#we still have mid-autumn event for tomorrow too!

[quirrrky]

just got home! hey, it's 11 PM woooh! this working girlie needs some love and cuddles

[afaimsarrowverse]

The Top 25 Things the Arrowverse gave us:

25.  Elseworlds

This Crossover-Event will always remain extra special, because it saw Oliver and Barry swap identities, an evil would-be Superman, the introducting of both Gotham City and Kate Kane to the Arrowverse and Kara finding sisterhood with another version of her sister Alex by just knowing her. Oh and Gary was there too, totally random in the Elseworld Version of Earth-1 but still totally Gary, while Cisco was kind of evil and Oliver’s enemies were all cops.

 24.  Crisis on Infinite Earths

„Crisis of Infinite Earths“ was the biggest Crossover-Event of Television, because not only did it crossover all Arrowverse-Shows including the not-yet-green-lit „Superman & Lois“ and the first footage from „Stargirl“, it did crossover all of DC Television and Film. We had „Lucifer“, „Smallville“, „Birds of Prey“, „Titans“, „Doom Partol“, the 60s Batman-Show, the 90s Flash-Show„Superman Returns“, the Burton-Verse and Ezra Miller in there, as well as Kevin Conroy and a lot of previously unfilmed Comic Stories on the top of that.

 23.  The Annual Crossover Events

Starting with the launch of „The Flash“ the Arrowverse started doing crossover episodes and most of them did occure just before the Mid-Season Break and featured episodes in more than one of the shows. Soon more and more shows got invovled in these crossovers, and they got bigger. The Annual „Autumn“ Crossover Event was something to look forward too as long as it existed.

 22.  The Olivarry Friendship

When it got announced that Stephen Amell would return to „The Flash“ for its final season the Internet almost broke. This shows how much the friendship between Oliver and Barry did impact the viewers and how special it was for everyone, who got to watch it grow and change over all these years. And why we will never forget it.

 21.  Ray Palmer

Brandon Routh may have played Superman, but the superhero who really had an impact on the cultural landscape was his Arrowverse Role, Ray Palmer aka the Atom. Introduced in „Arrow“, becoming a main character in „Legends of Tomorrow“, Ray showed up in almost every Arrowverse-Show, and the likeable nerd was very much missed when he was written out of the Arrowverse. Since then he has returned, but sadly the end of Arrowverse does also mean that we won’t ever see him again.

 20.  Steelatom

The Arrowverse presented us many forms of male friendships, but out of all of them the friendship between Ray Palmer and Nate Heywood undoubtable was one of the most special ones. Two soft male nerds becoming BFFs and in many ways much more each others significant other than their respective better halfs is still not something we are used to see.

 19.  Black Lightning (The Show)

Yes, „Luke Cage“ came first, but without „Black Lightning“ the MCU Show would have been the first and only not-animated Superhero Show with a black lead involving the Black Community. „Black Lightning“ did for DC what „Luke Cage“ did for Marvel, and it even got to go out own its own terms. So „Black Lightning“ will always be that Black Superhero Show with a Lebsian Female Lead, that came, did what it set out to do, and finished the narrative despite everything.

 18.  The Power of Goodness

Certain so called fans tend to see DC as this dark and broody and egdy Anti-Marvel Brand. The Arrowverse however did very much not fall in this trap. Yes, early episodes of „Arrow“ might have fooled you into thinking they were going there, but as soon as Barry Allen speed into the show, the Arrowverse showed us that, no, no matter how dark life becomes these shows and that whole franchise actually is a story about how in the end there is more good than evil out there, and how goodness can inspire other people into becoming good themselves. In all the shows our heroes did inspire others to do better to become more and to never give up. Instead of an edgy story about gloom and doom the Arrowverse was a story about how one’s inate goodness can overcome anything and can inspire everyone around to listen to the goodness inside themselves.

 17.  Soft Males

Sure, we got Alpha Males like Oliver Queen or Mick Rory, but the Arrowverse also held a significant number of Soft Males, that were even more fun and frankly more inspirering to watch. In the end people like Barry Allen, Ray Palmer, Winn Schott, Cisco Ramon, Nate Heywood, Behrad Tarazi, Querl Dox or Luke Fox do appeal to people much more than the typicial male macho, we get to see everywhere else. And when people like John Constantine, Oliver Queen or Mick Rory find it in them to also step out of their own shadow and discover their softer side, it is even more beautifiul.

 16.  Female Friendships

Many ensemble shows treat us with outstanding male friendships but not all of these shows are „Friends“. Most shows have to fight for their female characters to have a relationship with each other. So it is an accomplishment to actually see a postive female relationship outside of familial bonds and sexual interest flourish. Most of the Arrowverse managed to produced more than a couple of strong female friendships over their run. Bookclub matters, and so does the fact that, no Kara does not want to pounce her female friends, that Ryan is not ready to give up on Mary, this shows us that women actually care about each other. Something that especially male writers often forget about.

 15.  An Ace Superhero

The biggest moment of seventh season of „Legends of Tomorrow“ was the moment in „The Fixed Point“, when Spooner came out to Zari as asexual. After admitting that she did not think about anyone „that way“, Zari explained to her that she is probabyl ace and that there is nothing wrong with that, and that there are many people like her and many of them still have happy relationships. This moment is even bigger because it was a latinx woman coming out, and it did give us the first asexual superhero on screen ever and one of very view openly ace main characters on a Television Show.

 14.  A Trans Superhero

Season 4 of „Supergirl“ did introduce Nia Nal, who would go on to become the superhero Dreamer, the ancestor of Nura Nal from the Legion of Superheroes. Played be Nicole Maines Nia Nal is the first transgender superhero on our screens, serving us an inspiration for many by coming out about her true self in the show and fighting hate and even her own family for who she really is.

 13.  Sara Lance

In the beginning there was Sara Lance. Long before characters like Nia Nal or Spooner Cruz or even Alex Danvers or David Singh would grace the Arrowverse Laurel Lance‘s little sister kissed boys and girls on screen, fought and overcame trauma, and never gave up on finding herself. Sara Lance proofed to us that you can come back from everything and that strong bi-sexual females can be lead characters on action shows.

 12.  Avalance

Because of the rotating cast „Legends of Tomorrow“ did not really have a central romance for its long run. Changing up characters and romances, there was however one that stuck with us and the Arrowverse for most of its run, and that is the relationship between Sara Lance and Ava Sharpe, which did include getting married and having a baby. Even more important while same-sex-relationships were only secondary ships on „Supergirl“ and „Black Lightning“ Avalance, since it involved the lead character of the show, was the central ship of the show.

 11.  Westallen

People tend to overlook that taking after the New 52 Idea of making the Wests Black during casting was a gamble for „The Flash“. But it also was one that payed of. The only Arrowverse Show that actually had their central couple for all of its run, took an iconic couple from the comics and made it real and did stick to it. Westallen is also a mixed race couple in Prime Time Television and sadly that is still not something viewed as normal today.

 10. Diversity

The CW did make „Dare to Defy“ their motto, but in the end they did give in, gave up their identity even before they were sold, because no one would buy them, if they would actually live up to their motto. Which is why half of the Arrowverse Shows was cancelled when they were. However while it was alive and prospering the Arrowverde did dare to defy. The Arrowverse had women, POCs, LGBTQ+ Persons, Non-Americans, Aliens and Non-Confermists as their protagonists and antagonists from the get-go. So of course I could not stay around.

 9.      Same Sex Weddings

Having celebrated their first Same Sex Wedding Of Screen during Season 1 of „The Flash“, the Arrowverse did feature no less than 3 [!] Same-Sex Weddings between Females in the year 2021, with Anissa and Grace getting married on „Black Lightning“, Sara and Ava finally tying the knot at the end of Season 6 on „Legends of Tomorrow“, and Alex marrying her girlfriend Kelly Olsen in the Finale of „Supergirl“.

 8.      Strong Female Characters

Yes, it all started with a man, but even the late great Anne Rice noted that she was intrigued that Oliver was surronded by women rather than men after the Pilot. Since then „Arrow“ always tried to aim for a strong female presence as well as female characters in general. The same is true for the other Arrowverse Shows, most notably of course for „Supergirl“ and „Batwoman“, but with Season 2 „Legends of Tomorrow“ switched Rip Hunter with Sara Lance as their main protagonist and Captain, and more than one critic has noted that „Black Lightning“ actually is much more about Jefferson’s daughters Anissa and Jennifer than about Black Lightning himself. And „The Flash“ tried really hard to keep both Candice Patton and Danielle Panabaker around until the very end, adding more female characters to their main cast over the years. And let’s not forget that the never picked up Backdoor-Pilot „Green Arrow and the Canaries“ would have centered around the daughter of Green Arrow and no less than two Black Canaries.

 7.      Season 8 of „Arrow“

Sometimes fans get something back. The short final season of „Arrow“ was very much a season tailored for the fans, a homage to the show’s history, that also aimed straight at the future of both the show and the franchise. Not as strong as Season 2 and not as shocking as Season 5, Season 8 of „Arrow“ still was something very special, which only the Arrowverse at that point of its existence would ever give to the viewers.

 6.      Season 1 of „The Flash“

While everyone might have their own personal favorite Arrowverse Season, Season 1 of „The Flash“ ist arguable the best out of all of them, most people would agree. The first real Superhero Show since „Heroes“, „The Flash“ paved the way for the rest of the more comicbooky Arrowverse, DC- and MCU-Shows, and probably even stuff like „The Umbrella Academy“. The show made people, who are not really interested in superheroes, interested in watching the show by putting the characters and their feelings and relationship first, but backing it up with an engaging story that relies on superpowers and time travel to work.

 5.      Legends of Tomorrow

The Arrowverse had a whole bunch of very different shows appealing to different audiences, but the one ouf of all of them that stood out was „Legends of Tomorrow“. After a luck-warm first season the writers threw out everything that didn’t work and went full in, embracing the fact that this was supposed to be a time travel show with superheroes and villains about a bunch of screw ups. They did not shy awawy from the crazy any longer but ran towards it instead. They made an outsider show for outsiders, that was beautiful and unique und very much not your average television show.

 4.      Coming back from Trauma

„Arrow“ very much had the message that in the end, no matter what happened to you, you can not only learn to live with it, you can come back from it. Oliver Queen’s whole journey is about becoming a new person, that is not ruled by his past anymore. And he isn’t the only one. When „The Flash“ started we learn about the murder of Barry’s mother and how he was able to come back from that, and how he had to learn to stop looking back and start looking forward. Supergirl’s whole planet was destroyed, almost everyone she ever knew died. And still she managed to go on after that und flourish. In some shape and form most Arrowverse Characters are shaped by trauma – and their shows tell us that this does not have to rule them.

 3. The One where they are stuck on TV

The best Arrowverse Episode out of all of them probably was „The One Where We‘re trapped on TV“ from „Legends of Tomorrow“s fifth season. Not only that, it was also the best Television Episode of the year 2020. Honoring TV that came before as well as the main character of the show, the episode also did include a valuable lesson. In the end that little TV Episode did more than most shows are capeable doing in years.

 2.      A Voice

If we are talking about the question what the Arrowverse gave us, we should not forget to menton the most important thing it gave us: A Voice. Yes, the producers listened to the fans, but that’s not what I mean. The Arrowverse gave us a voice – the not privileged not white not straight not cis-males who were not brought up by a loving parental figure - it gave a voice to everyone else, to the damaged, the overlooked, the ridicouled, the bullied, the loners, the persons on the fringes. It gave a voice to those, who think no one ever listens to them, by having the heroes listen. For those magicial years of television all of us were heard. By going for Green Arrow, the Flash, Supergirl, Batwoman, Black Lighning and John Constantine the stories told by something with the DC Lable on it were finally about us.

 1.      Hope for a better Tomorrow

When Oliver Queen came back to Starling City, he was a broken man, but when „Arrow“ ended he had been healed, something he never would have thought possible. Kara Danvers might have lost her planet, but she found a new home on earth, a new family and her calling. Barry Allen might have lost his mother and his father, but he found a future, where he has a new family, that flourishes and grows. Gotham may be a crap hole, but the Batwomen stepped in, when no one else did and made it a better place. While the Pierce Familiy fought to do the same for Freeland. Everyone who ever stepped foot on the Waverider came out stronger and more whole when they left the ship again, even those who did not leave alive, ironicially enough. In the end the most important thing the Arrowverse gave to us, is hope – hope that this will also pass, hope for a better tomorrow. Hope for a tomorrow, periode.

The franchise saved lives – with every show, ever episode at a time, probabaly many more lives than most people realize. And then it all came crashing down after a decade, when it became clear it had all been a lie.

So maybe they shouldn’t have bothered to give us ten years of lies in the first place. Or anyhting else on this list for that matter, because giving someone something only to take it away again without warning or reason is cruel, but giving someone hope and then taking that away, well that is just criminal. So in the end the Arrowverse was just that: A Crime against Humanity, because they told us life could be a certain way, only to end with the clear notion, that it actually in reality can’t.

[littlefreya]

Stalker Walker - Part 5

Summary: A voyage to Paris in order to escape your mundane life leaves you with more than you bargained for.

[Previously on Stalker Walker]  

Pairing: August Walker x Reader

Words:  1k

Warning: He’s cute and all but a stalker, mentions of sexual thoughts, mention of age gap. 

A/N: No Beta!!! He is back, and on this episode of Stalker Walker™, our dear reader has finally met with August... now I wonder, what will happen next. 

Title: Last night in Paris

It was as if the street fell utterly silent all of a sudden, save for the soft drumming of raindrops upon the thick fabric and your trembling breath no sound met your ears. The little shelter beneath his large umbrella felt like a secluded little realm and there you were, drowning on solid land, sunken into the abyss of the most stunning eyes you’ve ever seen. 

Like the heart of a cold ocean kissed by the storm, passion and hunger swam within the tall man’s gaze, deeming him even more attractive. 

Absentmindedly, you gaped, unable to determine if this was a movie, an extremely lucid dream or real life. 

He was your stranger from earlier, the elegant, well-suited man who sat alone at the cafe’, how odd it was that by chance you’d meet again? Now further hulking, he stood so close that you could taste the same brew of Columbian coffee off his breath and the mist of his stark, musky cologne engulfed from each direction like some intoxicating enchantment.

It took a while before you could find words and the hint of a smile that began to spread on his surprisingly succulent lips didn’t help your lack of coherence.

“I’ve seen you,” you finally managed and immediately wanted to throw yourself into the canal. 

Certainly, he would now think that you were some sort of a creepy stalker.

The stranger-now-turned saviour, tilted his head at you in a query while a small spark ignited his aquatic glance.  

“At the Cafe’, earlier this morning…” you explained, trying to maintain a stable tone as your voice was about to give in to the same tremor in your knees. 

The man observed your face silently, his tongue flicking over his bottom lip as he drank the sight of you in. He had to admit that you were far more fascinating in the flesh; your beauty a thing of ballads sung by knights and love poems, your scent - delicate and feral at the same time like a wild rose that grew timidly in a dark cave. 

He couldn’t wait to pluck your soft petal and drink your sweet nectar. 

“Shame,” he spoke, his baritone a smooth, low chant, “I would have offered you to join me for breakfast,” he paused and then clicked his tongue, his smile further widening, exposing two large dimples and two sharp fangs, “had you agreed to it, of course.”

In your cheeks, you felt the lick of flames. Eyes dropping to the damp cobblestone, you chuckled softly and then tucked an errant curl behind your ear. You’ve just met him 5 minutes ago and didn’t even know his name, but you were willing to leave with your bewhiskered stranger to wherever he fancied if only he’d suggest.

But this wasn’t you, you weren’t the coy, giggly girl falling for every tall handsome man with a void of a dark angel. You were the same independent woman who travelled on her own for the first time, visiting a completely new land. Yet his glare somehow held you captive in a chamber of glass which you couldn’t escape from, nor did you ever wanted. 

Unable to find the correct answer to his theoretical question, you simply shrugged and crooked an eyebrow, trying to suggest you wouldn’t have minded having breakfast, lunch, dinner and then another breakfast in bed with him the morning after. 

Moving his arm in the most elegant manner, he reached for your palm and took it in his grasp. The drum of your heart never beat louder as he leaned in to kiss the back of your hand, pressing his soft lips against your supple skin. The rough edges of his moustache scratched your hand and you had to swallow that giggle that threatened to escape your throat. 

“August,” he introduced, remaining a tad bent and only keeping his glare fixed upon yours. Smitten by his direct charm and suave charisma, you wondered about his age. He couldn’t have been older than mid-30, much older than you, no doubt, yet his manners and gestures were that of a man who was slightly old fashioned, one that treats a woman like a lady.

You scratched the back of your head awkwardly which he took as a signal to let go of your hand and stretched back to his full height.  

“August,” you repeated his name, enjoying the way it rolled on your tongue, “I am so lucky to have run into you, and have you save me from the rain. I brought an umbrella with me today but misplaced it somewhere...”

Possibly at the cafe, when you were too lost in your own gawking and fancies, though you’d be lying if you didn’t admit to yourself that you were thrilled to have lost your umbrella. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have the chance to run into August on a rainy autumn day. Perhaps it was your destiny that on the last night in Paris, you were to meet a man that made you want to do something completely outrageous. 

It was time after all…

The anticipation grew in your eyes as you stood waiting, unaware of how your body swung from side to side. If only you knew what an open book you were to a man like him, there was no need to swipe your credit card and trace your information, he picked up every twitch and flutter of your lashes, noticing how you fell into your own musings, as you did when you were alone. He wanted to browse through your pages and read each passage and syllables of your naked body, as he will have you in your own hotel bed tonight. 

Inhaling calmly, he reached for your hand again, and placed the hook of the umbrella in your grip, “you are welcome to have mine till the end of your trip, sweetheart. I’m not afraid of getting wet.”

At the arch of his brow and the drawl in his voice, you flushed, but then your heart sunk like a broken ship. The end of your trip was closer than he knew and home was nothing but a mundane little fortress of solitude, this was by far the most exciting thing that ever happened to you since forever and the fact that you’ve met him at the last night of the trip felt as if you’ve wandered from a pleasant little garden of roses into a bush full of thorns. 

Giving him a disappointed glance, you pushed the umbrella back toward him, “there is no need, that’s gonna be tomorrow morning.”

August’s brow lifted with surprise and the same disappointing tainted his eyes that now looked as soft as the eyes of a puppy. “Pity,” he pouted but then offered you another one of his endearing smiles, “perhaps then, you can hold it for me till the end of the night.” 

His hand pushed yours away gently, and he pulled back, stepping into the rain and letting the drizzle dampen his trench coat and slick hair. 

“Have a drink with me tonight.” It didn’t sound like a question nor like a suggestion but more of a fact as he took another step away from you, his hair gradually becoming tussled by the soft wind and droplets of rain. “You are staying close to the cafe’ where we met, I presume.”

“Yes,” you retorted, squeezing your fingers around the rigid metal handle, “at the Pantheon.”

Tucking his hands down the pockets of his jacket, he continued to pace away, walking backwards as if he didn’t want to say goodbye.

“I’ll see you downstairs at 8, my little rose, don’t forget my umbrella, because then I’ll have to hunt you down” he announced with a playful smirk and then turned on his feet and walked away. 

Watching him leave, you finally allowed your self to exhale loudly. A broad smile stretched your cheeks to the point of pain, and you couldn’t help but chuckle at the turn of events. Even if you were to never see him again after tonight, it would still be the sweetest memory, and maybe a part of you was somewhat afraid of the commitment that could follow anyway.

You began pacing away, staring into nothing with music playing in your mind when you suddenly found it odd that he never bothered asking for your name.

*Disclaimer: I don’t own August Walker or any of the Mission Impossible franchise characters*

*No permission is given for reposting my work, copying it, my ideas or parts of the source material and claiming it as your own*

[shinygoldstar]

Midnight Snack

DannyMay Day 11: Midnight

(Also DannyMay Shadow, Scars, Power, Nature, Seasons, Teeth can you find them all?)

Word Count: 2271 (not beta’d. experimental writing)

Warning: mentions of ghost cannibalism, nothing explicit

@floralflowerpower ​ – for that ghost cannibalism post

(it’s 1 am so i’m gonna sleep now. might post on AO3 later)

Edit: AO3 Added!

.

It was mid-October. The leaves are starting to turn yellow heralding the approaching autumn. Danny was happy because that meant the unusually hot weather is almost over. It wasn’t that he’s melting from the heat- quite the opposite, he’s probably the only person in Amity that isn’t sweltering under the sun with his cold core. But due to this exact same reason, his cooler body temperature also drew in water vapor which condenses on his skin, pooling into beads of water dripping down his shirt, making him appear extra sweaty. He can’t wait for the temperature to be cool enough to not change clothes every few hours. Good thing his clothes are purchased by the dozen; no one really noticed him wearing new sets of clothes throughout the day.

.

It was the contaminated fridge foods that disappeared first. No one missed them. At least until they can’t find the mutated turkeys for their annual Thanksgiving hunting event.

.

Danny yawned as he and his friends entered Fenton Works. Autumn is comfy. Just the right temperature where he can wear loose clothing and not be stared at for being underdressed for the weather. No ‘sweating’ either. His mouth closed with a click, a bit too fast on his new fangs. Danny winced. The fangs seemed to have grown longer overnight again. At this rate Danny won’t be able to pass them off as normal pointy canine teeth for much longer. It didn’t hurt but the itch is annoying. Danny took a detour to the fridge, grabbing an ice cube from the freezer and popped it into his mouth, absentmindedly chewing on the cubes to take the edge off the itch as they walked down to the basement lab. His parents are at a paranormal convention at a nearby city and won’t be back until tomorrow. Danny and his friends gladly took the opportunity to do their ‘Danny’s quarterly fitness test’.

Danny flipped on the light switch and walked to the center of the lab, transforming into his ghost form. “Okay I’m ready. What’s first on the list?”

Tucker dropped his bag and took out a piece of notebook paper, “Okay, first we gotta do the baseline measurements. Height, weight, temperature, and the ecto reading.” Sam dug through her sports bag, pulling out the measurement tape. She held it against Danny, eyes scanning the tape measurement numbers. “Still the same height.”

Tucker nodded, noting down the measurement in Danny’s health notebook. “Next, weight.” Danny stood over the scale. “Yup, still the same weight too.”  

.

Then it was the ecto-samples that Jack misplaced in the kitchen fridge. Jack warned everyone a few days later (everyone knows to avoid glowing food on normal basis so the delayed warning is mostly just courtesy), but no one could find where it went and assumed it grew legs to join the other tiny ecto-samples lurking as their equivalent of household pests. (No matter how often Maddie tried to patch up the mouse hole it keeps reappearing in the same shape but in a different part of the house as if the original mouse hole got transplanted from its original location)

.

“Lunch Lady’s right. You need to eat more. You’re still as skinny as ever.” Sam remarked as Danny took the thermometer out of his mouth. “76 F. The ghosts keep attacking me all day and night. You’d think my parents would notice when a ghost sneaks pass them while they work in the lab but I triggered all their ghost alarms just by being in the house so they deactivated the system when I’m around. They must’ve kept it turned off during the day too.”

“Tough luck dude. Ecto scan next.” Tucker passed the scanner to Sam while Danny stood still for her to scan. The machine beeped, “Wow 6.8, that’s quite a jump from last quarter’s 5.1”

“Maybe it was from all the ghost fighting I did over the summer?”

.

As the leaves began to fall from the branches, ghost attacks lessened in frequency. Not looking the gift horse in the mouth Danny happily enjoyed the lack of ghost attacks to focus more on his studies. If he did well enough, he might even get Bs for his efforts. He also managed to avoid getting detention for the entire week much to the relief of everyone involved.

.

Two days before Thanksgiving, the Fentons finally remembered their turkeys. But by then it was gone. In a rush, they quickly purchased a pre-made turkey instead. While Danny enjoyed the fact that they’re having a normal family dinner for once, he can’t help but feel like there’s something off about the chicken. As if it’s missing a particular tangy or zingy flavor that would’ve made it richer in flavor. ‘Must’ve been because it’s overcooked.’

.

"Honey? Have you seen the new ecto-samples I placed in the basement lab fridge?" “Again Jack? This is the third time this month. Have you checked the upstairs fridge?” “I-ah was pretty sure I placed them in the correct fridge this time. Must be some no-good thievin’ ghost.” “I’ll set up the ecto-anti-theft, that’ll get ‘em good! No ghost can escape Jack Fenton for long!”

.

*Intruder Alert* *Intruder Alert*

Red lights peppered with robotic voice and alarm noises lurched Maddie into full alert mode. She quickly took stock of her surroundings and tried to wake Jack up. But Jack had his earplugs on and continued to snore blissfully. A loud knock on the door caught her attention. “What’s going on mom?” Jazz’s voice floated through the door. Maddie quickly rose to open the bedroom door, swiftly pulled Jazz in and locked the door. “Jazz dear, try to wake your dad up. I’ll go check on the intruder.” Maddie strode quietly to the door then paused, “Have you checked on Danny?” Jazz bit her lips and looked away for a moment “-ah yeah! Danny’s snoring so loud he can’t hear the alarm.” Maddie twisted the doorknob but paused, hesitating. “He’s fine mom.” Jazz reassures her. “If Danny wakes up, he’ll come here first. I’ll let him know what’s going on.”

The alarm rang loudly in her ears as she walked down the stairs to the basement lab, its loud ringing noise effectively covering up the sound of her footsteps. Reaching the basement floor, Maddie quickly crept over to hide behind the shelf on her left, eyes scanning the lab for the intruder.

The glass jars clinked as a shadow moved about the fridge. A very familiar shadow. That didn’t glow. Maddie turned on the lab lights. “Danny?” she started, carefully walking over to face him, her eyes still scanning him to check if he’s really her Danny. The faint, barely noticeable scar on his eyebrow from his attempt to fly off the tree when he was five is there confirming his identity.

“What are you doing down here-?” Maddie noticed the glowing jar in his hand, “and what exactly are you doing?” Danny hazily stared at her; eyes half-lidded. Maddie snapped her fingers to get his attention. Danny didn’t blink. “He's still not awake, Danny come on wake up!”, she shook his shoulders. “Huh? Wuzzat?” Danny groggily woke up. He blinked in confusion.

Finally aware of his surroundings, Danny looked down at his right hand that still held the glowing sample. “Aah!” Danny yelped dropping the sample, then realizing he dropped the sample, tries to catch the jar, fumbling clumsily. Maddie would’ve laughed if it was anywhere else but in this situation. “Danny, do you remember what you were doing?”

“I was doing my homework and was craving for a good cheeseburger?”

---

“And the half-opened jar of ectoplasm?”

“Pickles?”

---

“Dude are you for real? That was priceless!” Tucker crowed with laughter. Sam leaned away from Tucker to avoid the meat spittle, “Urgh! Gross Tucker! Swallow it before you speak!”

Danny grumbled into his glass of milkshake, “’s not funny Tuck. you didn't see her face. She was about ready to scan me for signs of ecto-possession. Good thing my lie about craving cheeseburger and opening the wrong fridge worked. Otherwise I’d be in big trouble if she scanned me now with my latest ecto-reading. Anyways I'm banned from the lab now.” Danny bit into his burger.

“So what really happened there dude? Did you seriously sleepwalk into the basement lab?”

“I think so? I don’t really remember anything before Mom found me in the lab. Only that I was feeling a bit hungry.”

.

The ghosts stopped coming. Everyone in Amity held their breath when there were no ghost attacks for two weeks straight, then a month. Then two months, three. No ghosts. They let out their collective breath. It might be too soon to hope but for now they will enjoy their ghost-free, perfectly ordinary life. It feels a bit strange to not have ghost related interruptions as part of their daily routine but they didn’t miss the ghost-related reconstruction expenses. The local insurance company employees received a nice bonus for the ghost-free month.

.

By the time March rolled in, Danny is restless. “Guys, there's definitely something big going on.”, he waved his hands for emphasis. “The Fenton portal is still open yet no ghost came through? Not even Boxy since the North District warehouse thing last month. There’s definitely something big going on. I've been taking the ghost-free break for granted for a while now and it helped save my grades but this is too big to ignore.”

“Dude, maybe it’s because you’re much more powerful now? Your latest reading last week is 8.2. None of the ghosts we’ve met so far is above 6 except for Vlad and the Ghost King.” Tucker suggested.

“You might have a point there, Tucker. We haven’t seen any of the ghosts bothering Vlad so far and he’s definitely higher than 6.” Sam added.

Danny frowned, “Maybe you’re right but I just have this nagging feeling that that’s not quite it.”

.

Danny entered the Zone with little fanfare. The area around the Fenton portal looked normal enough, the usual rocks and clouds of debris are still floating around in their usual areas. Danny aimlessly passed through the nooks and crannies, ducking under the endless spiral staircase, not entirely sure of what to look for. The Zone felt a bit quiet today but Danny haven’t been to the Zone that frequently to be certain about it.

.

The Ghost Zone, while still filled with random bits of odds and ends felt empty somehow. It wasn't until he sighted Skulker that he realized he hasn't seen any of the tiny blog ghosts nor the occasional passerby ghosts through his trip.

.

Luckily or unluckily, Danny quickly spotted someone he knew in the distance. As if called, Skulker turned his head towards Danny, then veered sharply to the left and flew fast in Danny's opposite direction, a first for the self-proclaimed hunter to not hunt his favorite prey. ‘Something's not right and Skulker definitely knows something.’ Danny thought.

Danny quickly chased after him; Skulker could never beat Danny at speed chase even at his best, and he won't be winning today's unplanned race either. “Hey Skulker! What’s going on?” Danny yelled over the gap between them but Skulker gave no reply, diving down deep into the reddish forest ravines of the island below. Not to be deterred, Danny did a quick aerial flip, adjusting his flight angle to follow down Skulker’s path. Danny soon caught up to Skulker and launched him into a nearby rock with sticky ectoplasm to hold him still long enough to talk. Skulker ejected from his metal suit but Danny was faster and caught the real ghost before he can escape.

.

(Why is Skulker fleeing?)

.

"Hey Skulker, not hunting me for once?" Danny asked teasingly.

Skulker paled (Danny never knew ghosts can turn pale) and squirmed even more. Danny's smile dropped.

"What’s going on Skulker?" he asked worriedly. “None of the ghosts have appeared in the human world and the Zone looks empty somehow”

Skulker squirmed a bit more but realizing he’s stuck finally said, “Ghost Child, haven’t you ever wondered why the Infinite Realms is never overcrowded?”

Danny frowned, puzzled as to where this leads to. “How is this related to this situation?” Skulker stared at Danny stunned.

“What?” Danny asked, suddenly self-conscious, “-was there something I was supposed to know about?”

Skulker sighed, unconsciously loosening a bit of his tension, “You’re so young. So very young. We Ghosts don’t fade as fast as Newcomers arrive from your world. In the Realms, there's a natural system that keeps the population under control. An ecosystem. There's predator and there's prey. And then there's the Apex Predator. There's a reason why Dark was feared. It wasn't just for his harsh rule. It was because he was the Apex Predator.”

Danny struck at the odd wording, "’Was’? Was that because he got sealed?” Danny paused, “But wait- if he's sealed, he would still be the Apex predator. So how-? Wait. Did I?"

Skulker nodded, "Good you're catching on fast. By defeating Pariah Dark, you have proven to the Realms that you're the best candidate for the Apex Predator. And with the new status comes sets of conducts, one your body instincts know well. You've been culling down the uncontrolled excess from Pariah Dark's sleep quite fast. Your hunger would settle down soon of course once balance has been re-established in the Realms."

“But- How- Wait- What-?” Danny looked down at his hand “Hey Skulker--!” but his hand is bare.

.

Danny’s lips tasted oddly tangy, energized.  

.

.

.

-----

(Skulker might've slipped out of Danny's slack hand while Danny is in shock. Danny might've bit his lips hard enough to bleed. It's not that hard with his new fangs. But this is just speculation...)

[prose-for-hire]

Supernatural Activity

Pairing: Rupert Giles x reader

Request: omgggg „dont mess with the cat“ and its the baby monitor“ and giles, maybe? that would be amaaazing

Requested by: Anon

Warning: swearing. 

c/n = cat’s name lol. I didn’t wanna assign a name you can do that! The cat is a boy though (sorry idk why I can change it if u want) 🖤🦇

You and Giles had moved in together. You had taken a while to find the perfect place, especially considering that you lived on top of a Hellmouth. A lot of properties were ridiculously good value because a surprising amount of suspicious deaths happened here. You had offered to move into the house he already lived in, but he insisted that you should have a house you could share that would be yours together.

You finally found one that was perfect, or what you had thought was perfect. 

You had been relaxing one Autumn evening, in front of the fire that Giles had just got going. Your cat was relaxing on your lap as Giles slid into the seat beside you, wrapping his arm around your shoulder. You closed your eyes, inhaling his familiar scent that enveloped you with his hug. 

You cosied up in front of the fire, wrapping your arms around his torso. You had more chance to relax around this time of year, Halloween was usually quiet and the younger people you usually helped out were busy going to parties and struggling with their social lives over the supernatural at the moment.

Giles had kissed the top of your head from the position you were in, now resting against his chest. You had been watching the television, or relaxing together with the tv on in the background. Except suddenly you heard this horrible noise. This crackling and popping. It was feedback. From some kind of device. A baby crying. Wailing for someone. 

You squinted around, starting to get freaked out. Something wasn;t right. The room felt cold, despite your body curled up beside Giles with the roaring fire. You looked up at him and he didn’t appear phased. You sat up properly, looking around. Squinting.

“Giles…” You say slowly. Giles had stayed in the same position, looking towards the television feigning boredom but he appeared to be into whatever it was taht was on. You had to take the remote and mute the sound, “Giles can you hear that?”

“Oh, it’s just the baby monitor” Giles muttered after listening a moment, cleaning his glasses and smiling at you as if this were the natural conclusion. You squinted at him, looking around in confusion.

“Giles… we don’t have a baby” You say slowly. This made him jump into action. Of course - you didn’t have a baby! He panicked, walking towards the noise.

You, against your better judgement, went with Giles to look around the house to check where the noise was coming from. C/n weaved between both of your legs, coming too. But he stopped on the landing, hissing and running off in the opposite direction.

It got louder as you walked towards the spare room. You tensed, taking Giles’ sleeve and tugging him back. You were scared, you didn’t want him to get hurt. He nodded reassuringly, sliding his hand into yours and clasping it tight. The door opened slowly, it revealed... nothing.

There was no movement. No noise and definitely no baby.

You exchanged a look, silently agreeing to just leave that room alone from then on. You didn’t speak much for the rest of the evening, still hyperaware of any noises in the house. You went to sleep earlier than usual, clinging to Giles as you tried in vain to get some sleep.

You had managed some brief sleep, however you had a bad feeling which woke you up. Then came a strangled noise and a crash. You ran out of bed, with Giles close behind, in time to see your cat starting to float in mid-air while it thrashed against whatever it was. His tail was bushy and standing on end with his sharp teeth exposed whilst he hissed at the invisible force.

You reached and scooped your cat and pulled him into you, scowling around at the room.

“I’m fucking warning you!” You point at the ceiling as if the spirit were floating there, “Don’t mess with the cat!” You shouted, hugging the little fluff ball closer to your chest to make sure you were protecting him. You had seen movies like this - the pet was usually the first to go. Not on your watch.

“Y/n is it really necessary to use that language?”

“Oh I’m sorry did you want me to invite the poltergeist into the kitchen for a cup of tea!?”

“No, of course not. It just isn’t wise to… rile it up” He said gently, knowing how protective you were of the cat. You had expressed more than once that it felt like a little family, with you, the cat and Giles. Which he had adored when you had revealed this to him. He really did love you. He nodded once in understanding, pressing a kiss against the side of your head. You softened, melting into it a little, before snapping your eyes back open and shouting, “It’s Halloween tomorrow aren’t you meant to have the day off?!” scowling up at the ceiling again.

The movement seemed to disappear. So you eventually padded back to your shared bed, setting your cat at the end of the bed to ensure he was safe. You both slipped back into bed and huddled together as you tried to get some sleep. Your anger dissipating with every soft touch Giles gave you in the safety of your shared bed. 

“We have to do something, sweetheart” You sigh, cuddling up to him. You weren’t fond of being haunted, it appeared.

“Let’s just, see what the spirit wants and see if we can, ah, assist. I will look up some books tomorrow” He muttered, stroking the back of your head softly. You nodded, well aware of his tendency to say a more polite version of what he really wanted to say.

“Can I bring c/n? please?” You whispered into his ear as you began to fall asleep nestled against his side.

The next morning was Halloween, a very busy day for you and Giles in the store you owned together. You usually enjoyed the day, but you were tired this morning and you snapped at Xander too many times so he threatened to walk.

This lead to you having to buy donuts to keep him sweet, which appeared to make him instantly your friend again. You explained yours and Giles’ predicament between the rush of customers and heard their suggestions which, although well-meaning, were entirely unhelpful. Your cat weaved between each customer, giving them a little entertainment whilst they waited in the long queues.

“Maybe you should get a priest?” Willow asked, using what appeared to be an entire roll of tape on a customers gift wrap. You were too busy reading a book on possession to supervise her properly so Anya snatched it from her and started to wrap it correctly.

“Yeah, you wanna go full-Exorcist. It is Halloween, G-man” Xander piped up and you let it slide with a mere eyeroll, seeing as you had snapped at him so much already today and Giles let him off with just a withering look.

You and Giles did a little more researching and decided the best way forwards was a ritual to reveal who you were dealing with and then one to cast out the spirit. You had everything lined up and you even colour coded the ritual into sections for him - you knew he loved it when you did that. 

You decided you should probably do it as soon as possible. You presented your plan to the group after you finally closed up and the tired Scoobies listened. Their faces twisting into panic as they realised it sounded like a group event.

“Do we, uh, all have to be there?” Buffy asked, looking around and trying to silently come up with an excuse with the others. You caught this and winked at her.

“Well, we could use all of the help that we can get” Giles said solemnly, well aware of the horrified faces of the young people around him. He was about to launch into a long speech about duty.

“No. You can go to your Halloween party! Giles, there are some things that have to be dealt with alone, it’s our responsibility. We can do it just fine” You looped your arms around his neck and left a few soft kisses against his slightly parted mouth, in case he was still trying to protest. The Scoobies all took this as their cue to get up and run out of the door before Giles could change his mind. Dawn had taken your cat in the carrier, so that he was safe while you spent your Halloween dealing with whatever it was that had moved into your house (or maybe you had moved into its house?).

You made it home, wincing slightly as you saw the state of your kitchen. All of the cupboards were open. Cutlery was littering the floor. All of them had been paired with another, forming upside down crosses all over the floor. You smelt something and your eyes widened in horror. The gas was on. You ran over to turn  it off and when you looked back around you saw that the teapot was cracked and in pieces in the centre of the wooden dining table. Clearly, the ghost wasn’t a fan of tea. Maybe it was a good job you didn’t offer it any.

You both cleared up, Giles staying quiet as you ranted through the tidying. You slammed the cutlery back in place. Crashing the cupboard doors closed. The teapot which you had really liked had to go straight into the bin.

When you finally finished, collapsing into the chairs in your living room. You felt exhausted. You weren’t sure if you had the energy to do this. You held onto the cross that Buffy had kindly gifted you and Giles earlier in the day.

A loud smash echoed through the house, making Giles jump and scatter your handwritten notes on the rituals you would have to perform all over the

You both rushed to pick them up before any poltergeist saw them and started to attack you before you could begin your plan. You then ran in to see what had happened, the noise having come from the kitchen. But this time, nothing was out of place. In fact, it was eerily clean. Spotless. 

You decided you did have the energy. You wanted this entity gone. You couldn’t even relax in your home for a second anymore. This was further evident when you heard a loud scoff and a thud.

You rushed in, expecting to see Giles wrestling with a ghost, but instead you saw him glaring at the book case in the living room.

“For the love of all that is- will you please cease with the ridiculous organisation of my bookshelves! I cannot find a bloody thing!” He shouted at mid-air. It had been the one thing through all of this that had gotten a reaction.

“Now, now is that language really necessary, sweetie?” You giggle as he turned to face you, his temper still frayed.

“I cannot stand to live beside this-this-!” He looked around, as if he could have seen if the poltergeist was listening in, but obviously wasn’t able to see anything, “The books, y/n! the books!” He started to get worked up until your hand slid lightly up his chest, rubbing soothingly.

“I know, that’s why we’re doing a- doing what we’re doing- on Halloween night” You hinted, not wanting the entity to know what you planned. You kissed him on the cheek and nestled into him, hoping he could feel your love and comfort coursing through him like blood. He appeared to calm as he held you to him, but he was still frowning around him and towards the bookcase.

It was finally time. It was almost midnight and you started to paint the pentagram on one of the small, circular hardwood tables as Giles shook his head and muttered under his breath. He had given his blessing to use one of the tables he had brought with him into your home from England, but it didn’t mean he was pleased about it. You both set up, places crystals on each point of the pentagram. You also lit candles and brushing up pronunciation of Latin phrases before you began. 

You nodded at each other, he closed the space between you to press a chaste kiss against your lips. For luck. Or courage. You both held hands and started reciting the words. Asking the spirit to reveal itself. Asking for its purpose. Things started to shake, books started to fly out of the shelves and litter the floor. Giles had to do everything in his power to stay focused. 

The crystals flew at you both, scattering on the floor at your feet. You knew what this meant. It wanted you. It wanted to inhabit one of you. Possess you.

Giles didn’t even pause. He couldn’t have anything jeopardising his home. His love. He never wanted to be apart from you and so he started shouted that the spirit was being cast out. Cast from this home and back to where it came from. Nothing was happening except you were angering the demon. It had started to shriek. Blood curdling, squawks of terror that made you shiver.

The table was starting to shake, threatening to be thrown across the room and you panicked. Giles started to chant louder and you saw something from the corner of your eye. Giles was trying to contain the spirit within the confines of the pentagram at least - trying to cease the destruction of your shared home. A home that had held so much love and warmth being destroyed into nothing made him mad. He had memories in every room, he had told you of his love for you on the sofa that was now almost ripped in two.

You had seen a doll. You had picked it up from a fair, or a flea market. It was hideous. You don’t even remember why you bought it, it was oversized and had a blank stare that meant you had hidden it in a cupboard so you didn’t have to look at it. That now had been flung open with the contents littering the floor.

You panicked, having to move from the circle to grab the doll before placing it hurriedly into the centre of the pentagram. Giles said the final syllable and it happened. Everything suddenly went quiet. The room dull and empty. Littered with you entire lives surrounding you.

You had made it so the spirit passed into there. The doll. You winced as the doll started to shake and a horrible light filled the room. It was so bright it felt as if it was behind your eyes, inside your skull. A terrible scream felt as if it were exploding your eardrums before a cold silence fell again.

It was instinct. It had been dangerous, but you both agreed there would have been no other way. You stared around you at the mess and decided you needed to worry about the doll first.

You took the doll straight to the Magic Box and locked it up until you knew what to do with it.

You held hands as you stepped back over the threshold of your shared home, peering around corners and holding your breath before entering rooms. But it was okay. It was all back to normal. 

Nothing was out of place. It was as if the activity had been something you had made up. Something of a shared dream. But you knew that wasn’t the case, and thought better than ever mentioning it out loud.

You turned and almost knocked Giles over in your haste to celebrate with the biggest hug. He quickly recovered and held you close. It was over, you both sighed as the first rays of the sunrise peaked from behind your blinds. Everything was going to be okay.

The details of this story were based on true events.

Y/n and Giles went on to save the world several times since the events of this fic. They assisted the Slayer at the final battle of Sunnydale and both survived.

The doll was sent to the care of Wolfram & Hart. The whereabouts of the doll is currently unknown.

[breathings-of-the-heart]

Imagine Levi Confessing his Love for You

A/N: THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ THE TEXT BELOW BEFORE PROCEEDING THANK YOU :))

HERE IS A TIMELINE /  EXPLANATION / BACKGROUND INFORMATION BECAUSE CASE THE TIME SKIPS OF THIS STORY ARE CONFUSING: I’m sorry for that everyone, I know the dates are sloppy and as a whole this fic doesn’t make too much sense; I tried to edit this piece as best I could to make the story as easy to follow as possible, but seeing as I can’t unpublish part 1 or 2, the cleanup still leaves things bit unclear. These imagines were originally chapters of a longer Levi x Reader fic that I decided to discontinue, which is why there are so many loose ends. Here was my original intention for this story, broken down for the few who choose to read the Author’s Notes lol.

We are going to do this in the order of the 3 part fic (I also put attached all the links to the titles)

Part 1: Imagine Relating to Mikasa About Loving Someone in the Military

The scene is set during the events of SEASON 1 of Attack on Titan, BEFORE the Female Titan Arc. (Y/N) was also hand selected by Levi to be part of the original Special Operation Squad; she bit her hand at the dinner table along with Petra, Gunther, Eld, and Oluo to show their dedication and understanding towards Eren wayyy back in the beginning of the series. The Survey Corps is making preparations for their first attempt to go to Shiganshina since the Fall of Wall Maria and not only uncover the mole who killed captive titans Sonny and Bean, but also to get to Eren’s basement.

Part 2: To Love Another

The flashback and opening scene in the beginning of this writing piece (where (Y/N) and Hange are talking to each other) occurs shortly after (Y/N) wakes up in the infirmary room, before anyone breaks the news that she, aside from an injured Levi, is the last surviving member of Squad Levi after Annie killed the others in the Forest of Giant Trees in her female titan form. Hange’s intentions were to bring the (Y/N) and Levi together so they would be able to support each other during this mutual loss. But alas, (Y/N) accepts his rejection and the two suffer the aftermath of this tragic news alone. To read this arc for context/bonus content to get a better understanding of this mini series, see my posts (as a sort of prequel, if you will) Imagine Levi Finding you Injured on an Expedition and Imagine Being the Last Member of Squad Levi To Survive to fill that time gap :)

In real-time, all of Season 2 and Season 3 Part 1 have gone by with limited interaction between (Y/N) and Levi. This part of the story is occurring during Season 3 PART 2, (spoilers) after the Coup D'etat, and after Historia becomes Queen. (Y/N) is no longer an active soldier, having sustained injuries too severe to be reliable in combat. She remains useful to the Corps as a battle strategist, however, which allows her to stay. The Scouting Regiment is currently preparing to go to Eren’s basement in their second attempt, knowing Reiner and Berthold will be waiting for them there.

Part 3: Imagine Levi Confessing his Love for You (YOU ARE HERE)

This part takes place pretty much a week or so after the events of “To Love Another.” It is revealed how much (Y/N) has isolated herself in the months between Parts 1 and 2 from not only Levi, but Hange, the only one besides Mikasa who knew about her feelings for Levi prior to their falling out. (Y/N) confesses her feelings for Levi before the mission to Shiganshina in Season one, and the fic parallels itself and comes full circle once their final interaction occurs before the second and final mission to Shiganshina, for which, (Y/N) is unable to go for her death would be almost certain. She seen to be more valuable inside the walls, where she can carry on the duties of the Survey Corps should the entire regiment collapse during the mission. This is the final part :)

I HOPE THAT CLEARS THINGS UP!

requested by @a-single-uwo @dracq and @little-diva-gurl and a lovely anon who def isn’t the happiest that this took so long. Deepest apologies! Hope this was worth the wait. I also hope this post finds everyone safe and in good health during these crazy times <3

~~~~~

Dread bottled up in the bottom of your stomach, which threatened to fall down to your knees. Even Hange’s eyes brimmed with concern when she informed you that Levi requested your presence in his office; all of which was out of the blue, uncharacteristic, after months of him being accustomed to giving you your space.

Feigning annoyance, you stared at the soldier dummy two paces ahead, dented heavily with the marks of your punches. The sun was beating down on the early autumn day, and heat waves rose from the ground. It illuminated the glistening perspiration sliding down your figure, torso rising and falling in short breaths of exhaustion.

Hange watched you carefully from a distance. She noticed your tense muscles, clad in a sports bra and boxing shorts; the lack of attire made it impossible to hide the sudden tension and stiffness embedded in your lean muscles, a tell tale sign of distress. As a creature of observation and analytics, the Squad Leader could sense your discomfort as if it was written across your forehead.

The brunette watched you wipe the sweat off your forehead and yell in frustration, turning towards her direction and moving to land a kick at her head.

Unfazed and in possession of sharp reflexes, Hange took a step back, only to watch as you twisted mid-air and landed a 360 Crescent kick to the dummy-shaped bag, which broke open on impact under the force of the blow. Sand poured out of its opening and spilled onto the ground in a steady stream that grew less heavy as the seconds passed.

“I’ll have to admit, you are getting better, but (Y/N), don’t get your hopes up,” Hange cautioned. “The problem does not reside in your muscles. No matter how well you learn to fight like you used to, Annie crushed your ribs and threw you to the ground: it's your lungs that will never recover. You can’t come with us to Shiganshina tomorrow like this.”

Hunched over with hands on your knees, you regained a regular breathing pattern and began to feel the explosive pain in your chest. Airways blocked, you began coughing, willing the oxygen to enter your body.

“Let me humor myself, Hange-san. If I don’t try, I might go insane.”

It was almost tragic that such a young soldier was out of commission; you were full of promise, rivalling Mikasa in skill. Hange knew you were itching to do what you trained for your whole life: Coming to Shiganshina and putting it all on the line had always been your number one goal. You didn’t want to be left behind again, to die bitter and alone without the only people you cared about.

“Regardless, (Y/N), you’re stalling,” Hange smoothly shifted the topic of conversation back to what brought her to you in the first place. “He still has that power over you, huh?”

"It'll pass eventually," you sighed, hoping the words were true.

You bowed towards the tall female. She smiled in return, shaking her head softly.

Whilst pacing away, said person stopped you once more.

“(Y/N). For what it’s worth, I stand by what I said before. Don’t look so nervous, okay?”

Her words replayed in your head, a haunting ghost of the not-so-long ago past. Time was strange, that way. It seemed like everything happened yesterday yet in another lifetime, all at once. “He loves you, more than he’s ever loved anyone. Surely you know that.”

Stupid, you thought, how I might have believed it once.

As you made your way down the hall, numbness crept into your body once again. You were too proud to admit you were afraid, especially with the Section Commander’s radiating sympathy, but everyone knew the once friendly dynamic between you and the Captain transformed into one more distant and cold. With each step towards the door, you felt the icy chill grow and that fact alone shook you to the core. 

But it didn’t matter, seeing as Levi was of superior authority. There was no way around it.

Your hand shook as it raised to knock.

~~~~~~

“Name and business,” Levi spoke, voice muffled by the closed door.

“It’s (Y/N), sir. I was hoping to speak with you.”

There was a pause, and in that time you considered the option of fleeing back to your room and retreating back to a life of emotional safety, normality. It wasn’t too late to forget.

It had been a week since you spoke to Mikasa on the rooftop, after realizing the deep shit your heart decided to put you in. You didn’t think Levi would notice the distracted nature of your behavior-- tried to make it as subtle as possible whilst you figured out what you felt for him. 

But before you could explore other options, Levi muttered a stern “enter.” You knew with the first expedition back to Shiganshina tomorrow, and the prospect of death closer than it has ever been on a mission, it was now or never. 

The room was dim, small, warm, and thick with building tension. Shadows danced across the Captain’s face, sharp features lit by an orange flame. Only candlelight, sourced at his desk, assisted your adjusting eyes. 

Your nose was hit with the smell of tea and cleaning products upon entry. This fact made you smile despite your bundling nervous energy. It was a familiar place, filled with memories of late night conversations (granted, of mostly you speaking and him listening), witnessed only by the large piles of paperwork. It started here and resulted in a natural, growing fondness kept secret to all except you two and the moon looking in from the window. 

This man was your squad leader, your commander, your trusted comrade. There was no need to be afraid-- Not unless of course, you held the potential to shatter such damn a delicate relationship.

And you did. 

Was it worth it?

Your gaze gravitated towards the center of the room where the Lance Corporal sat. And in that instant, your smile evaporated instantly. He placed his pen down, gracefully resting his cheek on his fist and lazily tossing the raven locks out of his eyes-- they landed on you, piercing yet drowsy and indifferent upon first glance. He was beautiful, as always. The allure was nearly sickening; unfair to the rest of the world.

Looking closer, however, he was anything but relaxed. The observant eye could see his countenance stirred something different. He seemed sharp and focused, ready to dart out and wrap himself around your heart, squeezing tighter with every breath you took. And you felt it-- the heart palpitations, which got worse at the sight of him.

He seemed… different. Dangerous, like a storm stirring in the distance, and the inevitable downpour that comes with it. The dark circles under his eyes told tales about the insomnia; a fresh cup of caffeinated black tea even rested on his left, steam rising out of it. And whilst attraction was undeniable, your concern always came first.

Levi was never quite good at getting proper rest before a mission.

“(Y/N),” The word was breathy, yet his voice was rough.

You shuffled in your spot, your name on his tongue making your stomach churn with desire.

Levi seemed to pick up on your affliction, getting out of his chair and gliding towards you. Everything happened fast and slow all at once, starting off with a momentaneous rush of air and  the collision of your back with the office wall. A small shriek filled the air, out of place against the silence; was that your voice? The pain should’ve been there, but it wasn’t.

Then the seconds dragged out. Levi was a new person, setting your skin aflame as he gripped your wrists and pinned them against the wall. His lips brushed your eartips, which turned red the instant the raven’s breath fanned over them. This normally reserved, disciplined man unleashed something you had never seen before.

“Finally ready to talk to me about why you’ve been acting so strange, brat?” he whispered.  

This wasn’t supposed to be so dirty. He was angry, but the mood was established in layers: something more sinister existed beneath.

The scent of fresh pine filled your nostrils until your brain went foggy. Levi was close--so close, and with the fact that you’ve been avoiding him mixed in with the fact that you missed him for it, all bets were off: there was no stopping the words that came out of your mouth next.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” you whispered back, looking him dead in the eyes, no fear this time.

His grip on your wrist slackened.

“Hm?”

You took in a deep breath, ready to leave it all on the line, and spoke.

“I like you a lot, sir. And not in a comradery type of way. I-I just thought I’d tell you before, you know, we leave tomorrow.” Your gaze found the floor again, too timid for your own good. But the statement was said, and it was finite; there was no turning away from it.

The Captain’s eyes went wide and gleamed brightly at you. His chest felt lighter and as he looked down at you in speechless awe, staring at anything but his face in your adorable embarrassment, he realized exactly why your absent look irked him those days ago. Why your lack of enthusiasm and lighthearted-ness gave him a strange sense of frustration. 

Levi never felt more awake, more hyper aware of his surroundings. 

The feeling of your chest pressed against him, the heat of those rosy cheeks, the pounding within his ribcage, the moon hitting your pretty face. With your figure in his arms, after the blissful seconds passed, everything felt, for once, okay.

Until it wasn’t.

Gaining the courage to look back up at him, you all but tore apart at the scowl on his face as demons flitted through his beautiful brain and polluted the image of happiness. Levi grew more indignant by the second, all but throwing your arms he held back at your sides like they were poison to the touch. 

Tears pooled in your eyes as the soft expression you didn’t get to see turned sour, disgusted-- the Captain’s lips curling into a snarl as he imagined what he could lose if he opened up his heart for this girl in front of him to take. The risk and pain of falling for someone, in the world the two of you lived in. And all the stoic man could think was how he allowed this charade to come so far.

No, he wouldn't allow it.

“Get out, (L/N)” he commanded, harsh and unforgiving.

You were trembling, body feeling detached from reality as it moved, convincing itself that it was simply a nightmare. Levi’s cruel demeanor all but shattered you as you looked wide-eyed and his anger grew, the short man pacing behind his desk and bringing a hand over his face. His free one crumpled into a fist, knuckles turning white as he slammed it on the wood, the loud bang making you jump; the fear, grief, confusion coming all at once until it choked you and your vision spotted black.

“I said GET OUT!”

The room stilled and Levi looked up to face you cowering near the door, a single tear rolling down your cheek. He stilled at the sight, the weight of his words dawning upon him.  

“I-I’m sorry,” you gasped before racing out of the room.

Had you looked back, you would’ve seen Levi’s outstretched hand betraying his body, desperately reaching out for you, gray eyes filled with pain.

But you knew now you’d never be dumb enough to spare him that second glance-- and maybe that was the right call, seeing as his feet moved in the direction you left, only to shut the door left askew in your wake.  

~~~

The Captain’s gaze was on you more than necessary, but it was clear the two of you had the same thought: You focused everything into this discussion, melting into the emotionally-detached soldier your duty commanded, just like Levi did. His words had no ulterior motive, no deeper meaning. They were monotonous and empty.

Or so you thought.

Levi stood up the second you came in, but your gaze fell to the ground in submission.

“Hange said you needed to see me, Captain?” your voice was small and weak; you kicked yourself for it. How pathetic.

“Damn you...”

The man said nothing more, brushing his fingers along your cheekbones and you everything hit you like whiplash, the memories. Levi ran them along your face, down to your chin to lift it gently, so that for once you’d let your eyes meet instead of looking at the ground like a coward.

When they did the man’s breath hitched in his throat, because although your (eye color) orbs were no longer as vibrant, they were still beautiful and entrancing; why hadn’t he ever appreciated them before? 

"I missed you, brat," he spoke firmly.

You felt a churn in your abdomen as you watched his eyes study the details of your face and take in every feature, committing it to memory painfully slow. You were paralyzed, his face inches away from yours and forcing buried emotions to resurface as months of restraint came undone. He didn’t speak, holding you delicately after not being this close for far too long and discerning what he’s been missing.  

“Um, Captain? What are you...?"

You bit your lip, feeling puzzled and confused as you remembered the hate in Levi's orbs the last time you saw him like this.

All you could see now was how quickly his emotions shifted from serenity to fury that fateful night, and as you recollected the way Levi lashed out, all chaos and fury, he retracted his hand.

And you flinched away.

The Captain froze.

“Don’t-- don’t fucking do that,” he growled, his urgency startling. “I would never hurt you, (Y/N).”

Your eyebrows furrowed, all inhibition thrown out the window the second Levi’s countenance flashed with hurt at your response to his touch. You let your fear go and emotions free at the irony of the raven’s statement. Your mind went into overdrive, recounting every instance you wanted to give up and leave, drown in yourself, give up on finding purpose in the aftermath of rejection and Squad Levi’s death and your permanent injury changing your way of life. Things you faced alone, because instead of rekindling any semblance of a relationship, Levi tossed everything away and berated you for feeling.

The man who resided here cut your heart expertisely like the countless swords he wielded then disposed. He did not have the right to look at you so kindly; did not have to right to fan the flames of false hope. But here he was, procrastinating until the very last day to take initiative regarding those actions.

“Why are you doing this?” you whispered, forgetting your composure.

“I’d advise you not to speak in riddles,” Levi spoke in a low and even voice, no real malice as he addressed you and tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

You took a deep breath and fought to remain calm, grabbing Levi's wrist to keep him from touching you.

“Please don’t toy with me, or mock my feelings like this. Why did you call me here? You made it plenty clear how you feel about me, Levi. What else is there to say?" you begged, the lack of closure driving you insane.

This was the first time you used his name, an unprecedented amount of spite and pain expressed through it, because you wanted Levi to remember this moment. It was over: that time of feeling sorry and ashamed of yourself for being nothing other than human. The remorse was gone, and the heartache was fleeting.

“Tell me, dammit!”

His was overflowing.

“You want to know how I really feel about you, (Y/N)!?” the Captain shouted, voice rising because for a man who relied on impulse and action on the battlefield it was fucking frustrating, watching the woman in front of him live this way for the simple reason that he was not good with words. "The thoughts that go through my head when you can't even bear to look at me?!"

"No, that's not what I asked. I already know that you don't--"

"--Fuck this."

Relying on instinct to guide him, Levi leaned forward and kissed you.

The second his lips met yours, you melted on the spot, knees giving out beneath you. Tongue sliding into your mouth, Levi simultaneously lifted you into the air, feeling lightheaded as you moaned into him, eagerly returning the kiss. His hands were everywhere, grasping at your waist, clutching the back of your head, running down your thighs. You were in such a state of euphoria that nothing else existed.

Your own digits threaded through Levi’s raven locks and pulled needily, emitting a growl from his throat as he bit down on your lower lip. He reveled in the feeling of your legs around his waist as your soft lips worked against his own, hungry and relentless. The kiss was passionate and you’d imagined it a million times over, but this-- Levi successfully ruined you for any other man.

The need for oxygen pulled you apart, Levi’s strong arms keeping you in the air as his eyes remained shut; he pecked your lips once, then twice, savoring the moment until it mournfully passed.

He was hesitant to break the silence, but you deserved it. You waited long enough to hear the truth, and he knew his time was running out; you weren’t going to wait for him forever.

“(Y/N)...” he began to speak, forehead resting on yours as he panted softly to catch his breath. “I dreamt of you last night. I have been for days.”

“Levi--”

“--Just listen,” he interrupted, unable to stop himself from kissing you softly once more. “Neither of us are running away this time.”

You fell silent as the man let you down, pulling you into his solid chest as you buried your face in his shirt, patiently listening. His calm heartbeat thrummed soothingly in your ears like a metronome.

“Isabel, Farlan, Oluo, Petra, Gunther, Eld. They all knew that what they meant to me. And I them."

One of the only things that made it easier to say goodbye, you thought with a bittersweet pang in your chest.

"With us, it's different. I died in every dream, (Y/N). Every one. And in every single one, you lived on believing I never loved you. Call me selfish, but I...”

You pulled away from the stoic man, searching his gaze as he trailed off. Shyly, you interlaced your fingers, his larger hand enveloping yours and you prayed to whoever was listening upstairs that all of this was real.

“I just can't leave until you understand...”

He clutched you impossibly tighter, eyes squeezing shut.

"...that you, are everything."

~~~ Extended Ending ~~~

A soft hum filled the air, the tune dreamy and sweet as you repeated the melody once again. You smiled warmly as hands wound around your waist, pulling you closer to a toned and shirtless Captain Levi, silken sheets tossed haphazardly on top of the two of you. His breath sent goosebumps on your neck as he kissed your shoulder gently, warmth deliciously intoxicating. 

Giggling now, you turned around to face him, the man’s onyx hair ticking you softly. You captured your lips in his with one smooth movement and snuggled closer, taking in the small slice of heaven that was home in his arms, legs tangled together. Feeling unbelievably content, like your heart might burst, you leaned forward and rubbed your nose against Levi's. 

Although he wasn't smiling, the look he was giving you revealed his own sensation of happiness.

“I never thought you’d be the cuddling type,” you remarked devilishly, scrunching up your nose as you teased him. 

Though your tone was lighthearted, you were painfully aware that the moment was ending. You internally cursed the sun as it started to set, orange light peeking in through the window shades to signal the coming of night. Levi said nothing, looking deeply into your eyes, and like always, it felt as if he could read the contents of your soul. 

But it wasn’t vulnerability you felt: on the contrary, you knew you would never find as safe a place as here. With him. Finally.  

“Levi...” you swallowed, humor all but gone. “Now you have to come home.” 

To emphasize your point you sat up on the bed, legs tucked neatly underneath you as you stared imperatively at your lover. 

“Mhm. We’ve wasted enough time,” he agreed, taking you by the wrist to pull you back on top of him, to bask in this personal paradise if only for another minute. 

[skyeknight-hyperfixations]

Written in the Wings

"C'mon Aster, I promise! I'll try not to freeze your tail this time by accident."

The rabbit scowled, "That ain't a promise, ya twit, especially if ya pair it off with a 'try.'"

"But I'm so bored!" Jack groaned, falling back mid air, his wings fluttering to keep him from hitting the ground. "And I've already bothered Ryder with his Animal training with the newer fairies."

Aster raised a brow, paws on his sides and foot thumping on the ground repeatedly. "Now ya decided to bother me?" He huffed, "How 'bout workin' on your Frosting instead? 'm sure there are a bunch of windows, plants and frozen lakes that are gonna need that."

"Please, I'm the best Frost fairy around. I don't need the practice." Jack snorted, "Just let me ride you to the border and see the mainland animals from the Autumn woods cross over!"

"And why the bloody hell can't ya just fly over yourself?"

"I'm running low on Pixie dust and restock isn't till next week. But I have enough to spare if I just fly going back."

"How about walking then?"

"C'mon bunny! You owe me!"

Aster scrunched up his nose, "Aye?" He snorted, "How do you figure?"

"Okay, you're going to owe me." Jack corrected himself, "Because if you don't let me come along, I'm not going to tell you about a particular someone's very particular prank."

Aster groaned. "Ugh, I hate it when I have to visit winter woods to monitor the animals crossing over." He said. "you're a pain in the arse always. All right, all right, I'll take ya."

"All right!"

"But ya ain't coming anywhere near the border line itself. They're bad for your wings." The bunny warned.

"Aw bunny, you do care."

Aster rolled his eyes, "And no need getting them Spring Fairies into any of your trouble."

Jack made a mock-offended gasp, "When have I ever been in any sorts of trouble?"

"If ya want me to answer that, it's gonna take a while."

Jack shrugged, conceding to that and flying over to rest on the rabbit's back as he hopped along.

Back at Spring valley of Pixie Hollow, the fairies were taking their time preparing for their season since Winter was just about to start in a few weeks. Over at the Tinker fairy village, the Tinker fairies were preparing baskets to be sent to the winter woods.

One of these fairies, Hiccup, was riding a lizard. A carriage made of twigs and leaves were loaded with thinner strands of leaves.

"Look sharp, everyone!" Gobber hollered, "The Snowy owls will be arriving to take the snowflake baskets to the Winter woods." he smiled before scanning the area, and his eyes fell on a fairy lounging about. "Milo, stop reading all day and start tinkering."

Jim looked up from where he was weaving a basket with Ben, an anxious squirrel who's a bit more nutty than the ones he eats. "Funny how they're called snowflake baskets," The Fast flying fairy hummed, "when they're not made of it."

"Don't you start now, Jimmy."

"It's Jim, Gobber!"

"That's head tinker fairy Gobber to you, kid!"

"And a mouthful." Jim rolled his eyes, "you should be glad I'm using my free hours helping the tinker fairies out."

"Actually, he should be glad you lost a bet against me and had to help us." Hiccup quipped, and with a mechanism resembling a fishing pole, he reeled another batch of leaf strands from a lizard. "Is that the last load, Toothless?"

The lizard grunted, giving him a gummy smile.

"Thanks, bud. Again, wouldn't hurt if you used your words once in a while."

The freckled fairy hummed, before flying over to Jim and Ben.

"Am I doing this right, Hiccup?" Ben asked, "I can only see in shades of gray, so was all the strands I got the color a leaf should be?"

Hiccup smiled at the Squirrel fondly, "It's fine, Ben." He said. "I think Merida was looking for you, something about baby squirrel training."

The special animals of Pixie Hollow help the animal fairies nurture regular animals brought from the mainland. Usually, in seasonal rounds to the mainland, Animal fairies encounter abandoned baby animals. Not all infant animals end up abandoned, but those that do, they bring to Pixie Hollow to care for. Some of them, once grown independent enough, are brought back to the mainland. Those that aren't, they keep in Pixie Hollow.

"All right, I'll see you around then." Ben nodded, "See you, Jimmy."

The Fast flying fairy waved the animal off, before sighing. "I'm never getting rid of that nickname now, am I?"

"Morning Jim," Hiccup smirked, before settling the thin leaf strands, "this should be enough to finish my batch of snowflake baskets."

Jim looked over, "If you say so; you know about this crafting stuff more than me."

"I still can't believe we make these things but don't get to take them to the winter fairies."

Jim mimicked his tone, "I still can't believe you guys are calling them snowflake baskets."

"Dang it, Jimmy, if ya got a problem with the way I name things, just say so!"

"I am saying so!"

Hiccup rolled his eyes, before nudging his friend and giving the older fairy a placating wave. "Go easy on Gobber. He's a more easy going head fairy than yours, after all."

"I guess that's true," Jim conceded, "Don't let Gogo hear you say that though, or tell her I agreed with you. She already doesn't like me very much."

Hiccup chuckled, "Not that you care about what she thinks of you much," he quipped. Jim shrugged, "Seriously though, wouldn't you want to go into the winter woods?"

"Between you and me, I rather keep my wings since I enjoy flying with them than on Dragon flies." Jim deadpanned.

Hiccup grinned cockily, "Which is why you lost that bet with me." He teased.

Jim snorted, shoving his friend. "Anyway, you know they wouldn't last a day in that cold, never mind us." he said, "So don't you start getting any ideas."

Hiccup made a look of mock indignant, "I assure you, I don't know what you're talking about." He said innocently.

"Yeah, don't even try," Jim rolled his eyes, "your ideas are trouble. Remember when you almost delayed Spring?"

Hiccup scowled, pointing at the fast flying fairy crossly. "Hey, that was as much the fault of Snotlout poking on my self-esteem as it was mine." He said.

"Funny how you didn't deny having a fault on it too."

The two fairy friends continued to tousle each other more, till Gobber yelled at them to quit fooling around.

"Anyway," Hiccup rolled his eyes, starting to weave a new basket. "Since when were you afraid of a little risk?"

"Since it's more than just a little, and I believe I mentioned flying." Jim hummed as he finished up the one he was doing, until a familiar voice was heard calling out his name. "Ack, although, if not flying meant getting him off my back..."

'Him' was referencing a certain dust keeper fairy, who was just flying towards Tinker fairy village with stock delivery of pixie dust.

Hiccup snickered, "Just go out on that date with him already." he said. "What's the harm?"

"He's annoying."

"Yes, yes, that's why you always end up sitting beside Dimitri instead of your own fairy group, or me, whenever Queen Anna has an announcement or during any of our events." Hiccup drawled, earning him another nudge from Jim.

Jim glared at his friend, "Well, that just means they're more annoying than him." He said, "You know, fast flying fairies are very competitive and can be jerks at those times."

"Don't I know it." Hiccup mumbled.

Dimitri flew over to the two, grinning widely... Mostly since Jim was there. "Hey Hiccup, here's your batch," he handed over a leaf pouch to the tinker fairy, before turning to Jim. "And here's yours..." Then, he lowered his voice and puckered his lips a bit. "But you know what to do to get an extra batch."

"You know that's against the rules." Jim deadpanned.

Hiccup grinned, "No, last I check, kissing wasn't against the rules."

Jim hits him in response to that.

"And you know I have my ways," Dimitri said, as if Hiccup hadn't spoken, "and accept them anyway... Every. Time." he smirked, sending Jim a wink.

Hiccup raised a brow, giving his friend his own smirk. "Every time, huh? But if this happens often..." He then feigns a gasp, "So you had gone out with him already!"

"Ack, I told you to keep that between us, you dimwit. I have a reputation to maintain."

"Is that reputation pretending you don't like me? Because I got news for you, it's not well maintained," Dimitri smirked, "Jimmy."

Jim scowled, "Oh for the love of... Give me that." He huffed, grabbing both pouches and hiding the extra one in his jacket made out of butterscotch daisy petals. It didn't really work with the Fast flying fairy purple color ensemble, but Dimitri had given it to him and that was the color of the Dust keeper fairies.

Honestly, Hiccup was still at a lost why Jim pretended nothing was going on with him and Dimitri when clearly, everybody and their Head fairies could tell there was.

Then, a horn sounded, announcing the incoming arrival of the Snowy owls. The three fairy friends looked up in wonder, and see the aforementioned creatures coming in. Gobber's voice is hollering something along the lines of activating the pulley.

Another tinker fairy did as told, and the baskets were brought up by a conveyer system developed by Hiccup. The mechanism brought the baskets in time for each owls to grab each one in their talons. A frozen tablet floats over as well, and Gobber flies over to check the message of remaining orders needed.

"That's it for the first shipment," The large fairy called out, "But according to this, they still need a lot for tomorrow's. So don't start dawdling now! Milo, put those books down already and help!"

Hiccup grinned, using Gobber's distraction as a chance to fly higher to see where the owls were going after taking a basket; off back to the winter fairy territory. Despite his earlier arguments, Jim flew after him to get a good look as well followed by Dimitri.

"It's like a whole 'nother mainland," Hiccup sighed, "I'd give up all the lost things I've collected to see what they've got over there."

Jim raised a brow, "Does that include all your tools made from lost things?"

"Okay, maybe the ones that are only for display so far." Hiccup conceded.

Dimitri shrugged, crossing his arms. "Not that you'd have to, either way." He said, "I'm not one you'd say is by the book..."

"Really?" Jim drawled sarcastically.

The Dust keeper fairy continued, ignoring the sass. "But the 'No crossing the border' rule is there for very good reason." He said. "Bad things happen to those who disobey it."

"But if no one's ever done it, how bad can it be?"

Jim sighed, shaking his head. "Honestly, do you have a death wish, Hic?"

"And what makes you think death's the 'bad thing that happens', hm?"

This time, both Jim and Dimitri groaned.

"No, no, come back here you naughty kit!"

Startled by the urgent cry, the three looked down to see Ben chase after a younger squirrel, that started going through the quad of Tinker fairy village, disrupting the work in progress.

"Oh Ben," Jim shook his head, noticing Hiccup's invention and thought of an idea. He hurried back down, taking the device to help Ben, literally, reel in the frenzied kit. "Gotcha!"

The squirrel lets out a sigh of relief, "Thanks, Jimmy. Always a life saver."

"It's Jim." The fast flying groaned, handing the device to Hiccup. "At this rate I'm going to forget the real name."

Dimitri laughed, "Well, I like both." He said.

"Yeah, you would."

Hiccup started to unbind the kit from the string around it, as Ben placated the kit, patting its head.

"Now c'mon, little guy, Merida will be waiting for us already with your brothers and sisters at the border." The older squirrel said. "We have to hurry if you're going to join them."

"Oh, you're taking them across the border today?" Hiccup grinned.

Ben sighed, "Trying to, and it's a long way still," he huffed, "Feels even longer since this guy's such a handful."

"Need some help?"

Jim and Dimitri grimaced, exchanging looks with one another.

"It should not feel like such a chore being someone's friend," Jim shook his head, "Fine, if Hiccup's going I'm coming along too."

Read it here

Hoping to get more readers this way. Hehe.

Edits done by Jasmin Abarca (@jasmin_abarca) Thank you again for it!!

[itsuki-minamy]

FOUR SEASONS OF K: “MATSUYOI”

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: Ridia 

Kokujoji Daikaku is debating policies in a separate house in the suburbs of Tokyo in preparation for the upcoming summit of developed countries. This meeting held in this separate house, commonly known as "O yashiki mairi" (Visiting the mansion), is a custom even before the Mihashira Tower was built in the city center. It was a serious event that mimicked his career goal.

Today, cars with dignitaries enter and leave the vast facilities, displaying the power of the "Golden King" that keeps Japan in check. When the deliberation reaches its final stage, the number of visitors decreases and the length of stay increases. Starting with Prime Minister Samukawa Kanichi, who was elected as president since yesterday, everyone has been waiting for the "Gozen" ruling, which is simple on the back.

That is what it is.

++++++++++

The facility was located in a depression in the Nishiyama area, approximately 3 kilometers after passing through a secret underground passage from another house. Although it is a mediocre distribution warehouse on the outside, the interior of a large building is hollow.

To be precise, it was a cavity to store a huge structure.

Dozens of people are moving around it.

"Checklist, Hitomaru-san, completed."

"Check, it's fine. Written by Hitomaru.”

"Someone received an oil leak tag... Should I replace the pipe?"

Busy and smart, some open the hatch and push half the body in, some guide and drive the vehicle.

"Well, well."

"Is this the last container brought in from the underpass?"

"Oh, a few tons of luggage, young people are depressed."

The appearance of their position was uniformly legitimate and strange. They all wear a golden mask that mimics a rabbit, in addition to the mechanic's tie (in view of work efficiency, the eyes of the mask are larger than usual, the city is shorter, the overall impression was closer of a demon than of a rabbit.).

There are two things this scene shows.

One is that all the people who work are members of the clan that belong to the Golden clan "Tokijikuin", commonly known as "rabbits". The second is that their work is extremely confidential.

In other words, with the exception of dozens of people here, without exception of anyone...

Everything was to hide the existence of "it" that fills the hangar.

Suddenly, a young person working on it looks at him and breathes admiration.

"Adjustment."

"Let's do it today simply by organizing the containers. This time I'm mainly using electrical equipment, so be careful... what's happen?"

Another person who came up with the drawing, the old "rabbit", addressed his coworkers. During this secret work, the pieces of the "King" whose names and individual pieces have been sealed become the key to the world.

"Oh, sorry. I was a little surprised."

The young "rabbit" ignored the sight in front of him again.

Elderly "rabbits" also look him in the eye in some way.

"You are new to regular inspection and maintenance. Even after going through the 'Tengoku' (Sky] air supply team, a moored ship of the same type would be quite powerful."

"Yes... was this the problem of the second ship "Meifu"(Underworld)?"

They admire it. The stiff "Meifu" airship, which has a unique silhouette connecting fan-shaped air sacs, shines within the hangar, supported by a myriad of steel frames that can be seen as nets or ships. It was the natural pressure exerted by mass and volume that is overwhelming to the viewer, even with the exception of being built as an aerial gunship from the German Third Reich.

"It's amazing, but... the problems of "Tengoku" (which continues to fly without landing on the ground) and "Meifu" (which continues to maintain immediate takeoff) is... unnatural. It is a must.''

"Perhaps, but it is more than the subject's reason for talking about the fundamentals of the main mission. There is no need to convince or empathize unless requested. We just constantly carry out the assigned task."

"Confirmed. For the moment, let's try to organize the containers constantly.''

"I like it."

With a smile, the two "rabbits" returned to work.

++++++++++

The "rabbits" who finished the day's work at midnight arrived for late dinner on the rooftop of the warehouse.

“Like the reputation of clans gathered by talented people, the taste of bribery is also like origami."

"After all, sushi rice is good."

"I'll order another cup of miso soup."

"Don't stay too long, it will hamper tomorrow's work."

Beneath the skylight, which releases the smell of cooking and steam, even the elite who stretch their backs normally, cannot hide the atmosphere that stands out due to the special missions of the men's camp.

A little far from that innocent bustle, in the upper exhaust pipe, there was a figure of the "Golden King" Kokujoji Daikaku. A large old man who sits with scarlet hair on his knees and dropped knees reminds him of a piece of Yamato painting, combined with the rocking personality. It seems that the outfit is worn on the go, even after rolling up the sleeves and even the machine oil tinting was like the color to decorate the image.

The impressive still image,

"I have a set, my lord."

The voice of an old "rabbit" finally moves.

"Hm."

Kokujoji received a framed and tendered set (which, by convention, was an aluminum tray). He puts that on his lap, brings the palms of his hands together, and immediately grabs the rice into his mouth.

"It's good."

When he looks deep into the "rabbit" in the face, he lowers his head.

The special day of the "Golden King", who could not do it in normal times, had close contact with the clan member and even shared small tasks, it was already ending.

This will continue for the next two days.

Use as much human power as possible and pay close attention to confidentiality, periodic inspection of "Tokijikuin" and maintenance of the special mission "Meifu". People who are not directly involved in these tasks are also busy.

"What's going on in the mansion?"

When Daikaku asked him, the old "rabbit", who was given responsibility for others, responds with a bow.

"Ah. The Prime Minister has finished coordination within the ruling party and is in talks with the Under Secretary. It will be full tomorrow, and I think there will be a prospect there. If he can return at noon the day after tomorrow."

"Ok, this work will be done by tomorrow. Let's leave the rest to the scene."

After passing a bit of unfortunate bitterness, Kokujoji asks again.

"So for the outside..."

"That…"

Once again, the old "rabbit" looks at the large skylights lined up behind the ceiling and beyond.

Under the glowing starry sky, the shadows of the mountains spread out black against the background of the night.

“The whole situation is the same as at the time of the preliminary survey. "None" for general public entry, accidents and mishaps, aircraft intrusion, transmission and reception of various radio waves.”

"Hmm... is it the same for the mansion?"

After contemplation, Kokujoji reminded himself.

The old "rabbit" is also clearly returned.

"Ah. If there are people involved, we will investigate it more carefully. We will review it."

"The one who wants to hide is the 'Green King'. I have to do it in excess."

The figure of a boy with a lightning bolt vividly revives in Kokujoji's mind. A few years ago, Nagare Hisui decidedly challenged the strongest "King", the "Golden King".

The old "rabbit", as a vassal that allowed the Lord's attack, makes a voice of indignation.

"It seems that the modern 'Green King' has adopted a slim and broad method of spreading branches and leaves... as long as there are people, he will accelerate the chance that his eyes and hands will grow."

"Hm."

The Kokujoji figure laughed loudly.

"So until you create an opportunity to get closer to people, socially and physically. You can't even notice the existence of things. This is the difference between power, strength, and experience."

The signal that a subject was caught and smiled behind the mask is perceived.

"Due to the precaution of cases where the first "Green King" hijacked the power line and communication lines, inspection and maintenance were put into the current system, but as a result, this concealment method seems to be applicable to the current generation."

"Social / physical isolation?"

"Right."

The Kokujoji figure looks towards the airship for insulation, which is hidden in the isolated facility.

After the end of the war, the "Meifu" problem, which had been requisitioned in the United States of America, was recovered early in case the "Tengoku" problem went wrong. At the time, he had no other idea... No, he hadn't even thought about it, but in recent years, as a "king" who controls destiny, he feels that "when something goes wrong" really means a big, heavy shadow.

"Even if you refuse because it's useless and look away because you don't like it, something inevitable comes along."

A little overwhelmed, like a slight fever, the voice is heard.

"This "Meifu" problem is for the occasion. In case "that man" who is lost in a sad world notices it and takes off, or leaves.”

"......"

The old "rabbit" did not respond, and kept it in the least.

++++++++++

When the meal is over,

"What time is the right... everyone is going to have a moonlight gift?"

Kokujoji gets up and starts walking towards the skylight.

The "rabbits" and others who were concerned also knelt before the person in question.

The "Golden King" continued without paying attention to the state of the subjects and the paths created during that time.

The old "rabbit", who follows a few steps, cannot point to the Lord.

(Tonight, is it the Matsuyoi?)

The so-called famous mid-autumn moon, the full moon on the night of the 15th of the lunar calendar, is tomorrow.

Today was the day before, the 14th, the night waiting for the next "Matsuyoi".

Work should continue tomorrow. It shouldn't be tomorrow night though, but it's not weird or messy. Against the backdrop of the spinning "rabbits", Kokujoji opened the skylight wide.

The autumn night breeze blows and invites his heart.

And so,

"Raise your face and look at the moon."

They, who had received the life of Kokujoji, and who freely obeyed, saw.

Like a silver rabbit playing in a wave of gold, an airship crosses the ghostly moon.

The airship had exactly the same shape as the "Meifu" that they had been maintaining until the beginning. It is like the "Tengoku" in which Adolf K. Weissmann, the first king of the world, the Silver King, sits.

The "rabbit" and other people were fascinated by the dream scene.

Only one, the old "rabbit" behind him, coughed.

"With the power of fate, it would be nice to use this level of entertainment.''

Daikaku Kokujoji, the "Golden King" who looked up at the sky, laughed mischievously.

[atinytokki]

My Way

v. Social Graces 

It became clear very quickly that the problem was not Hongjoong’s stealth skill.

For some reason, he didn’t care to disguise himself from the Song family’s younger son. He seemed to be around his age, and selfishly Hongjoong crafted this fantasy, wishing they could be brothers, that he could become part of this new family and fit right back in to his old home, escaping the Hall and all its pressures.

And then one day the boy yelled at him and told him to leave.

Hongjoong’s objective shifted from investigating the imposters to rescuing Mother’s diary once he’d gone home and had a good cry.

If the boy hated him that much, he wouldn’t have to see him again. As soon as Hongjoong retrieved the book, he’d be out of the newcomer’s hair. 

It had been too much to hope for anyway.

It was technically Aunt Sohee’s fault that Hongjoong was caught in his old bedroom with the diary, mid-escape. She had forced him to practice for even longer than usual during the daily piano lesson, and he hadn’t been able to make off with the book before the boy returned from school.

During the chase that ensued, Hongjoong’s mind went blank. Again, he was conflicted about the stranger. Why was he chasing him all the way back into town? Why did he care enough to read the diary and try to reconcile things?

Hesitantly and against his better judgment, Hongjoong allowed the boy Mingi to befriend him while they sat and looked out at the ocean. There was a simple genuineness in the way he expressed his concern that didn’t annoy Hongjoong the way his cousins did. 

He seemed a little absorbed in his own thoughts, but at least he was unattached to this town and all the memories it trapped. He wouldn’t try to talk about Hongjoong’s parents or plan his future for him.

Spending time with Mingi after that first real conversation was always a chance to live in the moment. It was just them, the cliffs, and the beach. They could talk about whatever they wanted, they could be whatever they wanted.

It was more uncomfortable when Bosung joined them, neither certain how to proceed with their frayed friendship, but Mingi sensed it and stopped arranging picnics for three. 

Playing with Mingi was an escape.

But it was an escape Hongjoong rarely managed to indulge in thanks to the oppressive schedule of Jangwon Hall.

Mining, farming, even teaching the younger boys all while acting the part of a gentleman but never being treated as one behind closed doors.

Hongjoong was actually quite good at it, smiling graciously and showcasing all his charming talents, but it wasn’t anything he particularly enjoyed. His eyes were completely empty, and no one was the wiser.

Day after day, week after week, he cycled between his different selves. He blinked and somehow it was the day before his thirteenth birthday. He’d gone months without his parents, and he’d practically become a different person.

The Jangwon staff didn’t go easy on him. They saw their opportunity and took advantage of his situation, so instead of spending time with Mingi and enjoying the precious moments when he could just be himself, Hongjoong was fulfilling a litany of tasks, the last of which being a trip to the market, shopping for the cook.

The Song family’s stall used to be the fish stall where Hongjoong’s parents sold their catches, but they didn’t know about him and Hongjoong preferred to keep it that way, so he skipped over them quietly and went to a neighbouring food vendor to purchase what he needed.

At least the cook had given him money to buy the ingredients.

“Ah, the youngest son of the youngest son doing what he can to live up to his family name,” the shop owner chuckled on seeing him. “Working odd jobs for spare change?”

“No one pays me for my labour,” Hongjoong snorted as he added a bag of flour to his basket. “It seems it is my duty nonetheless.”

Hongjoong’s feelings toward his relatives were well known in Panhang. It seemed he was the gossip of the town, even after the onset of autumn.

“Well,” the man shrugged as he received and counted the money. “The Navy is offering quite the generous ransom for certain pirates nowadays. You could set yourself up nicely.”

He moved to pass out a flyer with the pirate’s drawing on it, but Hongjoong waved it away. “If mining was hard work, pirate-hunting must be suicide.”

“Very well then,” the owner laughed, handing him his change instead. “Have a relaxing evening.”

Hongjoong dropped his smile the moment he was out of the man’s sight. He still had to meet Cousin Seyong at the stables.

Field inspection was far from relaxing, but it was the final event on the agenda and at the very least Hongjoong could tune everything out and gaze across the land, getting lost in his head among the golden ginkgo trees and following flocks of birds as they journeyed south in pursuit of the warmer breezes.

“Hongjoong? What do you make of the chestnut harvest?”

Seyong was holding out a handful of chestnuts to him in a feeble attempt to include him in the conversation, so Hongjoong took them and popped one into his mouth.

Once he’d given the farmer an approving smile, the adults moved on to the farmhouse to deal with a pay dispute and Hongjoong dropped the rest of the nuts into the bucket.

He wasn’t hungry enough to scavenge someone else’s food today.

“We have a surprise for you tomorrow,” Cousin Seyong told him on the ride back home. Hongjoong looked up from where he played with a few strands of hay in the back of the cart and tried to read his guardian’s face.

“A birthday surprise?”

Seyong nodded and Hongjoong wondered if he should let himself feel excited. It was quite unexpected that any of his relatives at Jangwon would even remember his birthday, much less prepare a gift for the occasion.

“We’ll have a nice dinner with the family—” Regretfully, Hongjoong knew he meant the whole family. “— and we’ll give it to you before cake and tea. It’ll be quite the celebration.”

He was grinning back at him deviously, and Hongjoong was inclined to trust that rare smile, so he nodded and moved up to the front bench to sit next to his cousin.  

They watched the sun set ahead of them and urged on the pony to bring them home, while Hongjoong rested his head on Seyong’s shoulder. It was nice to feel appreciated once in awhile.

Mercifully, he was not required to cook his own birthday food and so Hongjoong carved out some time the next day just before supper and went to the beach, hoping to see Mingi. And indeed, the younger boy came and went, excited and nervous about the new girl at school, begging Hongjoong to teach him to sail.

When their time ran out, Hongjoong left with a gloomy cloud over him, but why should he expect anything else?

It wasn’t as if he’d told Mingi it was his birthday.

While all twenty currently present family members ate the dinner feast and chatted clamorously, Hongjoong pulled out his Mother’s diary and managed to skim the final pages before being tapped on the shoulder by Aunt Ajung and reprimanded for it.

“When you are in company, you must not begin reading to yourself. Don’t you remember your etiquette?” He winced and slipped the book back down into his lap before it was confiscated, and made a mental note to hide it somewhere in case any of his aunts suddenly decided to clean out his things.

“And what else?” She hissed as he began to slouch in his chair petulantly.

“Tidiness in dress and habits,” he sighed. So he had no choice but to sit through everyone else’s conversations for the rest of the hour.

They may be celebrating for him but they certainly weren’t celebrating with him.

Finally, Uncle Ryeowook tapped his spoon against his glass and gave Cousin Seyong the floor.

Hongjoong held his breath.

“It is with great excitement that Yujung and I can announce...” He cleared this throat dramatically and winked in Hongjoong’s direction. “We’re expecting a child!”

The table erupted in congratulations but Hongjoong was frozen to his chair.

After so much pressure to produce an heir, Yujung had finally given in. Hongjoong couldn’t believe what he was hearing. 

“Surprise!” Seyong tried again, tilting his head in confusion when Hongjoong didn’t seem to react favourably. “You’re getting a new cousin!”

“But...”

But he didn’t want another cousin. What would become of him now?

“Aw, look at him!” Aunt Sohee cooed, pinching his cheek even as he tried to flinch away. “He’s speechless!”

Seyong took it as his cue to say more about the whole ordeal and rested a gentle hand on the shoulder of his wife.

“Yujung dreamed the child was a boy, so we hope you’ll be like brothers to each other. And if her dream turns out to be false, I’m sure you’ll love your new sister nonetheless.”

The rest of the table laughed at his meagre jest and, having never seen Cousin Seyong this happy, Hongjoong was tempted to smile and give them what they clearly wanted— his approval— but he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

He already had Mingi, and Mingi was all he needed now.

Hongjoong hung his head for shame.

He would never have the guts to tell Mingi he was his whole world.

“Just the news we needed to ease the pain of poor Hohyun and Eunha’s passing,” Aunt Minkyung insisted and Hongjoong shut his ears.

He couldn’t listen to them talk about his parents again. He couldn’t sit here amidst all this sickening ostentation while every word was a poisoned arrow shot into his future before it could go anywhere.

Yujung could see his panic beginning. “Shall we retire for tea and cake?”

Like a blur, the festivities moved to the main parlour and Hongjoong thought he was off the hook for a moment but Aunt Sohee urged him to show off the new piece he was learning and to say no would be disrespectful.

For once, the room fell silent with everyone’s attention on him.

It was so quiet, he could easily pretend he was the only one there, so he let the world fade away and played the first tune that came to him on the piano. There was no need to showcase a practiced song when he could floor them with just one.

He effortlessly bent the keys to his will, and with the flowing cadence of the song, he knew he had every listener enraptured, trapped in the beautiful melody he was crafting.

It echoed around him when the song decrescendoed to a stop. And then the room erupted into awed clapping that grated on his ears.

A tear dripped onto the piano. Hongjoong scrubbed at it with his sleeve, several keys playing underneath his fist, a dissonant cord echoing through the parlour.

Aunt Sohee guided him away and into a chair while cake was served, taking him by the shoulders and embracing him excitedly.

“You must play it at the midwinter ball, Hongjoong, you must. The world will fall in love with you.”

And even though he’d rather not, he nodded along and finished his food, grateful to be excused early.

His mind was a cacophonous mess full of thoughts that rang in his ears.

Seyong and Yujung.

The stipulation was that they were to be his primary caretakers until they had children of their own.

Until.

And Hongjoong simply didn’t believe there was room for both of them. It was hard enough now, being passed off to someone else would be starting the process all over again.

He buried himself in his blankets and cried until the tears ran out and Yujung had come in to rub his back and mutter soothing words.

“I don’t want there to be a baby,” Hongjoong cried, nudging her away. “You said you’d love me and take care of me, and now I’ll have to go back to Uncle Ryeowook and Aunt Minkyung. Is it because I run off to the beach sometimes? Is that why you’re doing this to me?”

Yujung’s eyes lowered to the mug she clutched and she relinquished it to the bedside table. Other than a clock and his mother’s diary, it was empty. So was much of his room. It still didn’t really feel like his.

“You didn’t finish your tea.”

Hongjoong didn’t take the mug. He didn’t even meet her eyes. They were probably guilty and sad and he didn’t feel bad for her. He didn’t.

He wanted to be selfish just this once.

“You know we never wanted to replace your parents,” she finally explained softly. “And our child won’t replace you or your brother.”

Her eyes flitted over to Mother’s diary as she said it. She was referring to Hyunseok, who she must’ve known before he died.

But Hongjoong didn’t know him as anything other than a phantom that haunted his mother, and he didn’t know this new baby at all.

He felt caught in between them, invisible and unwanted and incapable of living up to either of them.

Why did he even want to? He had the beach, he had Mingi...

“Your mother loved you,” Yujung sighed, hesitantly running fingers through his hair as soon as he let her. “I know how much she loved you, we were good friends. I love you too, Hongjoong. And that will never change. I know it’s not what you hoped for, but this baby is not a replacement. Only an addition.”

Her words resounded through Hongjoong’s head with every pound of the pickaxe on stone the next day in the mines.

His mother loved him. She had been terrified for him, anxious he would one day leave her like Hyunseok had. And she and Father had drowned instead, so her horrible fear hadn’t come true.

Needing some air, Hongjoong checked that no one was looking and dropped his pickaxe.

There was a secret path he had made over his many mining days in the last few months, and when no one was looking Hongjoong rolled the rock out of the way and entered the cave.

It faced the sea, and it was so far south that none of the other children played in it. It was the perfect place to hide Mother’s diary, where his aunts couldn’t steal it and he wouldn’t be tempted to dwell on it.

And while he wandered through the next couple of weeks, it stayed at the back of his mind. He would check on it from time to time, and one day he decided to write his own entry in it, when playing the piano wasn’t enough to channel his emotions.

As he returned the book to its place that afternoon, something caught his eye. It looked like a gun hidden behind another rock a few feet away and Hongjoong couldn’t help but pick it up and inspect it.

The weapon was heavy but sleek and exciting, and even though he had no idea what he was doing, something sparked inside as he pretended to shoot the wall with it.

A startled yell came from the mouth of the cave and Hongjoong turned to see the stranger from before staring at him. He waved the gun in greeting.

“This yours?”

“Um— no,” the man scoffed. “But I wouldn’t touch that if I were you.”

“Why do you have a gun?” Hongjoong stood and began moving closer. It had been hidden here in the cave, clearly it belonged to the man.

“Why are you touching it?” The stranger shot back.

“Why are you hiding in a cave?” Hongjoong kept pushing, ignoring the man’s questions.

“Why did you come looking?”

“I didn’t come looking,” Hongjoong finally answered, rolling his eyes. “I told you, I grew up on this beach.” 

There was a brief pause before Hongjoong sighed and motioned to the diary with the hand holding the gun. “I hid something here a few weeks ago.”

“Stop— stop swinging that around, you’ll hurt yourself!”

“You sound like my Aunt Minkyung,” Hongjoong spat.

“I take it that’s not a good thing,” the man muttered under his breath.

Hongjoong continued to fiddle with the weapon, accidentally flicking off the safety and smirking at the way the man panicked.

“Hey! Hey, that’s enough,” the stranger snapped, growing in volume. “Listen, boy—”

“Hongjoong.”

“Listen, Hongjoong. I can see that you’ve got a rebellious streak, but I’m going to need you to hand it over.”

“Not until you tell me who you are.”

He wanted to know what business this man had wandering the coastline and fishing a bleeding boy out of the water.

Instead of launching into his life story, the tidal stranger pulled a paper out of his bag.

It was the wanted poster for a notorious pirate, and his face was illustrated on it.

The Dread Pirate Eden.

Hongjoong paled and the weapon slipped through his fingers. This was already more than he bargained for.

“You... You’re a-a—”

“A pirate,” Eden cut him off. “Yes, I am.”

He said it so nonchalantly.

Not only was he a pirate, he was a pirate that dragged Hongjoong out of the shallows and taken him to the lighthouse keeper.

“So why did you save me,” he asked in a near whisper. “That morning after the storm when I washed up with a head wound? You could’ve let me bleed to death.”

In fact, for awhile, Hongjoong had wished he did.

Eden sighed and turned to look up the beach where the incident had taken place. He didn’t seem very dreadful just now.

“... I don’t know.”

So he didn’t deny it.

He had done a very human thing for one who was supposed to be a filthy reprobate.

Careful to keep his distance, Hongjoong handed over the gun. The shop vendor’s offer was far from his mind now that he knew a real pirate.

Of course, the man snatched it and turned to walk away, probably for the last time.

“You were holding it wrong anyway,” Eden threw over his shoulder, unable to resist the temptation.

That sounded like a challenge, and Hongjoong didn’t know why, but he felt the need to accept it.

He sprinted in front of the man on a whim and blocked his path, pointing at the weapon where it was holstered. “Teach me!”

Eden narrowed his eyes. “I don’t think that’s wise.”

“I promise I won’t tell!” Hongjoong pleaded, suddenly looking younger than he had at the beginning of the conversation.

Eden scoffed and took a step back. “You have no use for a weapon.”

“That’s not true! What if there’s an emergency?” Hongjoong skipped alongside him while Eden resumed walking. “What if there’s a scarier pirate who shows up here one day?”

Appealing to his newly discovered humanity was the best trick Hongjoong had up his sleeve.

“What, you don’t think I’m scary?” Eden scoffed, trying to move on. He should honestly just stop talking to the boy, but again he couldn’t resist snapping back.

“No, not really.” Hongjoong laughed, but without any trace of a lie in his eyes.

That brought Eden to a stop.

“Well, I’ve killed people, so you ought to be frightened,” he said sternly, hoping to shake the child off.

“Please,” Hongjoong begged, grabbing his arm and pulling it. “Please teach me how to use it. I’ll be careful.”

Eden should have pushed the boy away and removed himself. He should have vowed never to see him again.

But he looked between Hongjoong and the gun and had to admit he was right. 

It may come in handy. And if he taught him all the proper safety measures...

“Are you sure you feel safe about all this?” Eden asked, not breaking face for even a moment.

“Of course!” Hongjoong insisted. “This is the safest I could possibly be, you’re teaching me self-defense.”

“I’ve blown up towns, what’s to stop me from killing you? I mean, are you really willing to trust me that easily?” Eden pulled away and crossed his arms. It was a question Hongjoong already seemed to have the answer for.

“You wouldn’t hurt me, you saved my life,” he reminded him calmly. “I can see it in your eyes and I’ve been told I’m a pretty good judge of character. Besides, think of it this way. I could reveal you as a pirate and get you executed. But I won’t. And you could kill me, an innocent bystander, for discovering your secret. But you won’t. So now we have leverage over each other, don’t we?”

Eden stared at him a moment longer. 

He was really being unravelled by a thirteen year old.

“You are one troublesome hothead, I hope you know that.”

A slow smile spread on the boy’s face. For all intents and purposes, that was a yes. He finally had something to look forward to. And— dare he say it— a new brother he could rely on.

“Same time and place tomorrow.”

... 

A/N: Just by way of reminder, from this point on the chapters go hand in hand with Mingi’s spinoff, The Windy Road, because they happen more or less simultaneously and act as a prequel to the entire series. You don’t need to read both to understand either of them, but it certainly helps. Drop likes and comments if you’d like and have a pleasant evening :)

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[starryviolentine]

Camp Paya (A Pre-Apocalypse Story): Chapter 1/?

Part three of the “Pre-Apocalypse Adventures” Series

( Part one: Brody’s Diary  |  Part two: Color Me Blue )

After lying dormant through another multi-seasonal slumber, safely tucked underneath blankets of red autumn leaves, cold snowy down, and dew from weeks of springtime showers, the grounds of Camp Paya have woken with the summer sunshine, well-rested and ready for this year’s hustle and bustle. Stretching three-quarters of a mile due northeast from Ericson Academy, the path to camp lies right in the middle of a beautiful valley, nestled cozily between a backdrop of mountains and a rocky riverbank. With the trickling of the nearby river, the chittering of wildlife, and the crunching of fallen foliage underfoot—all amidst a forest of trees as far as the eye can see—the short hike to the campgrounds makes for the most perfect, peaceful trek.

Unless, of course, it’s mid-June and your name is Therissa Nicole Lannister. 

Therissa realized a little too late that it probably wasn’t the best idea to wear her favorite pair of black jeans and clunky combat boots this morning. And maybe she shouldn’t have brought such an enormous bag with her, nor packed it with so much stuff that it’s nearly bursting at the seams. The teenager’s face is flushed, side-swept bangs matted to her forehead with sweat, and the feeling of hot, damp fabric jammed under her armpits is seriously grossing her out. God, she hates summer. And she hates nature. Dealing with both at the same time is a double whammy of the absolute worst sort.   

Having spent the summer stuck at Camp Paya once already, after which she swore to herself she would never go back again, this isn’t even the first time Therissa’s been up this path. But she doesn’t remember it being so… uphill, and the sheer weight of her luggage pulling down on her arms like an anchor is making the journey feel ten times longer than it did when she was fourteen. At this point, Therissa has given up on carrying her duffel bag, which feels like it could possibly weigh more than her roommate Violet, and is dragging it through the dirt behind her.

“I still can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Therissa grumps through gritted teeth. “It’s too freaking hot.”

From a few steps ahead, a long-haired blonde turns to her right, making eye contact with the twin-tailed girl walking beside her, and the two of them break into giggles.  

“Oh, yeah, haha. We’ll see who’s laughing when they wake up to a big, ugly spider on their pillow tomorrow morning.”

“Therissa, look,” says Brody, excitement in her voice as she points overhead at the wooden welcome sign just a short distance away. “We’re here!” The girl takes off running, but comes to a stop right before she passes under it. Bringing her feet together, she leaps to the other side as though crossing a threshold to another world. 

As instructed, the incoming campers drop their bags off in a pile near a wooden playground, then follow the arrow of the nearby signpost pointing them to the main outdoor gathering space known as “The Pit.” The Pit is a large, square fire pit with rows of log benches around three of its sides and a raised platform covered by an overhead structure—also made out of logs—on the remaining side. At night, when the campfire is lit, this is where the campers have singalongs, roast marshmallows, and tell ghost stories. Right now, though, it’s where they’ve been told to sit and wait until it’s time for the orientation meeting to start.  

Unlike Violet, who came here last year, and Therissa, who came a few summers ago, this is Brody’s very first time at Camp Paya. It’s the first summer that she won’t be spending at home with her family. Even though she won’t get to go to the neighborhood pool with her brothers this year, or visit Nana and Papa in Rhode Island like they do every July for her birthday, Brody’s really looking forward to spending the next couple of months having fun summer adventures with her friends… and maybe she’ll even make new friends! Brody has a good feeling that this is going to be the best summer ever. 

Once all the campers have gathered and all the benches are full, a middle-aged woman in a ranger hat blows her whistle and gets up on the platform, cheerfully announcing that the opening ceremony is about to start. Violet, who has been particularly quiet since their arrival, sits close to Brody, chewing on her bottom lip. She’s glad—really glad—that her best friend decided to stay and go to camp with her this year, but there’s already one thing that she’s dreading. 

“Oh, I hope we’re in the same cabin!” Hands clasped together under her chin, Brody unintentionally voices what Violet has been worrying about. “And Therissa, too. Wouldn’t it be perfect if we were all together?”   

Mouth feeling dry, Violet can only nod. 

The opening ceremony kicks off with an introductory speech by the woman with the whistle and hat, who turns out to be Camp Paya’s director, Pamela Wheeler. For the next several minutes, Ms. Pam outlines the camp rules and weekly schedule, but then gestures to the row of people standing at one end of the platform. They come onto the stage, all wearing the same beige button-up shirt and red neckerchief tie as Ms. Pam, and introduce themselves as this year’s camp counselors. Together, they give a brief overview of the different sports, crafts and activities available to the campers, as well as what sort of special events are on the program this year, like the night hike and the Camp Paya Talent Showcase. 

When one of the counselors mentions the “Night Under the Stars” outdoor campout that happens every other week, Brody gasps and turns to her left, expecting Violet to be just as over the moon as she is, but her friend doesn’t look like she’s paying attention to the presentation at all. Instead, her face is hard as stone and her eyes are dark, and the way that she’s crossing her arms tightly around her gives off the impression that she’s angry. But Brody knows her best friend, and she knows that this is just what Violet looks like when something’s bugging her.

Before Brody can ask about it, a bit of microphone feedback startles her into looking back towards the stage. Thanking the counselors, Ms. Pam takes the mic and addresses the campers once again. “Now for the moment I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for,” she says with a warm smile. “Cabin announcements! Could all of our teen leaders please come up to the stage?”

“Well, that’s my cue.” Therissa heaves a sigh and gets to her feet. Before leaving, she glances at Brody and Violet and smirks at the sheer amount of anxiety written on both of their faces. “Look, even if you end up in different cabins, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll live.”

A dozen or so teenagers make their way to the stage, and the counselors hand them each a clipboard containing the list of names of the campers they will be looking after. Ms. Pam waits until all of the lists have all been distributed before continuing. “These lovely young men and women are going to be your cabin leaders this summer. They’re here to help, so if you ever have any questions or need assistance, you can go to any of them at any time. Anyway, without further ado, let’s begin with Cabin One!”

One by one, the leaders go down the line, introducing themselves and reading off the names of their cabin groups. By the time the first couple of cabins have been sorted out, the dynamics are pretty clear. Two teen leaders to a cabin, and each leader is in charge of six campers. That makes for seven people in a group and a total of fourteen people per cabin. Cabin assignments never take more than a few minutes from start to finish, but for Violet and Brody, whose names have yet to be called even after reaching Cabin Four, it’s an endless, nerve-racking wait. With three cabins to go, there’s still a high chance that they could end up getting separated. 

The second leader in Cabin Four turns out to be Therissa, who shuffles to center stage staring down at her clipboard, an unreadable expression on her face. When Samantha, her co-leader, hands her the microphone, Therissa pulls the cord toward her a bit too quickly, causing the speakers to let out a dreadful, high-pitched screech. The sudden noise makes a bunch of the campers jump and cover their ears. 

“Oh, sh—” Somehow, Therissa is able to stop herself from swearing in time. Ms. Pam is looking at her sternly, eyes practically bugging out of her sockets. “—sh... orry. Sorry. I’m Therissa, the, uh, other leader of Cabin Four. Looks like the following six people are going to be stuck with me all summer, so if I call your name, good luck to you!” Looking down at her clipboard again, Therissa begins to read off her list. “Becca Gray. Ruby Hillis. Violet Gideon.” The teen’s voice changes, becoming more playful as the familiar name leaves her lips. 

Letting out an immense sigh of relief, Violet drops her head into her hands. “Thank god.”

Brody’s back stiffens and she sits up straight as a pin at the very edge of her seat. Now she has to be in Cabin Four, too! The auburn-haired presses her hands together and squeezes her eyes shut. Please, oh, please! Pretty please with whipped cream and hot fudge and rainbow sprinkles and a cherry on top...

“Erin Ro… Rosen… bach... Rosenbacher. Wow, okay, I totally just butchered that. My bad, Erin. Amy McCoy… and…” Pausing right before the sixth name, Therissa looks up from her clipboard and out at the audience. The mischievous glint in her eyes is the only hint that she might be dragging things out on purpose.

Nearly slipping off the bench from anticipation, Brody’s heart begins to pound. She focuses all of her energy into a prayer that she mumbles under her breath. “Please, please, please…”

“Aaand that’s it!” Therissa exclaims loudly, holding the clipboard in the air and shrugging. She searches through the sea of faces until she spots her roommates in the crowd. Violet is patting Brody, who has frozen in shock and looks absolutely devastated, on the shoulder to comfort her. Sucking in a sharp breath, the teenager shakes her head and starts to laugh. “Just kidding! And Brody Burress. Come find me!” Flashing a backwards, sideways peace sign, Therissa passes the mic to the next leader and makes her way off the stage. 

Violet halts mid-pat and furrows her eyebrows as she tries to wrap her head around what happened. She’s not quite sure if that was supposed to be Therissa’s attempt at a joke or what, but at least this means that she and Brody get to be cabin mates after all. The blonde looks across the firepit at her oldest roommate again, watching in stunned silence as the teenager steps down from the platform, spinning smoothly on her heels, and goes to stand near the entrance to The Pit. As Therissa walks away with a smug smile and a spring in her step, she almost looks like she’s dancing.

[withastolenlantern]

The brown fields of the western midlands sped by in a near blur as the train left the Birmingham conurbation and passed into rural Herefordshire. It was mid-autumn now, and the harvests completed. The apple orchards had all been picked clean of their fall fruits and sent off to market or crushed and juiced into seasonal ciders. Small herds of sheep meandered in their pastures, grazing at grass now browned as the weather cooled towards winter, their coats grown out to guard against the chill.

The one thing she didn’t see much of was people. Britain proper was prosperous, of course; the pound sterling still traded at the world’s highest exchange rates. The UK parliament had balked at the prospect of a unified currency, and so the rand and various dollars had remained, although pegged at a fixed rate relative to the central denomination. But in due course, the farmers and farriers had all migrated away from the rural midlands and taken up new employment as merchants and marketers in the more urban centers. The land was still fertile here, for some time at least, but now it belonged to the machines. The drone tractors and tillers and threshers were all idled now under barn roofs or lean-tos, their summer works finished, as if resting before taking up winter duty as plows or salt-trucks come the snows. Prayers to Demeter or Aine had been replaced with swears at Deere and AGCO, although they often carried the same futility. Even the bees had been replaced, after the great dying; their tiny buzzing wings now traded for the low hum of rotors as their simulacra flitted about carrying pollen and confusing predatory birds. 

As they passed Gloucester and into Wales, the River Severn emptied into Bristol Channel and she could see all the way out to the Atlantic. The seas had risen here too, of course, as no effort of man could yet hold back them back, but Britain was largely immune from the worst. London had been bulwarked for a thousand years against the flooding of the Thames, and the port cities all braced or barricaded against the advancing surf. Wind and tidal generators dotted the horizon all around the coast, turning Nature’s fury into man’s gain. Britannia rule the waves, indeed. Some seaside properties had moved; the poorer communities had to relocate inland, and the new littoral real estate was gobbled up and repurposed into pricy condominiums or resorts for upper class holidays. The ports, again as vital to commerce as ever in earlier centuries, had multiplied, their piers expanding out over the breakers like the long fingers of industry stretching over a swirled tumbler of gin.

The train pulled into Cardiff station and Chatham exited into the station, grabbing some take-away kebab and sitting down at a wrought-iron table to take stock of her situation. The meeting with her superiors had not gone well, and she replayed the events in her head as she considered her options.

DCI Ratnayaka was supportive, at least, but they were joined in his office by a liaison from the Home Office. Whoever he was, he’d been introduced by both name and title, but she couldn't be bothered. They were all interchangeable, the bureaucrats, at least in her experience. She'd been to Westminster once to receive her Military Cross; it reminded her of a giant ant colony in both form and function, and that was before she'd been paraded around like a prized crumb stolen from Grandmama’s biscuit cupboard. The fellow might as well have been Undersecretary for the Ministry of Peace for all it would matter to her; she wouldn’t waste the effort, and anyway she was sure the relevant details had already been transmitted to her mobile. Much like those ants, she was apt to find the bureaucracy exactly where she least wanted it. 

She’d recounted the details as best she could recall, and explained her concerns given the situation she’d found below deck and the deadly potential. Clearly further investigation was needed, and the Lord Swansea should be called before a HeRMES inquiry panel.

The government’s man was unswayed. It was a time of great economic distress, his counter-argument had gone, and the Government was leaning heavily on major players like the Ross Consortium to assist them in navigating the increasingly new fiscal reality. Besides, His Majesty had a personal stake in the Ross board, and it would not do for Him to be associated with untoward activities, especially of a potentially terrorist nature. The tabloids would have a field day. No, MI5 could control the message via the social networks; better to leave it alone, and stick to the cover story, than risk what might become an… indelicate investigation.

“What about the lives of the men in the skiffs?” she asked, barely masking her contempt. “Or does their indelicacy not rate investigation?”

“The pirates and smugglers? Hardly,” the Home Office man replied. “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”

“And you’re not at all concerned about the fact that we found some kind of uncontrolled toxin in Ross crates?” she said.

“My concern, Detective,” he said, chewing on her title as if it were a crisp, “is that you and Leftenant Ayobe disabled terrorists carrying weapons and illicit drugs. The world is an increasingly dangerous place, but your brave actions represent the type of inter-service collaboration that His Majesty’s father envisioned when the Union was formed, God rest his soul.”

“Yes, and I’m sure The Old Ginger would be thrilled to know his progeny was using it for political gain.”

“Detective!” her superior snapped. “Decorum, please.”

Home Office waved him off. “Your concerns are not without merit. DCI Ratnayaka argued strongly for your character and your experience in certain… high profile investigations. Given that input, the Government will allow you to continue your investigation as it relates to stolen, and,” he paused for dramatic effect, “potentially hazardous Ross goods.”

Chatham started to object, but her governor raised an eyebrow from across the desk, beckoning her to remain seated.

“You will not mention terrorism to any party. You will forward any findings outside of your jurisdiction, which includes only crimes against His Majesty’s Government or its Citizens, directly to myself and MI6. And above all, you will be discrete,” the Government’s man said with finality, rising to leave the office.

“We’ve arranged for you to meet with Lord Swansea at the Ross headquarters tomorrow,” Ratnayaka said, hoping to defuse the situation.

“And one more thing, Detective – you and Leftenant Ayobe are to be honored for your service at a ceremony at the Ministry of Defense,” Home Office continued, “on the week-end. Obviously you will be on your best behavior,” he cautioned, before closing the office door behind him.

“Fokken idioot,” Chatham swore breathlessly towards the door. She blushed as she realized her superior was still sitting at his desk, glaring. “Sorry, sir.”

“What am I going to do with you?” he asked quietly, sighing.

“The same thing you’ve always done,” the detective replied, flashing a faux-smile. 

“Be careful with this one, Detective. I’d advise you not cross the powers that be, but I know you likely won’t listen. I don’t know what it is that drives you to this disrespect for authority that you cultivate, but mark my words, one day it will get you into trouble that neither I nor your record will get you out of. I just pray it’s not the kind that comes staring down the barrel of a gun,” the chief inspector cautioned.

She gathered her things and stood to leave, lingering briefly in the doorway. “I’ve been shot before, gov,” she scoffed. “Can’t say I’d much like to relive that experience, either.” 

She’d boarded the train then, straight away, to return back to Cardiff, where it had all begun. She still had no idea who had called in the tip about the gun-runners, but HeRMES had been investigating arms trafficking into the Subcontinent for several months, and when the informant had mentioned there’d been a possible theft of Ross property, her governors saw a fortuitous opportunity. She’d been stationed in Wales since mustering out of the SBS; having made her peace with her father’s untimely demise, she felt she owed it to him and herself to return to the other half of her ancestral homeland. 

Her Welsh was terrible but she found the climate more amenable to her complexion, and the pace of life significantly slower than the crowded streets of Cape Town. HeRMES was happy to oblige, as they’d needed someone to take up the Welsh region; the office still carried a reputation as a “backwater” even though its economy had been carried forward with the rest of the Union’s. The British crown had claimed the Welsh marshes for nearly as long as it had existed, and even though they’d mined out all the coal years ago, the Union’s industrial backbone still ran through the Brecon Beacons, whether Westminster remembered it or not.

She missed her mother, some days, but the SAR was only a holo away, and she hadn’t left behind any real friends when she’d left. Not that she’d made any here, or in university, or the service. There’d been colleagues and workplace proximate acquaintances; of course she would have, and in fact had, taken a bullet for any of her fellow soldiers. Along the way there’d even been brief affairs and lovers, men and women and whatever in between, but none so serious as to tether her in time or space. No, she was alone here, just herself and the spectre of her father, when she let herself acknowledge it, and that was how she liked it. 

Can’t be disappointed if there’s no one to disappoint you, she thought to herself, huddling in the doorway of the station as a light, cold rain fell onto the streets outside. Tightening her coat around her shoulders, she stepped out into the drizzle long enough to jump into the first empty black cab she saw. The detective spoke aloud the address and the cab sped off toward her flat, throwing gentle splashes across the pedestrian walks as it rumbled through the late afternoon storm. 

She sat in the car and composed herself after the long day, smoothing the strands of her hair that had come free in the rain and loosening the tie on her uniform. The route from the station took the cab down the A432 passed the dockyards, and she could see several tall Ross crates and containers, the crimson R stenciled prominently, being maneuvered throughout the gantries by the drone lifts, and it gave her an idea. She paged through the contacts list on her mobile, laughing quietly to herself as a particular name scrolled past. Opening a text dialogue, she typed out a message of exactly the type Ratnayaka had cautioned her against. “Flynn: I need a favor.”

[discomfort-food]

Terrifying, Beautiful, Maddening (A Hegeleth fic) 4/?

Read on AO3

Jeralt, famed Blade Breaker, former Captain of the Knights of Seiros, and captain of the Silver Wolves mercenary company, has held many titles throughout his many years. But there is only one that would make him stop midway through a battle briefing with his company lieutenants and, most importantly, set down his morning coffee.

“Dad!”

His men are confused at first as to why he stops mid-sentence, but it is made clear to them after following his gaze and spotting the familiar head of dark hair running full-tilt through the mercenary camp. Barely eight years old, the small girl is sure-footed and possesses an almost uncanny amount of grace, deftly leaping over piles of firewood and darting between unaware soldiers, causing them to stumble to stay on their feet.

“Dad!” She repeats again upon reaching him, skidding to a sharp halt, not short of breath in the slightest despite her dash across the camp.

“What is it, kiddo?” His voice is cheerful, but inwardly he is more than a bit alarmed at the uncharacteristic exclamation of his name not once, but twice.

She looks up at him, clenching and unclenching her fists as she takes a moment to find the words. “In… In the woods.” She turns slightly and points behind her.

“What’s in the woods?” He says patiently, encouraging his daughter to elaborate. If Byleth had been like most children, he would have told her to wait until his meeting was over, but Byleth was not like most children. It would not be uncommon for her to go the whole day without talking, and when she did decide to speak it was never more than the minimum necessary to get her point across.

“A fox. It’s hurt.” She clutches the edge of her tunic and only now does he notice the blood on her hand.

He sighs. “Looks like you’re hurt too, kiddo.” She looks at her hand and then back at him, nodding blankly. He turns back to his men. “Okay, boys, I think we’re about done here anyway. Vilja, Edran, make sure all the horses and wagons are inspected and ready to set out tomorrow. Caius, take a few men and scout the forest ahead, report back to me this evening.”

Saluting, his lieutenants disband. Jeralt swigs the last of his coffee in a single lukewarm gulp and pats Byleth on the shoulder. “Let’s get that hand looked at, and then we’ll go see what we can do about this fox, all right?” Byleth nods and follows her father to the medical tent.

Once her hand is cleaned and bandaged up, Byleth leads her father out of the mercenary camp and into the thick pine forest surrounding it. They travel in silence for a good ten minutes, the girl occasionally glancing behind her to ensure Jeralt is keeping up. He feels a small pang of parental guilt for letting his child wander so far unsupervised, but in truth she is far more capable of spending the day alone in the woods than many grown adults he has met. To this day she has never gotten lost, and is always sure to return before sundown. She is also quite proficient with the small dagger on her hip, although he has told her only to use it in self-defense as a last resort.

They slow as they approach an outcropping of moss-covered rocks in a relatively clear area of the forest. Byleth stops a few paces away from it and points towards where two rocks have fallen against each other, forming a small cave less than two feet high. The dried pine needles carpeting the ground have been scraped aside in front of the cave, exposing the dirt beneath, as if something has been thrashing about.

“It was caught by the wire, but it went in there when I tried to free it.”

“And I suppose that’s when it decided to take a nip out of you, then?”

Byleth nods and rubs at her bandaged hand. Jeralt steps closer to the rocks and spies a thin wire tied to a nearby sapling, pulled taut and leading into the small cave. “Did you set this?”

“I thought it was a rabbit den. Caius showed me how.”

“What he should have taught you is to be more careful when dealing with animals that can fight back,” Jeralt says, making a mental note to have a discussion with Caius about appropriate lessons to teach his daughter. He crouches down and peers into the cave. He can just make out the huddled form of the fox, ears pressed backward and mouth opened in a stressed pant.

Byleth kneels down on the ground next to him to get a better view.

“Now, reaching a hand in there is just asking to receive another bite, so we’re going to have to get it to come out on its own. I want you to untie the wire at the other end so it has some slack, all right?” Byleth nods and complies.

With a little time and a long stick, they manage to lure the fox out of its hole so Jeralt can grab it by the scruff of the neck and loosen the snare that had been pulled tight enough to draw blood. Once the snarling animal is free, he releases it, and they watch it bound away into the trees. He looks over at his daughter and sees her brow is furrowed in thought.

He plops down onto the soft pine needles and pats the space next to him for her to sit down. “What’s on your mind, kid?”

She picks up a twig and snaps it in half, the pieces falling to the forest floor. “Why did it bite me? I was just trying to help it.”

He chuckles and ruffles her messy hair. “I know you were, kid. But it was just scared of you and trying to protect itself. They can’t talk, so they have to use teeth and claws. Even a rabbit can give a nasty bite to someone who isn’t paying attention.” Byleth’s blue eyes grew wide. “An animal is most dangerous when it is cornered and feels like it has nowhere to go. So I want you to be careful in the future, all right?”

Byleth nods, understanding written on her face.

Jeralt smiles and stands, holding his hand out to help her up. “What do you say we head on back to camp?”

---

Byleth was about a day’s trek from Garreg Mach monastery by her estimation. Despite the proximity to the school, the valley she was in was rather isolated, with steep mountain peaks surrounding it, and would cause difficulty for any large group to traverse quickly and unnoticed.

The day was cool and heavy with the threat of more rain after the morning’s showers. The trees were gilded orange and gold, and the sound of water falling from the canopy through the glistening leaves kept her company as she meandered along the slow-moving river at the base of the mountains. As she followed it she noted that there would likely be plenty of fish to catch here.

There was no need for haste this day. Her quarry had made no pretense of hiding her tracks the night before, and a clear path of snapped saplings and branches made for an easy trail to follow. The two of them had fallen into a sort of pattern; Byleth would make progress during the daylight hours, and the other seemed only willing to travel at night, taking shelter in a cave when possible or finding some sort of resting place during the day. Today though, that cycle would break.

Around midday the path wandered away from the river’s edge and into the dense forest. Byleth noted marks on several trees, where bark had been raked off by sharp claws, but they were not fresh. A bear, most likely. A bear that would likely not reside much longer in this valley if it still did at all.

Soon, the trail led her to what she hoped she would find: a cave. Framed by crawling tree roots and moss, the entrance was a good size, perhaps three times her height, rather narrow, but from what she could tell from a safe distance, it opened up further inside.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Byleth took a step forward to get a better look, but her foot found a branch that had been obscured by the carpet of fallen leaves with an echoing snap. She froze, hoping her transgression had not been noticed.

One second, two seconds. Byleth was about to let out the breath she held caged, when a low, rumbling growl echoed out of the cave. Slowly, she put her hand on the blade at her waist, and waited for any signs of movement. Nothing. Not willing to test her luck further, Byleth retreated back the way she came until the river was in faint earshot again.

The trees thinned near the river, and Byleth found a suitable location to set up camp: flat, and a stony ledge on one side providing shelter from wind. The river was shallow here, and provided an ample number of smooth rocks to build a low wall for a campfire, though she did not light it yet. Lamenting the fact she had no pole or line to fish, she made do with a simple meal of mushrooms and berries she had collected earlier that morning.

For the rest of the day, Byleth meditated. Letting thoughts, worries, hopes wash in and out of her mind like the moon-drenched tide, she sat cross-legged and still. She steeled her mind for what she might have to do that night if things did not play out as she expected. While it was true she always had the option of using the power gifted to her by Sothis if things went awry, as she had found with the death of Jeralt, some events in time were fated to be fixed. Her gut told her whatever way tonight went, that’s what the universe wanted to happen, and who was she to stop it?

Her face grew warm as she felt the rain clouds leave to be replaced by the afternoon sun. It was nice here. Her mind briefly flitted to the idea of not going back to the monastery, but- no. Too many people were counting on her, trusting her to provide leadership. She couldn’t do that to Seteth, to Dimitri. They had probably already grown concerned at her absence. Seteth, bless him, would be organizing search parties within the next month if she did not return. Still, the thought of going back to being a simple mercenary was comforting, and it entertained her until sundown.

Alas, the brief moment of warmth was soon to flee, and as the late autumn chill reached through Byleth’s cloak, she rose to gather firewood for the night. There was no need to build a towering blaze like she had done on previous nights, she was close enough to be found easily. She built just enough of a fire to keep her comfortably warm, and settled down to wait.

The rose gold of sunset faded into dusk, and dusk gave way to a moonless night. Byleth gazed up to the stars, tracing the constellations her father had pointed out to her as a child. She wondered what he would think of her now, if he would approve of her choices. She hoped he would, and rubbed the scar on her hand where a scared fox had bitten her so long ago.

Several hours passed. The shadows of the forest closed in around her as her fire dimmed, the flames growing lazy and small. She was contemplating throwing another log on the pile when a gust of cool air fanned the flames for her, releasing a cascade of glowing sparks up into the heavens.

As rapidly as it had blazed, the fire receded again, and as Byleth’s eyes dropped from the stars above, she found the pitch black shadow of the treeline against the stars above to have gained a new, familiar shape. It would easily be mistaken for another tree if not for the pair of glowing red eyes staring down at her.

“Hello, Edelgard.”

The eyes drew back slightly, as if the mention of her name had caused her to flinch.

A rattling breath, and after a moment, a voice rusted from months of disuse replied. “So. You have finally grown tired of toying with me. Are you here to finally put an end to my sordid existence?”

“No.”

“Then why ? Why must you torture me so? I am haunted day and night by you.”

Byleth sighed. “I… I don’t fully know why I’m here. Just that I have to be.” Words had never been easy for her, but for once they came tumbling out in earnest. “Things shouldn’t have turned out this way. I’m sorry, Edelgard. I’m sorry that you felt you had no other choice than to become-”

“Become what? A hideous monster that children scream in terror at? A wretched beast that nature herself doesn’t wish to exist?” She spat her words out, the growling tone underneath growing deeper. “Now, I suppose, my exterior matches my interior.”

“I don’t think that’s true, Edelgard.”

“No? Well, then you are a greater fool than I believed you to be, professor, ” the last word said in a mocking tone.

“No. You almost killed that girl, didn’t you? I know you didn’t want to do that. There is still human in you yet.”

She heard the sharp crack as a branch snapped. “You know nothing about me anymore.” Her voice was low, strained with frustration.

Byleth was silent a moment. “I know that I want to help you, Edelgard. I’m not sure how, but I want to try.”

The red eyes across the fire bored into her soul. “Leave. Me. Alone.” Each word was a threatening rumble.

Byleth continued, unphased. “If you stay here, I can protect you. This valley is isolated, and the Knights of Seiros won’t find you, I’ll make sure of it.”

The infernal crimson eyes disappeared and for a moment Byleth thought she had left in disgust, but a dry, creaking sound grew steadily louder and she realized it was wry laughter.

“Where else can I go? You have made it clear to me I am thoroughly and sorely beaten. Very well. I will stay, a feral beast caught in your pen. But be warned: like your dear prince said, the Edelgard you once knew is long gone. Who knows how long I will be able to hang on to the faint memory of her?” She stepped forward just far enough that the light from the fire could illuminate the faint outline of her face. Despite the bitter anger in her words, Byleth could just make out dark trails, slick with moisture at the corners of her eyes.

“I will stay, you have my word. But don’t come back.”

As silently as she had appeared, the shadow melted back into the forest, and Byleth was alone once again.

[notveryglittery]

Flirting With Danger, Ch6

summary: Patton is late. Roman is also late.  words: 2,700 / ships: romantic royality, platonic moxiety warnings: robbery, injuries, threat to one’s life, hospital mention, negative thoughts notes: thank you all so much for your patience on this update!! @do-your-socks-have-holes-in-them @fandersfic-royality​ @fandersfic-moxiety​ read on ao3 | Ch1: the first time | Ch2: *mcelroy voice* hotboy! Ch3: sky soliloquy | Ch4: the interview™ Ch5: you have my heart | Ch6: the second time Ch7: is this allowed??

The second time it happened wasn’t Patton’s fault either, he would insist, although some may disagree. He was on his way home from the daycare where he worked, a little over a week after the events that led to him meeting the new love of his life, and although he knew stopping to step on every crunchy leaf littered on the sidewalk might make him miss his bus, he couldn’t really bring himself to be worried. It was practically a rule for autumn! You had to step on crunchy leaves! The noise was satisfying beneath his shoes and he giggled at each one, earning delighted smiles from children being hurried along by their parents. If Virgil were with him, Patton knew he’d have that “exasperated but fond” look on his face. He kind of wore it all the time whenever they were together…

A particularly nice bunch of leaves was just a few feet ahead of him and Patton guessed that they’d been swept there from the entrance of a store so as not to be accidentally tracked in. His expression lit up upon seeing it, and he was about ready to hop or skip his way over to those good good crunchy boys when a loud clatter came from his right. Patton paused, foot extended in literal mid-step, turning to see what the commotion was. He’d stopped next to a jewelry store; its lights were off and they looked closed for the day.

It seemed kind of early (the sun had yet to set) but Patton wasn’t going to blame anyone for wanting to be home as soon as possible. If they were closed, though, what was making so much noise? Before Patton could begin to investigate, the door swung open so fast, the glass pane within it shattered. Yelping in alarm, Patton moved to take a step back, but several things happened all at once.

There was an odd blurring of the air near the door, but Patton didn’t have time to wonder about it before he found himself flat on his back in the strip of grass between street and sidewalk, and at the same moment there was a ridiculously loud crash and he instinctively turned away and covered his head with his arms, and a second after that he finally registered the pain resulting from something colliding hard with the leg with which he’d been about to step forward. As he blinked quite a few times in utter confusion and started to sit up, he heard loud swearing nearby and realized that “something” had been a person. From Patton's point of view, he could only see their ankle boots and heavy jacket -- definitely too thick a material for the current weather. Patton was even warm in his thin cardigan. That was Florida for you, he supposed…

“Sorry,” Patton called, pretty sure it was his fault that the person had tripped in the first place… Although he had no idea where they had come from… “Are you okay?”

Patton became vaguely aware of the sound of alarms going off in the jewelry store behind him but he was sufficiently distracted from it when the stranger stood up so quickly, Patton didn't even see it happen. One moment, they were collapsed in the street, and the next they were storming towards him with fury in their eyes. They were wearing a mask that was golden, sharp at the edges, with lightning bolts striking down their cheekbones; whether they were part of the fabric or painted on or something else entirely, Patton wasn't sure. Their hair was auburn red, looking like they had permanent bedhead, and the eyes glaring at him were a shade as blue as the sky on a clear day. Now that they were facing him, Patton could see the outfit beneath the coat was a material not unlike spandex and just as flashy as the mask. 

"You!" They snarled, grabbing a fistful of Patton's shirt and lifting him off the ground by his collar.

“I'm sorry!” Patton said again, raising his own hands in a display of peace. It seemed like the best course of action, especially since he was pretty sure most normal people couldn't have picked him up so easily.

“Do you have any idea what you've done?!” They snapped, jabbing a finger into Patton's face.

“Been in the wrong place at the wrong time?” Patton offered meekly, hoping they'd realize this was all just one big misunderstanding. Gosh, what would Virgil say now… It really was starting to look like Patton was getting into trouble on purpose! He'd been joking when he said so last week, honest!

“That heist would have been perfect were it not for your idiocy! Just who do you think you are?” They sneered, scowling down at Patton. “Not even powered, are you?”

Patton frowned. Would it have been so bad if he wasn't? Having superpowers was rare! In fact, Patton was the normal one here! He tried to pull himself free, his legs aching from having to stand on the tips of his toes with the way this person was holding him. It didn't help that it hurt to put any weight on his left foot, given how badly his ankle was throbbing. He wasn't given the opportunity, however, as they shoved him away in disgust. Patton stumbled back, landing hard on the sidewalk. He winced and mentally added a bruised tailbone to his list of injuries.

“Clearly, you're a menace to everyone around you, so I might as well take care of that.”

Whatever it was they were planning on doing, Patton wouldn't find out. The alarms inside the jewelry store were joined now with the sound of police sirens coming down the road. Their head snapped towards the noise; the movement was so sudden, Patton thought they'd hurt their neck in the process. He tried to crawl backwards and away from them, slowly so as not to be noticed.

And speaking of noticing…

Patton saw now, littered along the sidewalk and all the way out to the street where the villain (it was so obvious now) had fallen, various pieces of jewelry. It was a lot of shiny and expensive looking necklaces, for the most part. Unfortunately, so distracted in getting away and realizing exactly what he'd done, Patton failed to remember the broken door from earlier. He cried out in pain as his palm came down on the shattered glass. He’d only just recoiled, curling his arm against his chest and blinking rapidly to slow the tears in his eyes, when a foot stomped down in front of him.

“This won't be the last time you see me,” the villain promised and Patton wondered distantly why it sounded like he was being threatened right now.

He closed his eyes against the wind that kicked up as they disappeared and Patton finally connected the dots: he’d just inadvertently stopped a super fast bad guy from robbing a jewelry store. That would explain why his ankle hurt so badly; they’d had to have crashed into it while making their getaway. Patton fumbled for his phone and fired a text off to Virgil before he could get swept up in the police investigation. It was a little hard with one of his hands hurt but spell check helped a lot. 'Gonna be home late! Love you <3'

Patton stayed put where he was as the cars pulled up to the scene. He explained as best he could what had happened, pointing out the jewelry and the shattered window pane. He described the villain, making sure to detail the mask as best he could because he figured that would be the easiest way to identify them. The officer — a nice lady named Eva — called an ambulance for him and insisted he not move much so that he wouldn’t aggravate his injuries any further. It wasn’t until he was laid out on a stretcher in the back of the vehicle that Patton remembered how expensive hospitals were. How was he supposed to afford something like this? He worked at a daycare! Virgil would insist on helping but it wasn’t like coffee shop tips would do much.  

It all sort of started blurring together at some point. There were pages to fill out and sign, insurance questions to answer, and it was so much sitting still that Patton was really starting to get antsy. He hadn’t been able to check his phone since messaging Virgil and he was beginning to worry about Virgil worrying and he just had to step on all those crunchy leaves, didn’t he?

“Oh, honey, it’s okay,” the nurse said softly, resting a hand on his arm.

“Huh?” Patton asked and it was then that he realized he’d begun to cry. “Oh.”

He wiped at his eyes and gave her a watery smile. “Sorry.”

“I’m sure you’ve had a very long day. We’re almost done here, alright? We just need the doctor to prescribe you some painkillers. Will you need crutches?”

Patton turned the offer down since he wasn’t sure he’d actually use them. They were kind of clunky. Thankfully, his ankle was only mildly sprained, and they figured he would only need to stay off of it for a couple days. They’d gotten all of the glass shards out of his palm and his hand was wrapped up so snugly that it was a bit awkward moving it. Unfortunately, it was his dominant hand, which meant the next couple of days with that were going to be uncomfortable.

Wow. He was not having a great day.

Eventually, they released him with a bunch of important papers and a prescription that he couldn’t get filled until tomorrow. The moon had risen during his time inside and the cool fall weather was starting to set in. Was he crying while trying to use his phone in his left hand to call an Uber? Maybe. It was okay, though, just as long as he could pull himself together by the time he got home so he wouldn’t have to worry Virgil anymore than he already was. He hadn’t replied to the text and Patton wondered if he was stuck late at work.

A loud thud sounded to his right and Patton flinched, too tired to do much else.

“Are you okay?!”

Patton startled, finally looking to see who joined him. He squeaked in surprise. “Ah! You! Uhm!”

The superhero he’d fallen head over heels for was taking a seat beside him on the bench. While he’d initially looked rather panicked, his expression softened as he took Patton’s bandaged hand in his.

“Oh no,” he murmured. “I’m so sorry. I should have been there.”

Patton was pretty sure he was melting. “It’s alright… How could you have known?”

The Prince scoffed. “It’s my job. I let you down.”

Patton frowned, pulling his hand free just so that he could jab a finger against the hero’s chest. “Hey! None of that! You did no such thing. It wouldn’t be fair to you for us to expect you to be everywhere at once.”

He didn’t look convinced.

“What if there had been a building on fire?” Patton asked. “I would rather you take care of that over silly little me accidentally stopping a robbery.”

He hummed. “I suppose… you might have a point.”

“I’m fine, anyway!” Patton said suddenly, smiling brightly. “My ankle should only take a few days to get better.” He waved his hand. “This will take even less time. And I stopped a robbery! Isn’t that so exciting?!”

His voice was starting to get wobbly and his eyes were beginning to sting again but Patton hoped it wasn’t obvious. They were still practically strangers so maybe his crush wouldn’t even notice. Patton knew that he was pretty good at hiding these sorts of things—well, from everyone except Virgil, of course.

“... Could I…” The hero hesitated. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Patton laughed in the sort of way people laugh when they’re trying not to cry. “I dunno, can you pay for the hospital bills I’m going to end up drowning in?”

“Yes.”

Patton blinked.” What?”

“Yes,” the Prince repeated. “Absolutely.”

“Wha—” Patton stammered. “No! I… that’s not what I meant! I was kidding!”

“It’s the least I could do since I wasn’t there for you.”

“Prince! Er… Your Highness? Uh, I’m not sure what— It’s okay, really, you don’t have to do that! I was just… it was a joke.”

The hero was smiling at him through his rambling and Patton was sure he’d combust any moment now. For once, though, he seemed to have his head on straight. He needed to get home. He needed to talk to Virgil.

“May I escort you home?”

Patton’s entire face felt like it was on fire. “Wh- what? Are… are you sure?”

“Only if you’re okay with it, of course.”

Patton looked down at his phone. The screen to call an Uber was still up. It displayed the cost of the drive. He didn’t really need that on top of everything else…

“Okay,” Patton agreed. “Do you… have a car?”

The Prince laughed as he stood. “Not for cases like this. You aren’t too far from here, right?”

Patton went to stand as well, teetering a little as he tried not to put weight on his injured ankle. He wasn’t, thankfully; the hospital was closer to home than the jewelry store was. “I’m close! I guess I ought to get used to walking in this ankle boot...”

“Ah, ah, ah!” The hero tsked. “Here we go, ready?”

Before Patton could ask what he was supposed to be ready for, the Prince was sweeping him off his feet. Literally. Patton gasped, arms shooting to wrap around his neck.

“Oh! Okay,” he laughed a little nervously. “Okay! Yeah, this… this is fine. Good. It’s great.”

He was going to die.

Roman tried very, very hard not to think about the proximity of Patton’s face to his own as he carried him in the direction of his apartment building. He seemed a little embarrassed about the situation already, ducking his head against Roman’s shoulder to hide the very cute blush coloring his cheeks, and it wouldn’t do to make him any more self-conscious by staring. (Also, there was a non-zero chance of walking into something if he got too distracted, and Patton was known to be extremely distracting.)

In the silence that stretched between Patton’s occasional directions, Roman recalled how he’d gotten to this point. Regrettably, it’d been a chores kind of day, and so he hadn’t even been doing anything important or heroic when Patton could have used his help. Afterwards, he’d donned his costume, and headed out for patrol. The sun was on its way to setting by the time he’d stopped at the nearest police station for a report. He liked to check in on days that he wasn’t able to properly keep an eye on the city, just in case he missed anything important. Most crimes were small enough that the local police could take care of it but Roman just liked to be there for the people.

When he’d found that a jewelry store robbery had been stopped by a civilian, Roman’s curiosity was piqued. The moment the name “Patton” fell from the officer’s lips (he hadn’t even got the last name out), Roman was demanding which hospital they’d taken him to. Immediately, he’d taken off for it, reprimanding himself the entire way for being negligent; at least his timing had been good enough to catch Patton before he left. The offer to pay for his hospital bills was sudden but it wasn’t like Roman couldn’t afford it and, besides, it really was the least he could do. Besides taking Patton out on the most extravagant of dates, anyway, and spoiling him with flowers, gifts, affection—

“Pardon?” Roman asked, blinking and clearing his head of his daydreams.

Patton giggled, though it still sounded a bit forced. Roman frowned. “I was just saying, my building is this next one.”

They headed in and Patton pointed Roman in the direction of the elevator. He focused very hard on the music playing through the tiny speakers and not of how warm Patton felt in his arms. He may have been familiar with elevated temperatures, but this was entirely different. It wasn’t until they were very nearly to Patton’s apartment that his phone went off. Roman was going to make a comment on the The Nightmare Before Christmas ringtone when the door swung open to reveal a very panicked Virgil. 

Oh dear.

[snowbellewells]

“Caught Off Guard”

Last #Ouat Fandom Crescendo rerun I’ll flood your dash with -- I already should have stopped a week ago.  There were several others I considered, but Dave just had to charge into the action one more time - as he does in the fic! ;) - and so this one won out!

This little one shot was originally started for a group prompt event that I didn’t finish in time.  It’s written after Emma and Killian are engaged and long past the time her parents really should learn not to charge into Captain Swan’s house unannounced.  I thought it ended up pretty cute though, and there’s some Captain Charming as well as CS, which I love.  I have to end my #OuaT Fandom Crescendo revisit of old fics somewhere, so why not with this fun one?

Hope you enjoy it!!

(Clearly, I still don’t own them. More of this fun, fluffy stuff would have been seen onscreen if I did…)

“Caught Off Guard”

By: @snowbellewells (TutorGirlml on ff.net)

               David Nolan, the Enchanted Forest’s Prince Charming turned deputy sheriff, whistles happily as he climbs the front steps to his daughter’s new home, enjoying the crisp autumn morning and looking forward to the boys’ day out he has planned, and for which he’s come to pick up his grandson and best mate.  He raps his knuckles once sharply on the door, but doesn’t pause long enough to notice if anyone calls out a response – they should be expecting him and the door is unlocked, so he turns the knob and steps into the foyer.  He can smell the warm, welcoming scent of fresh coffee brewing and hear cabinets opening and closing, along with the sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen. Chuckling to himself good naturedly, he heads in that direction, intending to help Emma, who has to be the one making so much noise.  As amazing and capable as his daughter is in almost every other area of life, she is a disaster when cooking.  If she is up trying to make a big breakfast to send her boys off, maybe he had better see if she needs a hand.

           However, as he rounds the corner and the kitchen comes into view, his smile freezes. His feet halt in their tracks and the happy greeting he’d been ready to speak dies in his throat as David nearly swallows his tongue instead. Right in front of him is his daughter, sleep mussed and tousled hair piled up on top of her head, one side of her shirt slipping off her shoulder to show too wide an expanse of skin, and legs bared all the way up to mid-thigh.  Too late to retreat, a shocked wheeze escapes him as she turns, sees her father gaping at her and grabs at the barely buttoned front of the black shirt she’s wearing as an entire outfit.  A shirt he realizes in turns of horror, anger, and embarrassment that he has seen before, on someone who isn’t his only daughter.  She’s wearing one of the pirate’s old shirts – and it’s barely covering her at that!

           “Dad!” Emma gasps, a blush staining her cheeks and spreading down her neck and more exposed chest than he really needs to see.  “What are you doing here? Don’t you knock?!”

           The prince stammers in his own shame, “Well, um…I…I did…once?  Sorry…I just figured you guys would be ready…since Killian and Henry are going with me.”

           “That’s tomorrow morning!” she yelps, sounding deceptively like the petulant teen he never got to meet.  “Henry’s not even here!”  She flaps a hand nervously, until she realizes it raises her hemline even more and jerks it back down, turning an even deeper crimson as she does and studiously avoiding his eyes.

           Just then, as if the moment needed to get even more awkward, footsteps sound on the stairs and Killian Jones’ voice calls out mere moments before he appears in the kitchen as well.  “Swan, what’s all the yelling?” he asks, rubbing his hand drowsily in his sleep-disheveled hair which is already standing up everywhere in dark tufts.  A lazy smirk stretches over his face as a wicked twinkle lights his eyes.  “Daydreaming about the Captain awaiting your return upstairs and catch the food on fire again?”

           He clearly hasn’t noticed his mate’s presence in the room yet, at least not until Emma only responds with a pained squeak and Killian’s gaze slides over to see her father’s eyes bulging wide enough to look as though he is having an apoplexy.  “Oh…hello Dave,” Killian offers much more quietly, flushing a bit himself.

           With what piece of Emma’s brain is not completely flooded with embarrassment enough to think, her heart is almost warmed by the amount of chagrin Killian seems to feel, not quite meeting David’s eyes and clearly not wanting his mate to think less of him or to inadvertently make the situation worse. She had half expected him to tease or ‘poke the bear’ so to speak, roll his tongue salaciously against his cheek in that positively indecent way she loves, puff out his chest, smirk, arch that eyebrow, and basically send her father into a breakdown.  However, her pirate is clearly more focused on not wanting to make the royal rescind the welcome he has been granted into Emma’s family. “Didn’t see you there,” he nearly mumbles, rather unnecessarily, eyes now glued to his shuffling bare feet with a shy evasiveness Emma has rarely seen from him.  

           By the same turn, Emma’s eyes flick back over to her dad’s face, seeing him visibly trying to bring his reaction back under control and stay calm.  She is honestly torn between wanting to cross the room toward him, pat him on the shoulder sympathetically, and put him out of his misery, and to heed her desire to flee the room, run upstairs to change, and not show her face again until she is completely covered in her usual jeans, turtleneck, and red leather jacket.

           Killian does throw a slightly chagrined comforting smile to the side, as if to say, ‘It’s going to be fine, Swan.  We’ll laugh at this later,’ and it allows her to take in a deep breath and press on.

           “So…” she tries, hoping to help them move past their uneasiness and into something a bit more normal.  “Are we okay here, Dad?  Do you want to have some eggs and pancakes with us before we go into the station?  I’ll go get dressed while Killian dishes thing up, if you want…”

           David shakes his head gently, clears his throat, runs a hand over the back of his neck for a moment uncertainly, hesitating to cause offense, but not wishing to stay in this uncomfortable moment, lingering and extending it any longer than necessary.  “Ah, I ate before I left home.  Snow had to be at the school early and left a ham and cheese casserole she’d made for me. Maybe I’ll just let you guys get back to your meal, and I’ll see you later?”

           Emma nods, relieved that her dad isn’t going to drag this out and is trying to carry on normally, as though nothing has changed.  “Sounds good,” she offers simply, braving a tiny smile at him for his effort.  

           Just as David turns to go, however, a little of Killian Jones’ insouciant nature seems to return to the pirate.  Stepping fully into the room and right up to Emma, playfully slinging an arm around Emma’s shoulders and smacking a purposefully sloppy kiss to her cheek, he then waggles his eyebrows cheekily at his friend and offers, “Good to see you, Dave.  Come again any time.”

           David glares at him, really taking the pirate True Love of his daughter under detailed consideration for the first time.  A ‘harumph’ of displeasure rumbles in his chest and his crosses his arms grumpily, looking ready to dig in his heels and fire back a response.  Emma can nearly read the expression on his face as if he has said out loud, ‘Really mate, since when are you Master of this Domain?’ but then David’s face blanches, his gaze focusing on a new detail.

           The Prince’s eyes pan lower to take in the comfortable flannel lounge pants Killian Jones wears low on his hips.  At first, the deputy finds himself wondering at the tough sailor wearing cozily checked, blue-and-red sleepwear and where Captain Hook would have even gotten such pajamas.  But as he looks a bit closer he realized he’s seen those sleep pants before – they’re old castoffs of his!  Realization hits that Snow must have donated them to their daughter’s pirate instead of Goodwill the last time he’d cleaned out his dresser.  Before he really thinks it through, David takes a step forward, gesturing wildly before finally sputtering out, “What are you doing with my old pajama pants, Hook?!”

           Killian looks down at himself, teasing grin sliding from his face and reddening blush staining his skin, nearly dark enough to match Emma’s, then slides his eyes over to meet Emma’s questioningly.

           Shrugging, Emma offers sheepishly, “When Killian first returned to life, I really wanted to get him some comfortable, modern clothes, but it’s not like we really got time to go out shopping in the real world with Hyde and Gold and all that chaos happening – as usual.  Mom gave me some old things for him to wear around the house that she said you didn’t wear anymore.”

           “Oh yeah,” her father mumbles, now the one shuffling his feet a bit and not meeting Emma’s or Killian’s eyes. “She’s right…that’s fine.”

           “Okay, then,” Emma says, clapping her hands once as if dismissing the matter and putting brightness and authority into her voice as she steps forward to usher David toward the front door while Killian moves to salvage the breakfast she had begun and then nearly let burn in her distraction.  “So, I’ll see you in an hour or so?”

           Dutifully, her father turns and walks ahead of her back to the entryway, clearly ready to escape the private moment he walked into.  Turning at the front steps as he opens the door, he looks over his shoulder and offers his grown daughter a wistful smile – all the time he lost with her, but his love for her and his joy at seeing she is happy as well showing in that expression.  “Though I wouldn’t have chosen to witness the details,” he offers, lips quirking up a bit further on one side, “I’m glad you’ve found love, Emma…that both of you have.  You deserve to be happy.  You deserve your True Love.  I’m glad you’ve found each other.”

           Impulsively, Emma throws herself forward into her father’s arms and hugs him to her tightly for several long moments.  Finally pulling away, her smile back at him is a bit shaky with emotion, but the embarrassment pretty much gone as she whispers, “Thanks Dad,” with fervent gratitude.

           Then he is gone, down the front walk to his pickup truck, and Emma closes the door to pad barefoot back into the kitchen where Killian is waiting. Leaning with intentional ease against the counter, one leg crossed over the other, arm braced on the countertop behind him and his maimed limb rubbing at the back of his neck, the one thing that gives his discomfiture away despite the playful wink he sends across the room at her.

           “Well, Love, shall I be facing your father in a duel at high noon?” he asks, his bashful concern showing through the playful bravado in his blue eyes as he gazes up at her from under those handsome dark lashes.  “Now that he knows for certain I have besmirched his daughter’s honor?”

           She shakes her head at him in fond exasperation and moves closer on silent bare feet.  “Really?’ she asks with arched brow just before slipping into his open arms, pressing her nose into his bared throat and humming in comfort at his welcome embrace.

           “Yes, Swan, really,” he continues, lips murmuring into the hair at the crown of her head.  “It’s one thing for him to know that we are together.  I dare say he has even come to accept me as your fitting choice, but I had never quite meant to flout our connection so obviously in his face.”  She can feel his bare stump running lightly up and down along her spine, whether intentional or not, making the hem of his old shirt ride up even higher on her hips and sending potent shivers running along her skin.

           Catching the shortened arm in her grip, she brings it up to the generously gaping neckline of the shirt, guides it inside and along her skin with her own hand. Mouth tilting up in tempting invitation, she whispers back at him, “Don’t worry, Pirate.  Remind me to tell you later about the time Henry and I interrupted him and Mom making tacos.  Let’s just say he was long overdue a similar uncomfortable moment.”

           “As you wish,” Killian husks, voice deep and rumbling and his rough stubble scratching along her neck where he bends his head to nuzzle along her skin. Their conversation derails after that, neither feeling capable of forming words over touching and connecting in other ways.  The pancakes Emma had mixed up and never finished cooking, as well as her father’s ill-timed visit, are both forgotten while they get back to the delicious slice of normal life they have finally found a moment to savor.

Tagging a few lovelies who may enjoy!  @kmomof4 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @hollyethecurious @laschatzi @spartanguard @jennjenn615 @bmbbcs4evr

@drowned-dreamer @celestial-fire-writer @ultraluckycatnd

@ps1473-4 @ilovemesomekillianjones @searchingwardrobes @branlovesouat @kiwistreetswan @captain-swan-coffee @ohmakemeahercules @revanmeetra87 @winterbaby89 @capswantrue

[momorabu]

07.10.2017

Viidog Code Event Story - ホラーハウス・パニック / Horror House . Panic

It’s a new month and I realised I haven’t post my monthly Viidog Code story yet for the last month... so here is it~! This story happens in the summer, which maybe abit late now considering we’re approaching Autumn, but it’s alright~ Let’s get chilling with a haunted theme story~! It’s great to write about light and funny stories (though abit creepy) after the difficult and complex storyline in the main story ^^

As always, the summary of the story can be found below. Translation may not be 100% accurate due to my poor Japanese skills~

Chapter 1: 異人館街の幽霊屋敷 / The Haunted House at The Strange Street

One day, Shiro found “me” at the database room and realised that “I’m” reading up on a search report from our last case. “I” told him that “I’m” revising to learn more about detective work, but Shiro asked “me” to return him his reflection report since “I” have no need to read them. (It just sound to me that he’s embarrassed though ^^;)

Since “I” want to work so much, Shiro asked “me to head to the office with him, as it seems that Kuki had gotten himself involved in yet another case. Shiro didn’t know what case it was as he was also just being called down to the detective agency, and was also requested that he find “me” and bring “me” along to the office.

(Just want to say... Shiro looks good in summer wear~ ^///^ Hoodie~ >////<)

We headed to the office to find that Tsubasa and Kuki were already there. Kuki was glad that Shiro had managed to find “me” and brought “me” here, since he was worried that he won’t be able to do it. Shiro rebutted at him that Kuki is just treating him as a slave XD 

With everyone in Class 7 gathered together, Kuki told Shu and Senri to start off the meeting to inform them the new case that they’ll be working on. Senri briefed us that someone had sent in a request to the agency to investigate a haunted house. Both Tsubasa and “me” showed a shock reaction, and Shiro told us that we’re overreacting. Tsubasa answered that it’s normal to be shocked about a haunted house, to which Kuki happily replied that he had taken on this case just because he wanted to see our reactions to it. 

Senri continued on talking about the case, saying that this request was sent in by people who had lived around the haunted house. Even though currently there isn’t anyone living in that house at the moment, the neighbors had heard some eerie sound and voices from it, and thus wished to get someone to investigate it. Tsubasa wondered whether it was called as “the haunted house” due to the eerie sound and voices, but the main reason was because the owner of the house had passed away, thus making it an empty residence currently. 

Rui joined us and informed that other than the person who had sent in the request, multiple people around the neighbourhood had also seen some shadows that moved and voices in the haunted house, and was sure that there must be “something” in that house. Thinking that since this was a haunted house we’re investigating anyway, Kuki announced that Class 7 shall also help to get rid of the ghosts as an add-on to the case. (Erm... how exactly are you going to do that, Kuki?)

Tsubasa, on the other hand, wanted to make friends with the ghost, as long as it is not an evil ghost, which Kuki agreed with him and even proposed bringing it back to the agency to make the agency a “unique” agency.... ^^; (It’s meant to be a joke and ”I” just smiled weakly along with them like “I’m” forced to ^^; Even Senri dissed Kuki about it that Kuki felt that Senri was just adding salt to his wound.)

Shu finished off the briefing by telling Kuki that he hoped that he doesn’t cause any unfortunate incident in this investigation. In summary, the case this time was to investigate a haunted house, and Kuki told us that it’s going to be a very fun case. Shiro denied and remarked that it sounds like it’s going to be a very boring case, but Tsubasa told him that it’s actually rare that they might meet a ghost actually. (Tsubsa sounds very excited ^^;) 

Shiro claimed that he doesn’t believe in ghost and deemed the case to be cause by some children’s mischief definitely, but Kuki thinks otherwise and felt that Shiro actually believe in ghosts even if he claimed that he doesn’t. (i guess he already knew that Shiro was actually quite afraid of ghosts.) Shiro said that he’s not going to investigate the haunted house, and told the rest of us to investigate instead before he left the room. In the end, it was decided that we shall just take a look at the haunted house tonight, (the official operation shall start tomorrow) as Kuki told us to gather in the living room at night time.

However, at night time, Shiro was pulled to join us in the investigation as much he rejected to join. He ultimately conceded to investigate the haunted house, but stated that he would investigate it alone and told us not to follow him along. Kuki was surprised with Shiro’s change in attitude and asked him whether he secretly wanted to meet the ghost very much. 

Kuki asked Shiro to bring “me” along with him for the investigation, to which Shiro denied and said once again that he had planned on heading there alone and that it would be hard to escape from the place if he had to bring “me” along if anything were to happen. However, Kuki stated that as the class leader he would not allow anyone to perform an investigation by himself and even offered that he shall follow Shiro himself if he doesn’t like “me” to go along with him. In the end, Shiro agreed to bring “me” along to investigate the haunted house, and Kuki told us to be careful while he sent us off.

Chapter 2: 開かない扉 / The Door That Can’t Be Opened

After we had head off, Tsubasa worried for “me” as he’s afraid that Shiro might leave “me” unattended, but Kuki was being very positive, suggesting that perhaps we might even ended up being friends with the ghost and bring it back here. Tsubasa noticed that Kuki still seems hung up about his joke regarding the ghost just now, but Kuki just answered him not to open his old wounds instead XDD

The two started talking about ghosts, where Tsubasa said that he’s actually looking forward to meeting one since he had never met one before, and asked Kuki whether he believe in ghosts. As Kuki was one who would only believe in something if he had seen it, he found ghosts to be very unrealistic since he had never seen one. He assured Tsubasa that we’ll be alright since unlike his appearance, Shiro was actually someone who would take good care others, and thought that he’s actually quite suitable in training and teaching newbies ^^ (Shiro Sensei? XD) He also remarked that Tsubasa was suitable too since he’s someone who could have a good relationship with anyone, to which Tsubasa commented that he’s the latest newbie in the agency (before “me”), and thus he understood the feeling of being a newbie the most in all of the members in the agency. (So I guess Shiro entered the agency earlier than Tsubasa~)

In the meanwhile, Shiro and “I” had arrived at the street where the haunted house was located. As there were many empty houses nearby, Shiro told “me” that there’s nothing much to look at even if “I” was looking around at the area. The place we’re at was pretty dark, that Shiro complained that it’s hard to go around the streets at night. Thankfully he had brought along a torch light and told “me” that we’re just going to quickly investigate this place and head back to the agency. (Shiro seems that he just wanted to get it over and done with it =w=“) He told “me” to be careful since anything could fly out at us when we’re inside the building, and to also refrain from making a loud noise too. 

When we entered the house though, the doors just shut behind us suddenly.... or what Shiro had thought so, since “I” was the one who had shut the doors actually, and Shiro told “me” to do it more quietly. (Since I guess it gave him a scare when he heard the doors closed that loudly ^^; But he claimed that he’s not scared but just abit shocked by the closing of the doors...) Shiro got yet another scare again when he walked straight into a spider web, but felt that they seems to be some mischief done by a child, and told “me” to be careful not to trip over anything. (Though he claimed that he’s not worried for “me”, just that he would found it troublesome if “I” had fallen.. ^^;)

“I” was scared when “I” saw an arm hanging in the mid air, but Shiro investigated and realised that it was just a mannequin’s arm being hung up by some red threads. We walked down the long corridor, and didn’t opened any of the doors since the door knobs were untouched over the years. Finally, at the end of the corridor was another door, which was locked and since the knob looks clean, Shiro guessed that perhaps there was something behind that door. (The door knob being clean was an evidence that someone actually opened the door recently +W+) 

Shiro was glad that as it meant that it wasn’t the work of a ghost that had made this place haunted, as ghosts would be able to go through doors without even opening it. He guessed that perhaps the person who had cause these eerie happenings was behind that door and decided to keep a look out at the door to see if anyone would come out from the room. In the end, we decided to hide in a room next to the corridor which offers a view that we can keep a look out at the door. Shiro was sure that he would catch the “ghost” and reveal his real identity, blaming that ghost that it was because of it that he had to do such a job right now. 

Just then, we heard the sound of doors opening, but Shiro guessed that it was just the wind that had opened the doors and he didn’t sense the presence of any humans either, claiming that it’s definitely not ghosts who had made the doors to open. We waited for awhile, but it doesn’t seems that anybody was going to open the door and come out from the room, Shiro decided that we shall head back for tonight and write our report instead.

However, suddenly there was the sound of the door from the entrance closing, along with the sound of it locking! Shiro started to get worried that we might get locked into the house, and thus hurried “me” to run along with him back to the entrance. Just as what he had expected, the door to the entrance was locked when we arrived there...

Chapter 3: 超自然的なもの? / The Supernatural?

Even though the door looks old, it was actually strong, and Shiro guessed that it would be hard to break it down in order to escape from the house (besides he doesn’t want to destroy the house actually). He was pissed that “I” was in the mood to laugh and confirmed once again that regardless what Kuki had said, Shiro himself wasn’t scared of ghosts AT ALL, and claimed that he had no interests in such area either. (okay... if you say so... =w=“)

However, the thing was... it wasn’t “me” who was laughing. Shiro thought that “I” had used ventriloquism, but since obviously “I” do not have such a skill, Shiro guessed that it may be coming from the person who had locked us in this house. It started to get spookier when the plates started to move by themselves, and Shiro, feeling unable to stay in this house anymore, quickly asked “me” to get away from the door as he broke down the door. As he left the place with “me”, Shiro bellowed back at the “ghost” that he’s not leaving because he’s scared, he’s going back to think of a plan and would be coming back to defeat it next time XD

We ran for a long while after we’ve escaped from the haunted house, and finally stopped at somewhere along the street, which Shiro commented that the ghost won’t be coming out from the house to chase after us since we’re now quite far away from it. He warned “me” not to mention anything about him facing the ghost to Kuki and Tsubasa. 

Back at the agency, Kuki and Tsubasa were still continuing their conversations about the ghost, where Kuki asked Tsubasa what games he would want to play with the ghost if he had befriend it, and even suggested playing a test of courage with it. But Tsubasa felt that it would be very boring since the ghost would be the one in charge of scaring people instead like usual, and suggested hide and seek instead. Kuki felt that hide and seek would be hard since the ghost would have an advantage since it could hide in places that are hard to find for them.

Suddently, Kuki got a shock when he realised that both Shiro and “I” had returned from our investigation. Noticing that our faces looked green, Kuki asked us what had happened over at the haunted house. Shiro answered that we’re fine, but he’s sure that there’s something at that house, and that he had felt digusted that something was getting close to him even though he could not see what was it.

Even though Kuki was worried about it, he decided to give it a rest for now and told Tsubasa that he can be happy now that it seems like there’s really a ghost over there ^^; Kuki asked Shiro that whether he had heard any sound of the water in the house, since he had read that in the report which was passed to him by Senri. Shiro remarked that he indeed heard something that resembles the sound of water, and thus Kuki decided that they should investigate more about the house.

Tsubasa was too excited and wanted to go straight away though XD Kuki had to tell him that it was too late and that they would go there tomorrow instead.

(Shiro was too tired from the investigation today that he had fallen asleep while sitting on the sofa~ Aww~ So cute~ ^////^)

Taking out a map, Kuki asked “me” whether it was the same as the layout of the house since “I’ve” went inside it. “I” reported to him that the map actually showed rooms that we had not seen at the house and that made Kuki quite interested about it...

Chapter 4: 1班の推察 / The Investigations by Class 1

The next morning, Shu was quite happy to receive a new case, as it was case that was requested by their own species - Kenrouzoku. Shu was glad that they finally had a chance to help out their comrades, and that made Senri happy for him too, and guessed that the other “Kenrouzoku” who had lived in the town must have seen Shu as someone reliable to request him for help.

Shu decided that this new case from Kenrouzoku would be handled by Class 7 and told “me” (who was there) that this would be my first time in handling a case by “Kenrouzoku”, and thus thought that it would be a learning experience for “me”. However, Senri mentioned that Class 7 was working on the case regarding the haunted house currently, and the two of them started talking about that case instead.

Shiro had not handed in his report for yesterday night, to which Shu thought that he’s facing difficulty in writing it since writing report was always not Shiro’s forte. Senri explained that it seems that quite alot happened during the investigation yesterday that Shiro was burned out when he had returned. He made a guess that perhaps we had really met a ghost over there, but Shu started to get really worried about Shiro and mentioned that perhaps he would pay a visit to him later on. (Shu was actually really nice to his comrades and cares about them~ +////+)

Rui entered the room and told them that he had compiled the reports from Class 7′s investigation at the haunted house yesterday, and from the reports... it seems that the two of us had been in contact with the “other party”. We’ve heard the weird laughter and the sound of water just like what was written by the person who had requested this case to be investigated, however, we could not know what had cause those sound to happen. The laughter was determined to be coming from a young male who was in his 10s-20s, and there’s still information lacking to know what had been making the sound of the water. Rui also reported that in the midst of our investigation, we were locked up in the house and got into trouble over there. Sensing that there might be further danger, Shiro broke through the door and we escaped from there. The culprit had not shown himself throughout the investigation and had not chased after us after we had escaped from the house.

Rui guessed that even though there’s a possibility that the sound of the laughter and water could be caused by supernatural, he thought that there’s a higher possibility that they were made by a person. It was also found that there were traces of a room being used by someone in the house, and thus Rui guessed that someone must have layed these “traps” to trigger those sound. Shu then deduced that other than the owner of the house, it seems that somebody else also had a key to the haunted house.

Continuing on his report, Rui mentioned that even for someone who was alert like Shiro didn’t sense any presence of a human, and though this also meant that even though the “other party” had no evil intentions in dealing with us, these “traps” in the house also meant that the “other party” doesn’t want anybody to bother him/her/it. 

Shu decided that we shall put the case of the haunted house on hold first and work on this new case instead.

Chapter 5: 雛守と都市伝説 / Hinamori and the City Legends 

At night, Class 7 had gathered in the living room. Kuki talked about the seven mysteries in D.O.G agency, with Tsubasa commenting that the city legends told by Kuki were really interesting that it had gotten him into “occult mode”, since it was regarding werewolves and thus Kuki remarked that as “Kenrouzoku” themselves, they’re definitely very interested in such topics. 

However, Tsubasa noticed that “I” hardly spoke anything throughout the night, and wondered that perhaps “I” had felt bored by them chatting. Back to the case regarding the haunted house, Kuki decided to tidy the information they’ve gathered so far, and head to the house again tomorrow for more investigation. He noticed that Shiro doesn’t seems very enthusiastic to which Shiro denied it, since he wanted to catch the culprit whom had locked us in the house. 

Just then, Hinamori appeared, as he had heard about the word “city legends” and was really interested about it. Tsubasa told him that the old man from the “Kenrouzoku” who had requested our help today had told us alot of interesting city legends after we’ve finished their case for the day. One of the city legends was regarding werewolves, which Hinamori had heard of it before and mentioned that he really like it due to how bloody it was. Kuki was scared by it though Hinamori likes that it was scary since he was a huge fan of the horror genre. He likes the feeling of being scared and thus the werewolves legend was one that he would not forget about it.

Since Hinamori was a fan of horror, Tsubasa asked him whether he had heard about the “haunted house”. Seeing that all of us were really interested in the haunted house, Hinamori decided to reveal to us what he had knew about it... He mentioned that there would always be gossips about this house at this period of time usually, but after a period of time people would forget about it and thought that those gossips were just being made up in the end. However, even though it was just a gossip, Tsubasa felt that this had been going for quite a long while, as it had been a month that the house was being rumored as a haunted house and this time, there seems to be more witness than as per usual. Hinamori felt that perhaps it had escalate past the level of a child’s mischief and may become a real legend in the end...

(Tsubasa got even more excited about heading there after listening to what Hinamori had said though XD)

Chapter 6: 7班始動前夜 / The Eve Before Class 7′s Operations

Shiro wanted to go to the haunted house by himself again, and got nagged by Kuki that the last time he went there, he had slept straight away after returning and skipped out on writing his report ^^; Kuki felt that Shiro had just went around the house once and didn’t delve into anything much before returning the last time, though he guessed that there must be a reason why Shiro had done that. 

He agreed to let Shiro head to the haunted house by himself though, but on one condition, this time he had carry a video camera on himself so that the rest of Class 7 could monitor what had happened in the haunted house, and could also relay information to him. Shiro rejected that idea, to which Kuki felt that it wasnt’ a ridiculous request since they’ve always put on a camera on each other during investigation. He started talking about how Shiro had to lit up a little light to brighten up the room when he’s asleep, and also seems to have taken the salt from the kitchen... (He’s trying to hint that Shiro was actually afraid of the dark and ghosts, that he had to get salt from the kitchen to ward them off ^^;)

Since Shio doesn’t agree to the condition Kuki had set and thus unable to head to the haunted house by himself, Kuki told him to just give up and let all 4 of them to head to the haunted house and investigate together. He remarked that it was the basics in detective work that more people investigating would get a better result than just one sole person investigating. He wondered perhaps than being concerned in the investigation, Shiro was more concerned in his own pride and even guessed that perhaps the person who was here wasn’t even Shiro at all.

Tsubasa was very excited about investigating, and told Shiro that he would try his best, and even if he failed, the others would be around to aid him. Since everyone insisted on tagging along, Shiro had no choice but to concede to them ^^;

Tsubasa was curious in why Shiro had denied to put on a camera when he’s heading to the haunted house by himself, but guessed that perhaps Shiro had felt that he doesn’t look good on camera and complimented that he’s good-looking actually~~ XDD

It was decided that we shall head to the haunted house the next day instead, and thus Kuki asked us to rest up well, and not to stay up later tonight. He also told us to prepare for the investigation, and Tsubasa asked whether the ghost would be able to eat some candies, since he wanted to bring some as a present XDD (This guy... is so adorable >////<) Kuki smiled weakly and guessed that it might be impossible for them to eat, so Tsubasa wondered that pehaps he sould bring something inedible instead.

Chapter 7: 謎のベールに包まれた屋敷 / The House That Was Surrounded By Mysterious Veil

Shu was drinking tea at the office when he realised that the taste of tea has changed. He initially thought that Rui had used a different set of tea leaves, but Rui guessed that perhaps his way of preparing tea was different to how Senri does it usually, and that changes the taste of the tea in the end. 

The two started talking about their research about the haunted house, which they’ve found out that it was a building that was a hundred years old. This was out of Shu’s expectation, and he remarked that doing research on this house made him feel like they’re archaeologist. Just then, Senri came into the room and showed them something that he had found in his research just now. It was a document regarding the ownership of the house, where the last remaining owner of the house had not transferred his ownership to anyone before he passed away. As it had been a long period of time since he had passed away. there isn’t much information that they could find out about the him. There isn’t anybody around the town who knew him, and there’s no lead in finding who might have inherit the house either. 

Rui mentioned that this was around the time when Class 7 was heading towards the haunted house for an investigation once again, and prayed that nothing would happen to them when they were there.

As Class 7 and “I” were nearing the haunted house, Tsubasa asked “me” whether “I’ll” feel afraid of the place. However, “I” wasn’t really afraid as “I’ve” been to the house before once. Nearing the entrance, Kuki spotted the door which was broken down by Shiro, as the part where the door knob had spoiled could be seen clearly.

Heading into the house, Kuki remarked that it felt chilly in here. Tsubasa also noticed that there were some spider webs around, which Kuki remarked that it wasn’t that extraordinary since the house had been really old and untouched for years. Wanting to give a thorough investigation of the house tonight, Kuki started giving out instructions to the members. As there were three routes which they had yet to explore in the house, Kuki proposed that we split into three different teams, with Kuki himself investigating the middle route. Tsubasa would investigate the route on the left, and Shiro would take the route on the right.

However, once investigation starts, Shiro noticed that Kuki was following him and asked him wasn’t he the one who told them to split up and investigate the house. But Kuki mentioned that he had realised that there seems to more rooms that were showed in the floor plan of the house than what they could see in the house, and made a guess that perhaps there’s some hidden rooms in this house. He wondered whether they should all split up and look for the hidden rooms, or stay and wait for the eerie scenarios that we had encountered the last time to take place. 

Kuki started teasing about Shiro that he had headed back halfway through the investigation, hinting him that he’s a scaredy cat. This pissed off Shiro that he ended up destroying the walls of the house... and exposed a secret corridor that way OWO Turns out that Kuki had actually deduced that there’s another path behind the walls and purposely angered Shiro to make him destroy the wall ^^; Heading into the corridor, they also found a wall that could turn and reveal a secret room, which Kuki remarked that they’re lucky to have spotted the secret room by chance.

Chapter 8: いにしえの扉 / The Ancient Door 

Back at the detective agency, Senri had compiled all of the information which Class 1 had gathered regarding the haunted house. He hoped that in these information, there may lie a hint which would lead them to solve the mystery behind the haunted house. Rui remarked that the information was hard for them to read and decipher as there were parts that were hard to understand due to how old the information were. They then started talking about the times where this country was just being developed, and guess that the house might have been built at that time period. The people who had lived around the house were mostly old citizens who had viewed how the country and town had prospered throughout the year.

Looking at one of the information, Rui realised that the way of the name of the owner was written was different to how names were wrote now in the modern days. He deduced that they might have gotten the name of the owner wrong due to mistaking the way his name was written. Now that they had the correct name of the owner, Shu told them to quickly start researching for more information of the owner using the the correct name.

Back at the haunted house, Kuki started commenting that he could smell a really strong smell from the other side of the room and guessed that it must be very dusty on that side. He told Shiro and “me” to head to the secret room and take a look at it. When Shiro asked him why doesn’t he want to go along with us in the secret room, Kuki explained that if everyone were to go together, there might be the possibility that we were all end up missing. Besides, if anything were to happen in the secret room, Kuki was confident that Shiro would be able to escape together with “me”. He told us that he would be staying behind as back up and would definitely help us if we called out for help, so we should head there without worrying too much. 

In the end, both Shiro and “me” decided to head into the secret room by ourselves. (Shiro is unexpectedly kind of sweet here asking “me’ to stay by his side and not leave him ^///^)

Heading into the secret room, Shiro commented that the room was indeed really dusty, the dust had stacked up on the floor like a layer of snow, and our footprints could be seen clearly as we stepped into the room OWO Kuki told us to be careful as we head our way inside the room, and that he would be joining us later as soon as he found a way to make sure that the hidden door (part of the wall) stays home without anyone supporting it. 

Shiro looked around the room and remarked that bed and wallpapers of the room were really worn out and seems that they’ve been moved to this room from the other parts of the house a long time ago. He soon reached to a dead end at the end of the room, but found that there’s a big wall over there that looks really suspicious, and thus deduced that perhaps there’s something over there...

Chapter 9: 不審な影 / The Suspicious Shadow

Suddenly, a shadow appeared and escaped from Shiro’s side. Shiro started to chase after the shadow, asking “me” to follow him but try not to fall and hurt myself along the way. (So cute that he actually called “me” assistant-chan! O/////O)

As we chased down the shadow down the corridor, Shiro realised that the path was getting larger. He wondered whether the shadow was really a ghost but thought that a ghost won’t be able to move at such a high speed. Deducing that if the shadow was really a ghost, it doesn’t have to escape from them, Shiro guessed that it wasn’t a ghost at all and decided to chase up to it.

He noticed that the shadow had went through a door crack, he told “me” to quietly opened the door to aid him in catching it. Shiro planned to catch this “ghost” before Kuki arrived to finish this “boring / lame” case (as said by Shiro), though he was abit afraid of the mice in there ^^;

However, just when he dashed into the room, someone called out to him not to step forward! It was actually Tsubasa (who had went off investigating the house himself earlier on), and he told us that there’s a cat by Shiro’s feet and he’s afraid that Shiro was going to step onto it. Turns out that the black shadow that we’re chasing after was actually a black cat, and Shiro remarked that his heart almost stopped just now due to what had happened. Tsubasa apologised for his actions, as he didn’t thought that he would have scared Shiro non-intentionally ^^; (Aww~ This CG of Tsubasa pleading with Shiro is really adorable~ >////<)

Shiro was confused on why Tsubasa was here as he had head towards the left corridor to investigate the house. Tsubasa answered that he guessed that the left corridor was connected to the right and created a loop in the end, and thus we would meet each other halfway along the corridor.

Back at the detective agency again, Senri and the others had finally found out the truth regarding the haunted house. Rui guessed that this might be a trick set up in the past that made it hard to be discovered by them Kenrouzoku, but Senri replied that he guessed that even the humans themselves who had lived in this town might not have known about this “truth”. They had also researched about the person who had requested them to investigate this haunted house, and was able to find out about his identity. However, Shu wondered about the reason why the person had decided to hide his identity, to which Senri and Rui unexpectedly had the same deduction towards the reason behind it. 

They guessed that somebody might be inside that house, but it definitely can’t be the owner of the house, since according to the information that they had found, the owner had already passed away. 

However, according to Kuki’s investigation earler on, there were traces of items around the house which Senri deduced that they might have belonged to someone who has some sort of relationship with the owner of the house. But the person was not someone who was related to the owner, as Rui’s research showed that none of the owner’s relatives were staying here, nor were there any traces of them having visited the house at all.

(This entire part sounds really confusing to me actually. I tried my best to write down what I could understand and translate from the screenshots I had ><” Sorry if it ended up really confusing Orz)

Chapter 10: そして,真相の扉 / And... Towards the Door of Truth

Shiro asked why was there a black cat doing here and who was the person who had brought it here. Tsubasa answered that he had came across the black cat during his investigation, and while following it, he realised that the black cat actually had a whole family staying in the haunted house. Shiro then wondered why Kuki had not followed us even though he told us that he would be catching up earlier on. (Hmmm... I wonder where is he exactly....?)

Tsubasa was worried whether “I” was injured, and heaved a sigh of relieve when he knew that Shiro had been protecting “me” very well all this time ^^ He was also glad that Shiro had paced himself to my speed of running when chasing after the black cat just now (even though Tsubasa commented that it was still very fast), and praised him that he’s really behaving like a good senpai taking care of me ^^

Talking about Kuki, Tsubasa suddenly remembered that he mentioned that he had found a key when they were searching around the house in the afternoon. Shiro guessed that Kuki must be trying to use that key to open the locked door that Shiro had came across just now, and was pissed off when he realised that Kuki had lured him off into investigating the right side of the house, and mentioned that he’s going to beat Kuki off to the sky when he returned XD

The two went back to the topic about the cats again, where Shiro asked Tsubasa that the cats were being reared in this house. (So perhaps someone is taking care of them...?) Tsubasa mentioned that there’s even more cats than the ones that were here currently, and asked Shiro whether he had came across any of them. Unfortunately, the only cat we had seen was the one that Shiro and “I” ended up chasing.

Just then, even more cats appeared (up to 5 of them), with Tsubasa mentioning that he had also came here while chasing after one of them. Shiro deduced that perhaps the sound of items banging into each other and the laughter might be caused by these cats, while Tsubasa guessed that it could be the wind too, since it had been blowing ever since they had stepped into this house. Shiro decided that they shall now have to the owner of the cats, who could be the culprit that was behind the haunted house.

Suddenly, laughter could be heard in the house, and Tsubasa who was hearing it for the first time, asked Shiro whether this was the laughter which we had heard the last time. It was then Shiro realised that one of the doors near them seems to be connected to the room with the locked door that we had came across the last time. We heard voices coming from behind it, and thus Shiro decided to open the door slowly to hear more of the conversations, as the voices currently sound really muffled and hard to listen.

However, the door creaked as Shiro complained about it, but Tsubasa was very excited, saying that his heart was racing and remarked that he was actually quite afraid of this reverse situation of being in pressure. (But... Tsubasa you look really happy though? ^^:)

Shiro in the end decided to open the door forcefully and shouted at the people inside to show themselves (or say show their true selves). However it was too dark in the room that Tsubasa had to diss that he can’t see the “culprits” true selves due to how dark it was XD

Just then, Kuki appeared and told us “That’s it!” He decided to reveal the culprit and that would be.... himself! (Ku...Kuki?!)

Chapter 11: 最奥の部屋 / The Innermost Room

Shiro was confused and demanded Kuki to give an explanation about it. But, Kuki told us that he was actually joking when he said he was the culprit, and assured us that the culprit wasn’t really a ghost actually ^^; He reminded us again that he had mentioned that he's someone who would only believe in whatever he had seen, and revealed to us the “real” culprit - Hinamori!

Kuki asked Hinamori what was he doing here, laying out all the grotesque objects out of the floor. Hinamori answered that they should be called as horror goods instead of grotesque goods and explained that he was actually laying out his collection and deciding what body organ to be put next to the heart. (In other words, I think he’s just rearranging his collection in a way.) Surprised by us who had came here, Hinamori asked us if we’re here to look at his collection ^^; (So cute that he’s asking this naively but... Hina~ Nobody would come here for no reason and visit your collection ><”)

Kuki answered that unfortunately we aren’t here to look at his collection, instead we’re here due to our work, which is to investigate this house, as there were spotting that people had heard laughter and water sounds from this house, and also poltergeist happenings in this house. Hinamori revealed the reason behind these sounds and happenings, they were caused by the traps that were layed out by him. He further on explained that reason behind why the mannequins hand would float in the air (controlled by fibre threads), and the origin of the water sounds (water coming out by itself from the tap - probably leakage?) As for the laughter, it was coming from Hinamori himself when he was in glee whenever he had gotten blood from Suzu-kun when he was preparing the chicken... ^^: 

The key which Kuki had picked up actually belonged to Hinamori. He had lost it recently but turns out Kuki had found it in the end. Hinamori happily showed us the chicken blood which he had gotten, but ended up dropping it by accident. In the end, even Kuki doesn’t understand whether Hinamori was laughing or crying when he remarked that it’s a waste of the blood and the world is going to end. (Just because of spilled chicken blood...? o.O)

Tsubasa offered to clean up while getting Hinamori to calm down, comforting him that he would definitely get his hands on some beautiful blood again. Hinamori calmed down, but he was in low spirits that Kuki remarked that he seems scarier like than when compared to when he was laughing or crying just now. “I” also tried to help to comfort Hinamori by handing him a handkerchief to wipe his tears. This seems to cheer him up a little as he complimented that “I’m” really a person with beautiful blood. (Erm... Thanks... I guess? ^^;) "I" even rolled up “my” sleeves to show “my” arm to Hinamori and that seems to be cheer Hinamori alot~ (Or say... was too much as he totally got too excited over seeing “my” blood pumping in the arteries O////O) There was also blood on the handkerchief actually so Hinamori got even more excited... Kuki and the others quickly tried to clamHianmori down once again, before he gets too excited to the point he collapsed =w=“

Shiro was pissed as he realised that this was all Hinamori’s fault in the end, though Hinamori was more interested in asking “me” whether he could have “my” handkerchief and add it into his collection. (Tsubasa was quite worried whether it was alright for “me” to give the handkerchief stained with blood away to Hinamori... ^^;)

Regarding Hinamori’s key which Kuki had picked up, he explained that he had actually borrowed it from the owner of this house. This came as a shock to us as we were told that the owner of the house had been dead since a long time ago?! Hinamori wondered whether the person he had saw was actually a ghost in that case, and apparently this pissed off Shiro too much that he almost beat Hinamori up. (Violence is not good Shiro!) In the end, Kuki decided that we head back to the detective agency to talk about this incident and get Hinamori to follow us back too.

Chapter 12: 幽霊屋敷の主 / The Owner of the Haunted House 

Back at the detective agency, Kuki told Shu that as what he had earlier text him about, they had managed to solve this “mystery” behind the haunted house. He remembered that Hinamori had behaved quite weirdly when he was talking about the city legends the last time they were discussing about that topic, and realised now that it was Hinamori himself behind it. Tsubasa was impressed that Kuki had already suspected Hinamori back then, to which Kuki answered that he had found out that Hinamori was usually out and came back later in the nights when the eerie spotting were encountered as well. 

Hinamori apologised to everyone for causing inconvenience to us, and Senri comforted him that it wasn’t anything to apologise about actually. However, he was curious why Hinamori had specifically went to that house to layout his horror collection. Hinamori explained that his room were already full of horror items, and thus he initially wanted to display the rest of them in the laboratory.  But Naoto had found the items to be obstructing and demanded Hinamori to take it away. He was pondering what should he do with his horror collection when he unexpectedly met the owner of the haunted house, who had told him that if he had made the house to have the legend of it being a haunted house, no one would dare to come near to it, and allowed Hinamori to put his collection there.

Shiro changed the target that he should be pissed off to Naoto instead, saying that Naoto should the real culprit XD (If Naoto hasn’t demand Hinamori to move his stuff away, all these won’t have happened ^^;)

Now what they found puzzling was that the owner of the house was known to have already passed away in the information given to them, so Kuki asked Shu if he had knew whether the owner was still alive or was really dead. Shu answered that the owner was indeed still alive, as the owner’s name was written in another way as he was born in another era different from them, and thus led to Shu and the others to read his name wrongly initially. Therefore, the person that they had found to be dead in their initial research turns out to be another person instead. Senri added on that other than the fact that the owner was still alive, he had also become the head of a really huge company. The person who Hinamori had met wasn’t a ghost, since there were records of the owner returning to the country within this month. 

However, Shu realised that there was still one mysterious part that he couldn’t understand. The person who had sent in the request to investigate the haunted house was actually someone who doesn’t exist in this world. Shu and the rest of Class 1 had searched for the name, address and age of this person to find out about his identity, but they could not find there’s such a person and thus deduced that this person was someone who doesn’t exist in this world. Kuki guessed that it’s most probably a prank set up by someone, (someone made up a fake identity =w=“) whereas Hinamori felt that it’s something more like an occult / supernatural case that he’s a fan of~ 

Class 1 had also asked Class 5 to do a fingerprint test on the letter they had received regarding the request to investigate this case. Other than the fingerprints of the detectives in the agency, they had located a new fingerprint. However, comparing with the fingerprints in their database, the fingerprint doesn’t belong to anyone in the database either. Kuki deduced that the fingerprints might belong to a criminal and suggested to them that they check with the “secret” (or say hidden) database as well, which Senri answered that they did check using some underhanded methods, but the results ended up to be the same. Therefore, Senri came to the conclusion that the fingerprint doesn’t belong to anyone in this world, but according to Class 5, they were sure that the fingerprint belonged to a human, and definitely not a fingerprint that was made up. Even if the fingerprint was in fact something that was made up to such a high quality, Senri guessed that the person must have a large database of fingerprints and had the sick hobby to collect them =w=“ Even though the power of science had allowed them to be able to analyze fingerprint, it’s hard to create one to mimic the look of human’s skin and the little injuries as seen on the fingerprint.. 

Senri made a little joke at the end, saying that there’s a possibility that the real identity of the person who had sent in this request was actually the ghost who had stayed at that haunted house. However, he realised that he might have taken the joke too far when he saw that he had scared Shiro instead XD

Kuki just thought of the case as being a weird case overall and just wanted to close the case, even though he knew everyone would have felt spooked and intrigued by the mysterious part behind the case. (Kuki you sound you just want to get it over and done with ^^;) He lectured Shiro to write his report this time round (since he skipped out the last time) and was glad that this case was closed in the end~

And that was it for this spooky mystery~ It’s actually kind of interesting in the end, especially that last part of that was yet to be solved in the end~ Nobody would knew who was it who sent in the letter I guess ^^;

As this case focused mainly on Class 7 (and of course Class 1 as the support), it satisified me greatly seeing that I’m a fan of Class 7 ^^ Hinamori also get some chance to shine since he usually doesn’t appear much as compared to Suzu-kun or Naoto~

Next case would also be a happy case~! I hope I’ll be able to write about it next week, so please look forward to it~! ^^

[feyre-archerons-scrapbook]

So Much Left Unsaid - Lucien/Tamlin fic

*** This story follows on directly after ACOWAR so needless to say there are spoilers throughout. ***

Lucien and Tamlin haven’t spoken since the events of ACOWAR, and somebody has to be the one to break the stalemate. Too many words remain left unsaid, but can their friendship be salvaged? And does either of them want it to be?

Thank you @rhysand-vs-rowan / @all-we-can-be for being my beta reader once again; your thoughts and opinions are always an incredible help! xoxoxo

Find me on AO3

Guilt is a powerful emotion.

It is all consuming, like a great dark monster that suffocates the light and slowly tears the soul apart. It is a wretched thing.

I have had more than my fair share of guilt during this long life, but none that hovered over me with such relentlessness as the guilt I felt now.

Tamlin.

My best friend for as long as I could remember; I’d abandoned him. Just thinking the words left me with a hollow feeling in my stomach. He had helped me when I was desperate, he gave me a place to call home when I had nothing, and gave me a role and purpose within his court.

And after all that, I had abandoned him.

I ran away, leaving him alone to watch his court crumble around him, watch his forces desert him and his people flee. I’d turned my back and not given it a second thought in that moment.

But I’d wanted out for a long time. I had allowed too much to happen without intervening; I had allowed Feyre – my friend – to suffer… No more. I needed to atone for my mistakes.

I was as good as castrated in the Spring Court, all my responsibilities melting away until only the hollow title of Emissary remained. I yearned to be useful again. Feyre and the Night Court gave me that opportunity.

Still, in the weeks following the battle with Hybern, when I finally returned from the continent back to Velaris, I contemplated sending him a letter. I wanted to explain myself and my actions to him, hoping he would understand my reasons for leaving. But then I remembered his reaction to Feyre’s letter. I remembered the roar of the beast, the shredded curtains, the splintered furniture. I remembered the fear in the eyes of the servants, running for their lives from a High Lord who was inconsolable with rage…with grief.

So, I decided against the letter. If I was going to explain things to him, I had to look him in the eye as I spoke, as I began to repair our damaged friendship…if that was even possible.

One evening, after dinner at the townhouse, I retired to the sitting room with a book, and sat myself down on the deep cushion of a window seat. The book remained closed in my lap though, as I stared out of the window, watching raindrops scurry down the window panes.

I was so entranced by the rain and the pitter-patter on the glass, that I didn’t notice the cushion sink as Feyre sat down beside me.

“I know what you’re thinking,” she said in a soft, quiet voice.

I jumped a little and laughed under my breath. “You do?”

She rolled her lips and gave a small nod. “You want to go back and talk to him.” I nodded in return. “I contemplated doing that, too…at one point.”

“But you didn’t return. Not until you had to.” I said, strengthening my hold on the book in my lap.

“What could I say, really? You know what he’s like. You know more than most.”

“Indeed. A few centuries by his side has taught me many things.” I dropped my head and sighed. “Feyre, would you think me ungrateful if I returned to the Spring Court?”

“Are you planning on staying there, for good?” I was sure a frown creased her features.

“No.” I sighed again. “I hate saying it…or at least I should, because I feel like I’m erasing all the good he did for me, but I like it here.” I looked at her again - at the true definition of friendship in her eyes - and then at the room. I had no idea how long Mor and Cassian had been sitting in the two armchairs by the fireplace, but I was glad they were here. I was glad each and every person in this house was here. Even Nesta. “I know I haven’t been here long or officially been invited, but it feels like home.”

Feyre covered my hand and squeezed gently. “This is your home, Lucien, for however long you wish it to be, and no invitation is necessary, we are all your family.”

“Here, here,” Mor winked at me. I gave a smile of gratitude.

“But,” Feyre continued, “if you want to go back to the Spring Court and talk to him, none of us will stand in your way.”

“You might even be able to talk some sense into that cranky bastard,” Cassian said from his chair. Mor gave him a swift kick to the shins and a glare that could probably set him on fire if she held it for long enough.

I thought for a minute. Would it actually accomplish anything? The look Tamlin had aimed at me, when I stood beside the High Lady of the Night Court wearing Illyrian fighting leathers after the battle. He knew which side I’d chosen. That look had been hatred. Disgust. Did I want to go back to face that? Would the scene that greeted me on my return be one that would haunt me forever?

Just sitting here wasn’t going to achieve anything, that was for certain. “All right,” I said, shifting the book off my lap and onto the seat beside me. “No use stewing over it any longer. I will go tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Feyre smiled, giving my hand another gentle squeeze. “If you’re sure.”

“I am,” I said, feeling only slightly sick with nerves. “He deserves an explanation.”

“Ha!” Cassian barked. Mor leaned across and whacked him with all her might. “Ow!”

Decision made.

I winnowed to the Spring Court the next morning, landing on the outskirts of the village closest to the manor. The sight before me was horrific.

Every newly built house, every business, every blade of grass, burned and black and still smouldering. A village only just finding its feet again after years of Amarantha’s destruction, all gone. I wanted to throw up. This had been punishment from Hybern for the dead royals. Another reason for Tamlin to hate Feyre, to hate me.

I walked up the lane that would lead me to the manor, my eyes fixed on the charred ruins. I prayed to the Mother that there weren’t many lives lost here, but I wasn’t sure I could live with the knowledge either way.

Because I was a coward.

I had always been a coward, choosing to make myself as small and inconspicuous as possible in the face of danger. Never standing tall and defending the people and the ideals that I valued. Coward.

I suppose today was my way of fighting against that, of proving to myself that I was strong. I wasn’t going to hide away from this scene of devastation before me, or from my friend. Not my enemy, my friend. I needed to remember that.

And if I couldn’t face him, how in the world would I fight another battle, literal or otherwise? If I couldn’t face Tamlin, I might as well drive an ash arrow through my heart, or go back to the Autumn Court and let my father and brothers finish me off.

So I continued on. I cut through the spring woods, following paths I had trailed countless times over the years. Paths that still wound through the tall trees, under the canopy of green leaves and beautiful flowers. Bluebells still dominated the shady spots, a swathe of splendid colour rippling in the gentle breeze. It was comforting to see that some things hadn’t been destroyed by Hybern.

As I emerged from the trees and back onto the lane, I was halted in my tracks by the manor gates. They stood proudly, defiantly before me, and my eyes drifted up them like I’d never seen them before. Ten feet high and painted white, with the emblem of Spring in the middle of each one. I looked left and right, at the stone pillars holding them up. Twin beasts were frozen mid-roar on top, daring trespassers to try entering.

I gulped down my nerves and reached a hand out to grasp one of the wrought iron bars. I expected to hit a hard wall of air, or wards that would send me hurtling backwards into the dirt.

I pushed the gate.

It swung open easily, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I would’ve preferred to hit wards; at least that would’ve proved to me just how pissed Tamlin was, how much he wanted to hide away. The gates being open made me fearful, instead. Had he given up caring? Probably. Would he fight off an intruder, or was he hoping for one? I honestly didn’t know.

So I stepped over the threshold and onto the vast rolling lawns of the manor. Doubt began to creep into me immediately. As the long, unkempt blades of grass brushed my thighs, it began to feel like the doubt was wrapping itself around me to pull me back, to stop me from walking through those front doors. But I persisted.  The place was silent, and it seemed that even the fountains had stopped babbling with water. Another shiver.

I came to a stop at the foot of the grand steps, and gazed upwards. Each window was dimmed, several panes shattered, wind forcing the curtains through the holes. Thin green vines crept along the white rendered walls, preparing to strangle the building.

Life had deserted this place. It had followed Feyre and I out of this land, and far away. I wasn’t sure if it would ever return. Or if Tamlin would even want it to.

I ascended the steps, my heartbeat a fast, heavy rhythm in my chest. Last time I’d walked up them I was still the Spring Court emissary, still useful, still loyal. Now I felt sick. I was sure my body was shaking, but I felt numb to it. Tamlin and I had been friends through such tragedy and joy, light and dark. It couldn’t be over.  

I stepped up to the front doors that still, thankfully, hung on their hinges. Grasping a silver handle, I twisted it and opened the door.

The place was a wreck. There was no other way to put it. The walls were covered in deep, angry claw marks. All curtains were completely shredded, all furniture broken into splinters. Glass littered the floor. Feyre’s bedroom flashed before my eyes. Mother help me.

My footsteps echoed on the tiles as I inched into the entrance hall. There were no other sounds, except my breathing, which I suddenly noticed was loud, shuddering. Nervous.

I glanced right, down a hallway towards the kitchens. More vines snaked over the floor, and up the walls. If a stranger had stumbled across this place, they would’ve believed it lay empty for decades. But these were hallways I had been wandering up and down mere months ago. They had been filled with servants and sentries and conversation. I loosed a breath and stepped further into the entrance hall.

“What are you doing here?” came a voice from behind that I recognized…just about.

I turned around to find Tamlin staring at me from the far end of the dining room. He sat atop his golden throne – brought through from the great hall – his legs wide as he slumped against the padded velvet back. His hair was ragged and loose around his face, his clothes dishevelled. The vast dining table and its many chairs lay broken into infinite pieces before him, rotting food scattered amongst the wreckage.

“Tamlin,” I breathed, and took a step toward the broken doors.

“Stay where you are!” he commanded. He hadn’t sounded so authoritative in months...years, even.

I halted. “I came back to talk to -”

“You came back to gloat,” he scoffed.

“What?” I frowned, “No, Tam, I wanted to explain why I le-”

“You left because you got a better offer. Another one of those Archeron bitches turned out to be your mate,” he sneered, “and you followed her to that place like a drooling, horny animal!”

“No, no.” Anger heated my bones, but I tamped it down and moved forward another step. “Tamlin, please -”

“I told you to stay there, Lucien!” His claws pushed out of his skin and gripped the curved golden arms of the throne. He drove them in an inch, before retracting them. “Disobey my order one more time, and I won’t make the mistake of letting you walk out of here again.”

He dragged his claws along the arms, and a lump rose in my throat. A part of me wanted to fall to my knees at his tone, his words. The hatred that dripped from his mouth hurt more than a thousand ash arrows ever could. I held my hands up in submission, my heart aching.

He seemed to smirk at the sadness written across my face, and settled back into his lean, this time draping a leg over the chair arm. “So it seems you picked the winning side, old friend. The Night Court got itself a whimpering little fox cub to pet.”

“Tam, we were all on the winning side.”

“Do you keep them entertained with your fire tricks? Or are the theatrics purely for the bedroom?”

“No, just please let me expl-”

“Was this always the plan, hmm?” he asked, bouncing his leg, “To run away with Feyre to that place? To make a fool out of me and laugh about it with your winged friends, amongst the stars and the debauchery?”

“Tamlin! Shut up!” I screamed, and stormed into the dining room. He leapt to his feet, but before he could do anything I sent a stream of red hot fire towards him, drawing a line of it across his path. “Sit down and let me speak, for once!!”

He roared at me. The first time that blood-curdling sound had been aimed in my direction. My heart threw itself against my chest. I wanted to turn and run, but I shoved an end piece of the dining table away with my foot, sending it careening towards the wall, and planted myself a few feet away from his throne.

“I’m sorry,” I said, throwing my arms out wide and letting them drop. “I really, truly am.”

“Don’t you fucking dare,” he rumbled. The fangs of his beast form began to appear, illuminated by the fire that still rippled between us.

“I’m not sorry for leaving.” I shook my head, “I needed to see Elain, to check if she was all right after her ordeal.” He seemed to retreat inward a tiny bit at that. “But I didn’t mean to abandon you.”

“You planned this whole thing, you and that whore!”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed. “You are so full of shit, Tam. Even now, after everything that has happened, you still act like the injured party in all of this? Even after you - not us - you made a deal with Hybern, the bastard king that Amarantha answered to, just to get Feyre back!”

“She was mine.”

I shook my head. “No, Tam, no she wasn’t. Feyre wasn’t your prize for coming out the other side, she wasn’t a trophy to parade around, and she wasn’t stolen from you. She was her own person, a new person after what happened, and she was dying here.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” he scoffed, waving me off.

“She was withering away and we never noticed. She barely ate, barely slept…she died under that damned mountain, and you know what?”

“What?” he retorted.

I pointed at him, and let the flames extinguish between us. “I think you did too.”

His eyes widened in shock. “Now who’s full of shit?”

“You weren’t the same when we came out at the end. You were possessive, angry…blind to the suffering of the woman you loved.”

“Stop it, Lucien,” he growled, extending his claws again. “Why are you bringing this up? Why drag all that back out into the open?”

“Because I never did at the time!” I yelled, my face burning with anger, regret. “I pretended everything was all right, ticking along nicely. I tried to block out the sounds of her throwing up every night, and the screaming Under the Mountain, of that wyrm chasing her in the pit. The cracks of the whip across my back when Amarantha made you punish me for helping her.”

“Don’t,” my friend whispered, and I could see the tears cresting his eyes as his claws retracted back into his skin.

“All that pain and suffering we endured, and yet when the time came, I didn’t help her when it mattered the most. When you locked her in this house.” I opened my arms wide and looked around at the decay, the destruction around me. “So when I left with Feyre; yes, part of it was my need to see my mate…but the other part? I had to help my friend. I had to make up for my past mistakes.”

“But you left me here with nothing, Lucien!”

“You still had your High Priestess,” I shrugged. I wasn’t sure if anything I’d said had got through to him.

“I wanted Feyre.” He shuffled in his seat. “I didn’t want Ianthe.”

“Neither did I, but I endured her, for you.”

“I know,” he mumbled, lifting his eyes to the ceiling.

I stepped closer. “I did what my High Lord couldn’t and wouldn’t do, and after that…she was relentless. She wouldn’t take no for an answer, so each time she invited herself to my room, I endured her again and again…and again.”

He looked at me, studied me and my words, and I realised that a tear had drifted down my cheek. I hastily wiped it away and said, “Did she ever tell you that?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t have taken it seriously anyway,” I snapped, feeling my sadness ebb towards anger.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Lucien?”

“You were blind to Ianthe. Every damn word that came out of her mouth was laced with cruelty and lies, yet the glorious High Lord of Spring accepted it without question.” I pointed at him, my hand shaking. I willed it to steady. “You believed all the shit she fed you, and it made you impossible to reason with.”

He placed both feet on the ground and sat up straight, his eyes now boring into me. “What are you trying to say to me?”

I pulled my shoulders back. “You wouldn’t listen. Ever.”

“You didn’t exactly state your case very clearly, old friend,” he replied through gritted teeth.

“How could I when you or Ianthe shut me down every single time? Hmm?” He leaned forward on that pretentious throne and I felt my guilt and sadness begin to bubble up. “Every time I tried to warn you about her, or Hybern, or the dangers of letting the wall come down, you turned your back on me!”

“I never turned my back on you!” he roared, and pushed up from the throne. His chest heaved as he looked down on me. “I was the one who warned you about your relationship with that faerie! I took you in when it all came crashing down and you had nothing! And I protected you when your brothers came looking for an easy kill!”

I gulped. “I wondered when you’d throw that back in my face, Tam.”

“I did those things because you are...were my friend, and you needed help.” He stepped off the dias and stalked towards me. “And I would’ve done them a thousand times over, too, so don’t you dare tell me I turned my back!”

“Well if we’re playing that game, remember this?” I growled, and pointed to my metal eye. The machinery whirred faintly in my head. “I got that being your messenger boy. My reward for doing your begging and pleading, or did you forget?”

“How could I? It’s been staring back at me for the past fifty years!” He laughed under his breath, and I felt my guilt give way.

I felt it drop, like a stone falling from a bridge. The foundations of our friendship were crumbling just like this manor, and in that moment I wasn’t sure I even cared anymore. We had been friends. True friends. We had gone on adventures together, and got drunk together and…

And none of that meant a damn thing.

He looked me up and down with a snarl and then began to turn away.

“Don’t walk away, Tamlin.”

He ignored me, and shoved past.

“Look at me!” I shouted, and grabbed his arm.

“Why? Why?!” he snapped, as I yanked him round. His face was borderline feral, but his eyes were entirely fae, and desperately sad. “The last time I looked at you, you were wearing their armour, their emblem! You picked your side, Lucien!”

“It wasn’t a question of picking sides, but you brought this upon yourself, Tam! You pushed us all away! Even Alis was forced to flee this place, for the sake of her boys!”  

“You chose Feyre, and Rhys, and your mate, and left me here to pick up the pieces!”

“Feyre gave you a million opportunities to do the right thing, just like she did for me. I took my chance. You didn’t. The consequences were all avoidable.”

He tried to pull his arm away, but I held my grip, sending a wave of heat to his arm to hold him in place. He looked down at my hand. “Glad to see you’re finally turning into your father.”

“Ditto.”

“Fuck you, Lucien.”

“Nice.” I dropped my head. This hadn’t gone to plan at all.

A sigh escaped my lips, before I spoke, “Enough. I can’t do this anymore. Believe it or not, I never meant for any of this to happen. For you to end up by yourself, isolated.”

“So you came back out of guilt, is that it?”

“I hoped that we could talk about this and start to move on,” I frowned, clutching his arm, “I don’t want this to be our end.”

“Too bad,” he gulped. With that, I withdrew my power and he shirked me off. “You’re not my emissary anymore, so you have no need to be here, and I have no need to listen to you.” He took a step backwards through the debris, and thumbed over his shoulder, “Get the hell out of my court, and don’t come back.”

Without saying another word, he turned his back on me and headed for the doorway. My shoulders dropped, and I looked down at my hands, turning them over so my palms were facing up; scorched with heat. Normally I would absorb my power right back into myself leaving no trace, but not today. I was hurting inside and out. My body wanted me to feel this pain, this raging, crushing pain in every possible way.

I felt the burn of it, seeing the state of the room, the furniture. A crack had appeared in the far corner, and my stomach dropped.  

Choking back tears, I returned my focus to him, just as he crossed the threshold into the entrance hall. My voice echoed in the cavernous space. “What happened to this place, Tamlin.”

He paused, and dropped his head.

“I’ve been gone for a few months and yet…” I glanced around me, at the vines and the rotting food and the flies. “The house looks like it’s been abandoned for -”

“Fifty years?” he said, cutting me off. He turned back to me and I nodded. All of the tension, the anger seemed to eke out of him in that moment. He threw his arms out in resignation. “Everything was…gone.” That voice was the quietest I’d ever heard it. “My armies fled, my people were dying in the streets…Feyre had left. And to really stick the knife in, she’d taken you with her. My oldest and greatest friend.”

The blackness of my guilt returned. Cautiously, I inched closer.

He glanced up at the ceiling, and the light reflected in his watery eyes. He released a heavy sigh and slumped against the door frame. “After all that fighting, all that loss…” He pointed at my metal eye, then shrugged. “In the end it was all for nothing. Amarantha won.”

“No, Tam,” I whispered, and moved closer still. “You can’t believe that’s true.”

He laughed a sad, pitiful laugh. “It is. And so, I used my magic to let it all fester as if I’d never put up a fight. As if I had gone Under the Mountain with that bitch fifty years ago, and left this place to rack and ruin.”

I scanned the room again as I came to a stop beside him. It was true. The wallpaper on the walls was faded, peeling in places. The candles in the chandeliers were stubs, covered in dust. This house had become his mausoleum. “Feyre survived. Whether she’s with you, or in the north, she lives. Be thankful for that.”

“I am,” he murmured. “I am.” He reached out, and I felt my body tense, but he placed a hand on my shoulder and look at me. Not with hatred, only regret. “I’m only sad that it ended the way it did.”

“As am I,” I whispered, and watched as he dropped his head to stare at the floor. I reached out to him, hesitantly placing my hand on his shoulder, and said, “But we all survived, and isn’t that the main thing? Thanks in no small part to you, by the way.”

He waved me off. “Don’t coddle me, Lucien.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I said, a hint of a smile creeping onto my face. “I’m serious; you dragged my father and his court kicking and screaming into battle, if I’ve heard right. That was no small feat, old friend.”

He lifted his gaze to me, and I was heartened to see that his tears had faded. “He really did need to be dragged, too, you should’ve seen him.”

“I wish I’d been there.”

“I had my claws round his throat at one point.”

“Now I really wish I’d been there!” A laugh erupted from me, and as I doubled over with tears running down my cheeks, I realised he was laughing too. Real, heartfelt laughter. I couldn’t remember the last time we’d truly had that.

Relief and sadness washed over me; relief that we seemed to be no longer in danger of clawing or burning each other to death, but sad for the way our friendship felt different, somehow. Perhaps that might be a good thing in the end - a way to move on from the past by changing the relationship - but…I was still sad, and there were things still unsaid.

But I thought today was enough. I’d said my piece, and wouldn’t push my luck trying to get something out of my stubborn old friend.

So I took a step back from him and gave a small smile. “Thank you for seeing me, Tam. I’ll get out of your way now.”

He nodded. “All right. Back to the Night Court?” This time his words weren’t tinged with bitterness or anger, only pure curiosity.

“Yes.”

“I hope they are treating you well, old friend.”

“They are. And they are all very grateful for what you did, Tam.”

He laughed under his breath, a small sliver of that bitterness revealing itself. “For playing both sides, you mean?”

I shrugged. “Whatever your methods, you came through in the end. That’s all that matters.”

He nodded slowly, before pressing his head back against the door frame and shoving both hands into his trouser pockets. He narrowed his eyes and studied me, very closely. “You’re happy, Lucien, I can see that. And I’m glad of it.”

“Thank you. The Night Court is my home now, because it’s where Elain is…but I still consider Spring my -”

“Don’t,” he whispered, and held a hand up, “You don’t need to say things to make me feel better. Just let me be happy for you, all right?”

I rolled my lips and nodded. “All right.”

Shadows flickered in the entrance hall, reminding me that I should leave now, or risk pushing him too far, too soon. We were speaking again now, that was the most important thing, and I wouldn’t feel sick with nerves at the thought of coming back here.

I turned and headed for the front doors, the tap of my boots on the tiled floor the only sound. Just as I reached the door, a wave of some emotion I hadn’t felt in long time came over me.

“I am sorry, Lucien,” Tamlin suddenly said from his place against the dining room doorway.

I turned around.

“I’m sorry for how I treated you, for the position I put you in with your loyalties…with Ianthe. You are the only real friend I have left.”

I smiled over my shoulder. “I always will be your friend, Tamlin. Always.”

“Thank you.” He began fidgeting with his hands, as if trying to unscramble the words from his mind. He took one step forward, then stopped. Afraid, somehow. “Please, tell Feyre how sorry I am for everything that came after…after we were happy. That’s all I want now; happiness for her…for you all.”

“I will, of course. She wishes you well, too.”

He smiled at me. It was timid, almost childlike really, but it was a smile nonetheless, and my heart was warmed by this farewell. And that’s all it was; a goodbye for now.

Time. That’s what he needed. A little bit of time to heal himself, to truly banish the memories of Amarantha and all the damage she had caused. He would let Feyre go now, willingly, and I knew she would be pleased by that. And who knows, perhaps one day he’d find his mate, and he’d know true happiness.

I grasped the edge of the open door and began to walk out, catching sight of the vines and the crumbling walls. I turned back one last time and said, “Please live, Tamlin. Don’t let this house entomb you, no matter what. Breathe new life into these walls and just…live. Will you do that?”

One simple nod of acknowledgement came my way. “I will try.”

With that, I left. I hurried down the grand steps and back onto the tall grass of the lawn. As I made my way back towards the gates, that unfamiliar emotion suddenly became clear; hope. I had hope for all of our futures. For me, Tamlin, Elain, Feyre, Rhys… For Cassian and Nesta, and Azriel, Mor, and Amren. We had all gone to the very edge of existence fighting, all willing to die for freedom, and we had all survived.

Now, we could look forward, and that was incredible.

I would come back to the Spring Court soon, I had no doubt. Then the slow rebuilding of our friendship would truly begin. And something told me that the next time I came, the grass would be cut, the windows repaired, the vines gone.

Tamlin would be all right. We all would.