and you had to return a book to the library. Leaving Jin at home once more you swapped the book before taking a detour to the mall and getting a new sweater and pants for him. Walking inside you handed him the bag with a small smile, “I saw these and thought you might like it, try them on and see if they fit?”

He put on the sweater and pants and you felt your heart flutter, he looked really handsome. His hair was a little askew from pulling the sweater over his head, so you told him to sit on the couch running your fingers through his hair in order to style it. It seemed all this achieved was you getting lost in his handsome features, staring up at you without even trying to charm you. You messed his hair up, unable to stand how he made you feel, he whined “what’s wrong?”

“You look weird” You huffed, and crossed your arms, looking away with a pout. 

“What do you mean? I am handsome!” He said in disbelief. 

“That’s the problem, it’s hard to look at you when you’re that handsome, it makes my heart race” you admitted “if only I could just become immune, get used to it until it doesn’t bother me”

“You can look at me all you want, I don’t mind,” he said innocently, “but is this what you call life’s surprises, is it not good to see a beautiful face”

“It is nice,” I admitted, “it just makes me nervous”

Knee deep in assignments you realised you had been devoting too much of your time and attention to Jin. It was time to get to work, you had your books, snacks and drinks at your side and it was time to tackle the ethics of law assignment worth half your grade. 

Telling Jin to entertain himself, he nodded immediately flicking through the channels frowning when his favourite wedding dress reality show wasn’t playing. You eventually picked a show for him when you heard the intro to keeping up with the kardashians. He didn’t need to learn about that just yet. 

Halfway through your assignment, he saw an ad for the bite market. A market place full of food stalls where you can try all different delicious foods. Once he saw the ad he began begging you to go, he wanted to try the tornado potatoes and the crepes they had shown cooking deliciously on the TV. 

“Can we go please?” He asked rolling around on the floor and shaking you as you wrote. It wasn’t until he was sitting across from you and grabbed your cheeks bringing your face to his that you decided to take a break from your work. 

“You were saying?” You said as he held your face in his hands. 

“Uh, yeah sorry, I got distracted,” he blinked letting your face go, and looking at his hands as if they had burnt him. “Can we go to the bite market”

“Okay, let me get dressed, put on your coat and shoes” Stepping into your room, you changed into a beautiful red dress, it was one you bought online one year because you wanted the classic red dress for a romantic date, but turns out you had no one to wear it for. Until today. 

The dress hugged your curves and smoothed you out paired with heels. It gave your legs a longer appearance and your butt a more prominent appearance. You let your hair out doing a quick brush and style and some quick make up, a little eye shadow and a rosey lip stain. Topping it off with a dash of perfume you were feeling elegant and beautiful. 

You nervously stepped out into the living room and saw him handsome as ever dressed and ready with his shoes on. He looked at you, his mouth falling open and his hand immediately trying to flatten his hair in nervousness. 

“Life’s surprises, is this a good one?” You grinned cheekily

“Yes, but I am not used to it, it makes me nervous” he patted his chest as if trying to ease indigestion. You grabbed your purse and headed out to the bite market, Jin’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas you could see the sparkle in his eyes as they reflected the fairy lights between the stalls. The place looked magical and had everything you could think of. 

The two of you tried the foods and were having fun sharing a rather delicious crepe with fresh strawberries, You gave Jin the majority of the strawberries seeing how he eyed them, and he hummed “I love strawberries”

“Me too, they are delicious” you hummed happily, knowing he was happy was good enough for you, you wouldn’t tell him but this is what you would wish for just days of fun and new experiences and a friend to share it with. 

“Then why did you give them all to me?” Jin was confused, and you laughed 

“Because it made you happy, seeing you enjoy them was enough for me,” you wiped his chin of the sweet cream and laughed “they said there will be fireworks today,”

“Oh I like fireworks” he said and you kept walking and you bumped into a small group of older gentlemen. One of them turned and grabbed Jin by the collar, punching him so hard that he fell.

“Gentlemen I am so sorry that we bumped into you, how about you get something? On me” You handed them a fifty in a panic and they took it and turned to leave. 

“You’re lucky your girlfriend is smart and beautiful, or we would have beaten you to a pulp, pretty boy” once they started walking away you walked to Jin. 

You looked at him and pulled him to his feet, “are you okay?” You held his face and  frowned, there was a small thin cut near his cheek bone maybe from the man's rings. “Why is it you still look handsome? Come with me,”

You went to the open field, Jin laying out his jacket and the two of you sat on top, you would have the perfect view of the fireworks. However, fireworks weren’t on your mind. You opened your bag and pulled out a small antiseptic cream and knelt in front of him. “This will help, I got it for my hand the other day at work, it helps soothe the cut and keep it from getting infected”

He quietly let you pull his face gently closer, “are you okay, it must have been scary?”

“You stepped in front of me, what if you got hurt?” He asked, wincing as you dabbed the medicine on the cut “you also gave them your money?”

“If it’s for a friend it doesn’t count, I would give them one hundred dollars to stop you from getting beaten” you blew a stream of cool air onto the affected area the whistles and pops of the fireworks bursting in the sky behind you. But you didn’t turn around, stuck looking at Jin, like a magnet. 

You hesitated, starting to turn away, “Ah the fireworks are my favouri—” Jin grabbed your cheeks in his large warm hands and pulled you in for a kiss. A delicious twang in the pit of your stomach accompanied by the fluttering in your chest. The kiss was beautiful and like a fire burning up a match, the two of you came alive. Your hands diving into his hair as the kiss deepened and you felt him hum happily the sound rumbling his chest.

You fell apart a mere inch panting and you swallowed, trying to form words. “We shouldn’t miss the fireworks,” you scrambled to sit beside him and the two of you watched silently. Had you done the wrong thing. 

“Thank you,” he said softly, you weren’t entirely sure what he was thankful for, but you were happy anyway. 

The two of you headed home flushed from the cold wind on your cheeks, but your car heater was working to warm you both back up. You arrived at the underground parking and headed towards the staircase when you heard your phone ring. 

“Hello?” You answered into the device

“Y/n, it’s your father. He is in hospital, he really needs surgery but I was wondering if I could borrow some money from you? We will pay you back” your mother said her voice cracking with intense emotions. 

“Which hospital? I will come straight over.” You asked, heading back to the car and Jin looked confused. “Go upstairs you know the pincode for the door and rest I will be home as soon as I can” 

He nodded and followed your instruction retreating upstairs, you drove to the hospital and you got there and spoke with the doctor and your mother. Taking your savings and asking for a loan double the amount, you were able to pay for the surgery but it had left you in debt.

You waited until the surgeon stepped out to tell you how everything went and put your mind at ease before driving home knowing there wasn’t anything more you could do at the hospital. Jin was waiting on the couch looking nervous and you sat beside him on the couch.

Throwing your arm over your eyes and laying your head back on the couch, you let your tears flow. You didn’t know what you were saying when you turned Jin cheeks wet, “What would I get if I wished for money right now?”

“What happened to lifes’ surprises?” he teased, wiping the tears from your face with his thumbs, he pressed down as he rubbed them away as if they were personally offending him. His voice sounded scared and desperate, “The bad days make the good days good remember?”

“I don’t know, but, I will just have to make it work” You said crying into his chest until you were about to pass out and he scooped you into his arms and carried you to your bed where he tucked you in.

“If I asked, would you promise me to never make a wish?” He whispered, pressing a kiss to your head, you had woken when he moved you but you didn’t want him to know that.

You fell asleep soon after, emotionally exhausted, waking only to the sound of the front door closing. Looking beside you and stretching out your arm, the sheets were cold and empty. Jin was gone. You ran out of bed and out the door. 

You raced down the stairs but when you arrived he was disappearing on your doorstep, you paused panting feeling a weird sense of sadness you let him go heading back to the elevator the doors closed and you stared at the floor. The doors opened and you shuffled back to your apartment and sighed stepping inside. 

There was a note in the drawer where the lamp had been.

To y/n, 

I have always felt the presence of my lamp and found it on the first day, but out of curiosity about your intentions I stayed and over time I found myself enjoying the experiences you gave me. I admit my feelings began to grow from you being my client to being my friend. I realized I didn’t want to hurt you, I didn’t want you to use this wish and end your life. Your life's better off without me, don’t ruin it, never trust anyone who says they are a genie, they will screw you over and take your soul as payment. I couldn’t stay. I don’t want to take you from this world. You and your fathers debts will get easier, you can get through this without me.

The handsome,

Jin

You saw wet spots blooming on the paper before you realized you were crying. He had just made the decision to leave for you, because you were now his friend. That is a boat load of crap, friends don’t kiss friends the way he did the night you were watching the fireworks. What were you supposed to do now? With him by your side you felt like you could take on the world, now you just felt your tiny apartment was too big. 

Things weren’t easy, you were working twice as hard trying to pay the loan repayments. It had been three months since Jin had left and you just woke up at 10, the late shift and uni were kicking your butt. Dragging your feet you headed down the elevator in his pajamas to get the mail. Collecting the mail and heading back upstairs. You curiously opened the bank statement regarding how much you still owe when you saw your loan was already halved. There had been another account paying your debt as well. Your mother would send you half of the money to your personal account and you would pay the full amount, but who was this third party?

Your heart skipped a beat thinking it could be Jin, but you knew you couldn’t jump to conclusions. He had left and wouldn’t be bothered to do something like this. Looking at the statement it read in store payment at your local branch at the same time on the same day of the week.

12:30 Wednesday.

You looked at the clock, it was almost noon, you threw on your coat and shoes before running out the door. You rushed to the bank, racing inside. There he was standing in line in the pants and sweater you had bought for him. You were frozen in the doorway as he approached the woman at the counter.

“Back again?” the woman asked, “The same amount today?”

“Yes please,” He grinned. He handed over the cash and yawned,

“Have you been working the late shift again?” He looked tired, the dark under his eyes was a little scary, the woman gave him the receipt and he turned heading to the door. The very door where you were standing, his eyes met yours and he faltered, stopping. 

He didn’t know what to say but he looked down and grinned for a moment, “You look good,” Looking at your clothes you remembered you had been wearing his oversized blue alpaca pajamas. 

“You need to fix what you have done to my house,” You hissed and he looked confused, as you grabbed him by the hand and led him down the street. “Everything is wrong, I don’t know what you did but I want you to fix it, I can’t believe you would do something like that and then just leave, like it’s some sort of joke or prank.”

“I swear I didn’t do anything,” He said quietly, he was confused, not remembering having done anything when he left. “What happened to your house?”

“See for yourself,” you pulled him into the elevator and pressed the number for your floor, you felt an overwhelming emotion building up but you tried to swallow it back down.

He followed you to the door and you opened it up and pushed him inside, not wanting to risk that he might disappear behind you. He looked around as you pressed your back to the now securely closed door your arms crossed. “I don’t understand, what did I do?”

“Like you can’t see, Look how big the living room is, and the kitchen is too spacious and here when we used to sit there was so little space our knees would touch and now it's huge” You dragged him into the bathroom, trying to hide the way your chest was shaking with every breath, “This bench is too empty, your things used to sit there and there was hardly any room. And, And the bed, I don’t know what you did to the bed but it’s too wide, I can barely touch both sides and not too mention its always cold, it was never cold when you were here”

He looked at you sadly and he reached up wiping the tears from your cheeks, “I have done nothing to the house” He tried to soothe you, clutching his shirt you had buried your face against him and cried. “You know I didn’t do anything to the house.

“You left me alone and I don’t like it,” You whimpered,

“I wish I could stay and be just like a normal human who can love you but I can’t because I am not human,”

“I wish you were a human” He froze, pulling away and holding your face, he seemed a little excited.

“Do you really mean that?” He asked and you nodded looking up at him. Jin moved away and opened the lamp, tipping everything out, clothes and shoes and a million other things and he granted your wish. He still held the lamp and he grinned, spinning it around his finger and said “We could pawn this for a fair bit of money, yeah.”

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[cinnamonest]

I am a bully and mean and saw that Childe’s a Family Man so I decided to be depraved and write some ideas for DadSon and really I feel like Childe can get worse in that situation- especially if we have an AU where the parents are divorced and his Dad is doing the single dad thing. Like, young Ajax is... precocious- a troublemaker as always- but he’s always been perceptive and more aware than any child should be. He figures its not normal for kids to be this attached to their parents, but he sees how his siblings cling to his mom when he comes for visits and decides nah, he’s fine. But then his Dad introduces him to his girlfriend and he’s... quiet. He dislikes her and wants her gone, but he’ll play “nice” for now bc you like her. When he goes to sleep for the night, he wakes up due to some noise from your room and peeks in and sees you fucking your girlfriend and thats the first time he learns what masturbation is. He can’t get it out of his head and he spirals as he gets older. There’s guilt, bc you’re so sweet and kind and here he is, your son, wanting to fuck dear old dad till he’s weak in the knees and bedridden and drowning in his cum.

He gets... bold, one night. Dad broke up with his girlfriend and he’s drunk himself into oblivion to cope. Ajax carries him to bed and then he... notices the bulge in your pants... the odd squirming and twitch of your legs as he tugs down your bottoms and watches your dick rise to half mast. He plays with it, unsure of wtf he is doing as he feels your harden in his hands- and he gets bolder, touching you as he would touch himself and freezing up when your climax splatters across his face. You passed out, and Ajax hurriedly cleans you and pulls your pants up then runs back to his room with his heart thundering in his chest. His mind running a mile a minute as his obsession grows and darkens his mind.

He searches how gay sex works later that night, and carefully but steadily works his way towards it.

He’s long since taken over the household chores due to your busy work schedule- especially cooking. Your diet is healthy and full of fruits, and you applaud him for being a better cook than his mom as you tuck in. What you don’t know is your after dinner tea is laced with sleeping pills that make sure you stay deep asleep as he practices stretching your hole and finding all your sweet spots. He’s learned to earn money from doing... things, and managed to procure everything he needs to properly prepare you to take his dick when the time comes. Its rewarding when you begin to react to his fingers without him sucking and fondling your cock, how you whine and twitch and come undone in a handful of sharp thrusts at specific angles, how though unconcious, you squeeze his head with your thighs as he goes down on you, and he makes sure to come on your face and belly everytime and take pictures. Every once in a while he compares dicks and marvels at how he’s beginning to outgrow you, and ruts in between your thighs to satiate his desire.

Its taken some time but he’s going to be an adult soon. He already has everything lined up- a scholarship, a job with good advancement opportunities, a new apartment he could py for wholly by himself, etc. He’ show you he’s independent and totally capable of taking care of both of you- so you don’t have to worry about your cute little son anymore, Dad. He’s all grown up and ready to take care of you now- financially, emotionally, and sexually.

He’s so happy that when he comes home he nearly overlooks his mother- his birth mother- in the living room talking to you, a stack of documents on the coffee table as you look nervous but amiable to whatever the fuck she is saying. When he asks what’s gotten you two so happy, thinking oh maybe Tonia got into the highschool she applied for or Teucer made the soccer team- you ruin his mood by telling him you two are thinking of getting married again. And he lashes out. Screaming and arguing about why you two separated in the first place and you CANT get back together! You cant, cant, cant! You have to calm him down and send his mother away, saying youll discuss it later. And ohhhh boy are you miffed with his outburst. You start scolding him and nagging that he shouldnt have done that- there are better ways to express his disagreement and he’s being an emotional, angry brat about it.

And Childe snaps. He grabs his Father and drags him to Childe’s room as he flails and struggles, unable to fight off his son’s honestly inhuman strength as he throws him on the bed and strips him down. Your words are cut short as he gags you with your own balled up underwear, and ties your hands back your own shirt as he rummages for the lube on his desk drawer and settles between your legs. You kick at him and he brushes you off as he soaks your hole in the cold lube and pushes his fingers in, making you choke and stutter at the invasion that- doesnt hurt. Childe sighs, saying he wanted to do it more romantically, but if you’re going to ruin his chances like that then he’ll just speed up and skip a few steps. Your eyes are wide as you beg him to stop through your gag when he shucks off his bottoms and digs his dick out of his pants- already at half mast and huge, as he pumps it while pressing it against your ass cheeks, taking pleasure at how you flinch when he drags his cock head along the crack, over your slick hole, and nestle it lovingly against your testicles, letting you realize just how big he is, then return to your hole. You feel tears in your eyes as he pushes in, groaning loud and low into your ear as he bottoms out. Your brain is still trying to process as he leans back and grins, making sure to drag your hips up so you can see where you two are connected, giggling that his cock was made to be inside you. That he was born to give daddy dearest all the love that mommy failed to.

As he rocks his hips you shut your eyes tight and try to ignore his wanton moans, the absolute aching fullness in your anus as its speared open by your son’s dick, the disgust that swirls in your gut to your body not only being postively receptive to his actions, but also his many confessions of what he’s done to prepare you for this moment, how you almost ruined it. But he’s a good son, he’ll forgive you. Just don’t speak to mommy ever again, okay?

You come with your cock untouched and long before he does, and your face burns in shame. Childe takes a moment to stop and collect some of it on his fingers, smearing it on your face so you don’t forget, and licking it off your stomach with his tongue, giggling that you taste sooooo much better than when he first sucked you off. He’s so glad you like his cooking.

Then he starts thrusting himself in, deep and harsh and forcing your legs flat against your torso as you cry out in pain and pleasure as he chases his own high- dangerous threats falling from his lips as he makes you swear to never ever think of anyone else other than him. Convulsing as he empties out inside of you and you cry at the burn of cum splattering against your bruised guts.

Tears fall from your face as you hiccup and wait for him to pull out, to end the humiliation. Childe merely smiles when he sees the look on your face as he flips you onto your stomach, pressing himself against you and slowly massaging your sensitive dick as he asks sweetly, if you think one round could really satisfy a healthy young man like himself, when he’s been lusting for you for years? Oh no, Dad. He’s going the whole goddamn night and day. And with that horrific revelation sinking in, Childe smiles and presses a kiss to the side of his daddy’s temple and leans back, ready to truly breed his father to the brink. Who knows, maybe if he fucked him hard enough dad could become all nice and round- like he was pregnant. Even if Childe knew that sadly couldn’t be.

.

[benji-writes]

Sammy, and I, and the Soda Pop Shop

Pairing: Sam Wilson x f!reader

Word count: 5.2k

Summary: Best friends since childhood, you and Sammy need to fall a part before you can come back together again. 

Warnings: hurt/comfort, mentions of death

Sammy and I always made time for the Soda Pop Shop. On the corner of Smock and Singleton, the Soda Pop Shop was a local institution. Across from Colby Cook Memorial Park, locals would pop in for a soda, a Pop Pop Burger, and a bag of Hot Hot fries. The Pop Hot Combo was not to be missed out on, and Sammy and I would get 2 orders of Pop Hots every Friday night, and head across the street to eat them at the picnic table by Magnolia Trees. They were a treat, and a sacred ritual from the time we were kids till the time he left. 

Wednesday nights we’d sit at our favored booth in the Soda Shop and order Slush Puppies – Green Apple and Grape. Sometimes we’d sit at the counter stools and talk to Mama Nell, who had owned the shop and worked behind the counter as long as anyone could remember. Nobody had a lot of money where we came from, but Sammy always took care of me. He’d buy our slushees and our Pop Hots. He’d do extra chores around the house when we were kids, hoping to get a few extra dollars to spend. When we were older, I’d see him mowing lawns or running errands for the neighbors. I could never understand why he did it. I had an allowance when we were little, and as a teenager I babysat the younger kids in the neighborhood. I could easily have bought my own food, but that was just who Sammy was. 

I tried everything I could to show Sam how much he meant to me. I’d bring him breakfast to school in the morning, even when he told me not to. His favorite was always the blueberry bagels. I’d leave him notes in sidewalk chalk on the pavement outside his house. I cut the strings off the community center yo-yos and braided them together to make us matching friendship bracelets. Sammy and I never took them off. Not ever. 

For birthdays and Christmas’s, I’d save up everything I could. I’ll never forget the look on his face when I gave him tickets to what would become our first concert. Or the Christmas after his sixteenth birthday, when I bought him a video camera. 

The best gift I ever gave Sammy though was the day before he left for the Air Force. It was years of photographs, mementos, flowers. All those special things that I’d saved over the years. I had never been so nervous. 

We’d gone out that night to the Soda Pop Shop. Everyone came by to see him: to say goodbye, to reminisce, to laugh and laugh, and to cry. 

Mama Nell told wistful stories about Sammy. She lived in the house next door, and had watched me and Sammy play in the streets, and run around the park since we were practically in diapers. She had watched us grow up, always made time to ask us how school was going, and what our plans for the weekend were. Gave us free slushees whenever she could sneak us one without the other customers noticing.  

When the night wound down, and even Sam’s family had made their way home, Sammy and I were still sat in our booth by the window. Just sitting there. Quiet. Unwilling to go home. It was then, with the tables up on the chairs, and all the stores on the block closed for the night, that Mama Nell came over and sat down with us. She placed two orders of Pop Hots down, alongside a Green Apple and a Grape Slush Puppie. We’d hardly eaten a thing all night, too caught up in everything to even think about it. Just grabbing a handful of fries, or an onion ring off of somebody else’s plate. 

The food was still steaming. We hadn’t ordered anything, but somehow Mama Nell knew we were hungry. Not just for food, but for more time. For this moment together. For one last Pop Hot before everything changed. 

She sat for a second, all of us just there in the still of the moment, food in front of us waiting to be eaten when she said, “Kids. I’ve never seen anything quite like the two of you,” She took a deep breath, and shook her head. “Won’t be the same round here.” 

With that, she dropped the keys on the table and stood. She was walking towards the door, not even looking at us, “Lock up when you kids are ready. Just drop the key in the mailbox.” 

And then she was gone. Just me and Sammy, alone for the first time all night. On the precipice of a brave new world. One we would have to face alone. 

I was the first to reach for my food. We ate quietly, but together. Sammy would be gone in only a few hours, uncertain as to when we would get to see each other again. 

When I was done eating, Sammy was still making his way through the last of his fries. Eating slow, trying to make it all last. It was then that I finally spoke.

“Hey, Sammy?” It came out quieter than I wanted it to. He didn’t look up. Just kept eating. 

“Sammy?” I said louder this time, and he shoved another fry in his mouth. 

“Sam.” That got his attention. I never called him that.

“Don’t call me that, baby.” He whispered so softly. The way he called me baby made my heart fold in on itself. 

“Then look at me,” I ordered. And he did. A moment went by where we just looked at each other. “I have something for you. I want you to have it.” He wiped his hands off with a napkin and pushed the food wrappers aside while I reached into my bag to pull his present out. It was wrapped delicately in glittery tissue paper. I placed it in front of him, and he looked at it so seriously. And with such care, and the gentlest of hands, he undid the tissue paper. 

A black scrapbook. Nothing on the cover to indicate what would be on the inside. Ever so carefully, he flipped open the cover to see a picture of us two as kids, hugging and smiling for the camera. Underneath, in my handwriting, read the words “ The Adventures of Sammy and I.”

I saw his jaw clench tight. As he flipped from page to page. Picture strewn across each of them, little notes along side. 

“Wishing well we found. Two pennies thrown in. I know what I wished for...”

 “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay. Watchin’ the tide roll away.” 

“Taken after Sammy saw his first pair of tits at Mardi Gras.” 

“Biker wannabe. Sammy during his leather jacket phase, leaning against the Soda Shop, trying to catch the babes.” 

“Prom. Sammy couldn’t get a date, so I figured I might as well take pity...” 

“Under the stars. Slush puppies in the summer time. Biggie on the radio. Nights were never better than this.” 

He ran his fingers across the pages. His eyes watered, but no tears would fall. He laughed at some of my descriptions. Let out a long sigh as he ran his hand down cream soda bottle tops, movie stubs, old sticky notes left for one another. The sun-wearing-sunglasses magnet from my school locker that he always made fun of. Magnolia petals that would fall from the tree and onto our picnic table. The fortune from a cookie he gave me that said “Believe it can be done.” 

Precious artifacts that wove together the story of our friendship. Of our everything. 

“Y/N... baby, I-“ the words caught in his throat. 

“I know, Sammy. I know” I grabbed his hand from across the table. 

He looked up at me. I didn’t know what he was thinking, but I had a feeling it was about all the things we’d left unsaid. All the things that would stay unsaid. 

“You’ll stay safe out there, won’t you Sammy?” The words came out like a prayer. 

“I’ll always come back to you.” 

We sat in the park that night. Stayed out till he had to leave for basic training in the morning. We walked to the bus together. His mom and sister were already waiting there with his bag. He hugged them so tight. His mom wept. His sister pretended not to. He took a deep breath, and refused to let his chin wobble. That was my Sammy, alright. Brave face. Always trying to take care of everyone but himself. He hugged me last, shoved his head right into the crook my neck. He breathed in deep, as if he wanted to savor every piece of this last moment. As if he knew things would never be the same. He kissed my forehead, “I love you.” 

I so badly wanted him to mean it the way I meant it, “I love you too, Sammy.” 

He got on that bus, and as it pulled away a feeling settled. It was uneasy. It was empty. Something greater than loss, something more profound than grief. It was a feeling took root in the very fabric of my body. And I just knew I would never see Sammy again. 

And I didn’t. 

Not for many years. 

Not until today... 

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

Mama Nell didn’t have any kids of her own. No husband to speak of. Just a handful of scrappy kids that came in and out of her shop over the years. She’d helped us out when we needed it. There were months where we spent more time with Mama Nell than with our own families. She was special to us. Family. 

After Sammy left, I spent more time with Mama Nell than I did with anyone – more than my family, more than Sammy’s family. I would help do chores around her house, stuff she “couldn’t” do anymore: wiping baseboards, washing the woodwork, replacing sheets and blankets, scrubbing the tub, vacuuming, dusting, and so on goes the list. Really Mama Nell was just giving me a reason, a guise, to be over at her house all the time. I was helping out. And she enjoyed having the company. We’d play hours of scrabble, and I’d usually lose. I’d show her new movies (anything with Denzel was her favorite). According to Mama, “Men had no right lookin’ that good.” We’d gossip and chop onions, and tomatoes for the Shop. 

I would spend hours with Mama at her house. But I couldn’t bring myself to actually walk into the Pop Shop. Not alone. Not without Sammy. Not for a long time. 

It was probably six months after Sammy had left before I even considered going into the shop. It was eight months before Mama Nell convinced me to help her bring over some containers of vegetables.

 Nine months had gone by, without so much as a phone call from Sammy. Not a single letter of mine replied too. Even his mom had only talked to him on the phone a few times. Said there was a lot going on he couldn’t talk about. But I didn’t care if he couldn’t talk about what he was doing in the military. I just wanted to hear his voice, hear him say my name, or crack a joke. I wanted to tell him about how me and Mama Nell had gotten even closer, and that I missed him. I wanted to see his chicken scratch handwriting, where you needed context clues to tell if he was trying to write a “g” or an “s.” I just wanted him. Something. Anything. I felt like a dog, begging for even the smallest of scraps. But nothing ever came. Any updates I got were passed on by his mom. He was supposed to come home after a couple of months, but he never did. And that feeling I had felt in my stomach the day he’d left, from the moment he stepped on that bus, only grew deeper and deeper. It became more. I was sick to my stomach with the knowledge that my Sammy was gone. 

It was his birthday – just over nine months after Sammy had left – that I really went back to the Soda Pop Shop. I sat down. Alone at our booth. Everything felt too still. Too quiet. The place was closed, but Mama Nell had long since given me a key, not that I’d ever really needed it before. Part of me still wonders if she knew this day would come. Where I’d need to finally have this moment. 

I sat in our booth, like we normally would. I made myself a Pop Hot, just the way Mama had taught me. I poured a Green Slush Puppie. I fiddled with the bracelet on my wrist. 

I ate alone. 

The next day, I started working behind the counter with Mama.

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

“How was school today, Andy?” I asked from behind the counter, handing him a chocolate shake. 

“Stupid.” It came out all mumbled, and huffy, the way it always does when kids are asked about school. 

“You’re not getting picked on are you, honey?” I couldn’t help but worry about him. It was hard not to worry about the kids that came in and out of here. 

He took a long deep breath, “No... it’s just stupid, and I hate math, and it’s almost summer. So it’s just stupid.” 

He took a sip of his milkshake, and shrugged his shoulders. I nodded, because I remember what that was like. Me and Sammy would sit in this very spot after school, and complain to Mama Nell about how dumb school was. And she’d nod along sagely. And then, if it was one of those rare quiet days, a day like today when no one was around, she’d give us both Pop Hots – on the house. 

“Well kiddo, how’s a Pop Hot sound?” I said smiling at him. 

“Amazing! But can you wrap it up for me? I gotta be home before Ma gets mad.” He put his elbow on the table, and rested his cheek on his hand, still sipping on the straw of his milkshake. 

“Sure thing bud, I’m getting ready to close up shop anyway.” 

A few minutes later, I was wrapping up his burger in foil, and throwing his fries in a baggie. Dr. Pepper was his favorite, so I pulled one out of the fridge and stuck that in there too. 

I handed him his bag, and he pushed the empty shake glass towards me, “Be good, alright. Stay safe on the walk home, and I’ll see you soon. Flip the sign ‘closed’ on the way out.” 

He thanked me and was almost out the door when I shouted, “Tell your mother I said hello!” 

“OKAY!” I heard him yell back, muffled as the door began to close in his way out.

He was a good kid. They all were. All the little ones that came running in and out of the shop. It was easy to see why Mama Nell always took to the little rugrats that came in and out of this place. 

I grabbed his glass off the counter and turned around to start washing. The dishwasher was already running for the night, so I turned the faucet on and waited for the water to warm. That’s when the door opened, the bell above it giving a little ring. 

“Sorry pal, we’re closed for the night.” I kept washing, but whoever it was didn’t say anything, and the bell hadn’t rung again so I knew they were still there. 

I let out a little sigh, shut off the faucet, and grabbed a rag to dry my hands. 

“I’m sorry but we’re –“ I turned around, but the words caught in my throat. My rag fell to the floor, and I lifted a hand to my face. 

There was no one I expected to see less. But there he was. Taller, more angular. He’d lost his baby face, and before me stood a man. He looked sharp, like he’d just been to the barber, and for all I knew, he had. He had on a button down, and a pair of jeans. Nice leather shoes. He was even more handsome than I remembered. 

But those eyes. Those eyes that had always been so soft and hopeful. They looked so tired. Worn. Aged.

Aged... because we had aged... it had been years. It had been fucking years since I saw him last. I long since made peace with the fact that I would never see him again. Not a word from him after he left. Not a letter replied to, not a question answered, not a sight to be seen. He never came home. He never wrote. He never called. Never passed a message along to his mother, never wanted to listen to the messages I asked his mother to pass along. None of it. He promised. He was my best friend – half of my whole, all I had ever wanted, and needed, and begged for from the universe in the late of the evening. 

When we had sleepovers, he would hold me so close. We’d wake up and eat cereal in bed and watch Looney Tunes, or Family Matters, or MTV. After our lucky charms, we’d share orange slices, and grapes, and hang out for hours. I’d go home that night, and pray. I was never religious, but something about Sammy always drove me towards the unknown. I didn’t know who I was praying too, who I was begging. But I was desperate for it to work. All I’d ever wanted was my Sammy. It was always just Sammy and I, falling together in the Soda Pop Shop. 

But now... 

Now. I was angry. 

“Get out.” He looked down and nodded, but made no effort to move, “When my mom said I’d find you here, I didn’t really believe her. But when I dropped by your moms house, and she pointed me here, I figured it must’ve been true.”

“Get. Out.” The words came out through clenched teeth. 

But he just started taking steps toward me, “Listen... I know... I know what I did, okay? I know. But, baby-“ I

 cut him off, shaking my head, “Samuel.” 

That got his attention. His eyes shot straight up to mine. He looked at me for a minute. Then he nodded, real solemn, and stopped. “

I’m staying at my mom’s for a while.” 

I didn’t say anything. 

“I just... I wanted to see you.” 

My breath was shallow, “Well, you’ve seen me.” 

He shook his head, and said “Can you at least tell me where I can find Mama Nell? I figured she’d be here too.”

 I looked down, unable to believe my own ears. It was too much, it took everything in me not to break down as I said, “Luling Cemetery. Row 46, 18 down from the Oak tree.”

He didn’t say anything, just looked at me for a long while. Then he sniffled, looked down, shook his head, and shook it some more, before he turned around and kicked a chair. 

“What the fuck, Sam!” I walked out from behind the counter, and picked up the chair he’d kicked over, but he just kept walking. Walked right to our old booth. Sat in his old seat. Covered his mouth and cried. Sobbed, and sobbed, and sobbed. And I stood by the chair, I’d just picked up before I took a real deep breath. 

I was mad at Sammy. Mad didn’t even begin to describe it. Heartbroken, and infuriated, and in so much pain. But somehow he hadn’t known about Mama Nell. How hadn’t he known? 

I had written him letters after she died. Pleaded with him, please come home. I had never known such depths of emptiness. I had lost my Sammy, and I had lost the woman who had taken me under her wing, and showed me how to live for myself. I felt like I had nothing left to give. At first I just asked him to write me back. 

“Just write me back, Sammy. That’s all. Just this once.”  

Then I asked him to call. 

“Just let me hear your voice, Sammy. I just need to hear your voice, Sammy. I don’t know what to do anymore.”

Then I asked him to come to the funeral. 

“Sammy, we have to bury her. Sammy, please. Please, Sammy. I need you here for this. I can’t do this on my own. I love you, and I need you now. I need you, Sammy. Please. Please, Sammy. Please come home.” 

Then I broke down. 

“Sammy... Please Sammy... We read the will today. 

She gave me the Shop Sammy... I own the Shop.” 

He never replied. Didn’t attend the funeral. Why didn’t he come? Why wasn’t he there? How didn’t he know? 

I let him cry for a while. Figured he needed it. Just finished cleaning up, and put all the chairs up on the tables. I walked back around the counter, and filled a glass with water, grabbed a box of tissues from underneath the back counter, and headed over to sit. For the first time in so many years, I sat across from Sammy at our old booth. It didn’t feel real. 

I pushed the water towards him, placed the box of tissues next to it, and let him cry it out. 

I’d never seen Sammy like this, not in all our years. I’d seen him shed tears, I’d even seen him cry a little. But sob? Never in my life had I seen him just weep. He looked like a little kid. But more than that, he looked like a broken man. 

When he started to breathe a little more evenly, and had wiped his face dry, I finally spoke. 

“Oh, Sammy,” I whispered. “How could you not know?” 

He shook his head. Closed his eyes, “No one ever... No ever told me. My mom she didn’t... Why didn’t you write me?” 

He sounded crushed, a devastation in his voice that felt so foreign coming from his mouth.

 “Sammy,” I was absolutely reeling, “I wrote you so many times. Sammy I wrote you for years before I stopped, and when Mama Nell died, I wrote you over and over and over. I... I begged you to come home, Sammy.” It all came out like such a broken whisper. 

He looked at me real hard, “No.” 

“Yes, Sammy. I did.” 

“No.” 

“Yes.”

“No,” He was running his hands through his hair. “No you didn’t. I got three letters from you, right in the begging. And yeah, I was an ass for not replying, but I already felt so guilty for leaving, I just didn’t know what to say. But then they stopped. Hard stopped. So don’t tell me you wrote me for years, because it was radio silence from you.” 

I couldn’t believe my own ears, “Sammy, I wrote you hundreds of letters. Hundreds, Sammy.” 

He shook his head, “I don’t... I don’t understand.” 

“Sammy, are you telling me you didn’t get my letters?” 

“Just three. I...” He shook his head, having a hard time trying to process everything. “Pretty early on they pulled me. They were starting a new program, and I was one of the guys they wanted to train for it. I was always asking them if I got any mail. Only thing they ever gave me came from Mom. Eventually I just stopped asking. I never thought...” 

We were quiet a while. Neither of us really knowing how to handle this information.

 “I promised you I’d write...” I finally got out. 

“ I know,” He said. “I know.”

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

Sammy stuck around after that, just like he said he would. He stayed with his mom, and started going to meetings at the VA, trying to process what had happened to him. To us. To Riley, and Mama Nell. 

He told me not long after he came back. He was helping me clean up one night. He’d been helping out around the shop whenever he could. It was so strange to turn around and see him again. 

He walked behind the counter, everyone gone, and only sweeping left to do, and poured himself a big grape Slush Puppie.  

He took a loud sip, “Oh man.” 

Then another “Mmm mmm mmm. I forgot how good these were.” 

I couldn’t help but smile, “Yeah, it’s been a while since I had one myself.” 

As soon as the words were out my mouth his cup was left to sit on the counter, and he was turning around to pour me one. A green apple Slush Puppie just waiting for me. He held it out to me like a present. Like a peace offering. 

“Come on baby, you’ve done enough sweeping. Get on back here and sip.” He was so confident it made me roll my eyes. 

But I listened. Walked over, hopped up onto a stool, and let Sammy serve me. He watched as I took the first sip, and as soon as that cool icy slush hit my tongue, I closed my eyes in sweet bliss. It was so much sweeter than I remembered. The kinda sweet only a kid could like. But it tasted like good memories, and I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for that. 

After a minute or two he said, “I got in contact with my colonel, y’know.”

 I took another sip, “Oh yeah?” 

“Yeah,” he said. “Told him that I was looking for some letters... Since I’m out now, he said he might as well tell me. Since it was such an experimental program. Something kept under wraps, no one got letters from anyone but immediate family. They have boxes for each of us. So he sent over mine.” 

I didn’t know what to say, “Sammy...” 

He just continued on, “So I finally got your letters,” He took a long shaky breath.  “Baby... baby I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” 

“It wasn’t your fault, Sammy.” 

“You promised you’d write. I should’ve fought them harder on it.” 

“It’s not your fault, Sammy. You hear me? It’s not your fault. None of it Sam.” I hoped he could hear what I was telling him. He’d told me about Riley that first night. He’d just lost him, and then to find out about Mama Nell like that. It was all too much. 

And I’m a reasonable person. Logical, and understanding. I understood that what happened between Sammy and I wasn’t entirely either of our faults, and that most of it was out of our hands. I spent so many years, with so much anger inside of me. So much grief. And don’t get me wrong, I was still angry. Just not at Sammy anymore. 

“Baby...” he said, shaking his head. 

“Sammy. It’s not your fault.” 

He reached for my hand across the counter, and I let him take it. 

“I got your letters. So,” he said reaching into his back pocket. “I wrote you a reply.” 

He sat the envelope carefully down in front of me, one hand still clutched to mine. I stared at it. A letter I’d waited for for so long. A letter that finally arrived. 

But when I looked up at Sammy, who sat watching me with anxious, awaiting eyes, I found myself asking him something, “Will you read it to me, Sammy?” 

His face froze up. I saw him swallow, “Read it to you?”

And somehow his nervousness made me more confident, more desperate to hear the words come from his mouth, “Yeah, Sammy. Will you? Will you read me your letter?” 

He looked very uncertain. 

“Please, Sammy?” I whispered. 

He closed his eyes, “Okay.” 

He was being brave, and I knew it. Loved him for it. He ran his thumb across my knuckles. Then all at once, that warmth was gone and he was reaching for the envelope. 

He took a moment to himself. Just slight shook his had, as if to ask himself what am I doing? And then, ever so softly, he began to read. 

“Dear baby... 

I got your letters today. Reading them made me homesick. Made me miss Mama Nell and the Shop. But really it made me miss you.” 

He paused, and took a deep breath. The words were sincere, but they sound unnatural coming out of his mouth. They were words he never dreamed he’d say aloud.

“I wonder where the time has gone. Reading all your letters, it makes me feel like no time has passed at all, but there’s been so much lost between now and then.

 I’m sure it sounds dumb. God knows most of the things that come outta my mouth are. But I’d do anything to never be a part from you again. And I know, I know, that so much has happened. Things have gone wrong, and I’ve changed, and you’ve changed. I know we’ve grown up, but I think about tomorrow and it hurts to imagine you not being there...” 

He cleared his throat, “I want you to know that I never stopped loving you. I’ve always loved you, and not a thing that comes between us could ever change that. 

All I know is that I want to learn you all over again. Learn who’ve you grown into. I miss talking to you, and holding you. I miss sneaking kisses on your cheek, and tucking you in when we’d fall asleep watching Good Times. 

I want to earn those times back. I mean it when I say I love you. I’ve always loved you, and no matter how many times I’d try to pick up chicks at the mall, I always belonged to you. 

I never knew if you could see how much I loved you. Or if you, like me, couldn’t see past your insecurities. I think I know now. I wish I could find more words to tell you. But I hope you feel it, baby. I need you to. 

I love you. I miss you. Write back soon. Your Sammy.”

He was quiet for a long while after that, and so was I. We sat together, in the silence, sorry for ourselves and all the time we’d lost. I’ve never been more grateful for anything than all the newfound time we’d have together. 

And all at once, I was out of my seat and holding on to, Sam, his arms wrapped around me, and he picked me up to place me on the counter. He stepped between my legs, and just held me, trying to get closer, as if we didn’t become one entity in that very second, we would be torn a part forever. 

It felt good. But more than that it felt right. And now that I had this again, I would never let go. Not ever. No. From now on, it was just gonna be me and Sammy. I loved him so much. And I could feel it in my very bones, just how much he loved me. We had a long road ahead of us, but with him by my side, I knew we’d make it. Just me and Sammy. Just Sammy, and I, and the Soda Pop Shop.

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

A/N: 

Hey guys! 

Been gone a super long time, probably a little over a year now. But I’ve been reading some fanfiction recently, I’m in a super positive and loving relationship, and overall, just got inspired and wanted to write again! Wrote this for myself really, just to get some creative juices out, and I’ve been sititng on it for a while. I have a feeling I’ll be writing more soon, and I’ll be sure to share. 

Also thanks to everyone who continued to read my work, even during my very lengthy absence, and like/reblog/comment. I promise I’ve seen them, and they have warmed my heart like nobody’s business. I love you all so much, and am so grateful. 

[avversiera-writes]

'till death do us part - chapter 1 [tobirama senju/you]

Chapter 1 - Allegiances

Summary: In which Madara leaves the village right after you break the news of your engagement to Tobirama, and you are left with the easiest decision to make. 

Words: 3.4k

A/N: I know I promised to write their meeting, but this whole part of the series just would not LEAVE MY MIND AND SO HERE WE ARE....pls enjoy, and thank you for reading lols. 

Also available in AO3.

If someone were to tell your past self that in the near future, you will end up betrothed to the second Senju brother, you might have laughed at their face and patted the person on their back for the effort of making such a joke. There is  no way that socially inept bastard had managed to woo you and make you fall for him. Sure, you can be flirtatious and you think you can get anyone with your vibrant charms. 

 But to have one of the founding fathers of the very village you reside in fall for you, and you, to reciprocate. There was just  no  way. 

 However, that is your reality now. Here you are, wearing his ring, his promise to you that he will be your companion for the rest of your life. You now have someone who will fight for you just as hard as you will fight for them. You have dreamt of a place to accept and love you, and you have found it in him.

 You have broken the news to Madara first, as he is a good friend of yours, but his reaction was not something you expected. He fell into silence, instead of making fun of you and badmouthing your Senju fiance. That would have been the Madara you knew. 

“Are you happy with him?” Madara asks, his eyes narrowed and somber towards the horizon. He finally breaks his silence after you bring him the news of your engagement. 

 You look towards the horizon as well, trying to determine what Madara is trying to find. You sigh, not liking this Madara, who seems to be dead set on accomplishing whatever he is conjuring up in his mind. You know that he and the Shodaime Hokage have been at odds these days, and with Tobirama, the man you are now betrothed to, being in the middle of the disagreements, a middle ground will not be reached, unless it will benefit the village above all under his terms. 

 You are not privy to what they have been arguing about, though you are sure that it has been about the Hokage seat or their differing opinions of peace. Many years have passed since the village has been established and with it, its leader, but it does not mean that it has been spared by power plays, especially when the village houses many prominent clans. Though, this has been foreseen by Tobirama, since the village is still young. 

 As observant as you are, you try to catch what Madara is thinking about, but the friend and mentor you have known for a long time is gone, and before you, is a stranger. He seems to brood even more than the man you intend to marry. 

Instead, you let his question hang in the air. 

 “You deserve better you know,” Madara reminds you for the hundredth time. 

 “I am happy with him,” you tell him sincerely. “I wouldn’t have said yes.” 

 Madara cracks a small, strained smile at that. “Really? You are smart, considering that marrying into the Senju clan will make sure that you live a prestigious and a comfortable life.” 

 Your face heats up. “Madara, you know that I love him.” You confess and you look down at your sandals which are becoming increasingly more interesting than anything else. “More than I like to admit.”

Madara nods, his face suddenly back to its calculating mask. “Is it too late to change your mind?” His voice is cold and distant, and it makes your stomach curl. "I could show you a whole different world, one where dreams can run wild without pain." 

 You roll your eyes and try for a more light-hearted tone, but it is clear that there is no salvaging this conversation. “My husband-to-be may be a prick, but I know where I stand, heart and mind-wise.” Your forehead wrinkles, still processing what he had just said to you. "I have everything I need and could ever want."

 Madara seems to be disappointed after hearing this from you, but you cannot pinpoint why. You wish that he can just come clean, and you want to reassure him that you will not judge him, but so much time has passed. Whatever Madara has decided, he is determined to follow through it. 

 So you let it be. You let him go. 

“Congratulations. Be happy,” Madara tells you, and he leaves you, just as the sun dips low into the horizon to sleep. “Though you have to remember that you can no longer stay impartial to any sides with him. You side with him, and you are now against me.”

 You turn around to watch him go, and you do not call out to him. You ignore the prick of hurt in your heart from watching his back fade into the shadows.

 You never got to say goodbye. 

//

The days following Madara’s defection were a blur. You are aware of Tobirama hounding around his brother more than usual, and the sudden loss of the Uchiha clan’s leader has the village in uproar. You are left to your own thoughts, replaying your last conversation with Madara and trying to figure out if you could have stopped him, but you knew deep in your heart that Madara is gone, and that whatever you could have said that night would not change a thing. 

You also keep busy with your Genin team, training them so that they can survive the upcoming Chuunin exams. You spar with them, and hone their teamwork until the end of the day, when you have made sure you have tired them out for good. Tomorrow will be the same, but you find yourself unable to look forward to it. Everything has become a chore, even teaching, which you thoroughly enjoy. 

 You feel sorry to your students, but you vow to shake off this stupor by tomorrow. These children deserve better. 

“Go home and rest,” you tell them as the four of you walk out the training ground. “Eat lots of breakfast. Don’t skip it.” 

 Miura Mieko glances at you, a silly grin on her face despite her fatigue. “Congratulations on your engagement to Lord Tobirama, sensei.” 

 The other two, Kai and Taiyo, glanced at each other in surprise. 

You pretend to frown at Mieko. “Wherever did you hear that?” 

 Mieko giggles and elbows you in a friendly way. You let her, since you are not really the formal kind of sensei. “Oh come on, sensei! It’s so obvious! You have a ring! And you two have been making eyes at each other for a while now.” 

You roll your eyes, unable to help the blush creeping up your neck. “Eh…” 

 The three of them offer more enthusiastic congratulations and harmless threats to invite them to your wedding, and when you finally accept and promise to have them attend, your students leave you alone. 

 It did not occur to you how much you immediately needed the noise and the distraction until you are alone with your thoughts, and the sky is darkening, reminding you of Madara and his dark, pensive eyes. You tell yourself that his defection is not your fault, that there are other problems surrounding him that pushed him to his decision, though it feels like you had a hand in it.

 “You let your students talk to you like that?” A familiar, rough voice interrupts your thoughts and you look up to find just the man you have been longing for the past several days. 

Tobirama’s red eyes scan your face, and you stop in front of him, exactly two steps away. 

 You watch his face, trying to reconcile your feelings of your adoration for him and your slight resentment for his politics. You are not unaware of his sentiments towards the Uchiha clan, and a part of you has been wondering whether he had the hand that pushed Madara to his decision. However, this can be easily cleared up through communication. 

Tobirama’s eyes narrow slightly, cluing you in that he knows what you are thinking. “If you are wondering, I did not force Madara to leave. He made that decision himself.” 

 “He was my friend and my mentor,” you say, biting your lip. 

 Tobirama nods. “I know.” 

 You make out the tired lines on his face, and you smile softly. You also know another person who also considers Madara as his friend. “How is your brother?” 

 Tobirama presses his lips together for a moment, and then he sighs tiredly. “He did not take it well. He is in a very depressed state. He blames me.” 

You close the distance between the two of you, and Tobirama almost flinches, but when you take his hand to hold it in yours, he freezes, unsure of what to do. 

 You wait for his response, and your patience is rewarded by a tender squeeze. 

“What about you?” You murmur. “I worry about you.” 

 “I am alright,” he replies evenly, but you know him enough that he is not what he claims to be. His shoulders droop, and his eyes are stormy–a sign of his racing mind. 

 Slowly, so that he can see, you put your hand on his cheek and trace the red stripe that he had tattooed there in his youth with your thumb. “What are you going to do now?”

 Tobirama leans into your touch, and your heart warms at the sight. “Make sure that the village survives this...that my brother gets over it.” 

“You know that I am with you, right?” You remind him. “Whatever it is you do, I will back you up.” 

 Tobirama gives you a small smile, one that lightens up the dark expression of his face. "I am relieved to know that. I know that it is hard for you as well." 

The night finally settles, and the two of you begin to walk to the direction of your apartment. In your silence, you catch glimpses of Tobirama’s face, and you sense that, as always, there is a lot going on in his mind that he can barely speak of. It took years to get closer to him like this, but you are not a mind reader. 

 You have a feeling that this is a lot harder on him, as he sees himself responsible for his brother. Not only does his brother blame him, he also does to himself. 

 Once the two of you get settled in the warmth of your home, Tobirama silently prepares a simple dinner and tea, while you clean yourself up from the day’s work. You hear him move about, and despite your heavy heart, you cannot help imagine that this will be your life with him soon, and that the two of you will be under one roof. 

 Fresh and newly showered, you watch him set up the dining table. Your eyes wander from his broad shoulders and to his rolled up sleeves, and when he catches you looking, you make a beeline towards a chair without making any more eye contact. 

“So,” you begin awkwardly. 

 “So,” Tobirama repeats. Then, he sighs and rakes his hand through his hair. He sets down a plate in front of you and walks towards your window. “Did you know that my brother was going to make Madara the Hokage when this village was first established?” 

You cross your legs and pick up a piece of his cooking. “No.” 

 “I objected,” Tobirama continues and he started to pace, his demeanor agitated. “And instead, pushed for my brother to be the Shodaime.” 

 “And then?”

 “My brother wants Madara to be his successor, and I objected again.” Tobirama stops and he stares at his feet. “I did not force Madara to leave, but I may have played into his decision...but this village will not last if Madara is to rule. He is power-hungry, and he will destroy what we built here. No man with his eyes rooted from the power of strong emotions can ever be Hokage.” 

 You turn away from Tobirama and you close your eyes. You hear Madara’s words to you before he has left, and you realize that they ring true. 

“You may not see it, but Madara is filled with hatred. I will always make decisions that are best for the village, and while I do admit I have been hard on the Uchiha clan, I never once wanted to drive him away from the village. Besides, I do want them in the village, and want them to utilize their abilities so that it benefits it.” 

 “I know my ways have not been agreeable, even to my brother,” Tobirama trails off. “And I am not exactly clean here, either. I did kill Madara’s last brother. If you are angry at me or if you want to blame me, it is okay.” 

You put down your utensils and you walk towards him. You do not care much for politics, but as Madara had told you before, you can no longer stay impartial to any sides as long as you stand with the Senju, and that means the village as well. Madara is no longer part of the village, and though you wished that he had stayed and worked out his differences with Hashirama and Tobirama, the simplest wishes are sometimes the hardest to make come true. 

 “Madara will always be my friend,” you tell Tobirama. “But I do not doubt your intentions for our village. We promised to do everything in our power to keep it safe.”

Tobirama watches you, hesitant to come closer. 

 “I do not resent you, if that is what you’re thinking.” Your lips curve up to show that you mean it. “If you are looking for ways to make me turn away from you, then you will have to try harder than that.” 

Tobirama releases a breath that you know he has been holding. 

 “Is that why you’re trying to explain yourself to me this way?” You question, raising an eyebrow. “By telling me you are a killer?” You lower your voice. “Tobirama, who isn’t a killer here? Even I have shed blood.” 

Tobirama flinches when you put your hands on his face. He looks down, but you catch his gaze as quickly as he evades you. 

“You were at war, and now there is peace,” you tell him. “I know you feel responsibility for your brother’s feelings.”

 “He hates me.”

 “He will never hate you. You are his brother and his trusted advisor.” 

Tobirama’s forehead wrinkles. 

 "Just because your brother is mad at you, does not mean you have to make me mad at you too. Stop trying to make the people around you hate you." 

 "That may be the only way to do things around here. It makes the hardest decisions easier to carry."

"Stop," you plead with him. "Tobirama, I do not blame you." 

 “Why?” Tobirama queries, his eyebrows raising in suspicion. “I do not believe that you are agreeing with me just because we are to be wedded.” 

 You drop your hands from his face and take a deep breath. “Because I knew him. Because I knew that Madara had made his resolve that night. He said goodbye to me on the night he left.” 

 Tobirama peers at the window and stares at the moon hanging low above the village rooftops. “For what it is worth, I really did not know he intended to leave.” 

 You hear the tone of apology in his voice, and that is as good as it gets. “Me too.” 

You share a moment of silence, letting your conversation change its course. You are relieved that you two manage to talk out your feelings and find that your point of views are quite similar, but you are aware that there are other things on Tobirama’s mind. You know that he cares a lot more than he lets on, and you can only wait and see what he does to show it. 

You do not blame him, because you still feel guilty towards Madara, for not taking the time to know what he meant to do, or to ask what he was thinking. 

 Tobirama clears his throat, and you turn your head towards him. “It will only get harder with me, from here on out. I would like you to be by my side, but you must be aware that there are difficulties packaged alongside my presence.” 

 “You underestimate me too much, Senju Tobirama,” you smirk. “I am quite tired of that.” 

 “You can still walk away,” Tobirama’s face schools into a more neutral expression, but you know that this is him preparing for any kind of rejection from you.

You place your hand on his arm and squeeze it gently. “There is no place I would rather be other than to be by your side.” 

 Tobirama's breath catches and he looks away from your gaze. The tips of his ears are pink, indicating that he has grown shy. It is not like your answer will be different, but sometimes, Tobirama has a tendency to think that he does not deserve to receive any affection from you. He usually inches away when you have taken a step closer, never certain how to react. Here is a man who has made so many decisions without as much as a blink of an eye, but he becomes flustered in front of you and gets surprised when you offer him your hand, or kiss his cheek. 

 "What?" Tobirama grunts out, sounding irritated than he means to be. 

 You duck your head away to hide your smile. "Nothing." 

 Tobirama sighs. "You're making fun of me."

 "How do you know? You're not a mind-reader."

 "Yes, but I can usually deduce what a person is thinking." Tobirama crosses his arms and he scowls. "Stop taking my confessions lightly. You have already laughed at me when I asked for your hand. Do you intend to laugh at me at the altar when we are about to be wedded?"

  You giggle. "What are you so wind up for?" You lean closer into his space, and the smirk fades from your mouth. Your eyes narrow, and in an act of courage, you grab his collar to pull him closer to your face. 

 Tobirama's eyes widen for a fraction, and then they harden immediately. His jaw tightens, and his shoulders tenses up. "Stop being ridiculous."

 However, Tobirama does not pull away. He stays still, and the rest of his body flexes tightly in order to hold his current position of towering over you.

 "But we haven't even gotten to the best part yet," you murmur, and you feel yourself drawn towards his lips. "You cannot even gain an inch when I become serious."

  Even though you had the confidence to act this way, you cannot help but feel your heartbeat in your fingertips. The anticipation of his next move makes you light-headed, and again, you wait patiently. 

 "That is because you never let me," Tobirama surrounds an arm around your waist and embraces you against his body. 

 You reach for the elegant arch of his eyebrow and gingerly trace it with a smile, and then, you meet his eyes to hold his gaze. 

  If someone were to tell you that the man before you was the one who won your heart, you would have gotten a kick out of that, but here is your reality. Despite your disagreements from time to time, the both of you had always prized the village more than anything, and you trust that Tobirama’s will is in a good place. 

 Madara may have been right about one thing, but you see a great man who has the ability to make dreams happen, who will stop at nothing to ensure that there are fallbacks to setbacks, who does as he says because he has weighed every possible outcome that can go wrong. 

He is the man who has made your dreams come true and has shown up time after time to prove that he is there to hold up his promises. Of course, you have chosen him, and you do not see yourself changing your mind. 

To be continued...

Chapter 2 - Union >>

buy me a coffee !

[5sos-seavey]

“PHASES” INSPIRED JJ FIC

it’s finally here after so long !! really hope you like it girl

- 

Phases - JJ Maybank

Warning(s): some swearing

Word Count: 2416 (without the lyrics)

Tags: @snarkystarkey, @maybe-maybanks, @baby-bearie, @mayibeyoursbanks, @katie-avery, @kaceyjost

A/N: I decided to not switch through points of view but just kept writing while the povs kinda sorta change, hopefully it makes sense as you read but it might be more of JJ’s pov since the song is from the guy’s pov ALSO if you’ve seen the music video for phases I guess it’s kinda gonna be like that lol

I know you’re tryna do you, but I heard you fell off.

After a couple bad nights, and 20 cold hearts.

Tryna find a new you, but I heard you got lost.

Tryna figure your worth.

What the hell does that cost?

You and JJ had been together for a little over a year when you told him that you thought you needed some space and wanted to figure out who you were and what you wanted. At first JJ was confused, he thought you loved each other and wanted each other. “Please don’t be upset with me,” you had said to him. “Y/N I just want you to explain it to me.” “JJ, we’re so young, and I’m not saying I don’t love you, because I do, I love you so much, but I have no idea who I am. I don’t want it to be 3 years down the road and we decide that we don’t want to be together. I know that we’re young, but I honestly think that we’re it for each other. I just don’t want us to end up as that, right person, wrong time, couple.” JJ was nodding along as you had spoke, “okay. I get that. Just, please don’t like, I don’t know, forget me, I guess? Because I love you and I want to be with you.”

When I’m kissing ya, grippin’ ya thigh.

I realized you were destined and meant to be mine.

But who am I to conflict with ya livin’ your life?

Just know when you call, I’m at the end of the line.

JJ knew you were the one. He just wanted to be with you. But he didn’t want to get in the way of you finding yourself, because he didn’t want you to be the, right person, wrong time. He thought of you as the, right person all the time, no matter what. He also would never want you to feel pressure to stay with him because he wanted you to. He also didn’t know what kind of space you wanted so he would sometimes text you, reply to your story, whatever. It broke you, but sometimes you just didn’t answer him. You knew this was hard for him, but it was hard for you too.

JJ: just checking in, how are ya?

y/n: im good jj, thanks.

y/n: i know it’s been a couple weeks and we’re both kinda struggling with this but idk if we should be texting and shit while we’re figuring how exactly to navigate this. and it also won’t help in any kind of growth. im sorry jj

JJ was beside himself. He wanted to be there for you, but this was the one time you didn’t want that. He still thought it was important for you to know that he’s here for you.

JJ: i get that. don’t be a total stranger tho. if you ever need me or anything, i’ll be here

JJ never got a response to that message. But he knew, or at least hoped, you’d come to him if you ever needed.

I’ll practice my patience, while you’re getting wasted.

Till fate brings you home, I’ll wait through your phases.

You’ll shuffle through faces, like songs in your playlist.

Till fate brings you home, I’ll wait through your phases, phases.

It had been about two months since you asked for space and JJ was doing as well as he could be. He spent a lot of time at John B.’s to try and distract himself with John B., Ki and Pope. Even Sarah came sometimes. Sarah was surprisingly helpful actually, while his other three friends tried to steer clear of anything to do with you, Sarah wasn’t worried about bringing you up, “well she did say that she wanted to be with you right? Don’t look at it as a breakup because it’s not. And even if it does become one, which I highly doubt, it isn’t one yet.” JJ was shaking his head, “she’s seeing other people, she doesn’t ever talk to me and I know that I don’t talk to her either, but she asked for that. I don’t know Sarah, it’s hard not to treat it like a breakup.”

Ki started to agree with Sarah, “but JJ, she said she loves you; she just needs to know who she is. You don’t want her to resent you down the road.” JJ looked at Ki in shock, she never wants to talk about Y/N, she was always worried about upsetting JJ. He couldn’t argue with them, what they said made sense, and plus, you had been talking to those two more than you had been talking to him. And that was saying a lot because you only talked to the girls maybe once or twice a week, and you always tried to avoid talk of JJ because you didn’t want to be worried about how he may be feeling; he had said that he supported you in wanting to do this, so you were just going to stick to that.

It definitely did not help JJ’s worrying knowing that you’d go out and you’d be seeing other people, going on dates, doing whatever else you were going to do while you two weren’t together. He’d just have to wait on you, he wanted you to be as sure as he was.

Hittin’ all the right cues and you’re leaving your mark.

But I know that ain’t you, you’re just playing your part.

Tryna fit in them shoes, but you take it too far.

It doesn’t matter where it takes you, I’ll go wherever you are.

It had been four months now. You can’t lie, you missed JJ, but you can’t find yourself in four months just to go right back where you were before. Obviously not saying that going back to JJ would be bad, but it still seemed to early to go back to him now.

You’ve gone a quite a bit of dates, in the beginning, they were all one offs though. Two months ago you had met someone, things were going pretty well actually. You had gone on a few dates together, but you personally thought things had been moving too fast. When you brought it up though, it did not go well. You were told that you were “self sabotaging because you don’t want to be happy.” It goes without saying that you two were no longer see each other. Maybe you were self sabotaging, you definitely weren’t doing it on purpose though. You just always had a lot on your mind.

Since then, you’ve been going out a lot again, and surprisingly Sarah was joining you quite a bit lately. You had felt bad almost completely cutting off your friends just because they were also JJ’s friends. You just didn’t want it to seem like you wanted them to pick sides because ultimately, there were no sides. Right now Sarah was over at your place and you were waiting on the food the two of you had ordered before going out for the night, “so what’s the plan, Y/N?” “Guess we’ll just go to one of the bars or clubs downtown. Can you wing-woman me,” you asked her, lightly laughing. Sarah started slightly laughing along with you, “sure. But uh, and don’t take this the wrong way but, what if we just went out to have a good time tonight? If you meet someone, you meet someone. Don’t try to force finding someone.” You looked at Sarah thoughtfully, maybe she was right. The last few times you’d gone out, and with Sarah, she helped you find someone, and you’d gone on a few dates. Maybe tonight could just be more of a chill night out, “you know what, yeah, you’re right. Do you wanna call Kiara and see if she wants to join too?” Sarah was silent for a second while she stared blankly, “um, I actually don’t know if she’s free. I think she had plans tonight, uh, with the boys.” “Oh okay that’s fine, just me and you then,” you smiled at her. Sure you hadn’t seen Kiara in a while, maybe it was mostly on you, but sometimes it sucked, guess that’s what happens when you want a break from one of your friend’s best friend.

When I’m kissing ya, grippin’ ya thigh.

I realized you were destined and meant to be mine.

But who am I to conflict with ya livin’ your life?

Just know when you call, I’m at the end of the line.

I’ll practice my patience, while you’re getting wasted.

Till fate brings you home, I’ll wait through your phases.

You’ll shuffle through faces, like songs in your playlist.

Till fate brings you home, I’ll wait through your phases, phases.

I’ll wait, I’ll wait through your phases, phases.

I’ll wait, I’ll wait through your phases, phases.

For you, I’ll wait through your phases, phases.

I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait through your phases.

JJ could admit that these past few months had been hard, but what he hated to admit even more was that it was also getting easier. You never texted him and even Sarah wouldn’t talk as much about you to JJ either. She felt bad because she had started hanging out with you more and more and she didn’t really want it to seem like she was rubbing it in JJ’s face in any way. JJ did appreciate that Sarah was doing that for him, and he also appreciated that you had Sarah, he figured it must’ve been hard for you not being able to talk to any of your friends, but it is what you decided.

JJ didn’t really go out much, he didn’t enjoy it as much as he used to when he would go with you. John B. did make him go out a couple times, especially recently since Sarah was going out with you. Nothing ever happened when he went out, he mostly would just sit at their table and had a couple drinks. JJ was waiting on you.

I’m really tired of being soft spoken.

You got me broke, writing songs about you daily and it’s messing with my focus.

You fuck with him, but we both realized that he was bogus.

I’m the one for you, so why do I feel like I go unnoticed.

I’m talking more than clothes hittin’ floors.

I’m falling off track, but not the rack, like a chore.

Oh, look, another butterfly, I feel it in my core.

Even though you ain’t mine, it’s the fact that I’m yours.

It’s the fact that my life ain’t complete without yours.

It’s the fact that at night I be tryna ignore.

Catching overseas flights just to knock on your door, cause you put my planet in orbit.

Stargirl, your body’s so solar.

Promise you, baby, I’m sober.

Just wait till you give in and finally come over.

I can’t wait to tell you, “I told ya, I told ya, I told ya.”

It’s been about half a year without any contact from you, and JJ is going crazy. Not only that, but now he’s more stressed and worried than he was in the first two months. He didn’t think it’d be like this for this long. He thought maybe you could’ve even been friendly with each other but if you weren’t going to message him, he didn’t want to feel like he was overstepping and intruding on your space.

JJ was also frustrated though because he really, really, really thought you’d at least even tell him that you didn’t want to be together by now. But maybe if you hadn’t it was a good sign, right? He needed to know something though, even if it wasn’t him directly that was finding out.

JJ: Sarah, can I ask you for a favour?

Sarah: shoot

JJ: could you see where Y/N’s head is at rn? I’m kinda freaking out

Sarah: actually I can do you one better

JJ: ??

Sarah: she’s still figuring things out BUT she’s not confused about things as much and she thinks she knows what she wants

Sarah: before you ask tho, she didn’t tell me where she stands or what she’s doing. she probably figured you’d ask or I’d tell you, which I wish I could do

Sarah: I know you’re stressing, but hopefully it won’t be for much longer bc she’ll tell you something soon one way or another

Sarah: but I hope it’s in the way that you’re both happy and together :)

JJ: thanks Sarah, I really appreciate it

JJ: keep me updated if she tells you anything or you hear anything

Sarah: of course, same goes for you

Wow, at the beginning of all this, JJ definitely did not think Sarah would be like his saving grace through it all. She’s honestly been the most helpful and straightforward, making sure JJ was feeling all his feelings and not hiding from any of his friends. She wanted him to know that she was there for him, and so were the boys and Kiara.

I’ll practice my patience, while you’re getting wasted.

Till fate brings you home, I’ll wait through your phases.

You’ll shuffle through faces, like songs in your playlist.

Till fate brings you home, I’ll wait through your phases, phases.

I’ll wait, I’ll wait through your phases, phases.

I’ll wait, I’ll wait through your phases, phases.

For you, I’ll wait through your phases, phases.

I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait through your phases.

So much time has passed, and you knew now for sure, that you were ready to be with JJ. But since so much time had passed, with no contact at all, you weren’t sure how he still felt. What you did know was that you had to tell him everything you felt before because even though you knew you wanted to be with him, he needed to know that he wanted to be with you. There was not one bone in JJ’s body that didn’t want to be with you, but you didn’t know that.

Y/N: Sarah, do you know where JJ is?

Y/N: PLEASE DON’T TELL HIM IM LOOKING FOR HIM!!!!

Sarah: I won’t dw

Sarah: and he’s at John B.’s, we all are

Y/N: okay please all stay there

You were on your way to John B.’s and to say you were nervous was an understatement. You hadn’t seen any of them, other than Sarah, for half of a year. You just hope none of them changed their opinion of you and hated you now.

Y/N: I’m here, do you think you could try to get JJ to come out without telling him it’s me

You waited a minute until Sarah responded.

Sarah: he’s coming!!!

You waited on John B.’s front lawn and then JJ opened the door. You didn’t know what Sarah said to him to get him to come out, but he started looking around until he saw you, which caused him to do a double take. “Y/N? Wha-what are you doing here?” JJ started to come over to where you were standing. “I uh, I uh, wanted to see you. I-is that okay,” you were a lot more nervous than you thought you were going to be. “Yeah of course. Is um, something wrong?” “I guess that depends.” “Depends on what? You’re kinda worrying me.” “I have something to say to you. And I need to say it all before uh, any kind of decision is made.” “Oh um okay. Go ahead.” You took a deep breath and started.

“When I told you that I wanted to just take a break for a while, I said it was for me and to figure out who I was, which is partly true. I ended up realizing though, that wasn’t the only reason,” JJ tilted his head in confusion at you while you continued, “I realized that it was for you too. And yes, I know that it wasn’t your idea and you still supported me and the decision, but it was for you. It was for you through me. I wanted to make sure you were happy, I didn’t want you to regret being with me,” JJ opened his mouth to say something, but you stopped him, “I just wanna finish,” which he nodded at. “I didn’t want to end up being a burden on you and then have you resenting me in the future for who I was. And I know it sounds ridiculous, these scenarios that haven’t happened about problems you’ve never even voiced. But I guess I not only wanted to grow for me, but I wanted to grow for you, because I love you. I love you so much JJ Maybank.”

JJ had the biggest smile on his face as he pulled you into hug and then put his hands on either side of your face softly and kissed you. You swear you’d never been happier. JJ pulled away, both of you with the same goofy smiles. “I love you Y/N, so much. I’m just glad that we’re together again.” “Me too.” Then before JJ could kiss you again, you heard banging on the windows and when you and JJ looked, John B., Pope, Kiara and Sarah had all been watching through the window the whole time. You and JJ laughed while the four of them just cheered. “Let’s give em a show then,” and JJ pulled you into another kiss.

[mschrisaholic]

Hey love your stuff! I was wondering if you could do a Tom Holland imagine - idk like angst they have an argument over something maybe like they have a new baby and he not helping enough instead maybe going out. though it’s sad there is a happy ending like fluff. Thanks 😊 P.S your imagines really good, talent is amazing!

I’m tired.

TOM HOLLAND X READER

Tom’s not there for you and your new born son. You’re tired of being on your own most of the time.

(Kinda sad at the beginning, but definitely a happy ending!)

P.S.~

Thank you for the request!! I’m more than happy to take any requests haha.

English is not my first language, so please do forgive me if I make any mistakes, which I am so sure that there are some in my writing;)) Enjoy~~

My Masterlist

👆🏻my other works on Chris Evans & Tom Holland

Feel free to send me requests on Chris Evans or Tom Holland!!!

You were asleep on the couch with William, the 3-month old son of you and Tom in your arms, waiting for Tom to have dinner with you two after his meeting with the directors for his next Spider-man movie. You woke up when your son jolted, crying.

“Hey, hey, baby. Mommy’s here.” You rocked him back and forth to comfort him.

“Oh god, it’s 8 already. Poor Will must be hungry, right?” You talked to William with your baby voice, giving him a nose boop and he stopped crying slightly.

You stood from the couch and made a small groan once you felt the pain from you back and mostly from your shoulder. It must be because of how long you’ve held William in your arms. You’ve got the pain for weeks, considering that you’re the only one who’s held William here and there and got all the chores done.

You barely remembered when you fell asleep, all you knew was that you were watching Spider-Man: Homecoming with William. You play films of Tom whenever Tom’s out. You wanted to show him how great his dad is and be more familiar with Tom as he’s not always here. Playing the movies and listening to Tom’s voice from them make you feel he is here for you and let you feel less lonely.

You were getting ready to breastfeed William when you heard the sound of key clinging right outside the door, so you walked there instead.

“Daddy’s home!” You talked to William in your baby voice again and Willie giggled.

“Y/n, Will.” Tom entered the house and greeted you with kisses on your foreheads.

“I miss you so much, babe. You have no idea how tired I was. Could you hold Will when I go preparing to feed him? And then we can have dinner, I’ve got your favorite for tonight!” You said with a wide smile as you handed Willie to Tom and he took him hesitantly.

“Uh, love.” He said which made you stop you way to the island of the kitchen and turned around.

“I gotta go. I just come back to get my clothes changed as I sweat a lot from the fitting and I’m gonna have dinner with the cast. There’s something minor about the script that Jon wants us to talk about…"Tom said with an apologetic look.

You didn’t really know what to say, all you could do was just standing there and froze. You got everything planned for the night to be honest, you prepared sushi and other foods that Tom likes. You even took William’s nap time to bake some cookies, thinking that would lighten up Tom’s busy day. You’re thinking to have a chill night cuddling with Tom and William in his arms on the couch, watching whatever shows that are on the TV. But this plan was just like any other plans that you’ve made nights before, got cancelled with whatever plans that Tom got in advanced.

“Can’t it be discussed tomorrow?” You tried your best not to sound harsh, but you’re tired, really tired. You’re happy to see Tom being busy cause that means he’s one step closer to what he always wants, becoming an influential star. But meanwhile, you’re tired of waiting for Tom to be back till midnight, taking care of William on your own. You didn’t really have the chance to tell Tom about the pain on your back and shoulders. You literally didn’t know how long you could stand with the pain, physically and mentally. You just wanted him to be with you and William more.

“I don’t think so… I got meeting for my next project tomorrow, remember?” Tom said with much more sadness in his voice as he patted William’s back.

All you could do was nodding your head. You stared at the floor, figuring out what to say next. Suddenly, William burst out crying, just like he could tell Tom was leaving. Tom was startled to William’s sudden crying and rocked him back and forth, trying to comfort him.

“You better hurry up then.” You took William from Tom and kept your eyes on your poor little son, just because you wanted to hide those tears from Tom. You knew he’s feeling guilty and making him feel more guilty was the last thing you wanted to do.

“Love…”

“Just go and get changed. We’ll be fine.” You forced a smile to him.

“Say goodbye to daddy!” You waved William’s little chubby arm at Tom and he sighed.

“If you’re tired, don’t stay up to wait for me. I love you, y/n.” He pecked you on your lips and so did you.

“I love you, Tom. I’ll be waiting for you, as always.”

You breastfed Will as Tom headed upstairs to get changed. When he left, you didn’t bother to say goodbye to him as you knew you would break down crying, which was what you’re doing. You tried so hard not to let the tears drop down on Will’s cheeks. You’re always positive but not now anymore. Why couldn’t you just be a supportive wife for Tom and take good care of William when he’s working so hard for your little family?

When William finished his meal, it’s time for yours. You walked to the kitchen still having William in your arm, took out the sushi and cookies you’ve prepared. However, you didn’t feel like eating them anymore. You ditched them all in the trash can, tears brimming in your eyes. They’re supposed to be the dinner for you and Tom, but now you just didn’t wanna eat anything.

After putting William to sleep, you laid yourself down on the couch with the baby monitor in your hand. It’s just half past nine, which meant Tom’s not gonna be here any sooner. A familiar key clinging sound surprised you, you wanna stand up right away but your back was killing you, you could only sit and stand up slowly.

“Tom? Aren’t you supposed to be in the dinner meeting?”

Not till Tom could answer you, there’s a crying sound coming from the baby monitor.

“I’ll go get it, you stay here and rest, love.” Tom said and he headed upstairs to take care of William.

You looked at his back and got tears rolling down on your face. They’re happy tears this time. This was the life that you’ve waited for weeks, Tom was here to help you look after William while you could take a rest on the couch.

Tom got William with him when he was back downstairs. He held the dirty diaper in his free hand and threw it in the garbage can in the kitchen, where you’ve just got rid of the food that you’re prepared.

“Tom?” Tom sat down on the couch with you and you wanted to take William from Tom. However, you couldn’t help but frowned a bit when stretched out you arms. Tom noticed it and he shook his head.

“Once I left the house and got in the taxi, all I can think about is your sad face. You’ve tried so hard to hide your emotions from me and I’m so stupid to not notice it earlier.”

“You must be so disappointed in me. I’m always out and not helping enough…” Tom stared right at you eyes and both of you got tears brimming in your eyes.

“I’m not disappointed, Tom. I’m proud of you. You’re so talented, you’ve worked so hard and I’ve never blamed you. I just maybe, sometime, wish that you could squeeze more time for William, for me. I’m tired, tired of being all alone. I wanna have a life with you. Right now, seeing you holding William completes my life.” You felt much relieved once you told Tom what has bothered you for weeks.

“I know. I’m sorry, love. I promise, you and William will always be my 1st priority. Whenever you got plans for a chill night, you tell me and don’t you dare throwing away sushi and cookies that you made again. Will and I are the ones who are supposed to eat it. Oh, not you, little buddy, you gotta wait till you grow up. You could only got the milk from mommy now, which must be so nice.” You chuckled and smacked slightly on the biceps that he’s built up for Spider-man. Both of you helped each other wipe away the tears on your cheeks.

“You haven’t had dinner, right?” You said as you stood up from the couch, but then you realized it’s a huge mistake.

“Love, I’ve got your back! Ah hahaha, I literally mean it! I know you’re having trouble with your back and shoulders from holding Will for a long time. I did research on my way back. By research, I mean asking Mum.” He gently pulled you down on the couch and continued,

“I got some painkillers for you and you’re gonna take a day off from being a mum tomorrow. I’m gonna do everything, making meals, baking cookies, and all the chores. Well, there’s a thing that only you could do.”

“I know,” you knew what he meant of course,

“But how about your meeting tomorrow?”

“My wife is sick so I’m sick. Homesick.” He pouted like a kid, literally a grownup version of William.

“Idiot!” You said and wrapped your arms around Tom’s waist, giving William a peck on his cute, chubby cheek.

“Your idiot.”

[imjeralee]

Wallflower: Chapter 15 - Goodnight (NSFW)

Raihan x F!Reader

Disclaimer: Do not own Pokemon

Note: This is my first Pokemon fanfic. I hope you enjoy it :) Originally posted on Archive of Our Own.

Summary: You’re an unassuming Pokemon breeder who works at the nursery in the Wild Area and he’s Raihan, the fearsome gym leader of Hammerlocke who has more than a million followers. You don’t want anything to do with him but he’s…persistent.

Rating: Mature/Explicit

Warnings: Lemon, smut, violence, language. This chapter is very NSFW

GOODNIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT,

SWEET DREAMS, TILL MORNING LIGHT"

...

...

A few days ago, Unova.

"Tell me how you're feeling. And try to be as honest as you can."

"...Well, where should I start?" She says, fidgeting in her seat, ".....I've noticed that nothing makes me happy anymore. The things I used to like to do - I don't feel anything for them. It either feels like a chore or I can't bring myself to do it. In fact, I don't have the energy to do it and I don't know why. I used to have a lot of hobbies; I had pokemon, I trained them, I travelled all over Unova, but gradually those went away one by one and it's getting really out of hand. I mean, I can't even get out of bed somedays. It's affecting my work, my life... My best friend recently told me she's dating a gym leader and I helped her look up her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend online and it turns out she's a supermodel. My friend got really insecure and I told her she shouldn't compare or feel lousy about herself. But hell....look at me. Don't get me wrong! I'm not jealous. I just...well...I feel useless. Out of all my friends, I'm the only one who is still single. I feel so lost and confused and I don't know who I am anymore and I keep feeling like I'm such a failure and I don't know why I'm here. I-I mean I feel the world is better off if I'm not in it."

There is a silence following.

A very long silence.

"I think you're depressed." The counsellor says, writing some notes on her notebook.

"...Oh."

"Have you tried antidepressants?"

"No."

"Then let me prescribe you some. It'll make you feel better."

"Are there any side effects?"

"There are some, but you shouldn't worry about them. Is there anything else you want off your chest?"

"Um, I'm not sure, I think that's about it." She mutters, before she exhales silently, throwing her gaze to the floor. "Actually, I don't think I can do this. Sorry, I don't mean to waste your time but this isn't really my sort of thing. I should get back to work."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah." She picks up her bag and coat and thanks the lady, then leaves the counsellor's office hurriedly.

Well, she gave it a shot and it was pretty awkward. There really is far more to talk about, of course. Work sucks, her boss is horrible, her colleagues are backstabbing bitches, her pay is low. She's burnt out, exhausted - both mentally and physically. Her life is an endless loop - get up, go to work, go home, go to sleep - rinse and repeat...

There must be more to my life than this, right?

She walks down the street and stops at a pedestrian crossing; whilst waiting for the green Cacturne to appear, she takes out her phone and opens up a message that contains a picture of Leon, the Champion of Galar - her friend is trying to set her up with him. She hasn't officially met him yet because they're waiting for Opal to get the deets from Leon himself, and she forces out a laugh, wondering how things will change should they ever meet.

I guess this is the only good thing going on in my life right now. I can't afford to mess this up.

The green Cacturne appears and she slips her phone into her bag; she takes a few steps forward...and the sound of screeching brakes is the only thing she hears before a force slams into her from the side and everything goes black.

Present.

Espeon wakes up.

The front door is being unlocked. She sits upright, stretches in her basket and trots over, cocking her head to the side. On the frosted glass, she can see two shadowy figures and she can hear muffled conversation. It's her owner and her shiny new boyfriend. Espeon knows what this means and heads over to Goomy who is sleeping underneath a potted plant.

They're the only pokemon left in the lounge and Goomy wakes up after she prods him awake; Espeon meows once more just to get the message across. Goomy lets out an impossibly loud yawn before he inches to his pokeball, using a horn to push down on the button, returning to his capsule to sleep in peace. Espeon does the same, finding her capsule which is kept tucked near her basket and pressing down on the button.

She does this just in time when the front door finally opens and you step in with Raihan; he has his arms wrapped around you, pressing his lips over your neck heatedly whilst you close the door behind you. The living room is dark and you don't see your pokemon around - which means they're in their pokeballs and that's a good thing because you don't want them to witness this and also, they respect your privacy.

Reaching for the lights, you flip the switch and the lounge is lit up at once. You walk yourself and Raihan over to your sofa as he concentrates on applying light kisses over your jaw. You can pull the bottom of the sofa to turn it into a bed but Raihan plops himself down over a plush seat and pulls you into his lap, grinning up at you. You can only smile in return as he begins to remove your clothes, starting with your t-shirt whilst you begin to pull his headband and hoodie off.

Whilst Rose was admitted to hospital and Oleana, Leon and a few gym leaders accompanied him, you and Raihan gave some testimony to the police and then you were pretty much free to go.

The situation at the hotel is now under the control of the police and generally, everything's calming down now and returning back to normal therefore there’s no need to return. You didn't need to go to hospital either so you decided to go home and Raihan declined all interviews and photos with the paparazzi to go with you. Luckily, you weren't followed on your way back.

He hasn't been able to keep his hands off you and in the Corviknight taxi, he was tense, his hand never leaving your thigh. You were both throwing quick, somewhat flirty looks to one another from the corner of your eyes before your gaze would unexpectedly land to his crotch and his hand would slide up over your leg just an inch higher.

You wonder what might lie in store for you tonight as he was eager to get the both of you to a quiet and private place where you would be undisturbed. His home was really the closest option but you've both decided that he will spend the night at yours for a change.

And now that you're here, he wastes no time in getting the both of you naked as soon as possible.

As you kiss fiercely, he takes off your shirt and you have no choice but to break apart briefly so you can lift it over your head before tossing it to the ground somewhere and soon the rest of your clothes follow along with his. He pulls you back into his arms, his lips capturing yours in one intense kiss.

You’re wearing one of your sexy lingerie sets again which he appreciates as he occupies himself, running his fingers over the thin material of your panties and the black lacy cups of your bra although the garments are quickly pulled off your body in a few moments and before you know it, you're completely naked before him.

“Too bad you’re not wearing that dress I got you for the party,” Raihan mutters with a grin, “I was looking forward to ripping it off your body.”

You blush heavily in response as he looks at you from head to toe, using his hands to explore your body thoroughly. He caresses your ass and thigh and fondles your breast; he cups your plump mound in his palm then uses the tip of his thumb to brush over your nipple and tweaks it between his fingers and you gasp softly, closing your eyes as he leans forwards and feeds each of your breasts into his mouth, sucking your nipples keenly. You clutch onto his shoulders and dig your fingernails into his skin, holding him close to your bosom as he suckles and licks.

His erection nudges against your inner thigh, and you gently grasp his stiff organ and he hesitates as your fingers close around his length and begin to slowly pump. He sucks harder on your breast as you circle the tip of his arousal with your thumb and Raihan releases you with a wet pop, chuckling at your audacity.

Pulling you even closer to him, he begins to guide his aching member towards your entrance and you lift yourself off his lap slightly. He’s not using a condom this time and admittedly, it’s a better experience as long as you’re still on the pill. When he's angled himself properly, he eases himself inside you, prodding the tip against your folds and pushing them apart.

You're already wet for him and you let out a contented moan, biting down on your lip as he penetrates you with his engorged tip and slides all the way in and to the hilt, stretching your walls as much as possible. You lower yourself back down and he slides his hands from your waist and down to your ass, squeezing on your cheeks and grasping firmly which makes you flush even more.

Raihan begins to thrust immediately, forcing you to emit a satisfied moan. You gingerly rest your hands over his knees to keep yourself steady as you straddle his lap, riding him and meeting him thrust for thrust, rotating your hips and moving back and forth sensually.

He groans with pleasure, closing his eyes as he continues to pump upwards into your soft, warm core. With each thrust, he disappears deep inside you and withdraws, his cock coated in a slick sheen of juice, and he promptly thrusts back in, pushing your hips towards him so he can go even deeper. You moan loudly at the delicious friction, throwing your head back as you take all of him in, sheathing him with your hot, velvety walls. You let a ragged exhale as the pleasure begins to build up again.

You grab onto the sofa behind him, your hips knocking together as you're forced to pull your legs up due to the close proximity. He draws you into his embrace regardless, where you can feel his heartbeat against his ribs.

He buries his nose between your breasts as you move in unison, his hands clamping down firmly on your ass to control you, forcing you to move up and down on his cock whilst drawing a nipple between his teeth and into his mouth, running his tongue over your stiffening bud.

You moan his name, toes curling as his cock presses inside you deeply than ever before. He continues to tease, exploring your sopping pussy with his thick shaft whilst sucking on your breasts, lavishing you all over with his tongue.

When he finally lets go, you’re left panting and he hungrily presses his lips against yours, your tongues tangling once you open your mouth for air, allowing him entry. He pumps inside you continuously whilst you grow still, allowing him to take over, enjoying the feel of his arousal stroking your walls until you're raw.

You groan shamelessly before you begin to rotate your hips around his shaft, grinding your hips against his and rubbing your ass over his balls and Raihan grunts loudly, holding you even closer and pushing his cock inside you thoroughly, ensuring you are able to feel him as much as possible when he comes.

His legs twitch and you cry out as he holds onto you tightly as he cums, his seed shooting inside; Raihan loosens his grip with a satisfied groan, throwing his glance to you and your eyes meet. Panting, you cup his jaw with your hand and he leans forwards, your lips pressing together in a passionate kiss before you both pull away.

He searches your eyes for a quick moment before withdrawing, and you take this time to inhale a deep breath and brush your hair back before he moves you close to one armrest of the sofa; your heart beats wildly as you try to get up but he stops you by towering over you from behind, his chest pressing over your back.

He's never taken you in this position before and you emit a sigh as he presses a soft kiss on your shoulder and another on your upper back, trailing gentle kisses along the sinewy outline of your spine and you arch instinctively in response.

With a smirk, Raihan moves to his knees and you throw a curious glance behind you just as he abruptly pulls on your waist and your ass is pushed firmly against his hips.

You swallow down, shuddering all over as he begins nudging your legs apart. Gripping the armrest, you whimper as he grasps his arousal with his fist and angles it towards your dripping entrance, prodding his member against your swollen lips before entering you once more albeit from behind and with more force than usual, pushing his cock firmly inside and you hiss under your breath at the intrusion, your walls stretched to their maximum once again.

Raihan begins to thrust and you squeeze your eyes shut, holding onto the armrest for support as he grasps you by the hips again and pulls you towards him. "Do you know how long I’ve wanted to do this to you?" He growls, and your cheeks go pink.

You bite down on your lip as he pounds into you, hard. A fierce pace is set already which he controls with his hands on your hips, guiding you to move with him.

However, his large hands abandon your hips to rest on your back and you’re left to rut against him, letting yourself be pleasured by him. He caresses you all over, hands trailing over your shoulders before they find your breasts. He fondles and massages your chest, squeezing your nipples and pushing your breasts together before letting go briefly only to squeeze them together in his palms once more. You pant heavily as his hands return to your hips and ass, caressing you sensually before giving you a light smack.

You hang your head low, panting and groaning with pleasure whilst he lets go of your waist to grab your breasts once more, cupping them as they bounce into his palms from his forceful movements. Your brows furrow tightly before you decide to lower yourself over the sofa even further, moaning with content as he pinches your nipples.

As he thrusts, you rut back and forth against his hips and you grip the armrest tightly, your knuckles turning white.

He watches as he disappears inside your body and increases the pace, his thrusts becoming more intense and aggressive. Releasing one of your breasts, his hand travels down to your clit, fingers rubbing you furiously where your bodies are joined and you can't help but cry out.

The sofa begins to protest loudly from your movements, the legs of the couch scraping against the floor but he doesn’t stop. Lowering himself over you, he brushes your hair over one shoulder to nibble on the shell of your ear and over your temple, before finally pushing his lips against yours in a harsh but passionate kiss when you turn to face him.

Soon, he abandons your very sensitive clit, wrapping his arms around your waist and burying his nose into the side of your neck, thrusting into you fiercely from behind. Your fingernails dig into the leather, your legs threatening to give way. You can hear him grunting loudly against your ear although they sound rather feral, almost like snarling. You almost forgot how aggressive Raihan could be when it came to making love.

The sounds of his flesh slapping against yours and his wet cock driving inside your pussy fill your living room, along with your desperate pants and moans.

“Raihan, I...” You moan helplessly, squeezing your eyes shut.

You’re about to say it. You’re about to come but you discover words cannot escape your throat and you cry out louder and louder as he drives into you mercilessly; Raihan presses himself against your body firmly in one final thrust and spills his seed inside you.

You gasp uncontrollably, collapsing over the sofa with his arms wrapped around you. You ride the tremors that follow, enjoying the feeling that settles in your lower regions, your walls contracting firmly around his member.

Your heartbeat thunders as Raihan plants his face into the crook of your neck, kissing your nape affectionately before he grunts and lifts himself off your body, withdrawing from you at the same time.

Slowly sitting up beside him, you let out a hiss of pain, rubbing your back and thighs which are damp and laden with a mixture of cum and sweat. As you stretch, Raihan draws you into his lap, wrapping his arms around you securely until he notices the bite marks he inflicted on your body, ”Was I too rough?”

"Nope.” You reassure him, wrapping your arms around his neck; Raihan leans down and presses his lips firmly against yours whilst pulling you closer to him and you melt in his arms, closing your eyes as he pulls away for a split second to grin, before capturing your lips once more. You moan against him as he nibbles on the corners of your mouth and sucks on your bottom lip.

You believe another round might begin which you won't object to but you hear your stomach growling and all those thoughts grind to a complete and utter halt; Raihan begins to chuckle whilst you grow red.

"Let's order some food." He mutters, "What do you fancy?"

"I heard The Captain's Table is really good."

"Alright, let's order from there. Hey, Rotom." Raihan calls, and his phone flies out from his bag and in front of him.

"Zzzrt, yezzz?"

"Get me The Captain's Table menu."

"You got it!! Bzzzt, here ya go."

Raihan reaches for his phone gently and gestures for you to have a look; plucking the phone off him, you look through the online menu, particularly at some of the prices. It's pretty expensive - far more pricey than you realised and you inwardly gulp. "Tell me what you want and I'll get it for you." Raihan murmurs, giving you a tight squeeze.

As much as you're inclined to order the cheapest dish on the menu, you think it's best to order something which you can share with him. "What do you normally get?"

"The fettuccine."

"Let's order that then."

"Alright." He mutters, "It says we can get a free appetiser if we spend an additional hundred pokedollars."

"Well, um...let's see here....we could get a dessert?"

"They're very small portions though."

You both continue to scrutinise the menu intensely, hunching over the bright screen of his phone.

"What about the Malamar inspired squid'n fish curry?" He suggests.

"Okay, that sounds good." You reply with a smile and suddenly, Raihan gazes at you intently for a fraction longer than usual which makes your cheeks feel warm, "...What's wrong?"

Chuckling, he shakes his head and plops a hand on top of your head, ruffling your hair. "Nothing."

You don't think it's nothing but you decide not to press him on this matter; Raihan promptly calls the restaurant to order, but along with the curry and fettuccine, he orders a few more dishes and as you gape at him, he grins at you. When that's done, you and Raihan pull out the sofa bed properly and you grab a few pillows and the blanket from your bed and return to the lounge to join him, crawling into his lap and switching the TV on. You attempt to contact your boss - you try calling and messaging her but you receive no response. Recalling what Opal said to you at the party, you also try to call and message your friend, but to no avail.

Having had utterly no success in reaching anyone, you put your phone down and sprawl in Raihan's lap whilst he wraps his arms around your waist and you slide your hand atop of his. As he entwines your fingers together and holds your hand firmly with his, you throw your glance up to him but he merely smiles and presses his lips against your temple.

On the TV, the newscaster goes over the events at the Rose of the Rondelands before it shows a recording of your group outside the stadium being surrounded by the press. You're all too familiar with this scene when you see the journalists bombarding your group from every possible direction. You see Chairman Rose along with Leon, Kabu, Piers and Allister. And then there's you and Raihan but a tall journalist with a big camera blocks the majority of your face. Oh well, that's lucky....? The news quickly changes to show Eli being led away in a police car along with some captured members of Team Rocket and the newscaster reports that he's facing ten years in prison.

"Holy Beedrill." You croak. "Ten years?"

"...Eli and I used to be really good friends. I can't believe he's a Team Rocket Executive." Raihan mutters. He seems bothered by the news report so you change the channel.

"I'm sorry for what happened."

He doesn't reply, choosing to give your hand a tight squeeze. This new channel you've switched to is another news channel which proceeds to inform you that the gym challenge is to be put on hold in respect to the injured Rose, who has announced that all gyms are to be closed for a week. Stunned, you and Raihan quickly exchange glances.

"Rose has never given us a break before. He must be in a good mood."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Why don’t we visit Hoenn?" He adds, "Or we can go to Johto. We can visit the Dragon's Den in Blackthorn City."

"You've never been?"

"Nope."

"I trained there; I tried to catch a Dratini but they kept running away from me."

"Let's catch one together."

"Okay." You smile fondly at him and he grins in response, "But I'll need to check with my boss first. She hasn't messaged me yet."

Whilst Raihan begins looking up prices, you switch to a different channel again and it's also showing a brief recap of tonight's news albeit the presenter is dressed in casual wear and overall, it's an informal show.

"Team Rocket reared their ugly head tonight, but they were swiftly defeated by none other than Galar's gym leaders including our beloved Champion, Leon! Also, Hammerlocke's gym leader - who has recently confirmed he's dating - was seen this evening with his mysterious girlfriend. Looks like there's no more secrecy - the couple were photographed directly outside of Hammerlocke stadium and even posed for the camera - " The presenter exclaims, before the photograph of yourself locking lips with Raihan appears on screen, "Believe it or not folks, Galar's dragon tamer is officially taken! Chairman Rose himself has credited Raihan's mystery girl to have been a vital asset in stopping Team Rocket..."

There's canned applause in the background and live comments are shown in a display ticker at the very bottom of the screen. Most of the comments are.... positive, surprisingly enough. The photo of yourself and Raihan appears on screen for a second time yet you merely stare.

Raihan glances at you, noticing your impassive reaction. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." You mutter; previously, you wondered whether you should tell Raihan about your encounter with Giratina, but you're not quite sure if it was all a dream.

You continue watching TV, sitting in his lap with his arms wrapped around you. There's nothing interesting on tonight. Occasionally, Raihan will smother you with kisses all over the side of your face, stroke your hair and nuzzle the top of your head. But most of the time, you just sit and chat. Then he'll caress your hand and squeeze your fingers. The takeout's still not here yet so eventually you climb out of his lap and Raihan begins looking at his phone as the TV plays in the background, and you grab your laptop off the side table until he spots the box of The Patrats game and picks it up.

"What's this?"

"The Patrats; it's a really popular game."

"What do you do in it?"

"It's a life simulation strategy game; you create a Patrat and make it do whatever you want."

"Can I try?"

"Sure, go ahead."

You hand him your laptop which he props up in front of him and you slot the disc inside; when it loads, he begins playing around whilst you go through tonight's photos on Rotom. Before your group split up, you had taken a selfie with Raihan, a selfie with Leon, a selfie with Raihan and Leon, and finally, a group photo with Rose, Oleana and the gym leaders. What a night to remember.

You take some time to inspect each and every photo before you fondly gaze at your photo with Raihan. This would be the first photo you've taken with him. It's a great photo, but perhaps using a few filters wouldn't hurt... You're about to go into your photo-editing app until you realise Raihan's gone pretty quiet. You've left him to his own devices for a while so you quickly turn to him.

"How are you getting on?" You ask, and Raihan's eyes are glued to the screen and you glance at your laptop as well - he's still playing the game and it's then you notice something's not right. "What are you doing?"

Raihan chuckles and grins widely at you, pointing at a random patrat that's running on a treadmill on the screen. "Look."

You stare as he cancels the command to go to the fridge to ‘make protein shake’; it's his Patrat which he's named  'Raihan'....and he has moved it into your neighbourhood and most specifically, he's moved it into your home. Somehow your Patrat's husband is gone and so are her ten pups - Raihan's gotten rid of them, kicked them out somehow - and now he makes his patrat interact with yours (your patrat is busy painting upstairs in her room). You watch as Raihan clicks on a command to 'flirt' and soon his patrat is busy courting yours with a variety of ‘kiss claws’ and ‘nuzzle noses’ commands before the meter fills up and they hastily jump into the burrow together and fireworks start shooting out.

You turn to Raihan with a frown whilst he laughs and grins at the interaction, "Stop making them WooHoo. There's more to the game than that." You peel the laptop out of his hands, deciding to take it away from him. You let the patrats finish woohoo-ing and they settle into deep sleep. The game proceeds to fast forward so you take this time to look around the house. "What happened to the pups?"

"They turned into Pidoves and flew away."

"What!" You exclaim, before you check out the rest of your patrat's details. "What happened to her job?? She was a CEO."

"She decided to work in a daycare."

"No, she didn't. She couldn't have." You shoot a warning look at Raihan but he merely chuckles louder and scoops an arm around you. You close the game before further mayhem can ensue and then the doorbell rings.

It should be the takeout. You're about to leave bed but Raihan says he'll get the door - and he pulls on some clothes before he gets off the sofa and heads over to the door, opening it to reveal the deliveryman on your doorstep, holding three bags in hands. Raihan greets him cheerfully, pays for the delivery and shuts the door.

Instead of going to the dining room to eat, you settle all the dishes on the sofa bed. Raihan has treated you to the Malamar-inspired squid'n fish curry, exotic Alola sushi rolls, beer battered finneon fish fingers and chips with gravy sauce, the Crawdaunt lobster fettuccine and the free appetiser, garlic prawn and avocado crostini. He's gone all out, ordering some of the most expensive or most popular dishes on the menu for you. You're surprised that Raihan makes an exception when it comes to dining with you because you were worried that the food wouldn't be healthy.

And after the late dinner, it's time to finally retire for the night. You both take a shower together and return to the sofa bed to sleep. You've always been alone in your little cottage house so it's nice to have someone here with you.

Under the covers, Raihan spoons you from behind, snuggling you affectionately and you drift off to sleep.

...

Later.

Raihan wakes up when he feels something wet on his hand; it's Espeon, and she stops licking his fingers to purr affectionately at him. He chuckles and strokes the top of her head before turning to the side where his girlfriend is - only to realise she's missing from the bed. He sits up at once and calls her name. There's no response. Espeon meows loudly and jumps on top of the blanket and she's shortly followed by Drifloon who floats over.

"Where'd she go?" He murmurs, and Drifloon points a stringy hand towards the direction of the kitchen.

Peeling the covers off himself, Raihan swings his legs round and gets off the bed to stand, stretching. Espeon and Drifloon follow him into the kitchen where he sees the cupboard of the kitchen sink is open, and she's sleeping inside, huddled up and curled into a ball. The way how she is sitting looks rather uncomfortable, with her legs tucked to her chest and the side of her head pressed against her knees. Despite all this, everything she does reminds him of a cute little Skitty. Now he understands why her Espeon and Drifloon had woken him up; they stop at her side and Espeon paws at her head but she doesn't stir. Drifloon tries to tug at her arm as well, but to no avail.

Raihan heads over; the Pokemon inch backwards to let him through and he squats down to her level, reaching for her and pulling her out of the cupboard and into his arms.

She finally wakes up, opening her eyes groggily. "...Huh? What..."

"Hey..." He sits cross-legged on her kitchen floor where it's terribly cold, "You okay?”

She looks up and around in the darkness, blinking in confusion before her gaze lands on him. "Oh...I...." Rubbing her head and neck, she groans, "Shit. You're not....Rai, you weren't supposed to see....I....I mean, this is...."

He chuckles as she exhales in frustration. She's too tired to move and remains slumped against his chest whilst he bundles her up, rubbing her arms, "It's okay..."

She shakes her head. “No, it’s not... you’ll think I’m weird and messed up...”

"No. You already told me about this," He murmurs as he peers down at her, “The DVD, remember?”

She hesitates before throwing her despondent gaze to her lap.

"It's okay." Raihan whispers in her ear, trying to soothe her, "...It’s okay. C'mon, let's go back to bed."

A brief silence follows; eventually, she nods and Raihan lifts her up, carrying her back to the lounge. She wraps her arms around him in response, burying her face into his neck. Espeon and Drifloon follow them and Raihan settles her over the bed before he slips in beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her into his chest. He brushes her hair and tucks it behind her ear, then holds her hand and threads their fingers together where occasionally he'll press a kiss over her knuckles. Meanwhile, Drifloon tugs and pulls the covers over them; Raihan thanks him whilst Espeon jumps onto the bed and curls up near their feet.

"Rai?"

"...Yeah?" He fights back a yawn, but he's becoming sleepy already.

"...I saw something back at the energy plant: Giratina." She murmurs tiredly, "I was in this weird place....everything was upside down or backwards...and I looked up and it was there. It saw me and came over...and I looked into its eyes..."

He gives her a squeeze, encouraging her to continue.

"I don't know what happened but since then...It's weird...it's like...the small things that used to be bother me, I'm no longer scared or.... I don't care."

"Is that a good or bad thing?"

"I don't really know..." She grows silent, her sentence trailing and he quickly peers over. Her eyes are closed and she's breathing gently but quietly. Raihan returns to snuggle her, and they're about to drift off to sleep until her Rotom sounds off, indicating a message. Either way, she's forgotten to mute or switch off her phone for the night. She stirs again with a groan, having been disturbed.

He feels her shift slightly in his grip, reaching for Rotom; once she grabs her phone, she swipes the screen and scans the message wordlessly.

"Who is it?" He asks, exhausted.

"It's Allister. The police told him that my boss' son...the cause of death was not natural," She slowly lowers her phone, turning round to lie on her side facing him. "...My boss' son was murdered....and whoever killed him could be still out there."

Meanwhile, somewhere in Galar.

A man pulls up to his driveway, carrying a bag of groceries as he gets out of his car. Usually at this hour, everyone's at home and snug in their bed, warm and cosy, but he likes shopping at this time when there's not many people and it's quieter.

He heads over to his front door and unlocks it, entering the living room. Checking his phone quickly, he sees a social media page he follows has posted up news about the body of a six year old boy being discovered deep in the Glimwood Tangle.

"Well I'll be..." He mutters.

Meanwhile, another social page he pulls up shows a photo of a missing child. He moves to the kitchen, switching on the lights and he can see his neighbours outside in their backyard, enjoying a late night barbecue. They wave at him from their seats around the fire and he smiles and waves in response, then he draws the blinds shut. There's a door to his left with five locks which he proceeds to unlock as silently as possible.

Opening it, a thin stream of light floods in, revealing a staircase that leads to a basement.

Most houses in Galar don't have a basement, but his does.

And the basement is reminiscent of a bedroom, the walls covered in crayon drawings. A little boy sleeps soundly on a bed in the corner; he looks no older than five.

The man goes down the stairs, treading on each step quietly and approaches the bed. The boy's leg has slipped out; a shackle is looped around his ankle, attached to a long chain that is fixed to the wall. The man tucks the boy's leg under the covers and smiles.

"Goodnight, sleep tight," He whispers, "Sweet dreams, till morning light."

[muffindaddystyles]

WHERE YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH HARRY BUT DON'T WANNA RUIN YOUR FRIENDSHIP.

Five days before Christmas and Harry protested that you should go with them to his childhood and Anne's house for the festive since you've no-more assignments to do you agreed but 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍 you felt like someone made you sit on a spikey bench throughout the whole drive as you had to watch him and his girlfriend sharing intimate moments infront of you.

You were the first one to get wrapped into Anne's embrace as you all reached and when she showered Harry in kisses causing him to whine a "mummy!" you and his girlfriend giggled shaking their heads.

Night was on with full charisma his cousin's kids playing everywhere you chatted, laughed and agreed on helping them to make digital cards as you're doing a graphic designing degree.

Then again you were left alone in the corner of couch while everyone's interest diverted towards Gemma's new profound game and you found yourself watching them in their own bubble making eggnogs for everyone in the kitchen.

You wanted to be in awe, be overly joyous for them that one of your bestest friend's finally being happy but you couldn't. Fuck it's so hard like someone's twisting the knife inside you and you're so lost don't know what to do.

You've always been scared to tell your feelings not to Harry but to anyone and when you were about to tell him proudly that "Harry Styles I'm so fuckin' in love with you!" the same day he you introduced to his date, from then you're just suffering internally.

He handed you the glass of eggnog kissing your head passing by you and drinking it in one gulp you stood up and with her in his lap he frowned asking.

"Where y'goin? Stay a bit more."

"Um..tired wanna rest." With that you went to your given room gazing up at the ceiling remembering the times you used to stay up all night with him in his childhood room, getting peaks of his upcoming songs, cuddling and many times just getting drunk at the roof outside.

You didn't realized you were crying until the pillow was soaking under you. You can never snatch his source of happiness so it's just better to back off.

The next morning it was late when you woke up and it was silent upon your asking one of the maid told you that they all went for Christmas shopping.

"Mop! Mop!" Baby Linda his niece bounced on the sofa calling you mop as Harry used to call you 'moppet' and the brilliant child she's catched it in a second.

"Heyyyyyy lin." You smiled taking her in arms flopping down on the sofa while the Ariel was binging on telly.

"Har n' you never ever- watch movies with'm." On every Christmas you used to now Harry simply doesn't have time for you.

At the end of movie you were about to tell her that not everyone get's prince charming or have a happy ending in their lives, considering the real story of Ariel but you went against it knowing she's just a baby and you're saying it because you're a hurt adult.

She was already snoring. Chuckling you got comfortable cuddling with her and again taking a nap which turned into a long sleep.

Harry beamed in adoration looking at you warmly wormed up with his niece, Linda's mother took her to bedroom but you were still there so Harry snaked his arm around you making you stand on your feet clumsily head tucking under his chin.

You blubbered foolishly clutching his sides tight making him giggle and when he was about to lay you down you refused to let him go, both of you plopping down on sheets.

Harry frowned when you murmured in a weak voice 'don't go' 'don't go, please' but shushing you atlast he again left you under the sheets and his scent only.

He knows something's wrong but he can't figure it out.

Next day, it was bustling in the house Anne and everyone in the kitchen baking cookies and cakes, now even Anne thinks you're not feeling well.

Harry and his girlfriend were doing a chore when you cleared your throat. The fact she's so nice that you can't even let your heart speak bad about her.

"Can I steal Harry for a moment?" You asked her and she nodded patting him, "He's all yours." At that time you wanted to sob out aloud because 𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕.

In the corner you fidgeted with your fingers while Harry's anticipated to go back.

"Umm..one of my friend's really really sick I've to be with her-" Squinting his eyes he cut you off knowing you both have same friends, "which one?"

"You don't know about her. Seriously Harry? I've alot of friends except you." You're offended without any reason even though you're lying.

"Fine whatever you wish." He spoke without any excitement because he really really want you beside him with his family.

"Uh..okay then. Everyone's gifts are in the room please give them on my behalf." He curtly nodded not meeting your eyes.

"Should I take you?" You declined his offer assuring him that you'll take a bus home. Everyone's face dropped at the news of your departure and Anne wasn't very fond of the idea but anyhow she agreed asking you to 'take care of yourself.'

On the Christmas eve everyone was sat around the fire pit while you were alone in your apartment eating pretzels and hot cocoa. When they unwrapped gifts from you they all became sad instead of being happy.

Harry fisted the sweater you personally knitted for him as a gift and angrily shoved it back into brown bag, he don't know why he's feeling certain way.

He wanted you with him, wanted too take in your reaction while he unwrapped his present and to give you one he has chosen and kept for you from months.

In the bedroom he pinned his girlfriend against the wall ready to fuck her hard and raw not because he's feeling thirsty or needy, he's at edge and frustrated.

When she was ontop of him kissing him, grinding her hips down against him. He moaned like a wounded animal and didn't even realized what he said till the second she climbed down from his thigh.

"You just moaned out y/n name." Harry's eyes widened in shock, this can't possibly be happening.

"Harry do you think you're in love with, y/n?" She asked him politely rubbing his knee because she's not into that deep with Harry and will be okay with him not wanting to continue this relationship.

"I-I don't know..maybe?" He puffed out focusing on his rings.

"I think so you're and honestly I wouldn't mind if you'll go after her." She grinned and then it hit him like hundered bricks that him getting antsy without your presence, him missing you even it was just for three days and him getting angry at you for not even giving him the good-bye kiss means that his heart has always been in love with you.

"M'in love with my moppet. Fuck. Fuck. M'in love" He hastened to his closet fishing for his clothes, phone in between his shoulder and ear.

Ringing and ringing but you never picked up. But that didn't made him loose his hope in you, in their love.

Wait- he thought to himself that do you love him?

"Thank you. Thank you!" He hugged her last time before leaving for london.

You were startled when there was loud banging on your door, you know it's Harry from the missed calls bunched in your phone from him so you ignored it again going to sleep.

Harry: Are you inside?

His text popped up and you quickly typed back throwing it carelessly.

You: No. Told ya, at friend's.

He sighed defeatedely leaning his head against your door groaning loudly. But again, he isn't loosing his hope because now he's very sure you're in love with him.

New years eve and your close friend invited you to their party, despite of knowing Harry could be there you gave in. After so much whining to yourself you went not wearing anything flashy just a cute baby floyd sweater and right at the entrance of her building you bumped into Harry.

"There's somethin' you're not tellin'm." His words floated out quickly anxious that you'll not listen to him. He's smiling bashfully finding you adorable as fuck.

You remained quite lowering your head and Harry raised his hand many times to touch you, litreally hug you tight against his chest but he hesitated.

"Miss you, please what did I do wrong?" You shook your head blinking away the tears.

"You didn't do anything wrong...I-I just can't be friends with you anymore." Harry could be seen practically shuddering at your words, anger boiling inside him.

"You're lying!" He balled his fists and you snapped, "No. I don't like you infact I hate you!" You cried painfully as if you're bleeding.

You had to say this else his littlest of cooing and you'd have melted to his feet. You ran away from him the elevator doors shutting while you kept on looking at eachother not knowing how much you're hurting eachother.

There's a skip in your heart when the elevator jerked making you tumble to floor. The light went out and you blindly reached for nothing in particular..

Fuck this isn't happening. You're claustrophobic and right now it's the extreme of your phobia.

"Help!" You screamed crying legs shivering and giving out causing you to collapse painfully onto floor.

You banged the steel doors with your whole will power litreally trying to open them with your hands because you're getting a panic attack this's what mostly people do when the get panicked, they try to do things out of their force just so they could breath.

With shaky fingers and blurry vision you dialed the first number, phone falling in your lap as you're feeling zaps of horror till your bones.

Afraid of dark you kept looking behind you in the mirror heart slowing down at each glance.

Harry was in the middle of staircase the music reaching to him from your guys friend's house and he halted in his tracks when his phone ringed furrowing his brows at your name flashing.

"Har-h-" His heart fell onto floor at your loud incoherent sobs, "what happened are y'okay? Where are ya!?" His voice boomed and he fled downstairs but again upstairs as to lost where you're because you're just crying loudly into speaker.

"Stru-stuck, lift save me...." You digged your nails into your sweater atop of where your heart is because you can't breath anymore.

He muttered a shit under his breath quickly telling the security guard of building to do something, pacing around he gripped his hair "hey moppet listen to me hmmm? They're comin' s'okay, it's okay. Breath fo' me." He rambled into phone running back to the elevator doors.

He knows how much you're scared of closed spaces and how much you despise dark.

Your windpipes are blocking any air passage, your brain fuzzy and vision going. You're feeling so scared that these are your last breaths and someone will come from darkness to drag you with them.

"...can't- breath. breath can't.., please please please." You begged and Harry's feeling helpless. He can't see the person he love ever most being in so pain on the verge of losing themselves.

Pressing his palms and forehead against the cool steel door he spoke broken, "..baby m'strong strong girl jus' focus on the things ye' love- or the moments ye' want to cherish again."

But, you were giving in heart thumping brain shutting so before you know your racing heart's blabbering and blabbering, "you. you...love- love you please. I love you!" A single sob escaped from Harry's lungs and he punched the steel.

"Fuck I love you too so fucking much baby, stay strong fo' me jus-just don't give in." Then he screamed at the guard, "where the fuck are they!!"

But you haven't heard his 'I love yous' not his soft talk because you were long gone into dark blue and purples of your safe world.

Harry clutched his phone neck veins popping as he shouted, "fuck. fuck moppet! don't go. Are ye' listenin' to me?" He's crying standing up and practically shoving the engineer to do his work as soon as possible.

All the oxygen left his body when the elevator dinged again opening to give the sight of you unconscious on it's floor, phone beside your head and your chest not moving.

He didn't spare a second scooping your sweaty body in his arms bridal style taking you to the house where party's still going.

"Move the fuck away!" He shouted pushing grinding bodies away laying you down inside the closest bedroom.

He pressed his ear against your heart which was giving slow beats, sighing he kissed your forehead brushing the strands of hair sticking to your face back then again sponging kisses to your closed eye-lids meanwhile some person in the party was a med student so she suggested to give you a shot that'll calm you down from anderaline and will help you sleep for a while.

He flinched as the needle pricked your delicate skin. The accident showed him how ignorant he was of his feelings for you, he has never loved someone this much.

He didn't care to go outside, just holding your hand kissing it again and again, checking if you were okay and he was so paranoid so he kept on holding your wrist to check your heart race.

When you shifted slightly in you position groaning to sit up he placed his hands on your shoulder, "hey..hey don't it's okay. It's okay baby rest."

"Need water?" He asked you stroking your cheek and you nodded exhaling, "Hold me?" You whispered snuggling by his side.

"Sure baby always." He embraced you for dear life rocking your bodies like a baby in cradle, "I was angry at you when you left from mum's home and then during sex I took your name..fuck at that moment I got to know how much I love you moppet, so so fuckin' much."

"I too." You whispered gazing up at him and there were loud noises of countdown outside.

"Kiss me?" You wet your dry lips, your noses touching and it's hazy all around you. With your temples pressed he squeezed your bottoms kissing the corner of your lips first and when everyone yelled Happy new years! He smashed his lips on yours cupping your face gently.

Fireworks everywhere. In the sky and inside of you as you pulled his hair deepening the kiss and he slipped his tongue into your mouth.

You kissed until you both were out of breath and he pecked you moistly saying 'always.'

"They say what y'do on new years eve you keep on doing it for the next whole year." You giggled closing your eyes from tiredness and the shot murmuring, "cheeky enough."

.

A/n

I've written this claustrophobia situation on my experience. This really happened with me. I'm claustrophobic and got stuck in an elevator bad combination I know but there wasn't any Harry to save me😭😆

[tenspontaneite]

Peace Is A Journey (Chapter 15/?)

In which Callum desperately needs a rest, and Rayla and Ezran bond.

(Chapter length: 14.5k. ao3 link)

Warnings: depictions of wounds, wound care, medical drug use, mentions of food shortage.

---

By the time Rayla returned, the flames had built into respectable enough a heat that Ezran had gone to gather snow, setting it into an icy pile a short way down the slope. Callum was heating the first pot of water, and had all of the soiled bandages and clothes – of which there were now an uncomfortable number – piled nearby.

“Don’t put any bandages in that.” She called, distant enough that he probably wouldn’t have heard her if she wasn’t upwind of them, and he and Ez turned to see the tiny figure she made at the top of the slope, a bundle of sticks under her arm. His throat went a little tight at seeing her arm in the sling, that reminder of its infirmity, and he blinked at her as she drew near.

“Why not?” He inquired, when she was close enough for it to not require shouting. “Did you have something else you wanted to boil?”

She didn’t answer for a few moments, occupied with unloading a pile of thin and brittle branches near the fire. “I found some stuff.” She announced, when she was done, and reached into her makeshift shirt-sling to start laying things out near his feet. “Cyanroot,” She said, of a weird and twisty looking thing that vaguely resembled a carrot, if carrots were shaped like a wrung cloth and were purple with hardy and brittle foliage. She pulled out another of the same, albeit smaller, before withdrawing something new. Tree-needles, fairly long ones, still on the branches. “Fresh pine needles.” She declared, and…he wasn’t entirely sure why she’d gathered those, but okay. “And some other stuff,” She added, withdrawing a crumpled lump of what looked like various ferns and tiny plants. “But it’s the pine needles and cyanroot you should boil first.”

“…Okay.” He said, dubiously, and watched her as she sat down beside them. He ran his eyes over her, briefly, worry making it a reflex. She seemed as fine as could be expected, though. The gathering expedition had evidently cleared her head a bit. “I’m…assuming they’re good for something?”

“Can we eat them?” Ezran inquired, looking at the two examples of the mystery cyanroot with interest. Callum was a little intrigued himself, after a good week with no proper vegetables of any kind.

“Yep. Well, you can eat the cyanroot, anyway. But that’s not all.” Rayla nodded, withdrawing a blade with her good hand and – and, for a second, her other arm twitched in the sling, her fingers shifting on her shoulder, and a shadow passed over her eyes. She stared at the weird twisty roots for a few seconds, inscrutable, then passed the blade to Callum. “Cut one of those open. If you’ve not seen them before, you’ll probably like this.” She managed a smile, but it looked a little forced.

He eyed her for a moment, just a little uneasy, because…well, he could guess. For a reflexive moment, she’d tried to reach for the thing to cut it herself, but she only had the one hand available. She could hold the root in place, or she could take a blade to it, but not both at once. He thought she’d be running up against a lot of limitations like that, over the next few weeks. But especially in the next few days.

Deliberately, he returned his attention to the weapon. “Somehow, that sounds almost ominous.” He commented, and shifted his grip. Carefully, he took the smaller of the weird roots, and cut off the end. And then he stared.

On the outside, it was a dark purple, still covered in earth and loam. Inside, though…

“Wow, okay.” His eyebrows went up. “I…probably should have expected that from the name, huh.” Cyan, after all, was a rather expensive paint colour that he had, on occasion, been permitted to work with. It was a gorgeous colour, a searing blue like shallow ocean under the sun, and the inside of this root was precisely the same hue. It leaked onto his fingers, even, and when he drew them away, seemed to have stained them like ink.

“I’ve never seen something that blue before in my life.” Ezran declared, astonished, then paused. “Well, except for Zym’s egg, I guess.”

“People use it as a dye, I think.” Rayla said, smile turning a little more genuine at their reactions. “That’s not all it’s good for, though. It doesn’t taste great, but if you chop it up and boil it, it makes a sort of…nutrient tea.” She nodded to the pine. “Same for the pine needles, but it’s easier to find those. I thought about how we’ve not really eaten anything but meat for a couple of days, and…” She shrugged. “At least this’ll stop us getting scurvy.”

“What’s scurvy?” Ezran inquired, which led into a brief but educational discussion on a disease Callum would be just as happy to never experience. If pine needles could forestall it, then…well. It was a good thing that the Belt had a lot of pine trees.

“Anyway.” She shook her head, when that was done, and nodded to the roots. “If you wash those, then just sort of slice them and boil them, you can toss them and the pine needles in together and we’ll have a weird nutrient tea-soup-thing. And then I suppose we can boil these plants, and eat those, and eat the boiled cyanroot slices, and have had a sort-of balanced meal for once.”

“…You should have more of the meat than us.” Callum decided, after he caught hold of a snatch of nutrition-related memory. “Meat’s supposed to be good for when you’ve been injured, or lost a lot of blood, or both. You’re definitely both.”

She grimaced, and her bound hand twitched on her shoulder. “I suppose.” She said, dubious, and Callum wondered if it was too soon to ask to check the injuries again. Though, if he was going to check on them, he’d need to take her arm out of the sling, and…yeah, if they were going to do that, it should be after they’d got the rest of the cooking and tent-stuff done.

There was, then, still quite a lot to do today. The tent needed putting up, they had to make the weird cyan pine tea, they had to boil their clump of plants, they had to eat…and then all the bandages needed boiling, Rayla’s bandages needed changing, and…well, there was still her binding. He probably still needed to do her hand massage, even though the gaping gouges in her upper arm seemed a more pressing concern at this point…

“What’re you thinking about?” Rayla inquired, a little tentative, and he realised he’d been staring with a furrowed brow at her sling for a good while. He jolted, shoulders hunching a little, and shrugged self-consciously.

He sighed, a little glum. “About how much there is to do, I guess.” He said, ruefully, and looked up for a moment at the windswept sky. It felt depressingly early, still. Though he supposed the time of day didn’t really matter – he’d have the same amount to do whether or not they’d stopped to camp later in the afternoon. “I think I’m starting to get sick of having to walk all day and do all this camp stuff afterwards. It’s…tiring.”

Her lips quirked, almost wry, and she reached out to pat him on the shoulder. “Only took you a week to start getting fed up of it, huh.” She quipped. “Don’t worry. You get used to it.”

He grimaced. “I’m not sure if that’s better or worse.” He reflected, and she huffed a laugh, withdrawing her hand.

“Cheer up.” She said, with something of a sympathetic look in the eyes she rested on him. “Most days we’ll have had an actual night’s sleep, after all. And we won’t have been ambushed and nearly killed in the morning.”

Callum wondered if, with the passage of time, he’d stop feeling these stabs of breathless panic in his throat every time he was reminded of said ambush. Right now, it didn’t seem especially likely. “…Right.” He mustered a little more fortitude, bracing himself for the tasks yet to come, and told himself “Most days, camp chores probably won’t be this depressing.” Most days wouldn’t involve near-death experiences, ambushes, and new terrifying injuries. Hopefully. Probably. So that was bound to make things less awful.

The wound care, though…that was likely to be a fixture of their routine for weeks to come, there was no way injuries like hers would heal quickly, and – and he should probably stop thinking about that, because one breakdown a day was plenty, thank you very much. He exhaled, and tried to feel less profoundly emotionally exhausted. He didn’t quite manage it.

Ez patted him on the knee. “That’s the spirit.” He said, encouragingly, and if he picked up on Callum’s ongoing lethargy, he didn’t comment on it.

“Speaking of camp chores, is there a reason you two didn’t do the tent yet?” Rayla inquired, looking between him and Ezran. “Was it too windy?”

“We thought it would probably be safer to wait till you were here to try, just in case it’s windier than we thought.” Ezran informed her, to a hum of approval, as Callum shifted forwards to set to work on their weird tea ingredients. It was effort to get himself to move, but…it was at least a distraction from his thoughts.

After a moment of consideration, he reached for a handful of snow to wash the first cyanroot with. It turned his fingertips numb and aching with cold within seconds, but…he found he didn’t mind. It was almost pleasant, to have something other than his thoughts and emotions to focus on.

“Do you need more of that?” His brother asked, and it took Callum a moment to realise he was being spoken to.

“Er.” He looked at the snow pile. “Probably. Got a lot to boil today, after all.”

“I’ll go get some more, then.” He said, decisively, and mustered his spare shirt as a receptacle (still a little snow-dusted from earlier) to go off and collect some more, Bait hopping along in his wake. Callum reflected that it was good that Ezran still seemed to have the energy to scamper off collecting snow. After the events of the day, not to mention the extra weight he’d been carrying…he was so tired that merely thinking about having to get the tent up made him want to cry.

Rayla settled a little closer as Ezran left, holding a pine-branch down with her boot to strip needles from it with her available hand. “Give it another hour or two, and you can spend some quality time with your sketchbook.” She told him, in an evident bid to be comforting, which he supposed was a sign that he looked as worn and tired as he felt.

“Honestly, I kind of just want to sleep.” He admitted, glancing over at where he’d left his book with all the rest of their things, atop the tent fabric. “I don’t even really feel like drawing.”

Her eyebrows went up. They’d not known each other long, maybe, but apparently it was more than long enough for her to recognise that as a very unusual sentiment on his part. It reminded him of the uncomfortably-revealing breakdown he’d had not all that long ago, and the highly personal discussion that had followed it, and – for a moment, he squirmed, vaguely bashful for reasons he couldn’t quite name.

To distract himself, he focused on the now mostly clean root, whose truncated end had stained some of the snow blue. He reached for one of Rayla’s blades and sliced a bit off, shedding a little more cyan fluid. It stained his fingertips like ink, and he lifted them for a moment, observing the colour with interest. “Wonder why I’ve never heard of this stuff before.” He said, and after a moment, dropped the slice of cyanroot into the pot. Blue swirled around it into the water like spilled dye.

She shrugged. “They don’t exactly taste amazing, so probably you only hear about them if you’re a dyemaker.”

“Or if you’re a sword-fighting, back-flipping, wilderness-crossing elven warrior.” He said, setting to work cutting the root with a vague sense of impatience. The thing’s intensely blue innards were interesting, maybe, but not sufficient to offset his increasing desperation to crawl into a dark tent and sleep for a week. He just…really wanted the day to be over, and there was so much left to do…

Rayla snorted, and her ears dropped a little. “Or that.” She agreed, her lips twitching at the edges. She set the needles beside the pot once she’d cleared one branch, saying “Best cut those up a bit before you put them in, too.”

He made a vague hum of acknowledgement, and for the next while, they worked in a tired but companionable quiet, Callum cutting cyanroot and pine needles, and Rayla stripping more needles from the branches. By the time Ezran returned with his next pile of snow, the water in the pot was an eye-searing shade of blue, and starting to smell distinctly like pine.

“Is that the tea?” Ezran asked, kneeling down beside the pot to peer in. “It’s going really blue.”

Callum dropped the last of the available pine needles in, and nodded ruefully. He was distinctly unused to seeing anything that blue outside of an expensive paint tube, or maybe the egg of the Dragon Prince. It hardly looked real. He glanced at his fingertips, still stained by what was essentially raw dye, and experienced a moment of sneaking premonition about the likely side-effects of drinking the stuff. “It’ll probably be bluer before it’s done, too.” He offered. “It’s barely been brewing five minutes.”

Rayla peered at it, and hummed pensively. “That’ll probably do for needles for now.” She said, and set her current branch aside. “Take it a little further off the fire, so it doesn’t get as much heat, and then we can leave it for a while. Get the tent out of the way while it’s brewing.” She took the blade from him, and used it to give the pot a bit of a stir. He couldn’t help but notice the way she winced when she leaned too far forwards, as if she’d agitated one of her injuries.

Under her direction, he finished up the preparations for their weird blue tea, and then left it there, tugged upright by Rayla’s hand closing around his upper arm. She was gentle, but insistent, and so he stumbled along in her wake as the three of them went back to where they’d laid the tent out.

“Oh, that’s right.” Callum said, with a sort of weary recognition, as his eyes fell on their initial preparations. “We were going to ask you about the pegs.” She tilted her head, curious, and Ezran spoke before Callum could muster the energy to.

“We were wondering how we’re supposed to get the pegs in anywhere, since it’s just solid rock here.” Ezran elaborated, looking up at her with wide curious eyes. “Do we just sort of cover them in rocks, or…?”

“Hmm.” Rayla said, thoughtfully, instead of answering. She knelt down, perched on her toes, and inspected the hard surface beneath the tent with a narrow stare. She tilted her head.

Then, matter-of-fact, she flipped out her second blade with her good hand, and drove it into the rock. It made an awful noise, and his hands fluttered up in an aborted motion as if to cover his ears, utterly reflexive. She eyed the hole she’d made, apparently finding it lacking, and did it again, stabbing into the rock as if that were a perfectly normal and usual sort of thing to do, instead of a feat of strength that he’d probably break a wrist trying to imitate. He watched her, wide-eyed, shocked awake and alert in the wake of – of the noise and spectacle of it.

That time, at least, she seemed satisfied. She scrutinised the wound she’d left in the mountain for a moment, and nodded. “Should be able to shove a peg at least a little way in there.” She announced, and glanced back at them. Her shoulders stiffened, just a little, as she saw the way they were both staring at her. “…What?” She demanded, somewhat defensively, fingers tightening on the blade-hilt.

Callum eyed her, brows high. “Rayla, you just stabbed a sword into solid rock like it was easy.” He informed her, more than a little admiringly. “That’s amazing.”

“Super cool.” Ezran agreed, and…regarding them, her posture loosened a little.

“…It was easy, though?” She said, a little questioningly, a little nonplussed. She looked down at the hand holding the blade, and her brow furrowed.

“Yeah, which makes it even cooler.” Callum explained, very reasonably, and she glanced up at him. Her ears dropped a little, and he still didn’t know how to read that, but her expression seemed a little more open, so…that was probably good? “I don’t know about elves, but normal humans definitely can’t do that sort of thing.”

“…Huh.” Rayla muttered, looking more thoughtful now, and she shifted to the side where the next loop in the tent straps were. She adjusted her grip on the sword, then brought it down again, stabbing into the stone as nonchalantly as if…into soft wood, maybe, or normal earthy ground, or anything which you expected to be able to lodge a sharp object in without too much effort.

“Can most elves do that?” Ez asked, eyes following her as she moved over to the next loop and hefted the blade. “Is that normal for you guys?”

Rayla opened her mouth, frowned, and closed it. “…Er.” She said, after a moment, and seemed to be watching a little more analytically this time when she brought the blade down. The noise was awful, and he had to resist the urge to cover his ears. “…I don’t know, actually? I mean, I’ve done this before, and I know the other assassins were doing it for their tents too, but…” She frowned, and flexed her fingers on the sword hilt. “Normally it’s not this easy…and before, I was using two hands for it, not…” She gestured with her one usable hand, and let it finish the sentence for her.

Callum watched her, settling out of his admiration into a brief and thoughtful quiet. “…So, what, you’re stronger than normal?” He asked, a little baffled. If anything, after the tribulations of the last few days, he’d have expected her to be…well, weaker. She’d lost blood, she hadn’t slept well, she’d been dealing with all the nasty in her bound hand circulating through her body…and, of course, she was currently definitely in pain from her new horrible injuries. It shouldn’t be conducive to greater levels of strength; rather the opposite.

She stabbed the blade down and made the next aperture in the stone. She frowned. “…I think I am?” She sounded bewildered. “Not a lot, maybe, but…” She stared down at her arms for a moment, then looked across at the horizon with a strange expression, as if she could see something beneath it, or beyond it. “…It feels a bit like when the Moon’s nearly full.” She said, after a while. “It’s normal for us to be stronger, then. But…the Moon’s waning. I should be getting weaker, not....” She trailed off, brow furrowed.

Callum exchanged a glance with Ezran, and they both shrugged. “Any guesses why?” He asked, and she snorted.

“No idea.” She shuffled over and hefted the blade again. “Still, I’m not complaining. Makes my job easier.” As they watched, she continued with her circuit of the flat tent, creating hole after hole in the rock face with barely any indication of effort whatsoever. Callum did finally deign to cover his ears, a few stabs in, and Ezran imitated him, and together they watched her and her display of inhuman strength with increasingly wide eyes.

By the time she was done, Callum imagined he felt much the same as he had when she’d hauled him over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Astonished, bewildered, and distinctly impressed.

“That should do it.” She declared, when the full series of apertures had been made, and turned back to face them with obvious satisfaction. The effort hadn’t left her unscathed, and there were stone chips clinging to the burgundy of her sweater, but…she seemed in higher spirits, somehow. He wondered if reminding herself of her strength had cheered her up a bit. “You two get the tent up, and then we can get the pegs in.”

Despite their worries, the wind didn’t trouble them too much. Rayla held onto one of the storm lines while they worked, and that was enough to hold it in place while they got the thing up. It likely would have been a very different story, if not for the dubious shelter of the cliffside, but that was why she’d chosen here to camp, he supposed. In the end, they had a properly-pitched tent that was only slightly trying to pull them off the mountain, and Callum could live with that.

Rayla held the tent in place while he and Ezran tried to get the pegs into the holes she’d stabbed into the rocky ground. And…well. It was a little humbling, to struggle to so much as wedge a tent peg into a stony furrow, when Rayla had been matter-of-factly stabbing said furrows into existence for the last few minutes, with no visible signs of exertion at all. But humbling or not, Ezran couldn’t manage it at all, and Callum needed to recruit the aid of a nearby rock to use as a hammer to make any progress, and even them only managed to get the tent pegs in a short distance.

Callum progressed around the tent in this manner, slow, and increasingly worn-out. Ezran eventually managed to get a couple pegs in himself with his own makeshift hammer, and after the first few pegs were down Rayla let go of the tent to start heaping rocks over them, and after that it didn’t take too long.

He put his hammer-rock down and exhaled, heavily, fingers shaking a little from exertion. “I’d like to pass out for a month now, please.” He requested, when Rayla drew back to inspect the tent, and a fleeting smile passed over her lips.

“You probably want the inner-tent up first.” She informed him, dryly. “It’ll be a tad more comfortable to pass out in.” There were still stone chips on her sweater, which she’d apparently not bothered to brush off yet. There were even a couple bits in her hair.

His eyes lingered on those for a few moments until what she’d said sank in, and he realised that the inner-tent still needed seeing-to, and he couldn’t help but groan.

She huffed, and patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry.” She assured him, and glanced at her hand as she withdrew it. “I’ll take care of it. You go…” She waved vaguely. “Sit down. Rest. Take care of the blue nutrient tea, or something.”

He hesitated. “…Are you sure?” He asked, even though the idea of going and sitting down next to a warm fire sounded divine, and his head was swimming, and he wasn’t entirely convinced he’d avoid falling over if he stayed upright for much longer. “I can help.”

She rolled her eyes at him, and made a shooing motion with her one available hand. “I can manage this much, Callum. Go sit down before you fall over.”

He opened his mouth, maybe to say something about how she should probably be worrying about falling over given she’d been bleeding all day – but Ezran took him by the sleeve and tugged him deliberately back towards the campfire. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he sits down until he feels less dizzy.” He told her.

“Good.” She said, and pointed down-camp to the fire, fixing them with an expectant stare. “Now shoo.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Callum mumbled, wry, and he saw her lips twitch once more before Ezran hauled him away by the hand.

 ---

 It was a little tricky to hang up the inner-tent with only the one hand. Somewhat annoying, and somewhat fiddly, but still doable. It took longer than it ought, but it was doable.

Rayla thought she probably shouldn’t be so reassured by having managed such a simple task, but she was. Her efforts with making the holes for the tent-pegs had cheered her up, too. I’m not useless, she thought to herself, almost vindictively, as she espied the dull metal sheen of one of the pegs on her way out of the tent. There’s still some things I can do.

The extra strength was a little weird, considering she was definitely not at full capacity, had been bleeding all day, and was living beneath a waning Moon. But whatever the cause of it, that made her feel a little better too. It felt good to be strong – to be useful.

She lifted their bags into the tent, arraying them between the layers, and retrieved a couple of things from them before she left. The arm-sling, at least, made something of a useful carrying-pouch, even if it did deprive her of one usable hand. Then she closed up the inner tent and headed for the fire, where…

Rayla blinked. “Is he asleep?” She asked, surprised, at the sight of Callum slumped sideways over his brother, who seemed cheerfully unbothered by being largely engulfed by his sibling.

“He dozed off in like, a couple of minutes.” Ezran agreed, voice half-sad and half-fond. “He must be really tired.”

“…After today, I don’t blame him.” She said, settling beside the lopsided prince with her eyebrows raised. His mouth was open and…while he wasn’t quite snoring, there was a hint of it to the heaviness of his breath, in this ungainly position he’d dozed off in. He didn’t even react to their voices, which was an impressively deep sleep to have fallen into within such a short amount of time. “Suppose we’d best all get to bed as soon as we can.”

“Yeah.” He nodded, and after a moment, jerked his chin towards the pot. “You should stir that. I’ve not been able to with Callum all over me.”

Rayla eyed him. Honestly, she was impressed he was managing to sit upright, given that Callum was indeed all over him. “It’ll be ready soon.” She settled on, eventually, and leaned forwards to stir the virulently-blue tea with the blade she’d left in there. “We’ll have to wake him up.” She leaned back, then reached into her arm sling to start withdrawing things. The jar of what remained of the goose meat, and its empty counterpart. The much smaller jar that had once housed jam. Their only towel.

“Dinner?” Ezran guessed, looking at the arrayed items.

“Dinner.” She agreed, even though it probably wasn’t even four in the afternoon. “If you eat now, go easy on the meat. We need to keep some for tomorrow.”

His expression went a little odd. “…And then you’ll have to hunt again?” He said, looking at the jar, and a flicker of some complicated emotion went through his eyes.

Rayla watched him, cautious, and offered a slow nod. “Honestly, if we weren’t all about ready to pass out-“ or had already passed out, in some cases- “-I’d be trying to catch something today. But…” She shook her head. It wasn’t pleasant to admit it, but she knew she didn’t have the energy for hunting today, not to mention negotiating the process of cleaning and preparing a kill with only one hand.

He looked away, and then carefully shrugged his brother off and lowered him to the ground. Callum murmured, but didn’t wake. “…Right.” Ez uttered, lowly, and…for a moment, his posture hunched inwards in a way she misliked. But then he exhaled, and blinked solemn eyes, and seemed more-or-less normal again.

She eyed him. “…Are you okay with that, Ez?” She asked, eventually, and he looked up at her.

“I’m fine.” He said, still a little solemn, and still a little sad. “Thanks for asking, though.” He considered her for a second, then reached across the sleeping form of his brother to take her hand, the trace of a wince passing over his features as his skin touched hers.

Rayla blinked, and looked across at him, then looked down at his hand. Her eyes narrowed. “Ezran.” She said, a little warningly, because....well, he could just be being affectionate, but from the look in his eye, and the way he’d winced, she kind of doubted it.

He smiled serenely at her, utterly and audaciously unashamed. “Yeah?”

“...You could just ask me how I am.” She answered, after a moment, voice sardonic. “You know, with your words. You don’t have to use your special empathy powers to check up on me.”

“I know.” He said, eyes on her hand, and then he released her. “I just wanted to see how your pain was. Because you probably wouldn’t admit it if it was bothering you.”

She shifted, vaguely uncomfortable with this perfectly accurate insight into her character, and eyed him side-long. “…And?” She prompted, a little curious of his verdict, despite everything.

“And it is bothering you, but you’re ignoring it so hard you’re not even thinking of it.” He said, flatly, levelling her with the sort of disapproving stare that made her feel momentarily that she was the ten-year-old in this equation. “And ignoring it like that is making you go sort of…tense, and achy, so you’re feeling stiff and sore all over and you’re ignoring that too.”

She absorbed his words. For a moment, Rayla felt every inch of her body, and all its arrayed complaints of stiffness and soreness; every crick in her limbs and pull in her muscles, every livid ache of the bruising around her waist, every searing throb and burn of the wounds at her arm and shoulder, and the numb tingling pain of her bound hand. She felt it all with a disorientating fidelity, as if Ezran’s words had called her suffering by name and woken it up. Then she gritted her teeth, squared her shoulders, and shoved herself past it again. “It’s not so bad.” She said, staunchly, and Ezran stared at her.

“Yeah, it is.” He said, unimpressed. “And you’re doing it again, right now, aren’t you. Ignoring it, I mean.”

“What, you think it would be better if I was whining and crying about it?” She questioned, with some asperity. “What else am I supposed to do?”

“Take some lilium.” He told her, as if it were overwhelmingly obvious. She stared at him. “Yeah, really.”

“…But there’s still things to do today.” She objected, a little taken-aback. “That stuff’ll make me useless. I can’t.”

He folded his arms, looking every inch a disapproving elder whose charge was being unnecessarily stubborn. It was a bizarre look on a ten-year-old. “Like what?” He demanded. “We’ve just gotta drink weird blue tea, and eat, and boil some bandages. Me and Callum can do that, if you’re too loopy to. And Callum needs to do your bandages and stuff too, which will be way easier for you and him if you’re not in horrible pain the whole time.”

Well. It made an uncomfortable amount of sense. Still… “I might tear my wounds open.” She said, dubious, with a deep and abiding reluctance to submit herself to the drug again. “I did that on my wrist last time, after all.”

“You won’t. We won’t let you.” He said, with such utter certainty and conviction that for a moment it was hard to remember what she was worried about. “And if you’re worried about that, just take less this time, so it doesn’t affect you so much.”

Rayla was silent for a moment, nonplussed, as she tried to come up with a counter-argument that wasn’t ‘but I don’t want to’. “…It’s not necessary, though?” She tried. “I can cope with this much pain?”

“Yeah, but you’ll heal better if you aren’t all tense and nasty-feeling.” He countered, entirely unmoved. ���Also if you’re in pain when you get your injuries treated and cleaned out and stuff you’ll upset Callum.”

She paused, thrown.

“He doesn’t need any more upsetting today.” Ezran added, with a sort of satisfied nod, as if he were certain of his victory and she just hadn’t admitted defeat yet. There was a knowing look in his eyes, an unspoken statement: you don’t want to upset Callum, do you?

Rayla did not, in fact, want to upset Callum.

She stared narrow-eyed at Ezran, a little balefully, finding herself vaguely offended at having been understood and manipulated so thoroughly. It was just…rude, is what it was. She stared at him in some futile effort to forestall his victory, even as she tried not to think about how awful Callum’s breath had sounded in his panic earlier, how he tensed and hunched in on himself and looked so miserable every time she winced when he was changing bandages-

For just a second, she glanced at Callum’s sleeping face, looking exhausted even at rest, and…

She looked away, disgruntled. “…Fine.” She said, shortly, and spared a moment to be thankful that Callum hadn’t been awake for that exchange.

Ezran accepted his victory with grace, offering just a small and stately nod as acknowledgement. “Is the tea done yet?” He asked, in a blatant and yet annoyingly welcome effort to change the subject.

Rayla sighed. “Just about.” Her voice sounded sour, even to her, as she rummaged for the empty jam jar she’d brought out, as well as the much larger empty jar they’d been keeping food in before. She set it aside, took the pot off of the fire, and let it sit there for a while, steaming gently into the cold mountain air. “Build up the fire some more, will you?” Using the towel as a makeshift oven-glove, she carefully poured the cyan-pine infusion into the larger jar, then the smaller, setting the pot down almost empty. She piled in more snow, and set it back on the fire that Ezran was feeding twigs into. “Wake up your brother.” She instructed, then stood and left for the tent.

She returned with the first aid stuff that she knew would be needed soon enough, as well as a small and disgusting pile of soiled bandages that Callum had been keeping inside her tattered jacket. Ezran was still nudging his groggy sibling awake by the time she arrived, setting everything out and checking on the pot. She scrutinised it, then dumped half of the remaining goose meat into the shallow blue fluid at the bottom. It might taste weird, to heat up the meat in a makeshift tea, but a hot meal would probably do them all more good than cold. She dumped in the small clump of edible greenery, too.

“Hrrrng.” Callum expressed, lethargic, as Ezran poked him in the face repeatedly, making his eyes twitch and his nose scrunch up and his hands rise to weakly flap at his assailant. “Whassit – Ez – ugh-“

“It’s weird-blue-tea time, Callum.” Ez said, determinedly cheerful, and kept poking. “Wakey-wakey!”

“’mmmmawake,” He claimed, valiantly, peeling one eye open and finally grabbing hold of the poking hand, stilling it from his face. He blinked, both eyes opening this time, and squinted first at his brother and then at Rayla. “….I fell asleep?” He wondered, confused, then pushed himself upright to stare blearily at the fire. “…Right.” He wiped a hand over his face.

“Kind of impressive, actually.” Rayla agreed, and passed him a large and fairly heavy jar of blue tea. She took a moment to be thankful for her unexplained increase in strength – it would have been very challenging to handle the pot or the jar one-handed, otherwise. “Falling asleep that quickly takes skill.”

He blinked again, very blearily, and rubbed at his eyes. “…Or complete, terrible exhaustion.” He said, ruefully, and blinked at the jar. “Er…”

“Drink it.” She instructed. “You and Ez can share that. I’ve got my own.” She held up the significantly smaller jar, demonstratively.

Callum eyed it, dubiously. Then he shrugged, raised it to his lips, and drank. He made a face. “Well, at least it’s warm.” He said, unenthusiastically, and passed it to Ezran.

“What does it taste like?” He enquired, sniffing at it, and held it down for Bait to sample. The glow-toad punched his tongue in-and-out of it, turned faintly green, then shuffled away with obvious displeasure.

“Weird.” Callum supplied, rubbing his eyes, as his brother lifted the jar to drink. “Kind of sour, almost. I guess that’s the cyanroot.”

Ezran drank, and made a far more pronounced face than his brother had. “…Ugh.” He expressed, and lowered it, staring at it with distaste. “That’s horrible.”

At those rousing endorsements, Rayla stared reluctantly into the surface of her jar. Then, sighing, she drank as well. Her face twisted into an automatic grimace. “Definitely tastes worse than just pine tea on its own.” She muttered, disgruntled. These flavours, evidently, did not combine well.

Callum received the jar and took another swig. His expression twisted again, but almost thoughtfully this time. “It’s not that bad. Just kind of…weird.” He claimed, valiantly, and drank some more.

“You can have it all then. I don’t mind.” His brother said immediately, and then straightened with surprise when Rayla turned and pointed at him with the sword she’d been using to stir the pot.

“Drink your nasty nutrient tea, Ezran.” She told him, sternly. “If I have to, so do you.” He stuck out his tongue at her (which was turning blue), but didn’t protest when Callum handed the jar back.

Terrible taste or no, the warmth of it was pleasant; it spread through her body and chased some of the awful chill from her limbs. She sighed, forcing down another mouthful, before setting it aside. For a moment, she stared at the gently simmering liquid in the pot with dislike, pondering the thing she needed to do but didn’t particularly want to. After some effort, and several long moments of warring with herself, she made a disgusted noise and reached to the side.

“Open that for me, would you?” She said, sourly, handing a little bottle to Callum. He accepted it without looking, automatic, then glanced down. His eyebrows shot up.

“….Sure.” he agreed, diplomatically, and though he didn’t comment…

Rayla looked away, a little unsettled at his obvious relief, and took back the opened bottle of bloody-red painkiller with her eyes averted from his face. “Stupid lilium.” She muttered, and set the tiny bottle down to do some finagling.

She took the lid of the jam jar, and drizzled a little of the tea into it. Then, with the tiny lilium spoon, she let a single red droplet fall into the tea, swirling into the blue like ink. She mixed it around, and then took her allotted dose from a thin purple liquid that ought to be much weaker than the lilium on its own. Dilute lilium. It didn’t taste nearly as sweet on the tongue as the pure drug had.

Rayla scrubbed the jar lid dry with the towel, and sighed. She sincerely hoped the dilute dose would let her keep her head on straight, but she wasn’t especially optimistic about it. “Happy?” She asked Ezran, who looked disproportionately pleased with himself.

“Very.” He said, serenely, ignoring the curious glances from his brother. “Is it dinnertime yet?”

Rayla rolled her eyes, and reached out to remove the pot from the fire. “Drink your tea.” She reminded him, and he blew a raspberry at her.

“You drink your tea.” He countered, taking an almost rebellious swig from the large jar.

“I am.” She retorted, and brandished her nearly empty jar at him. “I’m nearly done with mine.”

He stared at her, unimpressed. “That so doesn’t count. Your jar is way tinier than mine.”

“You’re sharing yours, Ezran.”

“Yeah, but this jar is still more than two times bigger than yours.” He claimed, raising it at her. “You should take a refill. To make it fair.” He glanced at his brother. “Right, Callum?”

Said brother looked rather bemused, glancing between the two of them with a lifted eyebrow, and a smile twitching at the edge of his lips. “…Well, Ezran’s right, our jar is a lot bigger than yours.” He agreed, eyes crinkling a little as he looked at her. “So you probably should get a refill, Rayla.” He paused. “But…maybe let me have a bit more, first.” He took the jar, and started drinking from it – this time, without any apparent disdain. She and Ezran watched with a sort of disgusted fascination until he set the container down again, producing an almost satisfied sigh that displayed the purple-blue colour settling into his lips. “What?” He asked, at their expressions.

“You didn’t even make a face at it that time.” Ezran told him, staring at his brother as one might stare at someone who’d just eaten a live scorpion. “Do you like that stuff? That’s gross.”

“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad.” Callum claimed, exasperated, and received three dubious stares for his trouble, from Rayla, Ezran, and Bait.

“Then you can have the rest of it. Really.” Ezran insisted, then paused. “Well, after Rayla has some more, anyway.”

Rayla opened her mouth to tell him no, you have to drink yours to avoid scurvy – then closed it, an idea sparking in her mind. Contemplatively, she held out her jar to Callum. He got the message, and poured her a refill, whereupon she raised her makeshift flagon challengingly at Ezran. “Bet I can drink my disgusting blue tea faster than you.” She challenged, and watched his eyes light up.

“No way.” He denied, scrambling for the jar. They probably had about equal amounts left now, so it would be a decently equitable race. “I always win at eating contests.”

“He does, it’s true.” Callum nodded, amused, eyes darting between the two of them. “But usually that’s with stuff that he likes, so…”

“Count us down,” Ezran demanded, and his brother looked even more amused.

“Sure, why not.” He agreed, lips quirking, and then did precisely that, providing them with a slow countdown from five while they raised their respective jars and exchanged competitive stares over the rims of glass.

In the end Ezran did triumph, lifting his empty jar to the sky like a supplicant with an offering. “Ha!” He crowed, lips gone a dark purple from the dye in the tea. “I win!”

Rayla smirked at him, lowering her jar, until he stared at her warily.

“I win,” He repeated, almost cautious, as if he suspected he’d been caught out somehow.

“Made you drink your horrible tea.” She pointed out, a little smug, and he stared at her. A moment later, he folded his arms and glared with abject betrayal.

“That was a trick?” He demanded, disgruntled, and received a conciliatory pat on the shoulder from his brother.

“A masterful trick indeed.” Callum agreed, taking the empty jar and raising it to Rayla in a mock toast. “Getting a little brother to drink something he hates is definitely an accomplishment. Very sisterly of you, even.” He appeared to consider something, for a second. “I salute you, your sisterliness.” And then he did salute her, with that clasp to his chest that all the humans seemed to do. She huffed at him, taken-aback, and was surprised by how pleased the words left her.

“It was very masterful of me. I’m glad you noticed.” She agreed, airily, and set her empty jar aside. “Don’t know about the sisterliness, but…”

“…No, he’s right, that was totally a big-sister sort of thing to do.” Ezran said, arms still folded, evidently trying to seem sour but not really succeeding. He looked a lot more reluctantly amused, instead. He eyed her, almost speculatively. “I bet you’d make a good big sister.” He added, consideringly, like he was assessing her for the job.

Rayla eyed him. “Hard to say, since I don’t have any little siblings.”

“Well, you’ve got one now.” Callum said, and all eyes went his way. He shrugged. “What? You’ve basically been acting like Ezran’s big sister for days, so it’s a bit late to say you’ve not got any siblings.”

There was a pause. Rayla stared, a little flummoxed. Ezran eyed her appraisingly. Then: “I accept your appointment to the position of Sister of Ezran.” He said, grandly. “Your duties will be acting sisterly, being a sister, and doing the Jerkface Dance if you’re ever a Jerkface. You may consult Callum if you’re ever confused about how being a big sibling works.” Another pause. “Congratulations.” He added.

She stared.

Callum reached over and patted her gingerly on the good arm. “You might as well just accept it.” He informed her. “He’s decided you’re his sister now, there’s not any getting out of it. He’s too stubborn for that.”

Slowly, cautiously, a thread of affection wove its way into her heart. She considered objecting. She found that she didn’t particularly want to object. Eventually, she sighed, rolled her eyes, and extended a hand to ruffle Ezran’s hair. “You’re a brat, Ez.” She informed him, reluctantly fond, and tried not to think about how she was keeping a truly horrible secret from her ostensible new little brother.

Ezran beamed at her from beneath his mass of messy hair. “You’re off to a great start.” He informed her. “That was totally a sisterly thing to say.”

She rolled her eyes again. “Ugh. Whatever. Sure.” She withdrew her arm, and shoved the pot onto the soil between them. “Just eat your dinner.”

“Sisterly.” He repeated, obstinately, and dipped the lid of the jar delicately into the pot to withdraw a small platter of cooked meat and blue cyanroot slices, dotted with limp pine needles and sagging plant stalks.

“Eat.” She insisted, and passed Callum the other jar lid so he could do the same. He smiled at her, wide and lopsided and uncommonly warm, and she couldn’t help but flush at it. “What?” She demanded, defensive, and he raised his hands.

“Nothing! Nothing.” He assured, but he was still smiling. She huffed at him, and speared her blade into the pot to retrieve some of her own food.

Goosemeat boiled in cyan-pine infusion did taste weird, but surprisingly not as weird as expected. The flavours worked better in meat than in tea, to her relief, and she set about demolishing her portion with an unexpected breadth of hunger. She’d not quite realised how ravenous she’d been until she started eating.

“This tastes like beetroot, but really sour.” Callum declared, having picked up a boiled slice of cyanroot and eaten it. His fingertips were thoroughly blue, and there was a cyan tinge between his teeth. It was startlingly bright. “It’s not bad, actually.”

“Speak for yourself.” Rayla muttered, eyeing a slice of her own. Given her mislike of the taste in the tea, she didn’t think she would like it any better on its own. She could have sworn it didn’t taste this nasty when one of the other assassins had prepared it. Maybe he’d added something else in to counteract the weird flavours?

“I don’t like it.” Ez concluded, shortly after attempting his own mouthful. “I think this is my new least favourite vegetable.”

“Worse than turnip?” Callum inquired, eating another slice with aplomb.

“Way worse than turnip.”

“Sadly, we have to eat it anyway.” Rayla informed him. “We don’t exactly have a lot to pick from, here.”

He grimaced at his makeshift plate, and sighed. “Yeah, I know.” He offered a half-hearted smile. “At least it’s kind of cool how it makes us go blue.”

Callum huffed, a smile spreading on his face. “Yeah, I thought that would happen.” He said, plainly amused. “Your teeth are all cyan-dyed.” He shot a thoughtful look at Rayla. “You know, Rayla, you could probably dye your hair bright blue with this stuff. Your hair’s so white, it’d take the colour right away.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “I’ll pass, thanks.” She said, dryly. “Maybe if it was a stealthier colour. But cyan doesn’t exactly blend in.”

“Neither does white.” Ezran pointed out, to which she informed him that that’s what hoods were for, prompting a short discussion of how exactly elves with larger horns managed wearing their assassin-hoods. (Generally speaking, the solution was bigger hoods.)

In relative quiet, they worked through their dinner. There…really wasn’t enough of it. She was so hungry, but there was so little food. Rayla had rationed the goosemeat so they’d still have some tomorrow, but…tomorrow, they would run out of food. Somehow, she’d have to hunt, and prepare meat, with her left arm effectively out of commission. She grimaced at the thought, and looked up at the sky, where the thick snow-clouds were roiling. The wind tugged at her hair as she stared skywards.

If it snowed, as she was fairly certain it would…then that would make it all that much harder to forage for any extras. It would be harder to find most animals, too. And that was just if it was regular snow. In a blizzard….

She shifted, uneasily, and tried not to worry about the very imminent reality of short rations. She’d find them food somehow. She had to, after all. What else was there to do?

Ezran didn’t need too much prodding to finish his dinner, even as much as he evidently disliked the cyanroot. She thought, worriedly, that this was likely a result of hunger; their rations had been shorter than ideal for a few meals now. In the end, they ate every scrap, and then Callum took the pot from her to drink the remainder of the weird blue soup, and they were done. He cleared the pine needles out of the pot and set to work melting snow.

“Soon.” He sighed, wistfully. “Soon, we can just…go to sleep.”

Ez looked up at the sky, a little rueful. “I think this is the earliest I’ll have gone to bed in forever.”

“Barely late-afternoon, yet.” Rayla agreed, tugging on her awareness of the Moon. It was a little easier to feel than usual, even waning. “Though I suppose it’ll be early evening by the time we get sleeping.”

“We just need to clean these bandages.” Callum said, determinedly, with a sudden vigour. It was as though having the end in sight had given him a new burst of energy. “And then I’ll have a look at your injuries, and then we’ll be done.”

She nodded, slowly, thinking of sleep. “That’ll be nice.” She agreed, a little wistfully, and…for a moment, felt like she could just lay down and drop off immediately, like Callum had earlier. She wanted to lay down and sleep, hard cold ground or not. It was a strangely dizzying impulse, and she blinked, wondering at the abruptness of it. She watched the water starting to simmer in the pot, and after a pause for consideration, reached over for some bandages to drop in.

The water almost immediately went the thin yellowish colour of very dilute blood, the metallic tang of it wafting into the air. She wrinkled her nose.

“Gross.” She muttered, a little disgustedly, and tried not to think about how all that blood had come from her. Tried not to think about how she was probably still bleeding, at least a little. “We’re going to need a lot of water changes for all this.”

Ezran scrutinised their snow pile dubiously. “I think we’re probably going to need more of this, then.” He said, and got to his feet with a sigh. “I’ll take care of it.”

Callum looked up. “You want help?”

“Nah. I’ll be fine.” He waved it off, and in short order was departing with Bait in search of whatever nearby snow they hadn’t gathered yet.

“I wish we had more soap.” Rayla lamented, staring at the pot, and then reached aside to put more bandages in. Boiling water would do to sterilise them, but it likely wouldn’t be able to remove all of the odours, and certainly not the colour. “But we should probably save that for ourselves.”

“…Especially since we’re going to be changing a lot of bandages.” He agreed, awkwardly, with another look at her arm that he probably thought was surreptitious. “We’d run out fast.”

“Once the bleeding stops, it should be less messy, at least.” She reasoned, and shot her own arm a glance. Her brow furrowed, and she wondered if they should change the bandages now, so that the soiled bandage could join the rest in being cleaned…

In the end, though, she didn’t suggest it. If the lilium was working, she wasn’t really feeling it yet, and…well, she’d already taken the damn stuff. If she was going to submit herself to going moonstruck, she might as well wait for the benefit of the pain relief before having her injuries messed with. Still, she couldn’t quite help the way her fingers twitched to her damaged arm, keenly aware of the searing pain beneath the fabric.

Callum was watching her, fingers twitching and shoulders just a little hunched. “…Should I-“ He stopped. “Your injuries, is it…”

She exhaled. “Not yet.” She said, shortly, and he accepted that without a word. They returned to the somewhat disgusting task of cleaning the bandages (and torn clothes) that she’d got her blood all over, and didn’t speak much but for operative mutters like ‘pass me that, would you’ and ‘can you stir this for a second’. It might have been a companionable quiet if he wasn’t swaying with exhaustion and she wasn’t drawn terse with pain.

Ezran had returned twice with a shirt full of snow before she started to feel the lilium kicking in, a process which she couldn’t have missed if she’d tried. Her first experience with it was more or less a vague blur in her memory, which she could recall very little of; she remembered barely anything of how it had encroached before. This time, though…

There were probably some subtler effects she wasn’t noticing, but…considering everything, she could hardly fail to notice when the pain started to ebb. The experience of it was like a steady, dawning relief, like weight slipping from her shoulders, and even as slow as it was she could feel it. The searing ache and throb of the injuries lessened, and with it, so did her tension. There was less to brace against, less to grit her teeth through, less to endure. And so, as the minutes passed, the awful tension slipped from her along with the worst of the pain.

It was startling, how much better it felt. It didn’t remove all of the pain by any means – not even close. Maybe this dilute dose wouldn’t be enough for that, even when it had taken full effect. But it hurt so much less already, and that was such a relief she hardly knew what to do with it.

Callum noticed, of course. “Are you feeling better?” He asked, almost cautiously, as she exhaled another relieved breath through her teeth, stress sloughing from her like a snake’s shed skin. “You…seem like you’re feeling better.”

“Lilium’s starting to kick in.” She answered, and couldn’t quite help the gladness that crept into her words. She’d not wanted to take the stupid stuff, but – Moon’s Light, she was already glad she had. Ezran had, annoyingly enough, been right. “It’s…already a lot better.”

He watched her, almost a little warily, as if concerned that she might be lying for his benefit. Then he exhaled, in what seemed like his own relief, shoulders slumping as though their tension was escaping with hers. “Well, thank Mercy for that.” He sighed, and did appear genuinely thankful. She eyed him, and he fidgeted under her stare, plainly self-conscious. “It’s…been pretty horrible, seeing you in pain all day.” He explained, awkwardly, as if she weren’t already perfectly aware of that. “I’m just…glad.”

“Trust me, so am I.” Rayla said, with feeling, and tried to ignore the way her gut flipped and twisted at his concern. On one hand, it felt horrible to be such a source of anxiety and worry for him. On the other, though…

He cared. He cared enough that he’d broken down over it. Over her. She had no idea how to respond to that.

She wrestled her emotions back into their proper place and exhaled. “Give it a bit longer and then you can help me out of this stupid sling.” She decided, and leaned over the pot to make a face at the colour of its water. “Also, I think we should change the water on this, now. It’s disgusting.”

Callum looked at it and grimaced. He reached for the towel and then for the pot, lifting it carefully. “I’ll go pour it out down-slope a bit.” He said, and true to his word, went off and poured it and returned. Together they heaped snow in, ready with a new handful as soon as the existing stuff melted. “I’m so glad we have this campfire.” He sighed, after a while, casting a glance across the campsite where Ezran had been piling the snow. He held his hands over the hot air emanating from the flames, his fingertips flushed an unhappy red under the cyan staining. “The tent is probably going to be so cold later…”

“We’ll want to wrap up warm.” She agreed, a little absent-mindedly, shuffling closer to the fire to let its lulling heat warm her. “Jumpers and scarves and stuff. In a pinch we can heat some rocks in the fire and bring those in to warm things up a bit.” Her eyelids drooped half-lidded, and she stared into the embers, watching them dance. It was very hypnotic. “’Course, you need to be careful what you put them on, or they’ll scorch your stuff…”

“…Rayla?” His voice jolted her, and she opened her eyes, blinking blearily. It had felt like only a second had passed between her words and his voice, but…she realised she was lolling forwards, as if about to slump over, and the sensation of blinking herself back to alertness felt suspiciously like waking up. His hand was on her shoulder, as though to steady her. Or hold her up.

She rubbed her eyes with her one good hand, bemused. “Mm?” She questioned, indistinctly, and scrutinised the pot. The snow was still melting, so she hadn’t fallen asleep…

“You looked kind of like you were dropping off, there.” He said, tactfully, and withdrew his hand. “Didn’t want you falling into the fire.”

Rayla yawned, and grumbled slightly, and then shook her head in some attempt to dissuade the drowsiness. It didn’t quite work. Now that the pain was receding, it was so much easier to feel tired, and the warmth of the fire was so nice… “Well, if I did, that would wake me up in a hurry.” She muttered, arching her back a little to stretch. The motion pulled at her shoulders, but despite the wound there, it barely hurt at all. She sighed with satisfaction, and debated the wisdom of laying down by the fire. Even gravel and bare stone seemed potentially comfortable, at this point…

“Pretty sure you don’t need burns on top of everything else.” Callum said, eyeing her. “I mean. I still don’t know how much you’ve bled since the last time we changed your bandages. For all I know you’ve bled through them again.” For all that he was plainly trying to sound unaffected…there was a definite edge to his voice.

“My jumper’s not wet.” Rayla volunteered, and then hastily patted over her arm to make sure she was telling the truth. (She was.)

Callum did not seem particularly impressed by this. He was opening his mouth to reply when Ezran returned again, calling cheerfully to them.

“Okay, that’s like, the fourth lot of snow. Is it enough now? I’m getting really cold.” He said, and didn’t bother to wait for a reply before he approached the fire and crouched over it, little gloved hands quivering above the flames. Bait settled nearby, though not nearly so close to the fire as Ezran. “This campfire is amazing.”

Rayla hummed in idle agreement, eyes already half-lidded again from the soporific warmth. “Kind of smoky, though.” She commented, drowsily. “That’s what we get for using live branches, I guess.”

“The pine smells nice, at least.” He said, then looked at her curiously. “You look better.” He decreed, after a moment. “Sleepy, but better.” He reached out to lay fingers on her hand, and she fixed him with the best glare she could manage under the circumstances.

“Didn’t we already talk about this?”

He hadn’t flinched, this time. “Yeah, but you’re better now.” He said, distractedly, as his eyes half-closed to focus on whatever he was feeling. “Is that…that must be the lilium. It feels weird.”

Callum straightened a little, casting fascinated eyes on his brother. “You can feel what lilium feels like through her?”

“Kinda. It’s pretty mild.” Ezran tilted his head, for a moment. “But, I mean, besides how it’s made the pain a lot better…you’ve got this sort of…” He waved his other hand, vaguely. “Warm, comfy feeling. Sort of fuzzy, around the edges of your head.”

Rayla blinked. “I thought that was just being sleepy.” She said, after a pause for thought. “And the fire.”

He shook his head, and withdrew his hand from hers. “No. I mean, that’s part of it, but this is – I can feel that it’s different. It’s kind of cool, actually. I didn’t know I could feel when something’s drugging someone.” He shrugged. “It’s probably a new thing. I didn’t start getting so good at feeling people until we started travelling.”

Callum eyed him. “Why now?” He asked, and Rayla watched with a vague frisson of unease for his answer.

Ezran shrugged again, a little evasively. “Dunno.” He expressed, but his eyes flickered up-slope to the tent, where their bags were – where the egg was.

He was very plainly hiding something again, and Rayla sort of wanted to interrogate him about it, but she also wanted to fall asleep. She opened her mouth anyway – and then closed it, realising that the effort required for dragging secrets out of Ezran was probably beyond her at the moment. Now that he’d pointed it out, she could sort of feel the way the edges of her thoughts were all fuzzy, something alike but not-quite sleepiness slowing her thoughts and turning everything a little warmer and more pleasant than it should have been.

If it was anything like the first time, she had no idea. She didn’t exactly remember her first time on lilium, after all. But it was deadening most of the pain, and she didn’t think she was acting like an idiot, and that was good enough for her.

“You should get this sling off me.” Rayla informed Callum, twitching the dark fingers on her shoulder. “I think I’m drugged up enough for now.”

He went a little still and startled for a moment, staring at her. Then he shook himself out of it, and nodded. “Er.” He expressed. “Sure. If you say so? I’ll just…” He shuffled over, then reached over to carefully extract her from the improvised sling.

His hands were warm, as they manoeuvred carefully around the relatively few safe spots on her left arm. She found that warmth more compelling than the reflexive distaste she felt at her helplessness, and that was interesting. The negativity was still there, but it was…vaguer than she’d have expected. Oddly distant, and hard to grasp. That was probably an effect of the lilium, too.

Her arm ached as, newly freed, she slowly extended it, stretching out its various cricks as carefully as she could manage. The movement did pull at the wounds, and she could feel the pain of it, but…what pain remained was at a remove that made it surprisingly easy to deal with. She flexed her stiff fingers, and they ached too, but most of their pain had been eliminated entirely by the lilium. The stuff was very effective, apparently.

“Sweater?” Callum asked, and she realised that he was watching her with a sort of familiar, anxious dread. His eyes were on her arm, like he was trying to see through the layers of fabric and bandaging to assay the state of her wounds. He was afraid of seeing them, she realised. The thought felt unusually distant as it passed her mind.

“Sure.” She agreed, mildly, and submitted to having herself helped out of the burgundy jumper with far less shame and distaste than she’d have expected. It hiked the undershirt up with it a little, and she was distracted for a moment by a flash of colour from her midriff. By the time she glanced down, the undershirt had already replaced itself. “Hm.” She murmured, thoughtfully, mostly to herself. It hadn’t been bothering her as much as her arm-wounds, maybe, but her waist had been very sore and tender all day…

“Bled through.” Callum said, a little tightly, drawing her eyes to her arm. “Not much, at least, but…” He set the jumper aside, and reached out to gingerly inspect the state of the bandages. They were red-spotted, but the red was fairly dark and dry looking. Rayla noted that with interest.

“That’s less fresh.” She pointed out, with easy certainty. “It bled through a while ago and then stopped.” Did that mean the wound had stopped bleeding, then? That would be nice. Still. She was a little distracted by what she’d seen earlier. So…

She pulled her undershirt up and peered down, eyebrows shooting up at what she saw. Oh, well. That was – she made a small, startled noise, and drew the boys’ attention from her arm to her waist. Callum uttered a low, dismayed hiss at the sight of it, and Ezran’s hands flew to his mouth.

“Oh, Rayla, that’s-“ Ez said, wide-eyed and staring, while Callum still seemed shocked still. She could understand their reactions, even through the soft haze of the ever-encroaching lilium.

Around her waist, where the soldier had caught her by his chains and squeezed, there were lines of swollen, stunningly livid bruising. It had evidently spread out from the initial strips, homogenising it into an irregular band about her middle. Most of it was an astonishingly dark blue-purple, darker by far than her hand had been at its worst, and at the edges it was an unhealthy red that looked raw and swollen.

She lowered her fingers to it, finding it hot to the touch, and noticeably raised from the rest of her skin. “That’s…pretty dramatic-looking.” She commented at last, peering to the side. The chains had wrapped around her sides and back as well – she could see the bruising on her sides, but she had to twist a little to see any of it on her back. It seemed less severe, there. Fewer soft tissues to squeeze, she supposed.

“That looks really painful.” Ezran said, a little anxiously, and his hand shot out at once to touch her arm, as if needing reassurance that it wasn’t actually causing her tremendous pain. Which it wasn’t. When she poked it, it hurt, but in the same disconnected way that her arm still hurt. It was perceptible, but…not unpleasant, with that distance there.

“It’s fine.” She said, inspecting her bruising with a curious, analytic eye. “It’ll make things hard, if I need to do much jumping or climbing over the next few days. And it’ll hurt to sleep on for a while. But right now it’s fine.” Abdominal bruising this severe would interfere with most everything she did, probably. Once the lilium wore off, it would be impossible to find any sort of comfortable way to lay down, too. But she was having a very hard time caring about that, right now. The drug-haze seemed to make all worries more distant and ephemeral; as hard to grasp as smoke.

“….Is it dangerous?” Callum spoke at last, plain anxiety in every word. She looked at him, and found him looking thoroughly upset again. She didn’t like that, but the dislike was hard to grasp, too. “I mean – that looks bad, and it’s right over a load of your organs, and-“ He shut his eyes, for a moment, to take in a steadying breath. She hoped, distantly, that he wouldn’t start hyperventilating again. She really didn’t want him getting that upset again.

Rayla inspected her bruising again. Despite its lividity, it really didn’t hurt at all. With the disconnect from the pain, looking at it was a strangely dissociative experience. She felt almost like she was staring at someone else’s contused abdomen, rather than her own.

She shrugged, and let go of her undershirt, covering up the impressive colours of the skin there. “If I had the bad kind of internal bleeding, I’d have died from it hours ago.” She said, practically, and felt a little bad at how the words made him flinch. “I guess it’s possible I’ve bruised some organs, but they’ll probably be fine.” Vaguely, she recalled that there could be a risk of blood clots when bruising was very large and severe, but…well, she still had aspirin in her system, probably. And with luck, once her wounds closed up properly, she could start using willow-bark again, and put paid to any remaining risk.

“I really don’t like that ‘probably’.” Callum muttered, face gone a little pale.

“If he got my kidneys, I might pass blood for a while.” Rayla said, shrugging. Her shoulders felt oddly lax and boneless. All of her did, really. It was sort of pleasant, after she’d spent the whole day so tense she’d given herself muscle aches. “Aside from that, it’ll just be sore. Don’t worry so much.” She recognised, looking at him, that this was a slightly futile statement. Taking pity on him, she extended her arm, and said “Stop thinking about bruises and have a look at this.”

“Er.” Callum did a double-take at the sight of her bandaged arm, looking bizarrely thrown, like he’d completely forgotten about the actually bleeding injuries. “Er – right, yeah, just…” He shook his head, as if trying to dispel whatever anxious fugue he’d sunk into, and cast a nervous glance at Ez. “Disinfectant?” He asked, even as he reached forwards to untie the knots on Rayla’s bandages.

“…Right.” Ez said, brow furrowed, as he drew away from her and went to rummage in the pile of first-aid stuff she’d brought over. He grabbed several articles and settled next to Callum with a building efficiency that was vaguely sad to witness. He was getting alarmingly accustomed to being a healer’s assistant.

Callum peeled off her bandages and inspected the injuries with a familiar wince. For all that, though, she thought they were looking better. It still seemed pretty sludgy-looking in the wide and jagged middle, but the scabs were spreading nicely. “I really hope disinfecting this doesn’t open it up again.” Callum muttered, accepting an alcohol-dipped swab of bandages from Ezran with barely a glance.

She tilted her head. The seal on the wound did seem pretty fragile… “Mm.” She offered, unconcerned in the way only psychoactive substances could make her, and watched placidly while he daubed disinfectant over her wounds. “Ow.” She said, thoughtfully, at the sting it provoked, and he flinched away at once.

“Does it hurt?” he asked anxiously, and the sight of him looking so bothered and agitated made her want to…do something, but she wasn’t sure what. Hug him? Pat his face until he stopped looking like that? She had no idea.

Rayla sighed. She was definitely drugged. “Not really.” She said, eventually.

“But you just said-“

“I can feel pain at the moment, but it doesn’t really…hurt. It’s fine.” She attempted. “Just…get on with it.”

Callum eyed her, but obeyed. In an increasingly-practiced routine, he disinfected her injuries, and re-bandaged them, and then repeated the process for the shallow stab on her shoulder. That one had closed over completely, albeit tenuously, which seemed to relieve him. Then he moved down to her wrist.

“That’s healing better, at least.” He muttered, exposing the shallow sores that were by now circling her wrist in a vaguely flesh-coloured scab, on either side of the pale binding. He prodded at that, too, testing its tightness, and frowned. “…Ez, do you think you’ll be able to loosen this again soon? Not tonight, maybe, but…”

“Tomorrow should be fine, I think.” Ezran offered, after a pause. “Zym’s not feeling so tired now.” She wondered, absently, if he was saying that from memory….or if he could discern the state of the Dragon Prince even when he was half a campsite away from the egg.

“Good.” Callum carefully swabbed her wrist with disinfectant too, and replaced its bandages in quick, efficient motions. Then he stilled, a little nervously, his fingertips wavering over her skin. His eyes darted up to hers, and he ducked his head a little. “Er.” He said, awkward. “Should I – I mean – if it doesn’t hurt right now-“

Rayla stared at him uncomprehendingly for a few seconds, her thought processes slower than she thought they should be, and finally got it when she stared down at his hand on hers and experienced a brief, potent flash of memory of the day before. “Oh, right, hand massage.” She recognised, distantly, and thought for a moment. It wouldn’t hurt, or if it did, it wouldn’t hurt much. The last time he’d done it, she’d ended up coming to an unfortunate realisation, and it had been lethally embarrassing, but now…she thought embarrassment was probably beyond her. Convenient. “Sure.” She said, in the end, and presented her hand to him. “Go ahead.”

He flushed, eyes flicking briefly to her face again, then quickly away. “…Right.” He said, and Ezran sniggered at him. Rayla was having a hard time thinking of why, which was yet another sign that she was probably pretty drugged. She wondered if she’d been like this last time, and whether she’d actually remember any of this in the morning.

“Was I more…” She waved. “You know, moonstruck, last time?”

Both of them looked at her. “…Moonstruck?” Callum ventured, uncertainly, like he didn’t know what it meant.

“Is that a Moonshadow elf thing?” Ezran asked, with interest. “What does it mean?”

She stared, confused. “You know. Moonstruck.” Their expressions did not change. “…Drugged? High? Weird in the head?”

“Oh, it’s like the elf version of marsh-whacked.” Callum recognised, with interest, and returned his focus to her hand. “Interesting.” Carefully, and not looking at her, he started pressing his thumbs into her palm. It ached, but only very vaguely; it was considerably overshadowed by the startling pleasantness of the pressure against the sensitive skin. It was very distracting. “And, yeah, you were way worse last time. I guess the smaller dose is paying off.”

Rayla considered it. “I guess I’ll decide how worth-it it was in the morning.” She decided. If she forgot everything again…that would be a distinct point against the lilium. It was quite hard to think about at the moment, but she was quite sure she’d disliked losing the memory of almost an entire evening.

She was distracted from her thoughts again by the next press of his fingers. It was alarmingly pleasant.

“Hm.” She mused, to herself, and tried to think why she would find it alarming. Because…it was embarrassing, maybe? Embarrassment was beyond her at the moment, but it seemed a decent guess.

“…Why ‘moonstruck’?” Ez wondered, and pulled her attention to him. “Where’s the word come from?”

She’d never really thought about it before, but – “Oh.” She recognised, after a second. “It’ll be from the Full Moon.”

“Why?” Callum asked, a little sceptically, and she looked up at his face. She liked his face. She was quite sure she shouldn’t tell him that, though. It took her a moment to parse through his face and her thoughts to realise what he’d said, and to formulate a response.

“…Moonshadow elf things.” She explained, vaguely, and shuffled a little closer, eyes going half-lidded. She settled, feeling fuzzily relaxed in a really very pleasant way. She thought the repetitive, sliding pressure of his fingers on her hand might have sent her to sleep, if not for the vague accompanying ache. It still felt nice, though. “That feels much nicer when it doesn’t hurt.” She sighed, eyes resting idly on Callum’s face, and she watched it go pink.

“…Er. Good?” He said, in something of a squeak, and Ezran sniggered at him again.

Rayla sort of…drifted a little, then. Almost like she was daydreaming, or actually dreaming, she spent some unknown stretch of time floating in the warm haze of the lilium and the warmth over her hand. The latter stopped eventually, though.

She opened her eyes, which until then she hadn’t realised were closed. “Oh, you’re done.” She noticed, and accepted her hand back into her lap as he released it. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” He answered, voice still a little high, and then he cleared his throat. “I thought you’d fallen asleep for a second, there.”

“That would’ve been nice.” She commented, drowsily, after a moment. “But no.”

He peered at her. “…You can go to bed now, if you want.” He said awkwardly. “All your bandages are changed, so…”

She straightened, rousing herself from her sleepy haze, and shook her head. “I’ll stay up to finish boiling the bloody stuff.” She decided. “It won’t be much longer, now. And we can heat some rocks for the tent, too.”

Callum surveyed her for a moment. His lips were still stained blue from the cyanroot, but it had faded somewhat. Now, without its earlier virulence, the blue-purple tinge was subtle enough that it almost made him look hypothermic. Or like he was suffocating. It was quite disconcerting.

At least she was too drugged to feel truly uncomfortable about it. Even so, she couldn’t help but recall how terribly he’d been gasping for breath, earlier. She…hadn’t liked that. She hadn’t liked it at all.

“…Alright.” He accepted, softly, and turned back to the pot. “We can all go to sleep soon.”

Together, the three of them washed the bandages, and then draped them over the tent to dry in the night. Rayla put her sweater on, and the boys wrapped themselves in extra jackets before taking themselves and some hot rocks into the tent. Said rocks were wrapped in clothes and towels, and left near their feet. They’d help the tent interior warm up faster, at least.

Rayla laid down on her fur cloak, and fell asleep in seconds.

 ---

 Corvus woke slowly to a pleasant drug-numbed haze, and the even more pleasant comfort of an actual bed. This is nice, was his first thought, registering the softness of the mattress, and it didn’t occur to him to think much more until a good five minutes later, when he woke up enough that it seemed prudent to open his eyes.

Above him was a ceiling. He studied it for a while, thoughts numb and vacant, and noted the whorls and swirls of the wood grain with absent-minded interest. After another few minutes of that, he looked down, and found that he was within a curtained-off section of some sort of room, and also he was not in his armour, and there were obvious signs of competent medical treatment all over his body. His right leg had been splinted and bandaged, his shoulder set, his middle and ring fingers on his left hand splinted and bandaged…

“Hm.” He mused aloud, distantly curious, but not enough so to call out or try to leave the bed. Instead, because there seemed little reason not to, he fell back asleep again.

The next time he woke, it was to pain; pain that gripped him, pain that screamed at him, pain that scrabbled at his dreaming mind and drew it awake, drew it away, pulling him numb and confused into a waking agony. He hurt in so many places that, for a minute, he couldn’t really tell where it was worst. It was as though his injuries had collated into a single mass of pain, generalised across his whole body…

Then, with a little more focus, he felt the terrible state of his leg, his shoulder, his fingers, his head…

He groaned, low and pitiful, and when he cracked open his eyes there was a familiar face there.

“Good evening, master Corvus.” Said Marla the Healer, who lived in Verdorn. “I was wondering if you would deign to awaken today.”

“…Healer.” He croaked, blinking rapidly, eyes full of grit. “I…what happened?”

“Some bargemen spotted you by the riverside, and sent a few ashore at their soonest opportunity to come to your aid. Then, of course, they brought you back here.” She answered, sedately, and leaned forwards to peel back his eyelids, one and then the next, peering at his pupils. “I admit, I was not expecting to see you again so soon, if at all. I suppose your endeavours met with unfortunate resistance, hm?”

For all her collection and calm, he thought there was a hint of unease there. A hint of worry. He struggled to push himself past the pain, and past the disorientation, to something approaching sense…

His endeavours… “I…caught up with them.” He remembered, wearily, voice scratchy and hoarse. “A while before dawn…”

Marla pursed her lips, leaning back to watch him. “You did not succeed.” She noted, neutrally. “You could not apprehend the elf assassin.”

He closed his eyes, shame twisting more viciously than the pain. “…No.” He agreed. “I couldn’t. I nearly had her, but-“ But, what? What had stricken him? What had wrenched him from that cliffside, at the moment before victory?

“…What of the princes, Corvus?” She asked, slowly, as if dreading the answer. “What became of them?”

He remembered, unvarnished by the heat of combat, the faces of the two young princes. How they’d screamed for their elven captor, all fear and concern for her. Captives’ accord for certain, but so much more entrenched than he’d feared… “They were fine, when I saw them.” He said, slowly, because it was true. “They certainly had a rapport with their captor.” He closed his eyes again, the effort of speaking wearing him out. “They were worried about her…tried to protect her…”

Tried to. Tried, tried, tried.

Wind had picked him up and flung him to the cliff-edge. What was ‘tried’ about that? Rather, he should say they succeeded. If, as he thought, they were responsible for his fall…or, at least, the elder prince was.

It was so hard to remember. He was sure that Prince Callum hadn’t uttered any spell. But what had that been in his hand?

“Prince Callum blew me off a cliff.” He said, aloud, and the absurdity of it made him laugh. Weak, rusty chuckles that made him cough, made his head swim, made the room blur…

“…What?”

He would have killed the elf. She’d been skilled, and stronger and swifter than he’d expected, enough so that the impediment of her left hand was likely all that had saved him in melee with her. But he’d caught her. He’d had her, and she’d known it. And then – then, wind had hit him, and dragged at him, and pulled him across the precipice into thin air, and…and that had to be magic, didn’t it? What else could it be?

Corvus knew enough about elves to know that wind was not a property of moon-magic. It couldn’t have been the assassin. So, then, what? It wasn’t as though humans could use elf-magic…

“Master Corvus,” Marla said, sharply, and jolted him from his scrambled reverie. He looked at her, and in that brief shock of clarity, remembered his duty.

“A crow.” He spoke, suddenly, heart gripped with urgency. “Is there a crow? She should be here – she should have found me by now-“

“I set her to roost near the door. I assumed she was a valuable bird, bound to you as she evidently is.” The Healer said, and tilted her head. “…You want to send a letter?”

“I need to report.” He corrected, head swimming, and tried to sit up. He found himself unceremoniously pushed back down again.

“You’ll stay there, Corvus, and make no mistake. You’re in no state for being up.” She told him, uncompromisingly. “If you must send a report, you may dictate it to me. I know enough of the situation, surely, that it ought not trouble you to allow this.”

For a moment her words seemed completely reasonable. And then his mind caught up, and he shook his head. “That won’t work.” Corvus said, a little apologetic. “I write to the General in code.” His eyes tried to slip closed; he forced them open. “It’s…necessary….for sensitive information…” Justice and Mercy, but he wanted to sleep. But he had to report…

Marla pursed her lips, and nodded. “…If the situation were otherwise, I wouldn’t allow it. But…” She shook her head. “Stay down. I’ll get you a board and some writing things.”

No fingers on his right hand were broken, but the arm had been dislocated and set, and even the smallest movements of his hand sent protests down from the shoulder. He gritted his teeth, head swimming, and forced down every pertinent detail he could manage. The encounter. The status of the elf. The status of the princes. The magic that had hit him. He briefly consulted Marla about his injuries, and listed those too.

The writing was sloppy, the ink smudged, and he thought with resignation that it was probably less coherent than ideal, but…he wrote it. He’d told the General what he needed to.

That task complete, it became harder and harder to stay awake and alert. “Send it.” He thought he said, or pleaded. “With the crow…”

“I’ll send it.” The Healer said, gently, and took the writing board away. “Now rest, master Corvus. I’ll wake you again in a few hours.”

The last few words passed into a dream-haze, and he was asleep before she finished speaking.

 ---

End chapter.

 Notes:

If this chapter felt forced at any point, it’s because it resisted being written like Rayla resists recreational swimming. Which is to say I’m pretty sure it stabbed me a couple of times, and maybe maimed a few fingers. I finally managed to push through and finish it motivated by the thought of getting to describe Rayla’s horrible abdominal bruising. Also good motivators were all the people who've taken the time to comment lately; thanks, all.

I know this isn’t exactly the most groundbreaking chapter in the world, which is part of why it was so annoying to write, but it really did block me like a bitch and I fought tooth and nail to finish it, so…if you have comments or kudos or whatnot to offer, that would be great. And I guess people have been saying they wanted the kids to have a breather…does this chapter count? I think it probably counts. On the edits I found it cuter than I remembered.

Good news is that I’ve got the majority of next chapter already – it’s one I wrote a lot of sometime last year. Some edits needed, and scenes filled in, but expect a shorter break this time. I’m quite excited for it – finally, Runaan’s plot kicks off in earnest.

Hope everyone’s coping well in the quarantine. And if not, I hope that this chapter helped a little.

 Worldbuilding notes: (fun fact: my piaj worldbuilding is now so outrageously extensive I had to start a private database to keep it all organised. It currently has 31 sections and 325 entries.)

Cyanroot: made it up. Fake root vegetable. Created partially because of my artistic angst over there being no proper source of cyan pigment in nature to make paints and inks with. Writing allows us to imagine fantasy worlds where our dreams can be real, and in my dreams, I can paint in cyan.

Cyanroot is quite hardy and can grow in cold, inclement climes – but it’s slow to grow compared to other root vegetables, so not especially economical as a food source unless you live somewhere that basically nothing else grows. Also, by most people’s standards, it doesn’t taste great. Still, it’s sometimes grown for food in the winter in milder-climate regions and in other seasons in more harsh climes. It’s an excellent source of good dye, though, and provides nutrition for hungry travellers. Similar nutritional value as beetroot.

Pine needles: an excellent real-world source of vitamin C. If you ever end up needing to ward off scurvy during a long cross-country trek, pine tea is your friend. Just make sure you get pine needles. There are plenty of trees with needles that aren’t pine, after all. Some people genuinely enjoy pine tea and drink it even when they don’t need the vitamins.

Note on preparing pine tea: The kids are technically murdering a lot of the potential vitamin C from those pine needles by brewing them in boiling water rather than just hot water, but eh. Some of it will survive. Just, if you’re ever in a position to need to stave off scurvy with pine needles, don’t boil them.

More notes on lilium: Marsh-pollen, from which the drug is derived, is usually aspirated as particulate matter in the air; when inhaled (especially through the nose), it is extremely fast acting, beginning to take effect more-or-less immediately. The pollen’s effects are explicitly adapted to make large animals go loopy and drowsy, to seek water out, and to fall asleep in it. Essentially, the effects of the pollen revolve around drowning things. The lilium, which is typically ingested, is quite slow-acting, and can take a good half-hour or longer to kick in – but it has the same effects as the pollen, in the end. It makes you thirsty, drowsy, and pleasantly contented about everything. It is extraordinarily difficult to be worried or afraid when under the influence.

Moonstruck: A word used by elves, particularly Moonshadow elves. To quote from my database: (Definitions: 1. The state of a Moonshadow elf at Full Moon. 2. High, stoned, inebriated; generally in a pleasant or euphoric way. 3. Lacking good sense, or fixated on strange, nonsensical, trivial, or impractical thoughts and ideas. 4. Absolutely overjoyed. 5. Infatuated.)

[farzeenx234]

Digital life stories final

I remember it was June 12, 2012. As I got off the stairs of my plane, I knew my life would never be the same. New challenges were waiting ahead of me and I had to confront them. The difficult thing about moving to a new culture is that a lot of people would feel fear because they are so used to their own culture. So, now they leave what they are used to for a new way and it will be hard for them to adapt. Some may like the new food and the pace of life, then later on in the month people may feel like the new life and culture is unpleasant life. For instance: public hygiene, the language barriers, traffic safety, and food accessibility. Feeling lonely, hopeless or overwhelmed at such an enormous life change. People leave their home countries for various reasons, to escape as a refugee, or immigrate for a change in life. As easy as it seems to be there are so many roadblocks along the way. I was born and raised in Pakistan, my home country. Growing up I was very outgoing, confident, and had a relaxed outlook on life. I was always satisfied and content with my life. That was before my mom married my step dad, and then we were on our way to New York. I could only describe my feelings in one word -- apprehensive. A long and tedious 17-hour flight was ahead of me. I sat restlessly in my seat with a blanket on. My naivety allowed me to think that that blanket was more of a shield rather than a cloth to protect me from the cold. It was a shield that blurred my future and comforted me temporarily. I had no idea what I was going to be. The fact that moving to new country hunts me till this day. Trying to figure out who I was going to be as a person . Deep within I knew that I was scared; But I remember my mom words that we are moving for a better life. I was leaving all my friends, my family, and in a way my life behind. I had to start my life over again. Not only did I have to live a new life I had to conquer it. The moment I stepped out of my plane and into a fresh territory I transformed, mentally and emotionally. I went from being a social extrovert person to a very quiet and shy girl. I had spent 12 years of my life building my character, my personality, all of me. I did not understand why I was expected to change myself. Looking back I could blame it on the confusion, the pressure I put on myself during such a tender age. I had to learn a new language, culture and blend myself with other people, which at that moment I thought was necessary to do so. My mom admitted me into a middle school. The first day of school was the most terrifying moment of my life. I walked in with an anxious expression and for some peculiar reason was ready to be humiliated as if being from somewhere else was so bad. As I went to my first class, I vividly remember feeling like I needed to do something to gain attention and have everyone like me. Under the pressure of blending in, I became the polar opposite of who I truly am. I knew I had to start a new chapter in my life. My first year of going to school in U.S the biggest struggle I had was getting bullied. Though bullying does not seem to connect to school in a related to school and learning sense, bullying in schools causes a lot of negative body-structure-related effects that change how a student will perform in school and the opinions they will form about schools and other American institutions. Many existing school policies, like the structure of English Language Learning classes as being subtractive relating to viewing foreign languages as an interference for related to people who enter a country and related to social pressure, how people act toward each other, etc. normal behaviors and prejudiced mental pictures make schools unsafe for immigrants and children of immigrants youth. This problem comes from gener all good people in the world), instead of being a direct result of education, which makes finding appropriate ways to reduce bullying in schools or handling migrants child bullying situation complex.

hough there is the existence of being one of the most important causing people or animals to interact with others so they're more friendly institutions for youth in America, schools seem to fail at helping appreciation and acceptance of differences present in students. Research shows “ within the last decade, minority groups have surpassed the American mainstream, which has classically been considered to be American-born, White middle class, in the K-12 age bracket of the population. Currently, minority students make up more than half of the school-aged population (Calderón, Slavin and Sánchez 2011) and approximately twenty percent of the youth population are immigrants or children of immigrants (Pumariega and Rothe 2010.) Out of immigrants and children of immigrants, a majority of these students are Hispanic, specifically of Mexican descent, and of Asian descent According to another research published online on March1, 2012 in the Journal of Adolescent Health: Children born outside America, or born into immigrant families, are more likely to become victims of bullying as compared with kids born in the US.Kids born outside the US were more likely to be the victims of bullying rather than being the perpetrators. In addition, Fairfax County Youth Survey School Year 2010-11 data showed that:49% of teens reported that they were called bad names on the basis of their race and culture.Meanwhile, 43% reported that at some point they had targeted a peer on the basis of race and ethnicity.”

Bullying made me something I was not I did not know any English at all and that made me feel excluded as if I did not belong here. One day, when I was in my english class, the teacher made groups of people and had us discuss about how the story we were reading . In my group, there were three Americans and me; for a few minutes I felt I had fit in the group. But when they would not even let me talk, I realized I did not feel included and little by little they completely forgot I was part of the group. There are many children that are born in different countries or move to a different countries and have two cultures, everyday they have to live their lives feeling like they do not belong to a community or even to the only country they know. I made a ton of new friends, but with the wrong intentions. I wanted to have as many friends as I could so I would be popular, a term that I now have found a new meaning for. Making those friends still haunts to how bad I turned out to be. As I got closer to graduation, I reflected on what I had become -- a bogus, arrogant, and ignorant person. I knew that these qualities were not the ones I wanted to embrace. I knew I had to do something so there could be a little authenticity left in me. I knew I had to start a new chapter in my life. Once my high school years began, I made more friends with the same wrong intentions. As I was making more friends, I stumbled upon a girl named Sara, I watched how she handled her life. I saw how she embraced her unique self. Watching her grow into the kind of person that I wanted to be deeply influenced me. That was who I wanted to become. Once again, I transformed myself. But this time it was in a positive way, I became friends with people who liked me for who I was. I was still popular, but this time, I was popular within the small group of friends I had. This time, I had people around me that actually cared about me. This time, I had people around me that wanted the best for me. My brother sometimes asks me if I regret my days in middle school and my response is always no. My experience allowed me to become who I am today. Now that I am reflecting on what I have become: understanding, caring and once again content with my life. Also working on my passion my childhood dream.When I was 15 years old, one year before I graduated from high school, my mom talked to me about what they thought would be best for me to study. she said that good careers were Doctor or Lawyer; I did not give an answer about what I wanted to study that day. However, while I was at school the next day, I thought that maybe that becoming a doctor or lawyer was something I have to study because I did not want her to get upset Studying these types of careers would most likely take me eight to ten years, and I did not want to attend college for that long. One day talked to my mom, and I told her that I would love to become a doctor or even a lawyer, but I want to fulfill my childhood dream. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be called Ma’am or Miss. Growing up in Pakistan made me see the lack of motivation and passion people had for education. Along with that, I also saw how undermined girls were in every aspect. They were forced to stay home and deal with chores. Fortunately, I was born in a family that was open-minded. Though a single mother, my mom always allowed me to fulfill my passion to its full potential. Due to my mother’s passion for education I built a vision for my future. I had always wanted to be a teacher. Differences between how girls were subjected to be a house-wife and boys were expected to be an engineer or a doctor provoked me and made me extremely passionate about teaching.n I wanted to teach people that, though physically different, there is not much difference between how capable boys and girls are.

I still have the vivid visual in my mind: a six year old with a chalk in her hand teaching an imaginary class of 20 students. I knew each and everyone of their names, I knew their strengths, their weaknesses and how to bring out the best. One of my imaginary students was always motivated by the idea of a lavish lifestyle. I told him that he could obtain this by studying hard. In my mind, still to this day, the idea that anything can be gained by studying hard is stuck.

My younger sister would always try and copy me. She would make up her own imaginary class and teach them. We would argue about who is the better teacher and who had more students. Though, at first, watching her teach her own class angered me because it was ‘my thing’. After some time went on, I was rathered motivated by her-she made me realize that if I could ignite a passion for education in her, I could do it for others as well.

The dust that fell from the chalk in the hands of a younger, and still in progress of being Ms. Fatima, though it's gone for now, comes out in the form of motivation when I am feeling down. The remembrance of how I was needed to change the lives of 20 imaginary kids never fails to motivate me to study harder so I could help more lives.Many times parents need to understand what their adolescents want to pursue as a career. It is about what their child wants to do for the rest of her life, not about what the parents want their children to do or study. My experience allowed me to become who I am today. Now that I am reflecting on what I have become: understanding, caring and once again content with my life. Also working on my passion my childhood dream.

[whatcouldgowrong-ohthat]

Beauty and the Beast Ch.6 (Bucky x Reader)

Next chapter is here! There’s not any Bucky x Reader in this chapter, but that’s in the next. Instead, we finally see Tony and what’s going on with him and how he can help. 

Masterlist

Links to: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 7

Summary: It took the kingdom of Hydra five years to finally take advantage of the disappearance of the Stark Kingdom. It took Prince Brock two weeks to make the small, unprotected village of Marveline hate his existence. His ways left Captain Rogers to go looking for help, hoping to find a royal family that could protect the people. But what happens when he hasn’t come back? It’s up to Bucky to find out what happened to his best friend and the royal siblings, but he never expected what’s to come.

Warnings: the smallest mention of suicide in the very beginning. But that’s it.

Chapter Six

To say that there was a change in Bucky’s and Y/N’s relationship was an understatement. Everyone noticed the change in their relationship. Where there was once tension, it was replaced with awkwardness. It was entertaining as hell and every little quirk that made its presence known was something that got the palace’s servants whispering not so quietly. They knew it was the most ridiculous progress the pair could’ve made, but no one wanted to question it. Why ruin a good thing?

However, while Sam was enthusiastic to see the progress, he was one of the few aware of another’s progression. The Rose. It was withering away more and more with each passing week. The beautiful red was fading to that inky black and the petals that were already rotted had collected at the base. The sight was heartbreaking.

Sam stared at the symbol of their curse, jaw clenched and shoulders tense. He wasn’t sure what to think or do. Love comes at its own pace, in its own time. And though it felt like Bucky and Y/N were going at a snail’s pace, they were at least moving in the right direction. The rose’s petals just made it feel slower with each passing day.

“Staring at it won’t make it go away, Sam.”

He looked over his shoulder, the glow from his candles revealing Wanda watching him with that knowing smile. She was just as concerned as he was and honestly, the sight of her was better than Rhodey. Rhodey’s fidgety concern never did them any good. The man had lost a lot of his courage and confidence since the curse had taken place. Wanda was something else. Even with the curse, she refused to lose herself. It was what kept Sam so stubborn and strong. If she could do it, so could he. Finally, he breathed, “I know.”

“They’re in the library again,” Wanda let him know, hoping it would assure him in some sort of way.

“She showed him that place two weeks ago, Wands. They barely leave it now.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

Sam shook his head, eyes fixating on the Rose again. “Not if it means they’re stuck in their books and barely talking.”

Wanda huffed. “Maybe they’re just enjoying each other’s presence.”

“If that was enough to stop the curse, you know I wouldn’t mind it. They — They need a push. They need something that can make them see what it is that’s between them.”

“Y/N would kill us if we meddled.”

Sam didn’t want to point out that Y/N would kill herself if she was the reason the curse won. Wanda didn’t know Y/N like Sam did. She tried to, he’d give her that, but Sam being the knight left in charge of Y/N helped him really develop a friendship and understanding with her. He needed to take that and use it to help in some way.

Wanda watched Sam. He was easy to read. The man couldn’t succeed at a card game or lie even if he wanted to. He was too open about everything and she appreciated it. It helped her figure out where his mind was going before he even knew. Hesitating, she suggested, “Maybe we could pay her brother a visit. Maybe it’s time.”

Sam thought about it. Once upon a time, Tony was a lover. He knew how to romance and often tormented Y/N because she was so against the idea. It wasn’t until Loki when she held any sort of interest. That in mind, it would make sense to ask Tony for advice. The question was, “Do you think he’d help?”

He looked at her and Wanda offered a small smile. “There’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?”

Sam grimaced. “Yes, you’re right.”

Wanda laughed when she noticed his hesitation. “We could ask Rhodey.”

“No. No, we need to do this. It’s just — I don’t want him throwing me again! I still have a small dent from the last time.”

She snorted, rolling her eyes. “Come on, Sam.”

They knew it had been a while since anyone had visited Tony. His curse was different from Y/N’s. Loki had made sure to make both of them suffer in the worst sort of way. While Y/N was forced to live her life as a beast, every day seeing the effect her curse had on the palace’s servants, Tony had…something else.

A life of almost complete isolation. A life he chose because of Loki’s curse.

And that’s what led their journey below the castle. They were far enough underground, their journey bringing them through the wine cellar and even further bellow. Tony always liked staying out of the way when it came to his creations. Now it appeared he’d turned his sanctuary into his prison. Looking up at the door, Sam shifted slightly. He really didn’t like the idea of having to talk to Tony. Y/N was always the easier sibling. She knew she was smart, sure, but she still second guessed herself enough to keep the arrogance at bay.

Tony didn’t know how to do that.

“Are you going to knock?”

Sam gulped, his mind flashing to his last encounter here. “I need a push.”

Wanda nudged him forward and Sam sent her a pointed glare. He didn’t like being herded. Certainly not. Biting his tongue, Sam looked back at the door and raised his solid gold fist. Once, twice, three knocks until he chose to wait. They knew he wouldn’t answer, but they at least need to make their presence known before opening the door.

A low creak rang through their ears as they let themselves in the room. It was a rather spacious room, lit only by the glow of a few candles. There was a desk with book after stuffed book filled with Tony’s notes and ways of trying to figure out the curse. Judging by the layer of dust coating them, it had been a while since any of the books had bee cracked open. The chair had been discarded, lying on its side as if it were nothing more than a forgotten toy. Across the room was a painting similar to the one that hung in Y/N’s quarters. The only difference was that this particular portrait had his appearance burned out of it.

“Your highness?” Wanda called, eyes scanning the room.

Sam was never patient enough for Tony’s games. Letting out an annoyed huff, he shouted, “Come on, Tony, we know you’re in here. We need to talk. It’s about your sister.”

They heard the groan of iron before seeing it. The scrape of metal against metal sent a chill down their spines. Sam and Wanda shared a look before hearing the door on the far side of the room open. The creak of each step grew louder as Tony stepped through, finally visible through the dim light. 

“Oh, Tony,” Wanda whispered, her eyes taking in the rusted iron that mirrored the blackened petals she had seen earlier. “Is this part of —“

“Loki’s curse?” Tony’s voice came out to be an echo, as if it were rumbling through that metal chest of his. Gone was the human body he had taken such pride in, replaced by the shell he’d often used as protection when going to war. “He thought it to be…what was the word he used — ironic?” 

“We need to talk to you, Tony. We need your help.”

“Yes, I heard about my sister and her guest. Rhodey keeps me well informed.” Tony walked past them, almost kicking Sam if he hadn’t leapt out of the way fast enough. “Doesn’t explain your being here though.”

“Your sister isn’t exactly as successful with romancing as you are,” Sam told him, earning a laugh from Tony. It was weird to hear him sounding so…hollow.

“No, she’s not, but I have no interest in giving her tips.”

“Can’t you help us? If she breaks the curse, then you’re free.”

“I’ve long since lost hope that there is a way to break this curse, Sam.” He creaked as he leaned against the wall, the sound of metal against stone making Wanda and Sam wince. “I’m a hunk of metal. Every day it’s getting harder for my heart to beat. Breathing is…a chore. This has been a slow and painful punishment for our father’s mistakes and honestly, it would be giving Loki too much credit to say that there’s a way to end this.”

“There is a way. It just involves you helping your sister.”

“Ah, yes,” he laughed. “How did the whole thing go? That ridiculous spiel that Loki put together to anger everyone within these walls?” Tony looked at him, the metal of his face giving nothing away in regard to his emotions. All they could go off of were the tones of his voice. “‘The day the heartless Stark falls real and true…’” He let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head with a whiny grind of metal. “I always forget the rest.”

“‘So goes the curse that bears a Stark’s blind fear and rue,’” Sam told him, gaze shifting to the ground.

“‘Ten years time stands still, a kingdom’s home left to rot,’” Wanda added, her voice wavering. Each of them had memorized the curse when it first came about, desperate to find a way out of it that wouldn’t leave the weight of their lives on one young woman’s shoulders. “‘Till a love bears all, past crimes forgiven and forgot.'”

“Just like Loki to make something painful with rhymes.” Tony grimaced. He was disgusted for several reasons. His father’s actions resulting in Loki taking advantage of Y/N. Loki using Y/N’s youth and manipulating it, calling her heartless. His father taking every opportunity to make countless mistakes with neighboring kingdoms. Tony being left to fix his father’s actions. Tony being left to rot while trying to find loopholes. Y/N giving up for so long.

He hung his head. Of course Y/N had given up. Loki had tucked the castle in a fog, making people forget the kingdom and how to get to and from it. Everything had been stacked against her. Even his way of coping was stacked against her. He’d locked himself here, writing and rewriting the curse until he had to block it from his mind. Every day he felt something new, inside or out, turn to iron inch by inch. Hearing it again, after so many years, Tony felt sick. When did he stop being the brother Y/N could count on?

Looking up, Tony rest his head against the wall. The clang made him clench his jaw. There was no way to avoid any reminder. But if there was a hope of this curse breaking? Of Y/N being as strong and amazing as he knew she could be? Tony would have to help.

“I don’t know what to tell you about Y/N and the man she’s with, Sam. I don’t even know his name.”

“Bucky — he was Steve’s friend. You remember Steve, right?”

Tony tensed. Of course he remembered Steve. He was good at his job and a good man, always wanting to do the right thing. In fact, Tony had always hoped that his little sister would either wed the knight or someone like him. But his friend? Tony’s mind drifted to the memories he had of James Barnes. He hadn’t been given “permission” to call James by his nickname, only hearing it from Steve. The guy was a bit of a jokester when it came to his friendship with Steve, but there was always this dark side to him that Tony couldn’t quite figure out. And while he always preferred a guy with a dark side, he didn’t necessarily like that kind of guy being with his sister.

“Wasn’t Steve here before him?”

“Yes, but his search for help didn’t exactly leave him open to staying with…” Sam hesitated.

“A furry looking monster?” Tony chuckled, shaking his head. “Do not get me wrong. Steve is a good man, but sometimes his focus is so infuriating that it’s hard to get him to see anything else. Bucky was really the only person that could get through to him back then.”

“Bucky offered to stay so that Steve could go free. Even when he saw what Y/N looked like.”

Tony looked at Sam when he heard that, surprised. He knew he shouldn’t be. Those two had the weirdest relationship Tony had ever seen, but knowing what Y/N looked like and deciding to stay showed a level of loyalty he’d never heard of. So a dark side and loyal…

Maybe there could be worse things. 

“All right, so Rhodey told me about the wolves and the library and the invention thing. Honestly, that was a good idea. All of you are ridiculously loud with your constant thudding on the floors.”

“Says the tin man,” Sam muttered, slightly amused. He would never admit it, but he was relieved for Tony’s help. 

“Well…there is something you could plan.” Tony wanted to smirk. He wanted to get up and get to work planning on the idea that had popped in his head. He could see it working extremely well, but only if executed right. “Now listen very carefully because with people like Bucky and Y/N, you only get one shot.”

The two shared a look, knowing full well what could happen when Tony got one of his ideas. What exactly was the great Tony Stark planning?

-------

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[a-robin-among-thorns]

In The Shadows Of The Rising Sun Chp 11

Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 

Once again thank you for your patience and for reading this story :)

Chapter 11: A Girl’s Best Friend

Word Count: 2,028

Their first week in the strange situation they found themselves in came and went. New routines became established, waking early to assure mutual chances at breakfast, scouring the library for any books related to the magical customs of japan. Evening snacks, and homework in the forest, followed by lessons in magic and language respectively. 

As Chise had suspected, Reina was unconcerned if she returned late and even seemed somewhat pleased she didn’t have to share dinner company. Even her teachers had reluctantly admitted that her assignments were improving. And to top it off Reina would once again be gone this weekend while she visited a friend from college. 

Not to say they were no hiccups. One such hiccup greeted her that Sunday morning in the form of Elias’ nose hovered worriedly over her stomach. 

Sleep covered her like a film of moss that stretched and cracked as she forced her eyes open. She had no reason to feel this lethargic, she thought, their day yesterday had been spent leisurely reading through tomes of Japanese folklore.   

Concerned wuffles whined through Elias’ nose as he looked her over again. “Elias,” She groaned, “what's wrong?” 

“Chise, are you injured?” 

She blinked. “What?”

“I smell blood.” Troubled pants racked his frame never ceasing his frantic inspection. “I don’t understand, I was here all night… I should have known... what could have…” he muttered in increasing frustration. 

“Blood? I’m not…” realization crashed into her like a tidal wave. She sat up quickly forcing her knees together in frantic damage control. The sporadic movement served only to further worry Elias, as he froze eyes flitting from her face to his claws and back again. Her hands came up in placating motions. “It’s ok! Just... please help me to the bathroom.”

Smoky shadow dissipated and reformed just as quickly as his arms gripped her back and under her knees. As he lifted her in smooth bridal carry Chise quickly inspected where she had laid on the futon thankful for the uninterrupted color that signaled her fear was unwarranted. His strong legs crossed the apartment in hurried steps till the pads of his feet hit linoleum. She wriggled slightly and Elias relented to let her stand.

“Thank you, now just wait out here for a moment.” He made to protest briefly before nodding as she closed the door. 

A brief search in the under-sink cupboard yielded exactly one product. Delightful. 

To say Chise’s cycle was irregular was a gross understatement. There were occasions where entire seasons would pass between the end of one and the beginning of another. As such, she rarely requested sanitary products and that morning happened upon the bad luck of Reina’s supply being all but empty. Her head fell back and her eyes winced shut in a grimace. Not only would she have to devise a way to calm Elias, who had almost certainly melted into a puddle of anxiety by now, but also they would have to run to town and buy more pads. 

So much for our nice day, she thought dejectedly. She supposed in a strange way she should have been grateful for this undeniable sign that her health had improved ever so slightly thanks to the steady influx of food she had enjoyed since Elias’ arrival. Gratitude was difficult to muster however, as her organs decided they had stood idle long enough in the form ripping spasms across her abdomen. She grunted as she strained off the floor. There was work to do. 

The door opened to the scene of Elias nervously fidgeting before fixing his eyes on her. 

She breathed deeply before exhaling an explanation. “Its Ok Elias, I’m not hurt. It’s perfectly normal for girls to bleed every so often.” She prayed silently that she would not have to explain menstrual cycles to him in detail.

His fingers flexed anxiously, making unclear whether this explanation had calmed him or worried him further. “You are...not in pain then?”

“Well I wouldn’t say that.” she blurted as immediately as she regretted. Elias’ entire posture stood on end ready to jump the second she showed discomfort. “I mean, it's uncomfortable but not unbearable. We’ll just need to run to town to grab a few things.” 

Through a truly herculean effort, Chise somehow managed to get dressed while keeping Elias stable as they headed out to town. A grueling trek later found Chise staring at a convenience store racks. She scratched her head in genuine confusion as to which size and amount she needed.  

She finally chose and mentally ran over any possible necessities. Her figurative and literal coin purse was slightly heavier as of late thanks to Elias’ habit of swiping free change off the ground. Thankfully he did refrain from the paper money as asked. As she was mentally debating the cost of painkillers, her attention was drawn to a pair of girls arguing across at the candy aisle. 

“Oni-Chan?" the younger girl whined, "Can we get chocolate for Haru?”

“No,” Her sister scoffed, “mom only gave me enough for dad and nii-san.” 

The little sister's tiny fists shot down spiking her shoulders in a heated attempt to appear larger. “But you have money!”

“Yeah, but I’m not paying for chocolates for your little crush.” The older sister continued unaffected. “You should have thought of it before the day of.”

“Pleaaase? I’ll do your chores for the week?” The younger one pleaded quickly changing tactics.

“...Make it two weeks and you have a deal.” 

Chise absorbed the meaning of her accidental eavesdropping as the sisters loudly made their way to the checkout. Why had they made such a fuss over candy? And more importantly, why did she feel it was so important to her right now? 

Shouldn’t have waited till the day of...the day of what? She mulled to herself. It couldn’t have been three separate birthdays...oh. Well, that made two glaringly obvious surprises before lunch. 

Chise was passingly familiar with holidays that forced family participation to at least acknowledge her as an occupant of the household. But a purely social holiday, Valentine's Day, was as foreign a concept to her as what it felt like to stand under the Eiffel tower. She had heard about, seen it on tv, even observed chocolate-coated rendezvous at school. But actual active participation? Well, that required several things, money, time, a recipient. All things she didn’t have. 

Didn’t have until…

Her eyes flitted down to her feet. To the passing observer, the odd branching patterns of her pale shadow cast in the artificial storefront light would be attributed to the irregular shapes of the snack aisle. That same snack aisle she quickly found herself striding towards where the sisters had stood arguing not a minute earlier. 

The electronic doorbell of the convenience store blared in her ears as Chise left feeling like a thief seconds away from apprehension. Despite having paid for the entire expense without dipping into the last of their food money. Her shopping bag’s weight felt as though it belonged to someone else but she strode forward. 

She was all but running by the time they reached the apartment and took the stairs two at a time. The door opened, shut and locked all in one motion. In the same second that her back thudded in emotional exhaustion against the door a wave of shadow surrounded her. His face formed first clearly desperate to see and speak to her before all else. His arms and legs took a full second longer to form as he scanned her for discomfort.

Summoning all her courage she plunged her hand into the grocery bag, fishing furiously. “Chise, what are-”

“Here!” she exclaimed louder than intended. But she knew that without considerable force neither the words nor the present would reach their destination.  

He was taken aback for several silent seconds, staring slack-jawed at the small package thrust forward in her palms. He shook his head and delicately plucked the present from her hands. “What is…”

“It’s a chocolate bar, for Valentine's day...for you.” She blushed fiercely.

“You were supposed to acquire provisions for yourself.” He accused in a surprisingly serious tone. 

“I know! And I did. I just...i-in Japan girls give chocolates to b-boys.” An odd thought questioned whether he considered himself to be gendered in any way. But that was for another time. “It’s how we celebrate Valentine's day. It's nothing special, but I... wanted to…” Her explanation had devolved into rambling and she forced herself to breathe. 

“I’m sorry…” I knew I shouldn't have done this she chastised. The warmth of his hand on her shoulder distracted her from his nose leaning forward. "Don't apologize," He breathed directly into her ear. He nuzzled her temple before pulling away, an odd heaviness settling in his expression. 

“I...wasn't expecting this,” he finally uttered. “Thank you for the gift.” He gasped. “Is there something I need to do for Valentine's Day?” 

Relief flooded Chise in a rush leaving her feeling giddy at the strange and adorable situation. “No, not until White Day. It's custom to give flowers to the person who gave you chocolates. You don’t have to though.”

“No, I want to!" He exclaimed, his jaw opening frantically, "When is White Day?” 

“It's not for a month or so.”

“Oh, please let me know when it comes.”

His eager desire to please caused a happy little smile to rest on Chise’s lips. A smile that was quickly broken apart as her ears rang and her stomach dropped. Her blood sugar and body fell in tandem, the later cushioned in Elias’ lightspeed grip. A miasma of terror permeated his being as he struggled to find words. 

“Sorry, I should have eaten before we left.” Chise offered feebly as she fought the pounding against her temporal lobe. Against his chest, she could feel him swallow forcibly as he brought her back to the futon. Any protest she had was stifled by gentle comfort as he laid her tenderly and covered her with their blanket. There wasn’t any harm in resting her eyes was there?

In the background, she heard clanking about the kitchenette but her sudden onslaught of fatigue made discerning meaning from the noise an impossibility. It wasn’t until Elias set the coffee table upright that Chise’s full attention was brought back to the present. The sound of cheap ceramic hitting wood followed by a light sloshing caused her to sit upright cautiously. 

“I...was unsure I could work the microwave.” Elias sheepishly offered as Chise took in the sight before her. The plastic cup she preferred to use had been filled halfway and beside it was a haphazardly filled bowl of cereal. She smiled. “Thank you...were is yours?”

“I don’t need any until you eat.” 

“Elias-“

“I am not the one collapsing. I can last a few minutes.” He argued pointedly.

Chise sighed at her foolishness and diligently began forcing down spoonfuls. Midway during her meal Elias rose and retrieved cereal for himself. Chise watched him intently between gulps. She chuckled to herself when he accidentally spilled milk on the counter. As he was looking for a rag to clean with, Chise spotted his candy had been placed on the counter. 

“Would you like to eat your chocolate?” She called gaining his attention. He nodded bringing the package along with him as he sat across from her. “How...do you eat it?” He asked.

She extended her hand to which he placed the candy, watching intently as she tore the plastic and returned it to his hands. “You just take a bite.” He delicately closed his jaws on the corner of the chocolate and bit down. The bar crumbled slightly leading Elias to worriedly struggle to catch the crumbs. Chise stifled a giggle. His jaw moved in an odd semblance to chewing with his teeth barely opening before he swallowed. 

“Well?” Chise questioned.

“It is,” his tongue flicked out swiping a spot of chocolate flecked on his incisors, “very sweet.” He broke off a piece offering it to her. She accepted, popping it into her mouth.

Chise smiled, “Yeah...it is.” The pain in her abdomen was present but considerably dulled. Very sweet indeed.  

[of-thoughts-and-phobias]

  Of Thoughts And Phobias

Part 4: Under Wraps

Edited by @a-faithful-fanartist

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  "Robin!" Sean cheered when he came through the door. 

"Hey hey!" He dropped his bag on the floor and brought Sean into a hug.

"Haha, welcome to the mess. How was the trip, man?"

"Ugh, don't get me started. Seems like anything that could've gone wrong did at the same time. It's like something didn't want me to come here or something."

    He tiredly walked over to the couch, Sean making sure to stay in between him and the shattered counter. 

"Just don't wake me up and we'll be fine," he said, flopping face-first on the couch. 

"Y'good man?"

    A muffled confirmation came from the cushions closely followed by snoring.

"Been a long day for both of us, I guess."

Sean grabbed a pillow and blanket from the closet and carefully draped it over him.

"Goodnight, dude," he sighed, switching off the lights. 

    He swapped into some pajamas and fell onto his bed. It was impossible trying to get comfortable. His mind was just so active and awake that even blinking was a traitorous act. His brain was shouting at him all the possibilities of what was happening to him. He couldn't hide for long. He knew that. There was no way that this would end well. He groaned. 

Sleep didn't come for a while.

~~

    Waking up felt even harder than falling asleep. He struggled to keep his eyes opened as he felt around for his phone.

He fell ungracefully out of bed and landed with an "oomf".

 As he got up, he saw a quick flash of bright red from under his bed. He didn't want to think about it.

    He was interrupted by a loud snore coming from the other room. He forgot he wasn't alone. Sean poked his head out into the living room to find a bundled- up figure on the couch, snoring loudly. Only his feet and hair were visible. He chuckled and went back to his room to get ready.

    Getting dressed was a chore when running on a few hours of sleep, but Sean pushed past it. He fixed his hair, brushed his teeth, and went to check on Robin again. 

"So I was thinking we could start by recording-" He walked into the living room to be greeted by a Robin who was still out cold.

"Uh. Hello?" He tried. 

"Earth to Pixlpit? Roooooobiin, come 'ooon man. We have thiiiings to do," nothing. 

"Geez," he backed off into the kitchen, where he remembered his shopping list. He had forgotten all about it and yep, the only thing he could find food wise was the junk in the fridge and an old box of spaghetti noodles. 

"Whoops," he said. That won't do.

    He snatched a sheet of printer paper and a sharpie and scribbled down a note for Robin when he woke up. After grabbing his phone and placing the note lovingly on Robin's face, Sean left once more. 

     It only took him about an hour to get groceries and come back. Robin was up by the time he came back, sitting at the table.

"Morning Sleeping Beauty! How was the couch?"

Robin chuckled.

"It was fine, but I woke up with this hanging out of my mouth," he held up the note.

    "Had to put it somewhere you could see it," he shrugged slyly, slacking the grocery bags off his arms. He turned on the coffee maker and started to put the food away. 

    "So, I was thinking we could start with the Reading Your Comments and then go into the challenge vids," Sean explained, pulling out eggs and milk to put in the fridge.

    "And tomorrow we can get some playthroughs done before we get started on editing," Robin added from behind his mug.

    "Exactly. Sorry about the lack of food, want me to whip something up before we get started?"

"That sounds awesome," he laughed.

    Everything was alright.

He smashed a few eggs unexpectedly and startled Robin by cracking the counter a bit when he accidentally gripped it too hard, but it was nothing he couldn't brush off.

It's fine. 

~~

    Spending time with Robin almost made Sean forget about everything. It all just seemed to fade back into reality after he fell through crazy town. Recording felt... normal. And he needed that. He needed something ordinary.

That left the two of them walking down town to a cafe that Sean had recommended. They had gotten quite a lot of work done and decided to take a lunch break.

    "No way," he continued, "there is no way the remake was better than the original."

    “I’m telling you man! The plot line was more realistic and they fixed multiple plot holes in it!” Sean followed alongside him. The door dinged behind them.

“There was nothing wrong with the plot, you just couldn’t wrap your small head around it!”

Sean gasped dramatically.

“Insulted. By my best friend! For shame, Robin, for shame.”

They both laughed and sat down at a booth.

    It was a nice place, quiet and homey, and it always smelled like coffee and chips. Relaxed chatter from other customers filled the room. Music played overhead and the TV in the corner murmured away about sports, and it all blended together into a pleasant white noise.

“Wait ‘till you try the bread, man. They make it from scratch!”

“Is that why we walked five blocks to get here?” Robin laughed again.

“Yes,” he deadpanned.

They continued talking until their food came.

"Thank you, miss. Oh, more chips, please?" Sean asked as the waitress walked away. 

He dove into the fresh batch of chips.

    It took him a moment to realize that Robin had stopped talking. He looked up and saw him staring back with a concerned look. 

"What's wrong?" He tried. 

"Dude are you alright? That's the sixth plate of chips you've ordered."

    Oh. He didn't realize. He vaguely recalled something similar happening the other day at the pizza restaurant. Did it have something to do with his new.. predicament? Probably, seeing as he was still hungry.

"Um, told ya?" Robin furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. 

"Best chips in town!" He laughed nervously. 

"Right. Maybe next time you'll actually let me try some," he was smiling but the worry was still visible in his eyes. 

"You'll just have to beat me to it!" 

Stupid.

They continued to eat in silence until the waitress brought them a check.

"Let me," said Robin, "you've al--" 

   

 Sean knew Robin was talking but he couldn't hear him. His eyes were attached to the screen nearest to them. It was a news reporter, discussing reports on stuff that happened throughout the day. But the video that was playing in the corner...

Oh no.

"It really is an odd sight," the reporter stated, "This anonymous clip shows what appears to be a bolt of green lightning flashing in the sky. The same lighting was also spotted a second time not long after, a few miles away. That's not the weirdest part, though. If you pay attention, it almost sounds like someone screaming.-" 

The TV was turned down as to not interrupt the patrons but Sean heard it clear as day.

They found him. 

    "Some call it a joke, just a gag someone sent us to get on the news. Others say that the footage shown is real, unmodified and definitely something to be wary of. What are your thoughts, Jim?"

It switched to another anchorman, appearing next to the videos.

The clips shown showed a bright flash in the sky, appearing above an airplane. It disappeared shortly after that. 

Oh no no no.

"Well I don't know about you, but I think they look very convincing-"

No, no no no no no no no no-

"Sean!" 

He snapped back. Robin was looking at him, concern all over his face. He swallowed down the knot in his throat. 

"You good, man? You zoned out pretty hard there. What're you even looking at?" He started turning around. Sean quickly grabbed his arm, forcing him back. 

"No," he whispered.

Robin shook his arm out of his grip. "Why? what's wrong, my hair messed up or something?" 

"Don't," he tried again. "Please." Why did everything have to be so loud? Tears pulled at his eyes. 

"Can we go home?"

Robin nodded knowingly. "Yeah man, let's get you home."

Sean was silent on the walk back. Robin didn't think to mention it. 

~~

Sean fell down face first onto the couch.

"Oomph."

Robin pushed his legs off so he could sit down instead. He tapped Sean on the shoulder. 

"Hey, are you feeling better?"

A muffled noise came from the cushions, then Sean pushed himself up so he was sitting too. 

"Yeah. I.. sorry," he sighed.

"No no," Robin interrupted. "It's normal dude, it looked like it was just an anxiety attack. Those aren't a joke."

Sean nodded slightly. "Yeah."

"Do you want to talk about it?" He tried. 

"No, Robin," he grumbled "I'm fine. 'S just anxiety, I'm fine."

He got up from the couch and started towards his room.

"Sorry. I think I'll just take a nap or something. You alright with that?"

Robin sighed.

"You know where to find me man."

"Thanks Robin."

"Any time."

    Sean closed the door behind him and fell down against it. Small bursts of light shakily pulsated all down his arms. He decided to focus on that instead. 

He wasn't even sure why he was panicking. Sure they *caught* him on camera but they didn't *know* that it was him. He watched the neon colors trickle down his arms like water. What would he do if they did find out? What would he do if Robin did? He didn't want to think about it. But what if?

Losing it won't do anything, Sean, he told himself. You need to calm down.

He inhaled deeply, filling his lungs completely before exhaling.

In.

And out.

In.

And out.

Come on, Jackieboy, you got this. 

    He stayed there for a while, contemplating whether he should get up to go to bed. The thought was interrupted by the bright red peeking out from under his bed.

He could hear Robin outside furiously working on his laptop. Knowing him, he wouldn't move for hours.

He supposed sleep could wait.

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That wraps up the prologue!! Three years in the making and we're finally getting to the good stuff! Buckle up, bitches it's only getting worse from here!

[lady-divine-writes]

Klaine one-shot “Settled” (Rated NC17)

Summary:

When Kurt commands Blaine to hand him his underwear at the dinner table of a fancy restaurant, Blaine has five minutes to figure out how. ... Time's up, and things don't look good for him. (1829 words)

Notes: A follow-up to 'Unsettling'. Dom!Kurt, sub!Blaine.

Part 70 of Taking a Journey Together

Read on AO3

“So, pet,” Kurt says, drumming his fingers impatiently on the table, “I asked you for your underwear five minutes ago. Where are they?”

“Uh … I’m working on it, Sir. I just need … one more minute or two …”

“You get fifteen seconds, pet. After that …” Kurt leans forward, smiling like the devil “… I’m coming over there and taking them myself.”

Blaine’s breathing catches in his throat. Kurt coming to claim his underwear? He doesn’t doubt that that’s exactly what his Master will do, but it seems to go against some very important things that Kurt stands for. He doesn’t take kink into public spaces in ways anyone would notice. No one participates if they don’t consent. He doesn’t force kink on people. That’s one of Kurt’s staunchest rules. So he has to have some idea of how to get Blaine out of his underwear without anyone around them noticing.

And if his Master has a way, then so should Blaine.

But he doesn’t.

Blaine has been wracking his brain for every second of those five minutes trying to come up with a method of removing his underwear at the table like his Master commanded, but he doesn’t have a single clue. And that wicked smile winding like a watch spring around Kurt’s cheeks isn’t helping him any. Blaine knows that for every second he doesn’t comply, he’s accumulating points in Kurt’s mental vault, which will probably be exchanged for lashes with Kurt’s cane, minutes Blaine will have to kneel on rice …

… or jalapeno peppers that Blaine will have to eat.

Blaine has been terrified of breaking eye contact with his Master for this entire exercise, hoping something in Kurt’s face will inspire an idea. Or maybe his look of desperation will cause Kurt to take pity on him and he’ll give him a hint. When that doesn’t work, Blaine takes a chance and shifts his gaze for a second, scanning the table for anything that could help him.

There’s nothing really: both their plates, their glasses, the bread basket still full of bread, the butter dish …

His eyes finally land on one thing that might be of use. It could be off limits for being too obvious, but he’s run out of options and time. He has to go for broke – reach for it and see if Kurt will allow it.

Blaine’s hand creeps across the table, his fingers making their way to the one thing he hopes will help. From the look on Kurt’s face, Blaine knows he’s figured it out. Blaine pauses, waits for Kurt to stop him, tell him that it’s the easy way out, but he doesn’t. He watches Blaine grab the steak knife, pull it back towards him, and carefully slip it underneath the table.

Kurt raises a brow as Blaine’s gaze returns to his Master’s face, locked there obediently until he’s instructed otherwise. Beneath the table, Blaine feels around with his fingers - lowering the zip to his slacks, pulling loose the tails of his shirt, then locating the hip of his underwear. He says a tiny thank you to the universe that he chose bikini briefs and not boxer briefs, or else this would be an impossible chore. Praying the knife is as sharp as it looks, Blaine starts slicing through the cotton, trying not to appear conspicuous to the diners around him as he does. But regardless of any looks that might get thrown his way, he keeps his eyes on Kurt’s face and the blank look of amusement that has settled there as he waits patiently for Blaine to complete, or fail, this task.

The knife turns out to be (blessedly) sharp, but the briefs don’t go down without a fight, especially when Blaine reaches the waistband, which is thicker than the rest of the garment by far. Maintaining constant pressure, he saws through it, missing nicking his skin by fractions of an inch. The second side goes quicker after that, after he has angle, speed, and pressure figured out. With that part done, he returns the knife to the table, bits of red fabric stuck to the serrated blade the only evidence of what he has done. With a nonchalance he’s fighting hard to hold on to, he lifts his rear a few inches off the chair he’s sitting on and tugs. It takes some finessing to accomplish without shoving his hand down the front of his pants or standing up completely, but after some shimmying side to side, he finally manages it, the relief of sliding them out the back of his pants washing through him in one barely audible sigh. He swallows hard as he sits back down, the seat of his slacks cold against his bare bottom. He balls the underwear in his right hand until they can’t be seen, then reaches out his closed fist to Kurt.

“Here you are, Master,” Blaine says evenly. “I hope this is an acceptable solution.”

Kurt takes Blaine’s underwear, worrying them in his hand with a look on his face so inscrutable, it sends chills up and down Blaine’s spine. Did he do it right? Did he succeed? He had to have. He did what his Master asked, in essence. Kurt doesn’t set Blaine up to fail, but maybe there was another way, something Blaine didn’t think of. Maybe he could have taken his underwear off without destroying them.

Blaine isn’t a physics major or anything, but he can’t possibly imagine how.

Kurt lifts the fabric to his nose and breathes in, his eyes darkening in the dim light of the restaurant. Blaine’s heart thuds madly in his chest, racing to heart attack inducing speeds when Kurt utters the words:

“You. With me. Now.”

Kurt pushes his chair out a foot, stands, and walks off in one fluid motion, leaving Blaine scrambling to keep up considering he has to tuck in his shirt and do up his fly first. Oh God, oh God, oh God, oh God! he thinks as he catches up with his Master, heading towards what looks like coat check, oblivious to what Kurt has cooking in his head.

Kurt walks past the coat check, past the bathrooms, and out through a service door, unalarmed regardless of a large red sign to the contrary. They walk down a flight of stairs and through another unalarmed door, ending up in an empty hallway flanked by several unmarked doors. Kurt goes to one, puts his hand on the knob, and opens it to Blaine’s awe because how in the hell does Kurt know where he’s going!?

He feels there’s a story there somewhere, but now’s not the time to delve into it.

Without a word, or a glance to make sure no one sees them, he grabs Blaine’s elbow and shoves him inside. It’s a small, dark space, made smaller and darker when the door shuts and Kurt locks it. Blaine braces himself, for what, he doesn’t know. A slap in the face? A shove to his knees? A flurry of commands? A lecture on respecting his clothes? Handcuffs? It could be anything. But Blaine discovers he isn’t anxious from not knowing.

He’s excited to find out.

Kurt grabs his sub’s shirt and drags him to him, even though Blaine can’t see two inches in front of his face. Kurt kisses him, his hands finding the buttons of his shirt and undoing them one by one down to his slacks. Blaine has no idea where they’ve ended up. Is this a bathroom? A closet? Who knows!? What does it matter? Kurt wants him – wants him so badly that he’s found a dark corner in the unimportant somewhere and pinned Blaine to it.

Buttons undone. Zip pulled down. But before Blaine can anticipate what might happen next, Kurt spins him around, yanks out his plug, and plunges his fingers inside him. Caught off guard, Blaine squeaks, and Kurt stuffs his ruined underwear in his mouth to shut him up.

Kurt’s fingers are ruthless - thrusting, scissoring, one more added, then another till Kurt has four in. It’s too much too quick, but of course it is, because Kurt himself is too much. And he knows Blaine, inside and out. He knows where to touch him, how to get to him. Kurt hits his prostate immediately, over and over, intentionally milking him. Blaine cums quickly, his whole body surrendering to tremors that nearly bring him to his knees, but Kurt doesn’t stop, replacing his fingers with his cock and pounding inside him, stroking his spent but still hard cock until Blaine is ready to crawl out of his skin.

Blaine stays still, stays standing and takes. That’s his place, his purpose in this scene, and he doesn’t want it to end. This control over his body, Kurt pushing his boundaries to points unknown, is part of the thrill of being Kurt’s pet. Of belonging to him. Kurt drives blunt nails into Blaine’s sides and Blaine bites the cotton in his mouth, holding back groans that sting his throat like fire. Kurt grunts into his neck, the only acknowledgement Blaine has that his Master is enjoying him, in that hungry way that signifies not only the hold Kurt has over Blaine, but the hold Blaine has over Kurt. Blaine knows this scene will end sooner than later because they’re still in public, violating some mysterious room in this restaurant that someone might need to use eventually. But Kurt has yet to say a word. He hasn’t told Blaine anything, hasn’t called him a good boy, hasn’t scolded him for what he did.

Hasn’t told him how he’s expected to reciprocate … or when.

This is raw ownership at its finest, and Kurt is well within his rights to keep Blaine in the dark, so to speak.

October starts the following week – or for Kurt and Blaine’s purposes, Locktober. That means a full month of chastity. And as much as Blaine enjoys being locked in a cage, as a self-described cock slut, he’s definitely going to miss this. He craves these assaults on his ass, Kurt holding him tight and using him like a mindless rag doll, devoid of emotion, without want or need, with little purpose other than to be a hole for his Master’s pleasure.

But being denied has its pleasures, too. Being edged to the verge of tears with no relief in sight carries its own catharsis. It helps him focus on his responsibilities as Kurt’s pet, to realign himself with his instinct to serve by removing completion from the equation.

He’s an object to serve his Master in the capacity Kurt needs.

Here and now, his job is to accept what he’s given, and to carry it with him until he’s given permission to release.

Blaine pinches his eyes shut to absorb it all in, write it in his memory, and store it away, hoping Kurt lasts longer than he did.

[jazzy-art-time]

“BeeBee ya gotta give me some space”

The elder gently waves her wooden spoon at the scrafty beside her in a borderline threatening manner, tail slowly shoving them aside as she continues to work on the meal.

Jody’s wide eyed gaze flickers back to its normal apathy as her hands shove into her pockets. Tail flicking slowly in a slight pout as her gaze moves back towards the living room.

“Just making sure... you’re doing it correctly... is all.”

Nana snorts and continues to shove Jody away with her tail, tsking and continuing to stir up the mixture. “BeeBee don’t lie to me, these biscuit’ aint even gonn be done till dinner! Go n sit down wit your sister and wait. Hessian and I got this covered.” Nana’s spoon gestures towards the headless horseman on the other side of the kitchen, gently arranging crackers in the shape of a horse. Before the scrafty could protest anymore, Nana quickly extends her tail fully and completely shoves Jody out of the kitchen. Jody huffs and slouches a bit with a pout as she makes her way back over to the couches.

Diane was leaning on her girlfriend Titia in a dozing off manner as the Salazzle continued to read her book calmly.

Jody’s eyes squinted in slight disgust at the sight, she didn’t like Titia one bit.

Well ‘didn’t like’ was a bit of a understatement. She positively loathed the shiny Salazzle her sister oh so sweetly leaned upon. She was perfectly alright with the white lizards existence before she started this ordeal to date her sibling.

She was a great cashier at their local market, always a helpful employee and she had always made their shopping visiting much more enjoyable! But now? She was perhaps the most awful person Jody had ever encountered.

Titia hadn’t done anything wrong, not morally or anything against the law. Was a delight to talk to! But ever since she started to court Diane, the mere thought of her made Jody squint in disgust. A truly wretched creature she was, that once sweet voice now was like claws on a chalkboard to her ears. A awful person, horrible and disgusting.

Jody slammed down onto the opposite couch with a huff, her desperate escape to the kitchen had been foiled and was now forced to be within the same room as them. Unable to leave the home at all, Nana didn’t allow any chores on thanksgiving, Jody pleaded to go out and rake the leaves or to repaint the shed even, but to no avail.

Her expression remained apathetic but nothing could stop her tail from slowly flickering in annoyance.

Titia looked up from her book and over that the scrafty with a worrisome expression, they hadn’t been getting along for a bit, if she knew any better she would think Jody was avoiding her. Granted Titia was always at a feeling of unease with Jody before, but somehow it had gotten worse. She sets her book down calmly and smiles in a attempt to spark up some friendly conversation. “I’m really happy that you guys invited me over for Thanksgiving Jody!.. normally I would spend it with my family but they invited my cousin Jordan over and he is such a pain haha”

“Mmhmm.” Jody’s grunt just barely loud enough for them to hear, her chin resting on her hand as her gaze slowly moves over and fixates on the Salazzle. Diane yawns and sits back upright with a stretch. “Oh it’s no problem Honey! You are alwaayyys welcome here!” She leans in and lands a gentle peck on the Salazzle’s cheek with a playful giggle.

Jody’s blood turns to ice and eyes quickly dart away from the sight in irritation.

Titia’s tail flicks at Jody’s response, what WAS her deal? She wasn’t giving up that easy though, she affectionately nuzzles Diane and then leans back calmly. “So uh.. we have a game this weekend right? Does coach have anything special planned haha, heard the rival team playing us is pretty tough!”

Jody doesn’t bother to make eye contact and posture remains still. “Not supposed to talk about it.” Her voice remained apathetic but Titia could feel the curt rudeness behind the response. The salazzle’s eyes fixated on the scrafty across from her as she struck her last nerve. Jody had been nothing but dismissive or blatantly rude to her all evening. Before she could lean forward and speak her mind, Hessian walks into the room triumphantly.

“HeyHoHoHo! Sorry to interrupt you sweet lass’s conversation hour! But I simply must borrow little Miss Jolene! I could dress and prepare the table myself, but it would be more efficient if I had another helping hand!” The blacephalon practically shouted his words as he usually does, almost knocking off his paper mache head in the process.

His head was well made by Diane in a attempt to cover up the fact he didn’t have one, but once every so often his head jerked a bit too much causing it to wobble.

Jody immediately seizes the opportunity to leave the room and practically leaps from her chair and rushes into the dining room, Hessian following closely behind.

Diane looks over at her partners expression with a frown, she wraps her arms around her and nuzzles into her neck. “Oh don’t worry about Jody, she’s just cranky she can’t have any biscuits right now I’m sure!”

Titia’s posture softens a bit at Diane’s words, although the scrafty was oblivious to the actual situation, her words calmed the Salazzle. Titia gently rests her head on Diane’s forehead with a smile, relieved it wasn’t a personal attack from Jody.

In the dining room, Hessian gently places a plate of cheese on the dining table and puffs his chest out proudly. “BEHOLD FAIR JOLENE.... I have shaped this MERE plate of cheddar Swiss and pepper jack into a marvelous HORSE!”

Jody looks over at the headless horseman standing proudly over the plate of cheese and raises a brow. “Didn’t you arrange the crackers into the shape of a horse?”

The blacephalon laughs heartily and takes a bow “INDEED I HAVE! As well as the plate of meats and the vegetable tray!” Jody huffs a bit in amusement at his antics, the man really loved horses.... and heads. But at least he wasn’t arranging everything into the shape of heads for once. She continues to set the table in silence, doing it as slow as reasonably possible to avoid having to go back out into the living room, when suddenly Hessian’s hand touches her shoulder.

“Pardon the touch Miss Jolene, but I feel as if this is needed for amplified comfort for what I am going to say” he pats her shoulder more firmly as she looks up at him in confusion. “You know Miss Jolene, Lass Diane loves you very much. Even more so than a normal sibling! The love you two have for one another, the care and trust, is stronger than a draft horse!”

Jody squints a bit at the draft horse comparison but slowly sets down her tray of silverware as the blacephalon continues to speak. “I know you are worried that Lass Diane courting someone may cause distance between you. But I can assure you that no living or dead creature could ever separate the bond that you have. Do not worry about Lady Tatia ‘taking her away from you’ but merely a new addition to the family!” He puffs his chest out proudly at the thought, Jody however being less than convinced at his words.

The horseman senses her doubts and continues to speak. “Well Miss Jolene, when I started to court my dearest Chloe, or well as you say.. Nana, did you feel the same? Did you once despise each move I made? Detest every word I spoke? Wish death upon each-“

He is cut off by Jody’s harsh words suddenly. “No I didn’t. But also you are right for Nana. Titia isn’t.” The young scrafties fists slowly clench as some anger slips out of her usual demeanor.

Hessian is taken a bit back by her small outburst, he hasn’t seen her this way since the first time they met in that unsavory manner. He scratches the fake head resting upon his shoulders, wondering what to say next as Jody continues to set the table. “Well Miss Jolene.... I know you may think that... you could even be correct! I can’t speak from experience but, I know that this... ‘highschool’ of yours is.. a experimental time in a young life nowadays! So maybe she isn’t right, but let Lass Diane figure it out for herself! Experience is the only way to grow! Experience! Adapt! Overcome! It applies to all aspects of our lives Miss Jolene... give her a chance maybe? If only for your siblings happiness?”

Jody nods in understanding, she truly understood what he was saying, but she didn’t like it. She didn’t agree with it. She knew her sister more than anyone else and therefor only she would know who would be best for her in the long run. Hessian’s words did continue to ring in her head, maybe from now on she shouldn’t interfere with her sisters relationships. She wouldn’t have to like it but just maybe mind her business. Maybe one day.

She flinches when suddenly she hears the loud familiar bell ringing, dinner time already. She must have been taking forever with setting the table, lost in her own thoughts for longer than intended. The scrafty hurried to the kitchen to help Nana and Hessian take out the food to the table.

Titia sits down and chimes in happily “so who leads the prayer?”. The table is suddenly drowned in silence, Nana nervously looking at the dead man sitting at the table. Diane and Jody look at one another, Diane visibly nervous and Jody attempting to hide a snicker. Titia’s expression turns to concern at the dead silence when suddenly Hessian’s voice booms loudly.

“WHY I SHALL LEAD IT! BEEN A FINE CENTURY SINCE I LEAD IN A PRAYER OF SORTS!” He laughs heartily as the expression from the Bennet Lizards turns into utter shock. They all nervously bow their heads in prayer awaiting what he was going to say next. The blacephalon bows his head and remains silent for a moment before his booming voice rings out.

“OH THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD. THANKS. MEN!” He drops his praying pose and begins serving food out to the girls, The Salazzle slowly breaks her pose in confusion. “....men?.... don’t you mean...ame-“ suddenly a plate of food is dropped in front of her by the horseman with a chipper voice “OF COURSE MY DEAR! ITS NEW SLANG OF COURSE! NOW LETS CARVE THE NO LONGER FEATHERED BEAST!”

The headless horseman holds the knife out to the table, offering the first carve to anyone there. Jody shakes her head and leans back in her chair “I think Titia should carve it. She is the guest after all!”

Diane looks at her sibling with a warm smile, the kindest thing the scrafty has said all evening. Titia is taken back by Jody’s sudden kindness but smiles warmly as she accepts the knife from Hessian. “Thanks Jody.. that means a lot.”

Jody smiles a bit back at her before she suddenly returns back to her usual expression, Diane’s hand gently rubbing her shoulder in appreciation. Nana scoots over the turkey towards Titia with a gentle smile. Titia slowly inserts the knife into the meat with excitement when she suddenly stops. “Wow haha this bird is so hot it’s still bubbling under the skin!”

Nana stops taking a sip of her wine. “I let it cool a bit though-“ Suddenly the turkey jerks towards Titia violently and the skin bubbles even more. The shiny Salazzle jumps back a bit at the sight when hot meat explodes everywhere, a bare applin rearing out of the turkey shrieking violently, obviously using the turkey instead of a apple for protection. Everyone at the table screams violently as suddenly the tiny worm dragon leaps at Titia, recognizing her as the villain who cut into his home.

Titia screams violently, unable to to get the tiny furious creature from her body, she drops the knife and runs from the home screaming. Diane screaming and following her out the door, Hessian quickly runs into the living room and grabs his sword. “HAHA! JOLLY GOOD TIME! A THANKSGIVING BEAST TO SLAY! DAREDEVIL MY BELOVED STEED! LET US RIDE TO SLAY IT!” The blacephalon sprinting out to his trusty rapidash outside to follow the two girls in a attempt to help.

Nana, who had jumped up suddenly and then slowly sits back down into her seat. Her claws gently grabbing her wine glass and taking a sip, gently shaking her glass back and forth and observing the wine swish back and forth. “So how did you do that, without me noticing or cooking the thing.”

Jody had never moved from her seat and leans forward and grabs a turkey leg that had flown across the table. Taking a bite and dipping a biscuit in some gravy. “I did it during the final checkup you did on the turkey, when you went to wash off the thermometer I had shoved it in. I coated it in enough burn heal to manage the last 25 minutes of it cooking.” She takes a sip of sparkling cider and smiles a bit as she continues to eat

Nana sighs, hoping that maybe this time the young Lizard would have liked Diane’s partners. She takes another sip of wine and begins to serve herself some mashed potatoes. “Happy thanksgiving Jolene.”

“Happy Thanksgiving Nana.”