#went back and forth with adding freckles and hair spots still not sure

[blackmageeljin]

If I had a nickel for every time a twink in a purple crop top developed DID and became a mafia boss, I’d only have two nickels, but its weird that it happened twice, right?

Finally got around to doing this and actually posting art again!! Happy birthday Mairk <3

[queenshelby]

Time for Change – Part Four

Pairing: Cillian Murphy x Reader

Warning: Smut

Words: 1,888

Notes: Not based on Cillian’s life. This is fiction guys! 

YOUR POV

It has been just over a week since you saw Cillian last and not one night went by during which you didn’t think about him and the incredible sex you had with him.

Whilst you had agreed that this was a going to be a one-night stand, you couldn’t help but fantasise about him over and over again.

Even when you were lying next to James who, two days ago, had returned from New York, you were thinking about Cillian’s body on top of yours and all the naughty things that he would do to you.

You wanted him, more than as a friend or casual lover. But you knew that, this was never going to be possible.

As far as James was concerned, you didn’t address his infidelity yet. You needed more proof and you desperately needed to see a lawyer to ensure that James couldn’t take Chloe away.

James and Chloe were both US citizens, but you were not and Chloe did not hold an Irish passport. You applied for one, but the Department of Immigration was taking a long time to process through the adoption papers. Chloe was adopted by you both when you lived in the US and Ireland was slow in recognising it. This meant that you were stuck with him for now if you wanted to remain in Ireland.

With that being the case, you ran into the problem of James wanting more from you than what you were willing to give. You knew that he was fucking at least one other woman and, therefore, you had no intention of being intimate with him. It disgusted you.

In the same vein, you had slept with another man, a man who was still on your mind and who had satisfied you more than James ever could, raising the stakes quite significantly.

You kept making excuses, telling him that you weren’t feeling well, had a stressful day or a headache. You hoped that, eventually, he would find someone else, perhaps even someone at his place of work.

CILLIAN’S POV

As for Cillian, he also had not spoken to Danielle about his intention to divorce. He struggled with the idea and the fact that he wouldn’t see his children every day if they separated.

Danielle had threatened to withhold the children many times over the past few years after endless allegations of affairs, none of which were true. She told him that, due to his line of work, she would seek full custody and he knew that she was likely going to be successful if he wasn’t home for several months at the time.

Her behaviour was relentless, even to the point where one of his old personal assistants had resigned due to her constant allegations.

Then, a year later, she went so far and shared her allegations and concerns with Cillian’s mother, causing Cillian to leave her for several months, which is when she made her threats real and withheld contact to his children until he came back to her.

In addition, his agent had advised him against moving forward with the separation until the next season of Peaky Blinders is released. In his mine, with nothing else being available for his followers to get their hands on, his separation would likely be dragged through the mud by the papers, making it more difficult for his career.

Cillian liked to stay out of the media as much as he could but, depending on where Danielle was to take this, this might not be possible and he started to weigh up his options.

Yet, he felt the same about the night you had shared. The images of you in bed with him drove him crazy and, whilst him and Danielle no longer were intimate, he felt guilty for sneaking into the bathroom almost every single night to masturbate with you on his mind.

Making a Date

To his surprise, at 8 o’clock on Thursday night, he received a text message from you, asking him whether he wanted to meet up with you and, of course, he did.

He was reluctant at first, knowing what was at stake and not knowing how far things would go when you met up again.  

He didn’t know what your intentions were and why you wanted to meet but, when you responded to his text message by asking whether you should get a hotel room, it became pretty clear to him that you were after intimacy.

Cillian was torn about it. It was cliché, that’s for sure. It even reminded him on a movie he had starred in a few years ago. But, the thought of being alone with you in a hotel room drove him crazy and his reasonable thought process came to a standstill.

‘Alright. Let’s meet at the Westin 5 o’clock tomorrow afternoon. I will book a room’ Cillian typed, before deleting it and then retyping it all again. He knew it was wrong, no matter how bad things were between him and Danielle.

Eventually, he decided to send it and you were quick to respond, agreeing to his proposed time and location.

The following day, you told James that you were meeting up with friends in town and might stay over at Emily’s house.

Cillian did the same and told Danielle that he was going out in Temple Bar with some of his friends and, whilst James didn’t mind and bought your excuse, Danielle was frustrated with Cillian for leaving her with the kids.

‘You better don’t come home drunk Cillian’ she growled angrily, causing Cillian to roll his eyes.

‘If I have too much, I will crash on my brother’s lounge’ he then responded, causing Danielle to huff and swear.

‘Seriously Danielle? You disappeared for a fucking week and you have a problem with me going out for one night?’ Cillian said, shaking his head before he slammed the door behind him.

The Hotel

‘Room 307. I left a key at reception’ Cillian texted as you were sitting in the back of the taxi.  

‘Can’t wait to see you. I didn’t bother wearing panties. I hope that is okay’ you texted back, teasing Cillian.

‘Good call. They would just have come off within minutes of you walking through the door’ he responded.

The texting went back and forth making you more and more excited. With each chime of your phone your pussy throbbed more and your ten-minute drive felt like it took forever and the short walk up to the hotel room was torture.

Your clit was so aroused that even the motion of your legs as you walked teased your pussy and made you just crave Cillian’s touch even more.

When you knocked on the door Cillian answered very quickly. He was wearing only a towel on his hips and you could see his freckle covered chest and the tops of his hips.

Quickly you entered and turned and locked the door behind you. You grabbed Cillian and kissed him passionately. As you did, moans escaped your mouth and you could feel Cillian's already hard cock press against you as his towel fell to the floor.

‘Fuck’ Cillian groaned as he saw you and, in one quick motion, he ripped your dress to the floor, kneeling in front of you as you stepped out of it. Without losing any time and before you could even have said hello to each other, Cillian pressed his face against your deliciously wet pussy and began to make circles around your clit with his tongue. He then slid one finger inside you and left it still.

‘Oh, fuck Cillian, please’ you begged as you craved more and moved your hip so that his finger teased you gently. Cillian then added a second finger and he curved them upward just slightly so that the tip of his fingers stroked your g-spot.

‘Oh god yes’ you moaned, wanting even more. Your body began to shake and your legs began to weaken as you grew close to orgasm.

You leaned your back against the door to prevent yourself from crumbling to the floor. Cillian then began to suck on your clit and as he did you screamed out. Your legs shook and you had to grab a hold of the door handle to prevent yourself from falling to the ground.

‘Oh my god, I'm cumming’ you screamed with passion and lust in your voice.

Cillian kept teasing your pussy after waves of pleasure rolled through your body. You gained control of your balance again and became steady on your legs. You then grabbed Cillian by the shoulders and pulled him up to kiss him, tasting your juices on his lips and tongue.

‘Well, it’s good to see you’ he finally grinned as your lips drifted apart.

‘Now this Mr Murphy, was a nice welcome’ you said before kissing him again passionately.

‘Now it’s my turn’ you then said as you pushed him back towards a chair in the corner of the room and made him sit down.

Within seconds, you pushed his legs apart and went down on your knees in between them and took his cock in your mouth.

‘Fuck Y/N’ Cillian groaned as, first, you just lightly sucked on the tip of his cock, flicking your tongue on the tip.

This was something Danielle hadn’t done to him in a very long time and it didn’t take long for another small growl to come out to the back of Cillian's throat.

With this encouragement you took his entire cock into your mouth devouring all seven inches of his amazing cock. You deepthroated his cock starting off slowly and as you got quicker Cillian pulled your hair encouraging you to go faster and faster on his cock.

‘Jesus Y/N’ Cillian groaned as you tilted your head back to catch your breath and stood up.

After you gave Cillian another passionate kiss, you climbed on top of his lap, facing him and allowing him to play with and suck on your breasts while you lowered yourself onto his cock with a loud moan.  

You rode his cock slowly at first and worked up to speed, panting as your clit rubbed against his hips. You could feel your pleasure building inside you as you could feel yourself becoming ready to orgasm again. Cillian continued to play with your hard nipples until finally he slipped his hand between your legs and rubbed your clit in a circular motion. This sent you over the edge and you started cumming again.

‘Fuck, Y/N, that’s it’ Cillian groaned as your walls contracted around his hard cock, milking him and sending him over the edge as well.

You came in sync and could feel Cillian filling you with his warm cum, coating your walls and cervix as you rode out your orgasms.

‘That was amazing’ you huffed out eventually and Cillian kissed you again passionately.

‘I fucking needed this’ he chuckled after your lips drifted apart.

‘Me too’ you giggled. ‘So, are we going to make use of this amazing spa tub?’ you then asked as you slowly lifted yourself off Cillian, causing a large amount of his cum to leak out of you and onto Cillian’s lap.

‘I would say let’s have a bath, then order some room service and then have some more sex’ Cillian suggested.

‘Sounds like a fabulous idea’ you smiled.

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[bakugousbussy]

The Beginning

w/ Lee! Todoroki and Ler! Class1A

Summary: While watching a movie, a tickling scene plays, and the class gets a little bit curious.

-

It was movie night in the dorms, something Aizawa sensei suggested they do once weekly to not only bring the class closer together, but also to remind them they were just kids.

Lots has happened to his class, with the USJ attack, Bakugou getting kidnapped, and the fall of the No.1 hero, Aizawa thought the kids needed a little break from being heroes once and a while, thus having the idea. It was perfect since the kids would be quiet, and he didn’t have to entertain them.

I don’t know who thought it was a good idea to give the power to choose a movie to the kids but there Aizawa sensei was, grumbling about having to sit through the movie Boss Baby.

Everyone sat in the common area, around the TV, snuggled up in blankets, snacks laying around.

Aizawa looked around at his students. Weird, he thought. Imagine a class full of upcoming heroes being entertained by a children’s movie. He would’ve thought they would choose to watch an action movie, or a horror one, literally anything else.

He silently awed at the sight, and continued to watch the movie.

Midoriya has this tendency to talk during movies, muttering to himself about what he thinks is going to happen next, or always screaming ‘don’t go in there’ during scary movies. And everyone just shushes him.

Which was currently happening right now. “They’re going to start getting along, and they’re going to work together to fight some eviler guy.” Midoriya said, quietly, but audible to his friends around him.

“Deku, hush, i’m trying to watch.” Uraraka turned to face him, and poked his forehead with her finger.

The movie continued and the green haired boy made another comment. “See I knew it!” He said with a smile and a slight nod.

“Midoriya, people are trying to watch.” Iida said as he karate chopped the air in the direction of the TV.

The movie continued, and everyone’s eyes were glued to the screen. Even Bakugou’s, which was surprising. Everyone was having a good time, until a certain scene played.

“Come on, everyone has a tickle spot.” The TV said.

Midoriya’s face grew hot at the words from the screen. A blush slowly starting to form on his freckled face.

When Midoriya was younger, he would often get tickled by his peers. Bringing back a memory he thought he had forgotten about. Deku didn’t mind being tickled, if anything he enjoyed it. He thought it was a good way to just let go, and an easy way to make someone smile.

Midoriya was brought out of his thoughts when he heard someone else speak.

“Not everyone has a tickle spot.” Todoroki whispered out, voice sounding kind of sad.

“Huh? Sure they do, Todoroki.” Midoriya replied.

“I think everyone does Todoroki-kun.” Uraraka said to him, her head tilted sideways.

“I don’t. I wasn’t ever tickled when I was younger, so I don’t even think I am.” Shoto turned to face the two, and the two just responded with sad eyes.

The class started to turn their heads to the conversation.

“Did you just say you aren’t ticklish?” Mina said loudly, getting everyone’s attention, standing up from her spot on the floor, putting one hand on her hip.

“Well, yeah I don’t think I am.” Todoroki said calmly, looking up to her.

“All right so we’re about to find out. Sero, get his arms.” She said quickly, zero hesitation.

And Sero reacted just as quickly, launching his tape at Todoroki, and securing him to the floor. Todoroki looked like the letter ‘Y’, arms stretched over his heads, and body straight out beneath him.

I don’t know what it was, but the thought of seeing his half and half rival helplessly bounded got Bakugou riled up. Sure, he thought tickling was for kids, but was he going to let the opportunity of wrecking the shit out of his nemesis pass? No. How could he pass on exploiting a weakness that did no physical harm.

Bakugou, as did most of Class 1A got up from their spots, and mischievously made their way over to the half and half hero, who laid on the ground still.

“There’s really no reason to do this, I’m not.” He looked at the circle of people around him, face calm but eyes giving off a little bit of fear.

Deku went first, slowly starting to poke at the boys’ exposed sides.

No reaction.

Mina tried his ribs.

No reaction.

Uraraka squeezed his thighs.

No reaction.

“Wow Todoroki, maybe you really aren’t ticklish.” Denki said, amazed look on his face.

“Move extras, I’ll show you how it’s done.” Annoyed, Bakugou pushed his way onto Todoroki, straddling his waist.

“Bakugou, it’s no use, I’m not-” Todoroki was cut off

“Quiet! They just weren’t getting the right spot. Now come one, everyone has a tickle spot.” Bakugou’s previous irritated face turned into an evil smirk.

Bakugou placed his hands on the boys’ ribs, putting an easy amount of pressure, slowly moving his hands up, squeezing each rib precisely. He got to Shoto’s upper ribs and added more pressure, kneading into his ribs.

After no reaction, he moved his hands higher, and higher until he finally reached the half and half hero’s armpits.

What he didn’t expect was Shoto to flinch.

“Oh? Well would you look at that. Found it.” Bakugou’s smirk turned into an evil grin. Bakugou started to lightly spider his fingers over the sensitive hollow.

Todoroki tried to hold back a smile, but failed, as the corners of his mouth started to pull upwards into a grin.

The explosive blonde wasn’t satisfied with his reaction, so he dug into Shoto’s armpits.

“Ahahahaha ohohohokay ohohohhokay mahahahaybe ihihihihi ahahahaham tihihihihicklish!” Todoroki spoke through his giggles, pulling at the tape that was preventing him from shielding his new found tickle spot.

Everyone’s eyes lit up, and started to join in on the tickling.

Weird sensations crowded Shoto’s mind. Suddenly everything tickled. And he started to laugh louder.

“See Todoroki-kun, we just needed to find your tickle spot.” Uraraka said smiling, as she resumed squeezing his thighs.

“HahahahHAHAhahaha yeahahahahahah!” Todoroki laughed out, shaking his head back and forth, trying to buck Bakugou off.

“Tch. Stop moving, I’m trying to find your death spot.” Bakugou glared at the laughing boy.

Todoroki’s eyes filled with mirthful tears, as he tried to get away from all the tickling fingers.

Bakugou turned around, positioning himself on Todoroki’s ankles, while Kirishima took Bakugou’s previous position on Todoroki’s waist.

Kirishima continued the assault on Shoto’s armpits. Uraraka continued on his thighs. Mina took his right side, while Deku took his left. Denki took his neck. And everyone else just inserted random pokes to wherever they were.

Todoroki couldn’t take all the tickling at once. He was losing his mind.

“Guhahahaha-guys! HAHAHhahahaa Ohohohokay! Hahahahaha!”

Bakugou took Todoroki’s left foot in his hand, and did one quick test swipe.

“WAHAHAHAHAIT!” Todoroki’s laughter shot up an octave.

“Guess what I found.” Bakugou taunted.

Bakugou put Todoroki’s foot into a headlock and scribbled. Watching as Todoroki clamped his toes shut to suppress the tickling.

“HAHAHHAHAA NOHOHOHOHOT THEHEHEHE FEHEHEHEHEHEET! OHOHOHOHO GOHOHOD!” Todoroki practically screamed out, kicking his foot randomly and trying to get out of the tickle torture.

“NOHOHOHOHO MOHOHOHHORE! HAHAHAHAHA!” The tickling was enough to finally let the mirthful tears fall. He shut his eyes and leaned his head back and went hysteric.

Todoroki’s laughter was so pure. Something that was never heard. He was always so serious, so stoic, so calm. So to see and hear the boy laughing was so addicting.

Todoroki’s laughter finally went silent, and that’s when everyone decided he’s had enough. They slowed their fingers, and eventually they stilled.

Sero released his tape, and Denki helped sit Todoroki up. Iida and Momo went to the kitchen to grab Todoroki some water and towel to wipe up the sweat on his forehead.

Todoroki graciously accepted the water and tanked it like he was walking through the desert for days.

Everyone just sat there, watching Todoroki with apologetic smiles.

“Thanks guys.” He said through pants, breaking the silence. “I guess I am a little ticklish.” He said with a small chuckle.

“A little? More like a lot!” Mina laughed out. “All right! Who’s next?”

[wrctings]

Jean Kirschtein x reader | Friends, or is it more?

the more i watch aot, the more i love jean... his moments of self-doubt and his moved smile truly are heart-wrenching 🥺

fandom: Attack on Titan pairing: Jean Kirschtein x reader summary: Where you realise that you’re falling for your best friend, whose heart is already taken—or so you thought. Fortunately, what becomes a saddening party can also turn into an unexpected occasion to make things right. word count: 3.3k

Sometimes, belonging to the Scouts regiment came with something that, from up close, resembled a flicker of momentary joy. You had, of course, been aware of the harrowing shadow of a reputation that trudged behind the wings of liberty: danger, death and despair; the three Ds accompanying your pledge to humanity drummed their deafening beat alongside your horse's frenzied gallop whenever you took place in the formation that led you outside the walls, the wind hurling through your hair and your senses at the height of their tension, ready to signal the approach of a titan at any given minute, bracing your body for every possible threat. You had faith in commander Erwin, had faith in your comrades—if giving your life was necessary for your cause, then, you had silently promised yourself and your people, you would give it with eyes wide open and undefeated fierceness, be it in the heat of battle or any other way. The wings embroidered upon your cape represented your beliefs more intensely than any word—as long as there was a Scout left, hope would live still; blossom upon the tall grass that freely grew upon the tombs of your fallen comrades. Even the smallest victory made you believe that a change could be made—and even the smallest victory was celebrated in the battalion as a sign that bode well for the foreseeable future. It was such celebrations, though as small as the victories they marked, that made room for moments of joy the regiment could barely encounter at other times. And when those moments came, life suddenly appeared coated with a hundred colours, full of humorous idiocies and heedless amusement that stirred up in you all the youthful glee of not caring about a thing in the world but the people around you and the drink in your hand.

"You guys won't believe the position we found Bertholdt in this morning!"

Seated beside Armin, who himself flanked Eren as Mikasa had naturally settled on the other side of their childhood friend, you leaned further on the wooden table of the barrack in order to hear your brunet friend more distinctly, his excited voice reviving the conversation at once. Drawn by a cheerful and carefree sort of curiosity, which was well fueled by the general bright mood, finding out about Bertholdt's daily sleeping position suddenly appeared like the most fascinating event one could discuss, especially when followed by the boys' weather previsions based on their comrade's often strange and tangled up poses. You exchanged an amused look with Mikasa, and though your friend's features remained almost as impassive as usual, the vivid twinkle you caught through the dark shine of her eyes mirrored your cheery behaviour; Armin's face, on the other hand, wore an expressive smile, the blond boy remembering vividly the description of Bertholdt that Eren began recounting.

But even as you laughed at the image of Bertholdt's knees somehow managing to stay bent as he slept on his stomach, the upper part of his legs outstretched toward the sky in an unusual—to say the least—position, your gaze went on sweeping the room, in search of the one person you couldn't wait to chat with again, though you also got along really well with Armin, Mikasa and Eren. The only problem was, said person was not that fond of the self-righteous brunet ball of energy sat at your table, so you were not surprised to find him in Conny and Sasha's company instead, talking animatedly. You had already had the opportunity to chat with Jean earlier that evening, the two of you having grown so close to each other that it would've been impossible for you not to cross paths tonight, but you wondered whether you would drift toward each other again before the makeshift party came to an end; Captain Levi had been surprisingly unbothered by your shy request to celebrate today's mission's success, accepting it on the sole condition that only soft drinks were to be consumed—Armin suspected that Commander Erwin was responsible for granting the new recruits' wishes, as they had after all already endured quite a lot during the expedition to retrieve Eren from Annie.

"We better watch out for that sleeping position of Bertholdt's, maybe it means good luck," Armin observed lightheartedly, taking a sip from his drink.

"You should keep a notebook with all of them, and maybe you'll crack the code someday," you added with a chuckle, the three of you glancing at Bertholdt.

Having your 104th comrades with you in the Scouts regiment really did bring you a lot of comfort to help you navigate these new uncharted waters, though it also made it acutely unbearable to imagine that some of them might not make it back next time; Marco served as your first and most painful lesson that even those dearest to you were never safe. It was after the freckled boy's death that you and Jean had truly bonded, brought together by the devastating loss of your kindhearted friend. You had become each other's rocks since then—checking up on each other after training sessions and expeditions, playful teasing and calling each other all sorts of funny nicknames rooted into the core of your friendship, giving it all its strength. And it was when you had been injured during the 57th expedition and Jean had almost hysterically ran up to you afterwards, cursing with no restraint and holding your arm so tightly it hurt when he helped you limp toward the medical wing, that you had been hit for the first time, though still shaken from slaying a titan and the bloody cut burning your leg, by how grateful you were to have made it out alive, to have Jean by your side. It was then that you had realised that there was no one else you would rather be with than him—it was something more than anything you've ever felt before, as your timidly pounding heart had been reminding you ever since.  

But another thing unavoidable when being friends with Jean, of course, was the bickering between your comrade and Eren—and this evening was no different from any other week. A few minutes later, as you engaged in a pleasant conversation with Armin, your attention was drawn by the thunderous eruption of voices that suddenly shook the walls of the barrack, making many pairs of surprised eyes turn toward the belligerent protagonists of the argument. It just had to be Eren and Jean, hadn't it? Like the rest of your comrades, you couldn't possibly guess where the spark that ignited this new inferno came from, but with these two, a valid reason often wasn't needed; to the greatest despair of the 104th, both boys possessed magic powers to summon reasons to fight out of thin air. At the present moment, both Eren and Jean were actively yelling at each other, shooting names and accusations back and forth.

However, the lack of rational incidents to cause such a scene didn't mean that there was no deeper reason for Jean's outbursts, just like Eren's counter-attacks originated from his legendary stubbornness already well-known to his fellow comrades. You had been suspecting for a long time that Jean mainly proclaimed his hatred towards Eren because of Mikasa. Before the 57th expedition, when both of you were in a playful and mischievous mood, you would even friendlily tease Jean about his soft spot for the dark haired young woman, which he hadn't hidden very well ever since Mikasa and he met for the first time. It was quite unfortunately, really, that your heart had finally chosen Jean, of all people, to fall for—as if you weren't well aware of how much he admired and liked Mikasa! And this mascarade surely had to have been orchestrated to get her attention, just like many other failed schemes of Jean's, as Mikasa barely seemed interested in anyone but Eren, Armin, sometimes Sasha, and you.

"There he goes again..." You muttered downheartedly, sparing a glance at your best friend.

"It's Eren and Jean, after all..." Armin responded with a sorry smile, squirming on the bench to get further away from Eren, who was now up on his feet and facing Jean with balled up fists. Mikasa watched the two boys through squinted eyes, at the ready to jump and knock over Jean if needed—at least, your friend's plan to get her attention had succeeded.

"I know how this is going to end," you told Armin under your breath, averting your gaze from the fighters. "You know what, I think it's right about time for me to head off. I don't want to witness Captain Levi tearing their heads off for wrecking havoc in here."

"Really? Don't you want to stay a little longer? I'm sure it won't come to this!"

"I don't even want to know. Goodnight, Armin, thank you for the nice chat," you excused yourself, fleeing from the barrack swift as a cat, only the passage of a furtive ray of light on the floor signifying that the door to the room had been opened as quickly as it was closed.

You knew better than to cling onto something you could not reach, so why endure the spectacle of such a foolish play?

*

Outside, nighttime had descended upon the camp with its soothing quietness. Nothing in sight but the warm flutter of torches fixed upon the barracks; nothing ringing in your ears but the chirping melody of a cricket's song, its echo delicately carried away by the evening wind. No ecstatic shouting, no blaring laughter. Nothing but a lone constellation half-veiled by the grey trail of clouds that unhurriedly floated upon the dark depths of the sky. No Jean, no Eren. You took a lungful of fresh air before a long sigh lifted off your chest—if only things could go back to the way they had been. Back when Jean was nothing but a fun and (sweetly) annoying horse-faced boy to be around, and no cause for heartache.

You took some more steps ahead, the muffled sounds you could still hear from inside dying out as you walked further away. Although you had told Armin that your time to go had come, you didn't feel like getting back to bed right now; actually, you didn't feel like anything but escaping for a little while.

At last, you decided to retrace your steps, taking a seat on the ground beside the barrack you had abandoned, your back pressed against its wooden surface. On the other side, the cacophony hadn't ceased, only muffled by the wall that separated you from the inside mayhem. Had Jean and Eren opted for a fistfight denouement by now? Would Mikasa intervene?

But before you had enough time to explore the many scenarios your imagination could sketch out, the door beside which you had settled opened abruptly, a wide stream of light flooding the ground at once. In the blink of an eye, a visibly disconcerted figure appeared on the threshold, freezing as they took a look around before rapidly bifurcating to the side in order to follow one of the torchlit paths...

"Jean?"

"Y/n?! What are you doing here?" Jean rushed toward you as soon as he noticed your silhouette from behind the shadows, discovering your hiding-place. "I didn't even see you leave..."

"I'm sorry, I was starting to feel tired." Touched by the fact that Jean had left the room to look for you, you attempted to give him a plausible excuse.

"C'mon, you can get through a day of training, but you can't get through one of the only party nights we're lucky enough to have?" Jean taunted, taking a seat next to you. "What's the matter?" he gently elbowed you, throwing his neck back so he could press his head against the wall behind. "Just when I was about to defeat Eren..."

"Defeat Eren, really? Statistically, it's more likely for Captain Levi to smile than for us to see that happen," you laughed tiredly, trying not to think about how Jean would probably soon get back to Mikasa and the others.

"Yeah, yeah, tease me all you want, it'll happen. Someday this idiot will get his ass handed to him."

Closing your eyes, you only had it in you to maintain the forced smile painted over your lips while fighting back the rush of stinging tears that suddenly overwhelmed you. Why did Jean had to come and check up on you now of all times, right when you were more than ever convinced that you were starting to fall for him, and it couldn't be clearer that his every move longed for someone else?

"You know, I was going to get him, but Mikasa can get scary..." It was as if he could decipher the riddles of your mind, unaware of the way your heart convulsed. "I wouldn't want to cross her. Why would she hang out with this idi—"

"Look, Jean, if you've come here to rant about this, then you can leave," you ended up snapping, biting back more acre words . "I'm tired, okay? Just get back to the fun inside."

"You... You don't feel like talking?" Jean's voice softened from incomprehension, trying to read your tone. "I'm sorry, I didn't know it was that bad. Hey, you really don't want to talk?"

You shook your head in response, scolding your own self for such pathetic behaviour. Jean couldn't possibly know about your suppressed feelings, so your attitude must indeed appear more than confusing, especially since you were so used to confiding in each other and cheering each other up, for the past weeks more than ever. In the wake of Icarus's ascend towards the sun, untethered and naive, your wings of wax were melting... But who could've predicted, as much as a month earlier, that the loveable idiot by your side would doom you to downfall?  

"Okay... Well...," the young man ran a distracted hand through his hair, frowning as his jaw clenched. "Then I'll talk. You know, I had an idea for tonight," he began after collecting his thoughts, breaking through the hesitant seconds that had temporarily numbed his tongue. "It was our first successful expedition after that near-death experience after all, so I thought I'd better make the most of it and make tonight's celebration useful. Who knows when we'll get another one. Maybe you're right and it's actually more likely to see Captain Levi smile than to get another one of these again soon." Jean's speech ran freely now, his torrent of sentences—for the moment still not making clear sense as to where they were headed to—submerging you in the familiar flow of his voice. As of late, your greatest fear had become to miss its distress call in the ranging mist of a battle, to watch Jean's body be torn to shreds as you could only scream until everything else vanished... "So I thought I'd be brave, for once." He took a deep breath in, fingers nervously wrapped around the back of his own neck. "There's this person I like."

There it was. Somehow, you knew that it would be coming—after the stunt he pulled earlier with Eren...

"They're much braver than I am, but they probably know that already," Jean went on, chuckling self-depreciatingly—he knew he could poke at himself in your company without being ashamed of disclosing his flaws. "They wouldn't hesitate to come and rescue me, even if I were grabbed by a titan. And they're really beautiful, too—"

"Look, Jean, if you've come to talk about Mikasa, just save it," you could only murmur. "Pl—"

"And, quite surprisingly, they're also a dumbass!" Jean didn't let you finish either, shifting his head so he could see your face better. "But that's something both of us have in common." Taken aback by such a strange confession, you opened your eyes to take an intrigued look at Jean while hoping that he wouldn't notice the tears you had at last blinked away. You met his gaze head-on, even among the shadows that coiled over his face.  "Because they think that I still have a thing for a girl I liked for two weeks, while I've been talking about them all along."

"What—"

"You know, you're the one who makes being called "horse-face" the funniest," Jean cracked an unsure smile at you, fiddling with his hands. "Alright, it's the bravest I'll ever be, so time to crawl in a hole and die now," he immediately added more anxiously, looking like the unexpected nature of his confession had stricken him for the first time.

"Wait, Jean, no!" It was as if, for the first time in a span of unending minutes, you could breathe again. "Wait, is this... Is this for real?" You asked in what came out almost a whisper, fearing, in this instant where your hopes balanced on the edge of a precipice of churning doubt and elation, that this was a joke you would not be able to forgive. Jean was better than this, but what if?—the thought drilled into your heart.

"Well... Yes. I'm sorry if I've made things awkward, it's Armin who told you might like me too and—"

"Hey, hey," your hand found its way to Jean's arm in a comforting touch, preventing him from leaving as he made a move to flee after blurting out an apology. Judging by your frantic heartbeat, there was no way you could be the calmer person in this situation—and yet, Jean somehow managed to look even more distressed than you at the moment. "I do like you." It was your turn to get embarrassed, which your flushed cheeks openly betrayed, illuminated by the nearby torch's flitting flame. "But Mikasa...?"

"Y/n, I haven't liked Mikasa for longer than a few weeks. I mean, yes, she's beautiful and strong, but so are you. And you're so much more than that. You're so fun to be around, I haven't laughed so hard with anyone but you. Unlike me, you're not scared to be brave and kind, but with you, I don't need to think which face I need to put on, because I know we don't have to pretend to be someone we're not when we're around each other. And when you got injured... I couldn't stand the thought of losing you. I made myself a promise then that I would tell you, and tonight seemed like the right time. I've been talking to Armin after the expedition and I think he kind of guessed that I liked you, and that you liked me too—I don't even know how or why, but he told me he thought you did. That's not exactly how I thought it'd go but... Trying to get your attention by getting in a fight with Eren wasn't that good of a plan, I guess."

"So that's what it was...! You really are an idiot, Jean Kirschtein," you declared vivaciously, but the moved smile that brightened your face spoke louder than the fond insults Jean and you would fire at each other. "We need to watch out for Armin, he will uncover everyone's secrets, at this rate..." You joked before regaining a more serious attitude, your emotions truly swayed by your friend's avowal. "The expedition changed everything for me too. I realised that I didn't want to go without you. No, I realised that I didn't want to go at all—I wanted to stay. With you."

"Pff, get in line," Jean grinned in spite of the emotional look on his face, sighing in relief. "I've been liking you for months."

"Seriously?"

"Absolutely. Do you think I go out of my way to check up on everyone after a battle or that everyone's mom gets the privilege of being the centre of my skilfully crafted jokes?"

"Shut up," you laughed wholeheartedly, your shoulder against Jean's. "Your mom's a hoe."

"Very clever," he teased you in return, face glowing from a joy even more vivd than the fiery sparks that chased the night's spectres away. “I bang yours every night.”

You burst out laughing, rolling your eyes—mom jokes were a must in your goofy friendship. A friendship that, with a bit of unpredicted luck, was on the verge of becoming something more.

[wallgirl]

The Little Nereid Part 9

Record of Ragnarok fanfiction

Poseidon x OC

Word count: 2,800

Dynamene, youngest of the 50 Nereids, has lived most of her adolescence as a servant alongside her sisters at Poseidon’s palace. But with her coming-of-age birthday and other developments, what she initially thought was just admiration of her master blossoms into something stronger and more passionate… and painful.

Categories and warnings: Romance, angst, unrequited love, coming-of-age, earn-your-happy-ending, slow-burn (ish); no sexual content. There will be some graphic violence in the future.

Updated regularly, multiple times a week; will have about ?15? parts total.

---

"Dynamene," a soft voice nudged her hours later. "Dynamene, wake up, we're almost there."

Dynamene opened her eyes groggily and looked up at Eione, whose shoulder she was still leaning against. "Huh?"

"Home; we're almost home." Eione smiled and drew back the carriage curtains to show her, letting in the bright sunshine. Dynamene sat up, quickly awoken by the warmth of the sunlight, and pressed herself to the window.

The rocky terrain and stormy weather had completely disappeared, giving way to rolling green hills lined with thick forest and sandy bluffs. The sky was clear without a cloud in sight, and Dynamene drank in the view of the pristine ocean under the bright blue sky. The gentle waves broke with crests like diamonds in the bright sun, before fading back into the cerulean waters. Dynamene's face lit up and she turned back to Eione, beaming. "It's just as beautiful as I remember."

"Isn't it?" Eione grinned. "We're nearly there. Just around this bend..."

The line of carriages rattled down the well-worn dirt road, turning around a thick grove of fig trees before beginning the final descent down a steep hill.

At the bottom was a sandy delta, flanked on the far side by a gorgeous palace made of sandstone and marble. The palace looked as if it had grown out of the bluffs as a natural extension of it, the exterior asymmetrical and rough but pleasing in a busy way. Sea glass in every color wrapped in whimsical patterns around the pillars and windows before winding down to the ground and forming a mosaic walkway to the entrance.

The ocean flowed into a cerulean lagoon before the palace, where the mouths of several small rivers met. Around the lagoon were large tide pools in which Dynamene could spot people and merfolk playing and basking.

There was a sudden shout from the distance, and the people began to stop what they were doing, looking towards the carriages. Then there was a loud chorus of calls and cheer, and the people scrambled in every which way. A trumpet sounded; now everyone knew that the Nereids were nearly home.

Before Dynamene could say anything, a booming voice came from the oceanside. "Greetings, Nereids!" She turned towards the other window to see a parade of merpeople headed by a handsome merman keeping pace with the carriage, leisurely leaping out of the water to speak to them. "Welcome home!"

Eione leaned over Dynamene and threw the window up. "Aye, merfolk! I thought I smelled fish!"

"Nay, Nereid," the merman replied smoothly. "It is yourself, I reckon." He gave Eione a mischievous wink.

Eione feigned a gasp of offense and flicked her hand. A spray of ocean water splashed the merman's face, but he laughed easily. "We will tell your parents of your arrival. Welcome home!" With that, he and the rest of the group sped ahead down along the beach, their tails glimmering in reds and greens under the surface of the water.

"Ah, that slimy fish," Eione tutted, but she tossed her hair in amusement. "It's so good to be back." She took in a deep breath before exhaling dramatically. "I can breathe here, you know?"

"Yes. Yes, I do," Dynamene whispered, unpinning her travel cloak. It was if the weight of the world had fallen off her shoulders with the fabric, and she began to help Eione get their bags sorted.

Minutes later, they had arrived before the palace. Beings of all sorts had gathered to greet their arrival with much a-do; fresh-water nymphs, dryads, fauns, satyrs, and merfolk. Familiar faces were on every side, and Dynamene lost track of the number of hugs she'd clasped with people she hadn't seen since goodness knows when. Old jokes were exchanged, and new ones made, as the crowd helped the Nereids unload their luggage from the carriages.

"Dynamene!" Actaea called from where a dryad was helping her lift down a trunk. "Look who it is!"

Dynamene turned and erupted once again into a wide smile. A boy with messy chestnut hair and freckles like hers was running down the path from the palace towards the group. "Dynamene!" He shouted. "Actaea! Eione! Everyone!" He flung himself into Dynamene's arms, and she squeezed him tight, rocking from side to side.

"Nerites," she whispered happily, taking the scent of seawater in her little brother's hair. "It's so good to see you again."

He pulled back to look at her with a frown. "You've gotten taller again. But I thought I would get taller than you someday?"

Dynamene laughed and ruffled his hair lovingly. "I think you have a few more centuries yet, little brother."

"That's fine," he replied. "As long as it happens someday." He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards one of the inlets. "I can't believe you're finally here! Even Elasippus came to greet you all today, too!"

Dynamene knelt down at the edge of the small bluff. Basking in the shallow water of the pool was a young merman, barely out of boyhood, with strawberry blond hair strung with ocean droplets and a shimmering green tail. He looked up in surprise at Dynamene. "Hello, Dynamene."

"Elasippus!" She smiled at her brother's friend warmly. "It's been too long. Your tail's gotten longer, hasn't it?"

"Um, yes," he answered shyly, fins curling back and forth. "I just thought I'd come and say hello, since I've known you all for so long..."

"Don't be awkward, Elas," Nerites sighed. "We've been best friends for ages; it's okay to talk to my sisters."

Dynamene laughed. "It's okay, it's been a few years. It's still weird to see that you two have gotten bigger, though," she sighed. "I guess I still remember when you were both little tadpoles, crying when the sand got in your eyes."

"Hey, we're not crybabies anymore!" Nerites protested. "Actually, me and Elas have been exploring a lot recently. We found this underwater cave that's full of oysters, and we've been collecting them to harvest. Some of them even have pearls. We're gonna go again today, actually. If you want, you should come with us!"

"When? Now?" She asked in disbelief as Nerites pulled on her hand.

"Yeah! Come on!"

"Well..." She looked back at her other sisters, who were still bringing the luggage in.

"Go ahead, Dyna," Ianeira called. "We'll join you in a little bit."

"Scratch that," Eione jumped in, boldly tossing off her peplos and chiton. "I'm going with now. Come on, Dynamene! Last one into the water is rotten caviar!" She took a running start and dove head-first into the rippling water.

"Well, if it's alright with everyone else," Dynamene sighed dramatically, undoing her own peplos. "I suppose..."

And bolstered on by the happy exclamations of her brother, she dove in.

---

Hours later, Dynamene pulled herself back up onto shore, breathless from laughter. "Here," she tossed a pearl to Nerites. "Almost dropped that one."

The other Nereids broke the surface close-by, laughing and wringing out their hair. "Did you see how fast Thoe dissipated when that ray went by?" Eione teased. "I thought she was a cloud of silt for a moment."

"Hey, those things have barbs, you know," Thoe sniffed as she smoothed her wet bangs away from her forehead.

"I wish we could've seen some whales," Callianassa sighed as she finished reforming her hands. She gave her fingers a graceful wiggle. "It's been forever since I've heard a whale call."

"There are a lot of whales at the next cove down. They came here for the birthing season," Elasippus told her as he carefully pulled a strand of seaweed from his hair. "We can show you later if you want."

"We gave a few of them nicknames," Nerites added, looking up from where he was admiring his satchel full of freshly harvested pearls. "Two babies have been born so far; we named one Fig and the other Olive."

"That's so... unimaginative," Dynamene teased him good-naturedly, and he splashed her with water.

"You come up with better names, then!"

"I will," she replied, sticking her tongue out at him.

"I bet I can come up with better names than both of you," Ianeira said, splashing them both. "Just give me until after supper."

"Speaking of supper, I'm starving," Eione groaned. She pulled her sandy chiton back on over her head before giving her hair one last shake. "What's on the menu?"

"Why don't we go inside and find out?" Ianeira said. "It must be nearly time to eat, anyways."

"Sounds good to me," Dynamene affirmed, gathering her clothes back up to get dressed. She paused for a moment, scouring the sand.

"Looking for something, Dynamene?" Elasippus asked.

"No, it's fine, just found it!" Dynamene sighed with relief. She brushed the sand away from where it had lightly blown over her bracelet. "False alarm." She quickly drew it back onto her wrist, carefully dusting any remaining sand off.

"That's pretty," Nerites said in awe. "Where did you get it?"

"Oh, um," Dynamene blushed, smoothing her wet hair away from where it clung to her neck. "Lord... Lord Poseidon gave it to me not long ago, as a birthday present."

"Really?" He asked in surprise. "Wow. He didn't get you guys jewelry, did he?" He asked the other sisters tactlessly.

The sisters exchanged a silent look for half a moment before Ianeira cleared her throat. "Come on, everyone! I'm sure Mother and Father would like to see us at long last as well."

The rest of the girls finished dressing and began to make their way up the beach towards the glittering palace. Nerites said goodbye to Elasippus and ran after them.

"Dynamene, are you coming?" Actaea asked, pausing to look back at her younger sister. Dynamene was still carefully braiding her hair.

"I'll be there in a moment!" Dynamene called back, waving her on. "I just want to finish braiding my hair before it dries again. I'll meet up with you guys at the palace."

"Alright, don't be too long!" Actaea disappeared over the sandy hill, leaving Dynamene alone with Elasippus.

Elasippus remained for a moment, watching in fascination as Dynamene wove her hair back into two braids. "Beautiful," he whispered.

"Mm?" Dynamene looked up.

"The bracelet," he said hastily. "Lord Poseidon was very thoughtful. It's gorgeous."

"Isn't it?" Dynamene sighed and held out her hand so the merman could take a better look. "It's mother-of-pearl, my favorite."

"So it sounds like you get along with him, huh?" Elasippus swam in an idle circle. "That's good. I hear he's not so easy to be around."

"No, he's not," Dynamene admitted. "But, you know..." She remembered the times on the beach with him, and the way he had brushed her hair back. "He's not so bad, deep down." She began to blush.

"I see," Elasippus said slowly, watching Dynamene's face turn pink. "If you say so." He turned to look at the setting sun. "You and your sisters are really brave, you know. I don't think I could ever live with him. Not after what happened with his brother."

Dynamene stared at him for a moment blankly. Then she realized what he was referring to - Poseidon's killing of Adamas.

She stared back down at the ocean. "I suppose so. I guess I can see how that would make people... uncomfortable."

"Does it bother you?" Elasippus asked earnestly, tail flicking.

Dynamene bit her lower lip. What happened with Adamas was justified, wasn't it? I don't know all that was said between them, but Adamas did want to start a civil war, right? So... Is Poseidon really in the wrong for what he did? "No. I... I think he did the right thing," she said, but her voice was shaky.

Elasippus sensed her discomfort and frowned apologetically. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make things awkward. It's none of my business. I shouldn't have asked."

"No, it's alright," Dynamene said quickly. "It's an honest question. I suppose I just don't really think about it much. We'd only been at the palace for a century when it happened, and I was still just a child, so my sisters didn't say much about it around me." Her thoughts went back to that day; what little she remembered of it, that was.

The Nereids had left the palace to picnic on the beach that fateful afternoon. They didn't want any part of Adamas's visit; he was nothing but a jealous troublemaker, and they wanted no part of whatever ill-will he brought.

But when the sound of marble breaking echoed out from the palace, they had rushed back out of concern for their master. Dynamene remembered tagging along behind Actaea, barely able to see past the rest of her sisters as they crowded into the great hall where Poseidon had received Adamas...

"No, don't look," Actaea had said suddenly, covering Dynamene's eyes with her hands. "Don't look, Dynamene." Her sister's voice had wavered in horror. She had immediately steered Dynamene back out of the room, rushing her as fast as she could go. But Dynamene's ears were free, and she heard the rest of her sisters gasp and scream at the sight that greeted them in the great hall.

They hadn't been expected to clean up the mess. Poseidon had ordered them to leave the body where it lay, and continue on with their day as if nothing had happened. The other unseen servants of the palace took care of Adamas's body and the wreckage, and the following day, the great hall was spotless. The wall had been repaired, the table replaced, and no sign remained of the gory mess that Poseidon had made out of his older brother.

Dynamene shuddered at the memories. "Even now, no one speaks of it, especially at Lord Poseidon's palace. That's what he wanted, so we must obey. I don't think we would talk about it even if we could, though. It was so brutal." She swallowed. No one likes remembering that day. That was the first time we truly realized how powerful, and dangerous, Poseidon was.

"That's awful," Elasippus sympathized. "I hope it doesn't haunt you too much."

"No," Dynamene sighed. "No, I guess I owe Actaea for that. I never saw the... aftermath of Poseidon and Adamas's argument. I hear it was a horrible sight."

The two of them sat in silence for a while longer, neither of them knowing what to say. "I'm sorry," Dynamene said finally, getting to her feet. "I didn't mean to make things so dreary."

"No, not at all," Elasippus said quickly. "It's good to talk about things like that sometimes, right? If you ever want to talk about it, I'll listen. It doesn't bother me too much."

Dynamene smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you, Elas. I'm glad my brother is friends with you."

Now it was Elasippus whose face was pink. "It's... It's nothing much, we just have fun together. I'm glad I got to see you all again today."

"Me too. We should all meet again before we go back to the palace," Dynamene beamed. "I had a lot of fun today."

"I'm glad," Elasippus smiled back. "See you later." He sank back under the amber waves.

"Bye," Dynamene called after him. She watched his tail splash through the surface for a ways before he dove deeper into the water, returning to his underwater home. Left alone with her thoughts once more, she sighed.

I'm sure what Poseidon did was justified, even if it was violent. Over the top, even. Terrifying. But I guess that's just how Poseidon is; why would someone like him hold back? I know he'd never hurt us, at the very least.

She stared out at the setting sun, lost in thought, twisting the bracelet around her wrist.

Poseidon... I hope things are okay back at the palace. I hope the visit with Hades went as well as can be expected.

If you were here, I wonder... What would you say to me? She looked away from the sun's burning orange rays to the ocean. The dark hue of the water brought to mind Poseidon's eyes, so beautiful, yet so often cold and empty. Lately, though... Was it just her imagination, or was there truly life in them when he looked back at her?

 Would you tell me that you don't regret what you did? Even if you'd never harm me, surely there are still times that you hurt others. Or was Adamas an isolated event?

 She sighed before turning to make the journey back to the palace. This trip was meant to be relaxing, and worrying over the past did no good. Surely everyone was wondering where she was by now.

---

Author’s Notes: Another chapter that took on a life of its own. I think it'll work okay, though.

Next chapter is one I've been waiting to write almost since I started this fanfic. So much angst. I can't wait.

[dumblydork]

Wasn't expecting to be back as a writer so soon but I just absolutely CANNOT get enough of writing headcanons and AUs and JUST BEAR WITH ME OKAY

Also I feel like this is super long but it might not be idk

Some more Hinny, with a bit of Romione! So this one is set in the modern magical world. Hope you enjoy! And don't forget, if you have absolutely ANY Hinny headcanons you'd want to see written, please drop me a message or an ask anytime and I'll do my best to write one 3>

~~

"This class just CANNOT get any worse." Ron muttered, drawing lazy lines with his pen on the History of Magic textbook they were reading.

"We literally live in 2020, do we really HAVE to study all this old age crap?" He continued, now shifting to drawing circles as the teacher droned on.

Harry for one, wasn't listening to the professor (though he did vaguely hear him mention 'Goblin War' but that was about it) and neither to Ron. Harry was busy staring out of the window onto the busy streets of London below their high classroom, thinking about a certain redhead.

A certain redhead who also happened his best friend's sister.

"Hi!" Hermione's voice came in an excited whisper as she started taking out her textbook, the dull grey of it made slightly happy with all the colourful muggle stickers (once affronted, she had told Harry that they were called 'Post Its' but Harry just could never bother with the name), full of notes and extra bits. Hermione was careful not to let the professor know that she was suddenly here, a thought which hit Harry when Ron exclaimed almost loudly before Hermione kicked his foot under the table to shut him up.

"I swear to Godric you weren't here literally a minute ago how- Harry?" Ron wondered, calling his best friend.

"Yes it's very odd Ron." Harry almost sighed, back to his brooding. Hermione was doing weird things always- it was nothing new.

"Please be like Harry and stop looking so surprised. Let me focus." Hermione sneered at Ron and whipped out her pencil, furiously noting down from the board whatever the professor had been droning on about for the past 45 minutes.

"And that, is all on the Goblin War of 1785 today. Make sure you finish your homework- remember, 4 pages on the magical strategies used by the two goblin sides to win the war. I need it handed in on Monday. Class dismissed." The professor walked out with his nose in the air, as if he had imparted the knowledge of a lifetime in one single lesson. He waved a lazy hand at the board which wiped off all the notes, releasing a few cries from the back where some kids were still making notes.

"Thank Godric that's over!" Ron could almost cry. Harry was back to paying attention, especially after Hermione slapped his hand. "Earth calling whatever planet Harry Potter is on!" She laughed. The three of them got up and walked out into the corridor.

"What lesson do we have next?" Harry asked absentmindedly.

"What's up with you today? You've been like this since we returned from the Burrow well over a week ago." Ron said thoughtfully, an arm slung carelessly around Hermione's shoulder, who was surprisingly okay with it.

Harry snapped back to reality. If Ron found out, it would be Harry's head and nothing else.

"And what about the two of you? Care to explain," Harry looked at the Ron's arm, "whatever this is? You two have been just finding ways for touching each other, don't think I haven't noticed." Harry finished with a whistle, knowing this was the nerve he had hit. He almost grinned to himself.

"That," Hermione shrug off the arm around her, blushing furiously, "is just two friends being friendly." She finished, but there was a considerable change in the pitch of her voice.

"Yes yes whatever." Harry flicked a lazy hand at the two, knowing fully well they had gotten up to something in the Burrow which was only between the two of them.

The trio had reached the cafeteria where they sat down on one of the empty benches, having half hour free before moving on to Harry's most despised class- Chemistry, or Potions as it was called in the older ages.

Harry let his thoughts move back to the Burrow (courtesy this couple who were now sitting with their sides practically touching). The Burrow was Ron's house, and the trio's favourite hangout. They were there for the summer break, which had ended a week ago, but the memories were still as old as yesterday.

"Oh please, I will kick your ass at Quidditch." Ginny, Ron's younger sister and the youngest Weasley piped, her fiery red hair pulled back into a ponytail.

Quidditch was the one thing Harry really enjoyed- it was rare to have Quidditch matches in school now with so much course load, so these summers were what he lived for.

Particularly this one summer where Ginny had turned up looking just gorgeous, something Harry had failed to notice in the 6 years he had known her. It wasn't as if she wasn't gorgeous before- it just struck him differently this time. Maybe it was the heat. Maybe it was the fact that she could make Harry laugh almost always. She was not only gorgeous- Ginny had developed a sense of humour and sarcasm quite unlike her brothers- they were fond of practical jokes, whereas Ginny was more of the sharp tongued type who could make an entire room laugh without as much as waving a hand. And it was absolutely fabulous. Harry had found himself staring at her practically everyday of summer since he came to the Burrow three months ago.

The way she tied her hair up, or how she bit her lip when exasperated with her Math homework and the way her lips opened slowly first when she laughed. The slight, barely perceptible crook in her teeth and the generous sprinkling of freckles all across her face. It was all suddenly very endearing to Harry.

And hence, midway through his last week at the Burrow, Harry had come to the conclusion that he had started fancying Ginevra Weasley, his best friend Ronald Weasley's younger sister. Not to mention practically Hermione's best friend, despite being an year younger.

So that was why Harry was barely able to keep his impulses in check when he saw Ginny in her Quidditch outfit, wearing a red and gold jersey with cream coloured bottoms. But when he thought of how he could have his ears boxed in by Ron, he could very much focus back on the match and not on a heart-achingly stunning redhead.

"Language, Ginny. This girl," Ron's mom, Molly, muttered under her breath, currently putting up laundry by swishing her wand back and forth. All of the Weasley siblings were back home at the Burrow, except for Percy and Bill, who were both busy working.

"Sorry mom! As I was saying Harry, I will definitely kick your bottom in this match." Ginny corrected herself.

"Please, we shall see." Lately it was getting increasingly difficult for him to produce coherent responses in front of the woman he had come to consider as practically a sarcastic goddess. But he was proud of this response- he should continue thinking about Ron's punches.

"Okay, positions, and go!" Harry heard Arthur, Ron's father say and the match began in earnest. Hermione was sitting this one down with a novel, but at the moment was preparing a jug of lemonade the Muggle way.

Ron and Harry were one team, whereas Ginny, George and Fred were another. The game lasted for a good 40 minutes before Harry and Ron won the game by obtaining the 'snitch' (which was actually just an enchanted flying ball, kindly given to them by Arthur who had an obsession for all things Muggle).

"What happened to all that talk of kicking ass, huh?" Harry laughed, almost falling into one of the reclining chairs. Molly was handing out cool glasses of lemonade. "I think mine needs more ice." Harry said, sipping from his glass.

"Oh I totally forgot the ice! My wand is in the kitchen though." She said sheepishly, not wanting to give up her spot on the recliner. Or rather not wanting to get up from her spot next to Ron, who had decided to perch himself on Hermione's recliner despite there being an extra empty one.

"That's okay, I'll get some myself." He grinned. "I'll come too- I need to change out of this." Ginny added. They walked back inside the Burrow which was empty, with the entire family outside in the garden.

Harry waved his wand which was lying on the kitchen counter into a bowl and ice appeared, shining in the sunlight but not melting. Magic.

He added a few to his glass and leaned on the counter, sipping lazily on the drink. It was good to be away from the noise for a minute. Ginny reappeared downstairs, having changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and unholy thoughts came rushing back into Harry's brain.

"I'll get some ice too, now that I'm here." Ginny took out an empty glass and filled it with ice, presumably wanting to fill it with lemonade later. But the way she took the ice gave Harry goosebumps- she leant across him instead of asking him to move and picked a few pieces of ice from behind him. Harry was frozen in his place- Ginny made no move whatsoever to stand behind. She stood inches away from Harry, just a few centimetres shorter than him.

"Oh for goodness sakes Harry, kiss me already." She rolled her eyes but the tip of her ears went red.

"What?" Harry spluttered- it was something he had been wanting to do since the start of summer but putting it into words stunned him of sorts. Was he THAT readable?

"Don't think I haven't seen the way you've looked at me all summer, Harry. It's not that difficult to know that you fancy me. A lot. And just so you know, I do too. A lot. Have done so since Ron introduced us.* She whispered, but stepped back after her confession.

Harry was still stunned, but could anyway notice the distance she had put, now slightly unsure after her brazenness. She still stared at him, her lips shaped into an imperceptible 'O', begging to be kissed. So that's what Harry did- he pulled Ginny back towards him by her waist and placed his lips on hers, almost tasting sunlight but with cherry swirled in it. His hands remained at her waist but Ginny moved hers to lock around Harry's neck, slowly playing with the curls at his nape. She smiled into the kiss, parting her lips were slightly, just so Harry could taste her; it was sinful but decadent. Very much like a good bar of chocolate. More than good. An absolutely unbelievable bar of chocolate.

When they finally pulled back after what could have been a lifetime, or an eternity, or a few seconds, Ginny grinned at Harry. "Do you not have anything to say?" She stood there's suddenly a bit shy, with her arms still around Harry's neck.

"You said all of it for me. I do fancy you- maybe way too much." He said, feeling as if Ginny's brazen confidence was transferred into his veins.

"That's a relief, because I might or might not have been looking to get you to kiss me." She said, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"You what?" Harry stared at her incredulously, before breaking out into a wide smile.

"Don't worry, the bit about me fancying you is real. Have done so since I was 10." She added seriously.

"So are we a thing now?" Harry raised an eyebrow, quite enjoying the small circles he was making on Ginny's side.

"Keep dreaming on, Potter." She removed her hands from around his neck and disappeared like she had reappeared after changing, what felt like ages ago. Harry smiled to himself before walking outside again, his lemonade glass forgotten.

---

"Really Harry, one would think you're in love the way you're zoned out." Ron stared at him, as Harry snapped back into the real world.

"Huh? Oh yeah." He agreed absent mindedly, still reeling a bit from that summer afternoon.

"You're in love?" Hermione asked, an eyebrow raised as she looked up from what looked like homework.

"Forget me, but you do seem to be." Harry glanced at her notebook, which had R+H scribbled messily on the margins. He grinned as Hermione and Ron blushed furiously.

"Okay fine, me and Ron might have kissed at the Burrow." Hermione said, snapping her book shut as Ron stared at her longingly.

"How interesting, because me and Harry did something similar." Ginny suddenly appeared from behind and sat beside Harry, pressing her lips to his cheek.

The two boys stared back and forth. Ron's eyes widened but returned to their normal size, as Ron slung an arm around Hermione again, except this time she actually leaned into him.

"What? Is happening?" Harry looked around, first at the couple in front of him and then at Ginny. This was all extremely confusing.

"Did you think you were the only observant human to ever exist? Hermione Granger is my girlfriend, Harry. Nothing escapes her. Not when one of her best friends kisses another one of her best friends." Ron laughed.

"Wait so you're not mad?" Harry was still shaken. Was his worrying all a waste? If he'd known, he could have spent more time with Ginny, locked behind doors, his lips on hers-

"Why would I be? I'd rather Ginny end up with you rather than some other git from school." Ron's voice cut into his thoughts breezily.

"Oh. Okay." Harry settled before smiling at Ginny and weaving his hand through hers.

They sat in silence for a few moments before Harry's eyes widened.

"Wait. Hermione Granger is your girlfriend?!" The typical Potter late realisation. The three people around him laughed heartily before Harry joined in, shooting Ginny an endearing look, making the tips of her ears turn red.

[alwaysfeelingsaintlike]

About Time [G.W] - Part 3

pairing: George Weasley x OC

series description: On an unexpected night out, George meets the love of his life. And then suddenly loses her. What lengths will he go to in order to find her?

word count: 2.7k

warnings: slight language

taglist: @p0gues4l @amourtentiaa @305weasley

series masterlist

X

“Ready George?” Fred called. George had been fixing his hair for the last 20 minutes. He wanted to make sure he looked perfect.

“Just a few more minutes!” he called to his brother. Fred popped his head into the bathroom where George was running his fingers through his hair. “Do I look okay?” George asked.

“You look as handsome as always. But perhaps a little over-styled…” George’s hair was gelled into place, an unusual look for him. Fred ruffled his auburn locks, releasing his hair from the hold of the gel. “Much better,” he stated. George looked polished, yet casual with his newly messy hair. He looked good without looking like he was trying too hard. It was perfect.

George thanked his brother and they gathered their things to head to the concert. George had immediately bought them tickets to the Weird Sisters when he saw the poster. Not only was Fred excited for his brother to meet up with his soul mate, but he was happy to have a night out.

“So, do you have a plan for tonight?” Fred asked.

George shrugged and said, “I hadn’t really thought about it. I’ll know what to do once I see her.”

“Do you need a wingman? You know I’m terrific at that,” Fred stated.

“I actually feel perfectly charming tonight. I think I’ll be alright on my own, but I will happily fix you up with whatever friend she’s with.”

“Ah, how kind of you Georgie.” The two reached the crowded club and headed straight to the bar for a drink. George immediately had his radar on, searching for Molly. He wanted to spot her first, and then he would figure out how to talk to her. Being tall was certainly advantageous in this situation, but there were still a lot of people to sift through and it was rather dark.

Fred handed George a brew and they found a spot near the door, keeping an eye on concertgoers still filtering in.

“Remind me what she looks like again?” Fred asked, scanning the crowd.

“She’s small, maybe 5’ 2” or 5’ 3” and she has straight dark brown hair that’s about shoulder length. And she has light eyes and freckles and the most amazing smile. It’s like-“

“I can work with that,” Fred said, cutting him off. George decided to take a lap around the venue to see if he spotted Molly. Fred would stay by the door and watch to see if she walked in.

George took his time walking around, studying anyone that showed even the slightest resemblance. But he knew as soon as he saw her, his heart would skip a beat and that would be the indicator he needed. He circled the place once more but still couldn’t find her. George made his way back towards Fred and noticed he was engaged in conversation with a woman. It should have annoyed him that Fred was distracted, but oddly enough it didn’t. He joined his brother and was briefly introduced to the new dame before they quickly parted ways.

“Sorry mate. I promise she came up to me, I was focused on finding your girl,” Fred said.

“Don’t worry about it. You’re allowed some fun. Besides, I don’t think she’s here yet.” The two of them eventually migrated toward the stage, as the opening act came on. Every so often Fred would nudge George and point to a short brunette, to which George would shake his head. He was starting to get nervous that she wouldn’t come, but he held out hope. After all, she had said she never misses a show. George tried to relax and enjoy the concert. He had plenty of time to find her.

As the opener’s set was coming to a close, George made a trip to the bar for another round of drinks. The bar was essentially empty and he easily placed his order and waited for the bartender to pour a round of fire whiskey. His order finished the bottle, so he had to wait a few moments as the barback went in back to grab a replacement. He leaned on the bar to wait and suddenly there was someone next to him.

“Can I get two fire whiskeys please?” the voice said. George froze, recognizing the sweet American accent.

“It’ll be just a moment. We’re waiting on a new bottle,” said the barkeep.

“I suppose I should apologize for that,” George said, turning to her. She looked up at him and he was immediately struck by her piercing green eyes. George smiled at her and she smiled back.

“Finishing all the fire whiskey and making me wait for a drink. How dare you,” she joked.

“I know. I’m surprised they haven’t kicked me out yet.”

“Oh I can make that happen, do you want me to get the bouncer?” she said sarcastically.

“Careful love. If you do that, I won’t be able to pay for your drinks.”

“I am perfectly capable of buying my drinks,” she said.

“I know you are, but I want to buy your drinks. It’s the least I can do.”

“The least you can do?”

“I believe I owe you for a night of wonderful conversation in complete darkness.”

George smiled at her and something in her expression changed slightly, like she was putting everything together.

“Oh shit,” she said, looking him up and down, “George Weasley. You really need to have your storefront redone. It doesn’t do you justice.”

“Oh, that’s Fred out front. If it were me he’d be much more handsome.”

She laughed, “How’d you know it was me?”

“Not many people in London with an American accent.”

“Ah of course. That is my giveaway.”

The bartender placed four glasses in front of them and George quickly paid before Molly could protest.

“Are you here with Angelina?” she nodded and he added, “Fred and I are standing right over there if you’d like to join us. I will make sure that Fred is on his best behavior.”

“What about you? Are you going to be on your best behavior?”

“I can’t make any promises,” he smirked. She smiled and said, “I’ll grab her and we’ll come right over.”

George returned to Fred as the crowd started to migrate toward the bar for a refill before the Weird Sisters came on.

“I found her,” George said with a stupid grin on his face.

“I never doubted you for a second.”

“And she’s coming over here. With Angelina. So please don’t ruin this for me.”

“I will be the perfect gentleman,” he said.

“I don’t believe that for a second,” George replied.

Fred shrugged as Molly and Angelina joined them.

“Well, well, well…if it isn’t Fred Weasley,” Angelina said.

“Ang! Darling, how are you?” He said, kissing both her cheeks. She rolled her eyes but smiled. Molly fell into place next to George and said, “Is he always like this?”

“More or less.”

“Then they should get along great,” she joked.

“I have to say Molly, I am a little offended that you haven’t come into the shop yet. You claim to be a troublemaker.”

“Oh I am. I just don’t need cheap tricks to play pranks.”

George dramatically put his hand over his heart, “Ouch.”

“Are you that fragile? I have so much more to dish out.”

“I can take it, as long as you can take it back.”

“Do your worst,” she said.

“I didn’t want to have to bring up Kenmare this early, but if you insist.”

She shook her head and smiled, “Damn, hit me where it hurts the most.”

“How about we call a temporary truce. You don’t insult me, I don’t insult you, and we enjoy the concert.”

“Okay, but just until the concert ends,” she held out her hand and George shook it.

The lights went down and the crowd started cheering as the band came out on stage. Molly cheered and a huge smile spread across her face as the music started. George shifted his attention between the band and Molly, as she mouthed every word and moved to the music. Fred and Angelina took turns bringing them drinks and George realized he was feeling a little more than tipsy. And by the looks of it, so was Molly.

Towards the end of the set, Molly turned toward him and grabbed his hand, saying “This is one of my favorites!” She then pulled him forward and started dancing with him. It started out innocent enough, with the two of them facing each other and moving to the music. And then Molly took George’s hand and turned around so that she was dancing in front of him, her body pressed ever so slightly against his. The height difference between them was almost comical, with him at 6’3” and her barely at 5’3”.

The song came to an end and the mood shifted as the Weird Sisters played one of their few slower songs. Molly took George’s other hand and lightly wrapped his arms around her shoulders. She leaned her head back into his chest as they swayed to the music, watching the band the whole time. George was trying to suppress the butterflies that were currently in his stomach and simply enjoy the moment. Soon the music ended and it appeared the concert was over. Molly turned around and gave George a small smile. She motioned with her fingers for him to come closer and he bent down. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and George took her hand and squeezed it as they separated.

People started filtering out now as the lights came back on. Molly and George were still holding hands as they followed Fred and Angelina, who were bantering back and forth, and George sighed in relief when they felt the cool spring air hit them. The four of them walked about a block and stopped, determining their next move. Molly and Angelina were talking to each other when Fred said, “Would either of you care for a pint at the Leaky Cauldron?”

Angelina looked toward Molly for an answer and she replied, “I wish we could, but we should get back. Rain check?”

“Sure,” George said. The four of them stood there awkwardly for a moment when Fred broke the silence.

“Well my lady, it has been a pleasure,” Fred said, kissing Angelina’s hand. She rolled her eyes and Fred gently pulled her away from George and Molly. George heard her say, “What are you doing?” and Fred replied, “Shhh…I’m giving them some privacy.”

“That was subtle,” Molly commented.

“For what it’s worth, I had a great time tonight,” George said.

“Me too,” she nodded.

“Listen Molly, would you like to go out sometime?”

“Oh, so now that you know what I look like, you’re suddenly interested?” she challenged.

“Ah that’s actually not it at all,” she waited for further explanation. “I was interested that night in the dark. And I tried to tell you before we walked out, but you stopped me.”

“You certainly didn’t seem interested.”

George sighed, “I know. I’m still trying to figure out what happened to me that night. I was nervous and I froze up.”

“You don’t strike me as the nervous type.”

“I’m usually not, but you were perfect and I didn’t want to say the wrong thing and screw it up.”

She ran her fingers through her hair and said, “Shit George, I really wish you would’ve told me that when we first met.”

“Why’s that?” he asked.

“Because I liked you, but now I’m sort of seeing someone.”

“Oh,” he said, disappointed.

“It’s new, but it’s been going well.”

“How’d you two meet?”

“It was at a Prophet party a few weeks ago. I met him towards the end of the night and we went out for a drink afterwards.”

George looked down at his feet and nodded, “Sure, got it. I…uh…I hope it goes well.”

“I’m sorry George,” she said sincerely.

“It’s fine, really. I hope you had fun tonight,” he said, making his way back toward Fred. Molly stood there and watched him tread back to Fred, with a look of uncertainty on her face. Angelina rushed back towards her and the two took off.

“How’d it go?” Fred asked.

George just shook his head, “She has a boyfriend.”

“You’re joking,” Fred said. George shook his head again, “Well she certainly wasn’t acting like she had a boyfriend in there.”

“I should’ve told her that first night. Things would’ve been completely different.”

Fred consoled him as they apparated back to the apartment. George sat down at the table and Fred immediately opened two butterbeers for them.

“I never thought I could go from feeling so happy to so sad in such a short period of time.”

“Alright mate, before you get carried away in the dramatics, let’s go through the facts. Molly likes you. As evidenced in the way she was acting around you tonight.”

“Maybe she’s just flirty. And we had been drinking a lot.”

“I don’t buy that. The way Molly was looking at you, she wasn’t just flirting. And she told you to your face that she likes you.”

“No, she said she liked me. As in past tense.”

“Don’t get hung up on that. The way I saw it, she was more than interested in you tonight.”

“What does it matter,” George stated, taking another sip of his drink.

“Stay with me here. We know that she started dating someone only a few weeks ago. It’s a new relationship. Things could happen.”

“Sure, but I don’t know that I have the patience to wait for something to happen.”

“Have you thought about just trying to be friends with her for now?”

“The last thing I want to do is put myself in the friend zone. I don’t want to see her with someone else who makes her happy.”

“Fair enough,” Fred said as he took a big sip from his drink. Seeing George hurting was killing him, and he knew he had to take action to help him. “Did she tell you how she met this boyfriend?”

“Yeah, she said they met at a Prophet event a few weeks ago,” George replied.

Fred got up and started sifting through the pile of mail sitting on the table. “Could it be this Daily Prophet Fundraiser we were invited to about two weeks ago?” Fred asked with a grimace, holding up an invitation they had received.

“Fuck, Fred,” George said, putting his head in his hands. Fred always went through the mail, and truthfully he didn’t think anything of this invitation. The Prophet was always inviting them to events since they often took out advertisements in the paper. Fred hadn’t put two and two together. He recalled George saying Molly worked for the Daily Prophet but they never attended the events they were invited to it. Out of habit he pushed the invitation aside.

“I’m sorry, I never even thought about it.”

He sighed, “I know, I know. It’s not your fault.”

“But we can fix this,” Fred said, a smile spreading over his face.

“We can?” George asked.

“We can. With the time turner.”

“Fred…” George said, concerned.

“Don’t argue with me. We can totally do this. You know she likes you. We just have to find her before this other guy does.” George was considering the offer when Fred added, “Do you really think she’s the one?”

“Yes.”

“Then we need to do this. Or else it might never happen for you two.”

“I want to, more than anything, but it’s risky Fred.”

“I know it’s risky, and this decision is up to you. But just know I will be there with you if you want to go.”

George was weighing the pros and cons in his head. He knew messing with time could be dangerous, but this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. He chugged the rest of his butterbeer and said, “Let’s do it.” Fred finished his butterbeer with a smile and the two planned out how exactly this would go down.

[sh1tbird-shantytown]

Steve accidentally summons his guardian demon who is determined to get Billy, Tommy, and him together. Except that every plan goes haywire.

i’m ready to weep. this is going to be fun.

===

Now. In his defense, he never thought it would actually work this time. Last time he hadn’t even gotten a peep from the answering service. Maybe it was just how desperate he was in the moment. Maybe whoever ran the demon summoning answering service took pity on him. But here it was, just as the little paper his mother had left him described.

It was eating his leftover pizza, “They sent me to deal with you because your last guardian is helping some lawyer stuck in an arson case. They haven’t given me a case in decades. Not since Lincoln at least, how long ago was that?” the thing laughed to itself and shoved another slice of olive and pepperoni in it’s gaping hole of a mouth. It was luminescent and dark emerald and it’s eyes were maroon orbs. Overall, less horrifying than he thought initially.

“Uh,” Steve stayed crouched behind the kitchen island and cleared his throat, “A long time. Wha— What’s your name again?”

The thing closed the fridge door too hard and it shook, “I didn’t say,” it traveled through the island with it’s hands behind its back, “I’m Eric.”

Steve blinked and stood up, “...Eric?”

It grinned and it’s crooked teeth showed, “Don’t act so perplexed, I’m trying to fit in on this realm.”

“Just seems very,” Steve watched as it drifted over to the phone in the wall, “Boring?” If Steve had to describe it’s reaction he’d say it was pouting.

“I thought it was classy,” Eric whined.

Steve blinked a few times and when the demon didn’t make another move he laughed nervously, “I mean, it’s nice. I guess I’m just really bad at meeting people, uh, ones of your...kind.”

Eric smiled wider than Steve thought was possible by any imagine, “Good. Now it’s time we figure out how to fix your problem.” There was suddenly a notepad in Eric’s pointy fingers, “When did your uneasiness begin?”

“What?”

The orbs circulated, “When did you start feeling down? Why’d you call? You know our customer service sucks down there.”

Steve pinched his brows together as he considered, “I guess when Nancy and I broke up and then Dustin went off to camp. I’ve been lonely.”

Eric’s shadow of a head nodded sympathetically, “Nothing will dust a man’s character away more than loneliness. Well, who are we looking for here. I’ll need to follow you around for a day to see who we can work with.” Before Steve could respond the thing started moving towards him, “I’ll just attach to your shadow for now and then later we’ll reconvene.” Before Steve could agree, Eric was gone into the shadows of the evening.

“Well okay,” he threw his hands up and went upstairs to prepare for work.

===

Tommy came into Scoops Ahoy that day and Steve immediately felt a tingle to his toes and fingertips. Eric appeared behind his old friend as he surveyed the display.

“This one is cute,” he said and floated around Tommy. Who scratched his cheek unbeknownst.

“What are you doing?” Steve hissed through clenched teeth.

Tommy startled and Eric looked on amused, “Uh, looking at the options?” He stared as Steve flushed in embarrassment.

“I wasn’t talking to you,” Steve explained quietly, “Robin, you’re on!” he turned and fleed quickly.

“Wa—“ Tommy’s voice was cut off by the door and Robin looked up from her novel.

“Dingus, I still have ten minutes,” she kept her place with a finger as she slowly shut the book. Steve rushed forward and sat in a chair, Eric right by Robin’s side, taking her in.

“I know,” he linked his hands together, “And I’ll give you another fifteen if you just take this one. Please?” he begged.

Eric’s eyes rolled again, “Way to stand tall, Steve.” Steve glared at him and Robin raised her brows.

“Okay,” she said longly, “Don’t give yourself a migraine now, Steve,” she laid her book down and headed out. “Welcome to Scoop Aho—” her voice closed out as the door shut.

Eric took her seat, “Now how are you supposed to land the boy if you won’t even face the boy?”

Steve reminded himself to keep his voice down, “Because it won’t work. So leave him out of this.”

Eric groaned obnoxiously, “But he’s our answer. He’s your answer and I have a cat to feed back in my realm so we have to hurry this up!”

Steve glared, “And how do you suppose we do that?”

Eric did that grin again, “We tune into that boy you were in high school, Harrington. And we knock ‘em off their feet.”

Just then Robin stormed back in with her hair practically on end, “Harrington, I’m not dealing with both those assholes at the same time. Take your fifteen minutes, shove it, and get your butt out there now.” One look at Robin and one glance at Eric’s smug drift towards the door and Steve was out of the break room regrettably.

“Ahoy!” he faked his best customer service smile. Billy Hargrove’s smirk reminded him too clearly of Eric, who was of course floating around the two males on the other side of the counter.

“Handsome, love that he’s blond, haven’t seen such a monstrosity in a while—” Steve bit his tongue to keep from laughing out loud.

“Cute, Harrington, nice shorts,” he leaned forward a little and looked at Steve’s lower half.

“Fruity too,” Eric sat on the counter.

Steve’s eyes widened and he cleared his throat, “Right, well, what can you I get for you two?”

Tommy settled an elbow against the counter and grinned cutely, “Hargrove here got a job at the pool so we’d like something,” he licked his lips, “Sweet.”

Billy nodded slowly and shifted the sunglasses on top of his head, “I’ll take pistachio.”

“Sweet cream and cookies for me, Stevie,” Tommy added.

Eric looked between the three of them, “All three of you? Kittymuffins can wait!” Steve ignored him and went over to the ice box, taking a scooper and a cone and bending inside uncomfortably to scoop from the green bucket.

Eric spoke from behind him, “They’re checking your ass out.” Steve sputtered and moved to get up. But he ended up smacking his head against the upper part of the glass.

“Shit!” he yelped in pain and stumbled back and then fell onto the ground after tripping on the fallen scoop. He hit his nose against the floor and felt a shock of pain. “Ow, shit, holy—”

“Steve?” he heard three voices shout.

“Oh my God!” Robin exclaimed and all of a sudden six arms where assisting him up from where he was on his knees gripping the counter desperately.

“He’s got a bloody nose,” Billy took over and picked Steve up and onto the counter. Steve blinked slowly and tried to catch up. Billy picked him up. “Pretty Boy, that was the most tragic thing I’ve even witnessed,” he said teasingly and bunched up napkins to Steve’s nose. “Keep your head level,” he ordered when Steve moved to tilt it back. “Good,” he commented.

Robin sighed, “I’m going to have to shut the shop down to clean this up. There’s blood on the glass, Steve. How?”

“Sorry,” Steve said weakly.

Tommy’s face made it’s way to Steve’s sight suddenly, “We can take him home.”

“Yes,” Eric agreed.

“No!” Steve refused and then felt guilty when Billy and Tommy looked embarrassed. “I mean, I’ve got it, I’ll go home and ice my head and nose. I’ll take some aspirin. And then I’ll come back for the rest of the night shift,” he told Robin. He stood up and ignored Eric shaking it’s head, “Thank you, guys. I’m fine. Really,” he addressed them each, “Thank you.”

“Uh,” Robin looked at Billy and Tommy uncertainly, “That’s fine I guess.”

“Thanks,” he said and rushed into the back room.

“You’re an idiot,” Eric crossed it’s arms.

“I know.”

===

Steve was at the store. He ran out of bread and he really wanted cookie dough ice cream. And just to his luck Tommy Hagan happened to stock shelves.

Eric spotted him first, “Oh!” he cheered and pointed with his emerald fingers, “It’s that freckle boy!”

“Hey, Steve!” Tommy walked over after setting down a crate of wheat loafs. “How’s your nose,” he examined Steve’s face as he walked closer. He laughed nervously and Eric snapped his fingers warningly.

“Much better,” Steve smiled.

“Billy’s pretty useful with all that training,” Tommy’s eyes softened.

“He sure is,” Steve nodded, “Could’ve used it the night he beat me up,” he chuckled unsurely. Eric face palmed.

“Oh, yeah,” Tommy looked down at his feet ashamed. “He’s sorry about that you know,” Tommy lifted up hurriedly. “He kicks himself for it all the time.”

Steve smiled and swung the bread gripped in his hand back and forth, “Really? How come he’s never said anything to me then?”

Tommy stubbed his toe into the floor, “He just didn’t want to overcrowd you too soon. And then he lost all the confidence to go through with it.”

“Steve,” Eric waved in front of his face, “Make a move. He obviously likes you, make your damn move and then we’ll land the other one!”

Steve panicked, “O-Oh, yeah, that’s nice. Hey, would you like to go to Bob’s for dinner sometimes this week?” Eric clapped and nodded approvingly.

Tommy grew excited, “I’m actually going there with Billy on Sunday—”

“Oh,” Steve sighed and smiled disappointedly, “Well, see you around then,” he waved and turned the corner as Tommy stayed stranded with his mouth open.

“Steven!” Eric scolded as Steve speeded to the frozen section, “What was that?” he screeched.

“I don’t want to intrude on them,” Steve muttered. A lady watched him worriedly as he grabbed a gallon of ice cream from the freezer and ran.

“You’re hopeless, Harrington,” Eric floated on his back and then disappeared.

“I know.”

===

Eric convinced him to go to the pool during the heatwave. It started out fine. Until Billy strutted out and climb up to the lifeguard seat.

Steve actually groaned, “Why does he have to look like that?” His head hit the back of the chair as he draped himself helplessly.

Eric sipped from his self produced margarita glass, “You love it though.”

Steve rolled his eyes, “I’m going to get a drink,” he eyed the soda machine on the other side of the pool and walked over. He felt kind of bare in just his blue swim trucks. It’d been a while.

“Hey, Steve!” Billy called down and waved with a flashy smile. Steve halted quickly to smile and wave back. Some kid also decided to run into the pool right as Steve stopped, pushing him in the pool. And Steve may have been a swimmer for a few years in middle school. But he hated pools after the whole Barb disappearance. All his experience left him in that moment.

He was underwater and everything was so quiet. Quiet and dark and soft. Sure there was a sting from the surface of the water but he kind of just forgot that the surface was a thing and when he looked down he saw monsters. Dark shadows against the pale floor. Then arms were wrapped around him and air was gasped into his lungs. He was lifted up onto the spiky concrete and he laid on his stomach as he caught his breath.

“Hey, hey!” Billy yelled, “Get back, and you! You’re banned, get out now! Before I knock you one.” he sounded livid. Steve blinked and then he saw Billy overtop of him, speaking much kinder. “Hey, man, sit up. Yeah,” he encouraged as Steve coughed more and sat upright, “Perfect. You alright?” Steve nodded and gave a shaky thumbs up.

Billy helped him up and Eric appeared over his shoulder, “You should’ve faked drowning so you’d get his lips on ya.” Steve groaned again and leaned his forehead against his knees. “Do you want me to bring through some wind to fix your hair?”

Steve sighed, “No,” he mumbled.

“You’re not?” Billy asked concernedly and put a hand on his back. “I can take you out back and have Heather take over.”

Steve looked up quick, “What? Oh, no, she deserves her break,” he chuckled, nervous and sore. “I’m fine. She had to deal with some kid dropping his popsicle in the pool. Who knew kids took cooties so nervously.” He smiled and started to get up, “I should probably go anyway.”

Billy kept his hand against Steve’s back and placed another on his shoulder soothingly, “You sure? I can drive you home if you want.”

Steve patted Billy’s arm, “I’m fine. Thank you, Hargrove, I appreciate it.”

Billy smiled softly, suddenly distracted as he stared at Steve, “Just doing my job.” Steve said goodbye and slowly made his way back to his car shivering. He was at the gate when a towel was suddenly strewn over his shoulders. Steve twirled around in a stagger to find Billy gleaming with a light sheen of sweat.

“Sorry, just thought you’d be better without a cold later,” he closed the gap of towel on Steve’s chest.

Steve laughed a little hysterically and hugged him, “Thanks, Billy.” He stepped away and went through the gate. Eric reappeared, smirking and Steve sighed as he finally gave in. “He still looking?”

“Yep. The water is making your suit stick to your ass.”

“Perfect.”

===

Eric sat with him on a bench in the mall, “Maybe you still have hope.” A kid ran by and Steve moved his feet in from their sprawled position.

“I don’t know,” he sighed, “They both have probably gotten together and given up on my dumb ass.” Eric nodded and when Steve stared at it unimpressed it smiled apologetically. Steve shook his head and sunk his shoulders more. “Whatever. What if I just relieve you of your duty and you go home to Fluffymittens or whatever.”

Eric coughed offendedly, “Her name is Kittymuffins. And who’s to say? Maybe today will even be the day, ‘cause they’re over by Scoops now.” It pointed over and Steve followed just to see Tommy and Billy arguing just outside the doorway of his very own workplace.

“What do you think they’re talking about?” Steve whispered.

“You,” Eric answered, “Tommy doesn’t want to push you but Billy thinks it’s time they tell you their plan.”

Steve asked perplexed, “Plan?”

Eric nodded, “They want to make you dinner and then get in your pants.”

He stood up and shook his head, “You’re so crude.”

Eric followed, “It’s basically the rundown.” Steve shook his head and grinned openly when the two men noticed him and turned to greet with big smiles in return.

“Hey, guys,” Steve brushed his hair back with a clawed hand, “What can I do you for?” Billy giggled and Tommy smiled before rolling his eyes and smacking Billy’s arm.

“Hey, Steve, we were just talking about you,” Tommy said.

“I know,” he smiled as both of them looked panicked. “How about you two come to my place tonight and we’ll talk about it then?”

Eric laughed beside him, “That’s my boy!”

The two of them looked a little shocked, “Uh, sure,” Tommy nodded slowly and smiled widely.

Billy’s smile was curved and his eyes glimmered proudly, “Told you so, Toms.”

Steve bit the tip of his tongue between his teeth sultrily as he admired their pink cheeks with a grin of his own, “See you later boys,” he wiggled his fingers at them.

Eric floated with him as he made his way back to the break room, “Do you need my help with dinner?”

“Nah, you can get back to Kittymittens.” He closed the door just as Eric gave one final applaud.

[pressedinthepages]

Elysian

Greek. adj. beautiful or creative; divinely inspired; peaceful and perfect.

Fandom: The Witcher

Pairing: Eskel x Reader

Word Count: 1086

Rating: T

Masterlist

a/n: Reader Request: [Can I perhaps request an Eskel x reader (if you're still taking them)? One where the reader is insecure about their body and Eskel shows them how beautiful they are? I'm having a hard time with my body just now and family members don't help in that regard so I need some fluff if you're up for it ❤️] omg this is so soft and i so feel you, hopefully this adds a smile to your day :)

Tags:   @whitewolfandthefox​ @havenoffandoms​ @MishaFaye @criminaly-supernatural​ @weathervanes-my-oneandlonely​ @magpie343​ @queenxxxsupreme​ @belalugosisdead​ @hina-chans-stuff​ @persephonehemingway​

(There is a link on my page where you can be added to my taglist :D)

Warnings: plenty of fluff with a dash of angst, body insecurity, ~allusions~ to smut, but nothing specific

Eskel offers his perspective on your frustrations.

    You huff, sprawling yourself over a large rock at the water’s edge. The wind whips over your skin, the taste of salt dancing through the air. You throw an arm over your eyes, shielding them from the brightness of the sun as you wallow in self-pity. However, even that cannot last long, someone coming up and nudging your feet off the side of the rock. You lift your arm and squint, finding Eskel sitting just beside of you.

    You groan, dramatically throwing yourself back down as another wave crashes against the rocky shore. 

    “Do you want to be alone?” he asks, barely loud enough for you to hear. You hum, shaking your head as you sit up alongside him.

    “No, I just...ugh, it’s stupid,” You cover your face with your hands, trying to hold yourself together with the force of your fingers.

    “I’m sure it’s not, especially if it’s bugging you this much…” Eskel’s voice trails off, low and tinged with a sweetness one could only find in summer berries.

    “I-” you huff, running your hands through your hair and fixing your eyes on the waves as they reach the shore. “I’ve just been feeling...off, I don’t know, I feel almost like I shouldn’t look in a mirror, because I know I won’t like what I see.”

    Eskel hums beside you, his thumbs fiddling with a loose stitch on his trousers. You sit in silence for a while, not really wanting to talk more but certainly not wanting to leave Eskel’s side. Even just by being there, he has made the voice in the back of your head a bit quieter.

    “I know how it feels,” Eskel leans over a bit, so that you can hear him a bit easier over the songs of the ocean. “To not like the reflection that you find.”

    You look over at him, watching as the dark waves of his hair flutter in the breeze, brushing over the hills and valleys of scars on his cheek. You expect to find pity in his eyes, but you only see comfort, the honeyed hues of his eyes glazed with emotions too deep to name. 

    “Can I show you?” Eskel asks as he swings his legs to turn towards you, “Can I show you what I see when I look at you?”

    You nod, your mind swimming with too many thoughts all fighting for the forefront, fear and apprehension and hope, hope that Eskel will be louder than the self-hatred that seeps through your skin on days like this. 

    Eskel reaches out and takes your hand in his. The feeling of your fingers sliding over his sends sparks up your spine, as if he had let free some of the magic that lies in his soul. His hands have callouses from years of training and work, but they are like velvet slipping through your grasp. 

    He raises your hand to his lips, placing a chaste kiss to the back as your breath hitches on itself. “I love your hands, they speak of strength that lies under the surface of a gentle touch, carefully honed to conform to any need one may have.”

    Eskel pushes the loose sleeve of your shirt up, placing quick pecks to each and every freckle and dark spot he finds. “I love all of these little marks along your arms, they’re like constellations and galaxies spanning across a night sky.”

    He scoots closer to you, his leg pressing against yours as he sets his hand atop of your thigh. Not high enough to be presumptuous, but the warmth of it seeps to your bones. “I adore your legs, the way they hold you up and bring you to my side.” His thumb soothingly runs back and forth over the fabric of your trousers, lightly tickling as he moves to thread his arm around your waist.

    “Your hips make me think terribly ungodly things, swaying and weaving through life on a path of light and stardust,” Eskel’s voice has turned darker, temptation dripping from his lips as he whispers in your ear.

    He leans back, fitting a finger under your chin and tilting it up to him. You are close enough that your breaths mingle in the shared space between you. His hand runs up your jaw, sweeping across your cheek as he brushes a stray strand of hair back behind your ear. 

    “I love watching your hair dance through the air. Sometimes, I even get a bit jealous of the wind, since it gets to spin itself through the silk that frames you.” Your eyes close as he slowly, reverently, runs his fingers through your hair, goosebumps settling on your skin as you feel his breath on your cheek. 

    “Your eyes are the most stunning jewels I’ve ever seen, bright and shining even on the dimmest days. But, if they were to be put into a ring, or a necklace, they’d be plain, for they would be missing the rest of you.” You feel your lip tremble and your eyes well with unshed tears, overwhelmed by the outpouring of adoration that Eskel has given.

    His eyes drift lower, settling on your lips. “Ah, and my personal favorite. I love watching your lips move, weaving stories and spilling emotions that only a beautiful mind could conceive.” The tears fall freely now, warm tracks down your cheeks that cool with the salty breeze. 

“And you know what?” Eskel brings his eyes back to yours, a new intensity burning from underneath the kindness. “Even if all of those things were to disappear from your body, or if they changed and looked different, or if I went blind and couldn’t see any of them anymore, I would still love you all the same. Because you would still be you, and that’s all that truly matters.” 

“You love me?” You whisper as the ocean continues its quest to climb the rocks with every new wave.

Eskel chuckles as he pulls you close, resting his forehead on yours. “Of course I do, it was stupid of me not to have told you sooner. But nothing can change that, my heart is yours, for as long as you’ll have it.”

You lean in and capture his lips, trying to pour all of your unsaid thanks and adoration back into him. He is soft against you, gently pushing and pulling you closer like the tides sweeping along the deep ocean floor. 

“Thank you, Eskel,” you whisper, your lips barely brushing against him with your words, “I love you too.”

[korra-the-red-lion]

Unnatural Affairs. Chapter 1: Move In Day.

(Ally)

The first day of university was one of those exciting yet absolutely terrifying things. Luckily, it was just move in day and that gave me a week reprieve before I actually went to my first class. Still, the anxiety of moving away from home was something you couldn’t help, even if you don’t always get along your parents. Being on your own, expected to fend for yourself alone. That made me shiver to my core.

The car bumped along the road as we approached the campus. My dad said something to my mom under his breath, for her ears only. I didn’t mind, too busy focusing on the school buildings coming into view. It wasn’t a massive campus, but that fit me just fine. I grew up in a small town, so a smaller university was the least overwhelming choice for me to pick. I originally got accepted into Chester University, but with a student population of 45,000, I could feel my heart rate increase just reading about it. My dad was disappointed that I didn’t go to Perkins, his alma mater, but it was just so far away and quite frankly, had a reputation as a party school. No, not for me, thank you very much. I liked that Mount Seamus had a small student population (only 3,000) and was close enough to home that I could go back if I needed to (only an hour and half drive).

“Alexandra,” said my mom, looking over her shoulder, “how are you feeling?”

I tore my gaze away from the window. “A little nervous, if I’m being honest. Excited too, but mostly nervous.”

She smiled at me. “Perfectly normal. I think you’ll be great, sweetie.”

I smiled back at her, before returning my eyes back to the window. We were rolling up to the drop off spot for students. My parents would drop me off there and take my things to my room. I was happy for a chance to be away from them for a short time. I loved them, but sometimes they could be a tad bit stifling. It will be nice to be able to explore on my own for awhile before having to do the whole tour with them.

The car bumped to a stop. I undid my seatbelt, breathing slowly through my nose. I could feel my nerves trying to get the better of me. My mom reached around and placed her hand on my shoulder, giving me an encouraging nod. I nodded back to her and opened the door, the warmth of the August air hitting me.

“We’ll drop your stuff off and meet you at the student services building, okay?” said mom.

I nodded, not trusting my voice right now.

Mom reached out the window and kissed my hands, filling me with warmth, calming me down a little. My dad looked over and mumbled out a ‘good luck’ before they drove off. My dad wasn’t a man of many words, and it was having a hard time with me moving out. I just hoped that he’d open up a bit more before we got here, but clearly that wasn’t happening. Still, there was still time.

The sound of music and people cheering drew my attention. They were holding up signs that welcomed the new students, signs pointing people in the right direction, and just general fun vibes coming from that direction. That’s where I needed to be, so that’s where I went.

The music was a little too loud for my liking, but I just dealt with it. I didn’t have to be at this spot for too long. A student spotted me and waved at me to come over. She grinned as I approached, high fiving her friend. She had her hair tied up in a high ponytail. The colours of the school were painted on her cheeks, nearly hiding the smattering of freckles that spread across her nose and maybe her cheeks. Her friend was a bit shorter, with her hair done in a messy bun and wearing matching face paint.

“Hey-o, welcome to MSU, frosh,” said the freckled girl excitedly. “Is this your first time on campus?”

I nodded shyly, trying to not take a step back. The anxiety was trying to overwhelm me again.

“Nice! I’m Lyn, and this is my buddy Loryn!” she indicated the girl next to her. “We’re here to show people around and help out with anything you need for today.”

“If you want it, that is,” added Loryn quickly, maybe noticing my discomfort.

“Yes, totally!” Lyn looked back and forth between us, frowning slightly for a second before grinning again. “This is not mandatory by any means. It’s more like, uh, a more personalized tour? Some people find the whole group thing super overwhelming and shit, so we do this so people can just have some one on ones.”

“I would like that, actually,” I said with a smile. “If you don’t mind showing me around, Lyn, that would be lovely.”

Lyn winked at Loryn before coming around the table. “Hehe, another win for me, Loryn. If you don’t pick it up, cleaning the locker room sure is gonna suck for you.”

“Shut up and just show the poor girl around. Oh, and try not to be too loud, Lyn.”

Lyn rolled her eyes and indicated me to follow her. She was tall, probably around 6ft or something close to that. I didn’t notice it before, because I was distracted by the blue and white painted all over her face, but she had stunning electric blue eyes. The kind that most girls envied. They really popped against the paleness of her skin.

She must have noticed me looking as she turned towards me a little bit more, her eyes searching mine. Her face softened and she said to me, “You must be really nervous, huh?”

“I am, yeah…” I tucked my hair behind my ear. “It’s my first time away from home, from my parents, you know? You dream of moving out and being on your own for so long, but when the day comes, all you want do is go back home and wish you can just live there forever.”

Lyn nodded. “I get that, totally. Hopefully you’ll adjust here quickly, but girl, don’t feel bad about homesickness. Most of us feel it.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I’m Ally, by the way,” I said quickly. It totally slipped my mind to introduce myself earlier, but it occurred to me when she called me ‘girl.’

“Ally, huh? That’s a nice name,” she smiled at me again. “Okidoki, let’s get down to business, shall we? This is here is the main campus, where you’ll find all the classroom buildings and the library. The residence buildings are all located around the main campus, but no building is longer than a 10-minute walk around here. Food hall is over on the east side, over yonder,” she pointed to where I assume the meal hall was located, “so it’s nice depending on which res you’re in. I was in Lukas Hall, which was close to the AC but across from the food hall, so I always had to pack snacks for after practice in case I couldn’t grab something before class.”

“Sorry, but what’s the ‘AC’?” I asked, tilting my head to the side.

“Shit, sorry, you’re new. It’s the Athletic Centre, where I spend most of my days.”

I bite my lip in thought, looking her up and down, trying to guess what sport she played. She was tall and had lean muscle. She was wearing flip flops and track pants, her toes had chipped nail polish on them. She was wearing a university t-shirt, but it gave no indication to which team she was on. She was smirking at me with her arms crossed over her chest, knowing I was trying to guess.

“Okay, um, basketball?” I guessed.

She laughed with a gentle shake of her head. “Nope! I’ll let you guess one more time.”

Damn, okay. She wasn’t too bulky, so I knew basketball was a risky guess. I think volleyball is wrong too. There were no scraps or bruises on her knees and legs to indicate that she played soccer or hockey.

I smiled brightly when it came to me. “Swim team!”

Lyn broke out in a huge grin. “Damn, yeah! How’d you guess?”

“Well, I didn’t notice any bruising on your skin. So, it kind of eliminated contact sports. I did think maybe you did cross country or swimming because of your build. You’re muscular, but it’s not heavy muscle like other sports. It’s the kind of muscle required for endurance. But then I saw your toes…for the most part they look fine. I feel like a runner would have more calluses and swelling down there. Therefore, the logical conclusion had to be swimming,” I explained.

Lyn gave a low whistle and shoved her hands in her pockets. “Well damn, Ally. That was pretty freaking good. You wanna be a PI or something?”

I blushed as I shook my head. “Not really. I just always had a knack for noticing details.”

“Well, that’s a pretty cool knack. I’m shit with details, so there’s no way in hell I could have guessed that just from sizing someone up. Come on, I’ll show ya the rest of the campus and we’ll head over to the meet up spot. I assume your parents are meeting you there?”

I nodded and we were off again. Lyn was honestly not great at explaining where things were, since she would just vaguely point in the direction and tell me the building names, even though I didn’t know much about them. But, she was really nice and friendly. I actually ended up forgetting about how anxious I was about this whole thing and ended up really enjoying the tour. I knew I’d end up doing it with my parents again anyway, so I didn’t mind that this wasn’t the gold standard tour given out by the university coordinators.

Eventually we ended up back to where I met her and Loryn, who was now gone. Maybe she was giving someone else a tour. Lyn directed me to where my parents were waiting for me. My mom was checking her phone, and when our eyes connected, I realized I never took it out once while I was with Lyn. I guiltily pulled it out from my purse and saw that I had three missed texts and a missed called from her. If I was anxious about moving out, my mom was way worse.

Of course, I understood why. Ever since I was a little kid, I noticed things that other people didn’t. At first, my parents chalked it up to youthful imagination but after great grand dad passed away and I told Nana that he wanted to apologize for how he treated her and Betty when they were growing up, my parents came to the conclusion that there was something wrong with me. There isn’t, in the traditional sense. It just seems as if I could connect to the supernatural aspects of this world. It wasn’t normal, and it really upset my dad quite a bit. I tried to make sure I never talked about it once I got old enough to understand how they felt about the situation, but there were times that it slipped. Like at Kat’s 13th birthday bash, which I ended up having a panic attack at because I swore that I saw some sort of demon crawling out of the garden shed. I think my mom just didn’t want me to feel like an outcast again, but university is supposed to be a new beginning, right?

“Sorry, mom. I was talking to someone and just forgot to check my phone,” I said, a wave of shame washing over me.

My mom, a human scanner when it came to people I was with, looked Lyn up and down before nodding slowly, meaning she approved. My dad, however, stared at her for a solid minute of silence. Lyn shifted foot to foot uncomfortably and tugged at her ear.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked under her breath.

“No, you didn’t. My dad is just very overprotective and tends to do this stupid act to scare people away,” I muttered back.

Finally, my dad clicked his tongue and nodded as well. “I’m glad that you found someone to show you around,” he said slowly.

“Yes, Lyn was very nice to do that,” I said. “The campus is lovely, and it will be nice to have a familiar face to see.” This drew a smile onto Lyn’s freckled face.

“Your daughter is super awesome,” she said to my parents, “but I can’t stick around much longer, unfortunately. Gotta go back and see if there are any other frosh who need my attention, you know?” She spared me a goodbye wink before sauntering back over to her table, where some guy was there instead of Loryn.

I found myself staring over at her before my attention was drawn back to my parents, especially my mom. She had a map of the campus and started asking me where everything was and how close I was to the major buildings (those being meal hall, the library, and the student centre in case I needed campus security for any reason).

I had a feeling this second tour was going to be much longer than the one I just had.

XXX

My parents helped me set everything up in my room. It wasn’t a big space, but that was to be expected. I’m an only child, so the real adjustment is learning how to share the space with another person. She wasn’t here at the moment; she went to supper with her parents. My mom offered to go picked something up so we could eat it here, leaving me alone with dad.

My relationship with my dad was…complicated at best. He was loving and looked out for me, but it was also difficult for him to come to terms with the more… how to say, unnatural aspects of my personality. He grew up as a devout Catholic, so these kinds of things just made him uncomfortable. I remember when I was 9 years old and being told I wasn’t allowed to go over to Chris Parks’ house anymore because his older brother used a Ouija Board during a Halloween party, and my dad was convinced the house was filled with evil spirts since.

So yeah, sometimes it was hard to get along with him. It didn’t matter how many times I explained myself to him, he was always harsh with judgement. It’s not like I woke up one day and asked for this. Trust me, if I had the choice, I’d be much happier living in a world of naivety like the other kids. I’ve had to go to therapy and be prescribed meds to help control my anxiety about seeing dead people and demons. That kind of shit scars you, doesn’t matter what age.

I was humming a tune to a song that helps me stay calm while making sure my poster of Supergirl was straight when I heard my dad clear his throat. Dropping my shoulders in anticipation, I looked over with a frown.

“Yes, dad?”

“Take a seat, I just want to chat before your mom gets back,” he said, patting a spot on my bed next to him.

Wary of what was coming next, I sat with my shoulders curled into towards my body. I fiddled with the arm of my glasses and waited for him to speak. There was no point in rushing him when he got like this.

“Alexandra, I know that growing up, I was harsh with you when it came to…” he waved his hand at me, “…you know. But, it was only for your own good. This here? This is a new chance, a chance to start fresh. No one here knows about your…you know. You can make friends, maybe even get a girlfriend. But baby girl, promise me that you won’t go looking for those kinds of dark things. Promise me you’ll just be ordinary, okay?”

There it was. Ordinary. The word was like a punch to the face every time he said it. I could feel my face grow hot with shame and anger as I got to my feet. “I- dad…you know I hate it when you say it that way…” my voiced cracked as I tried to keep it together.

“I’m not trying to make you feel bad, Alexandra. I just want you to have a good time here and not-”

“What? Not screw up?” I turned away from him, feeling the tears welling up.

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

“That’s how it sounded to me!”

Dad got to his feet as well and try to put his hand on my shoulder, which I shrugged off, not wanting him to touch me. I hated that he made me feel dirty about this.

“Listen, Alexandra, just…I’m sorry, okay? I just want to know you’ll be safe while you’re here.”

I rolled my eyes and forced myself to take a deep breath. “Okay, whatever dad.”

Whatever dumb thing he was going to say next was interrupted by mom coming in with the food. I quickly wiped at my eyes and forced myself to face them both. My mom’s eyes were red and puffy, clearly from crying in the car. Well, there I go too. I burst into tears and pull my mom into a tight hug, trying to take in her everything. I was ready to get away from home, I swear. But leaving my mom was harder than anything else in the whole world.

There we stood, sobbing onto each other’s shoulders while the food got cold beside us.

XXX

I stood on the corner as my parents drove away, my mom waving to me from the window. I had no more tears to spill, so I stood there in painful, hallow silence. Finally, when the bugs started to get too awful for me to deal with anymore, I made my way back to my residence. MacGavin hall was considered one of the better residences on campus, which is why my parents insisted I stayed there. I wasn’t going to argue with them, since they were paying.

I swiped my student card against the reader and pulled the door open once it beeped green. I made my way back to my room in miserable silence. There was already music blasting from someone’s room, and some of the students were sharing alcohol in the hall. Obviously, the RA was either a party person themselves, or they just didn’t care. To be honest, I didn’t care myself at this time.

I opened my door and saw that my roommate, Sarah I think, was sitting on her bed, headphones in. She rolled over with similar puffy eyes and smiled weakly at me.

“Same boat, huh?”

I nodded with a laugh. “Uh, yeah. That was way harder than I thought it would be.”

“Right?” She sat up, rubbing her face. “I was like, so excited to leave home and be like, independent from them. But then when it like, occurred to me that I wouldn’t be waking up in my house tomorrow… it sorta just like, hit me so hard. I ended up snotting in my salad.”

Okay, that made me genuinely laugh. I sat down on my bed and we ended up sort of just talking through the rest of the night, until we both fell asleep.

Maybe the first day of moving away from home was exciting and the start of a new journey. But those movies and books never talked about how hard it could be to let go. They never talked about the tears and the empty feeling of knowing that you just left everything you knew behind. It never talked about the fear that came with being in an unfamiliar place. As I drifted off, I knew I would be okay, even if it took a few days. But man, did my heart ache.

[dirt-cup-draco]

2, 13, and 19 for the smutty prompts for Edmumd pretty please 😊

he just lookin fine af in this gif. also you’re killing me anon lol 

warnings: smutty things, characters are of age of course. It’s not explicit just a lil sexy, some angst 

Peter had just married and the celebrations were unending. As he danced with his beautiful wife across the ballroom you sipped at a flute of champagne. Narnians had many talents and keeping the alcohol flowing and the people happy was one of them. Half of those attending were well passed buzz but no one was disruptive. The people were simply loving and happy. Even taking away their inhibitions with champagnes and ales only caused them to show that more freely. It brought a grin to your lips. 

“What are you so amused about?” Came a voice from behind you and you jumped, hand going to your chest. 

“Jesus, Edmund. Give a girl some warning next time,” You took a nervous swig of your drink. Your friend was certainly dressed for the occasion and you didn’t want to take your eyes off of him. Sharp dressed or not he had always been able to take your breath away. 

He shrugged as way of apology but he had a glint in his eye that he always had when he caused you discomfort. He liked to make you squirm, that much was true. Edmund Pevensie was an awful tease and the most mischievous man you’d ever met. It was going to be the death of you if you were quite honest. He had no problem with sneaking up behind you and scaring the daylights out of you. When diplomats and their sons stayed at the castle he had no problem flirting with you right in front of them no matter how many times he scolded. He left you read faced from embarrassment and anger. 

“Care to dance?” He asked, sliding his arm around your waist, his lips going to your ear. To anyone else he’d sound bored, like he could care less if they wanted to dance with him or not. Yet you knew he was waiting with bated breath for your reply. You cracked a smile. 

“All you had to do was ask, dear friend,” 

His jaw ticked, his pride wounded but after you set your empty glass down you were following him to the dance floor. Other couples had joined and Peter and his queen were all wrapped up in each other, swaying and talking in low voices. They giggled happily and you smiled at the sight. You wanted something like that one day. Edmund’s arms were steady and he lead you around with confidence. Twirling and dipping, sliding and lifting. You however had two left feet and often stumbled, resulting in the two of you bursting into laughter. You were feeling light and bubbly from the drink and Edmund was looking better every damn second. If you’d had more to drink you were sure you would have already captured his lips with yours by now. 

But you still had your wits about you. You wouldn’t do something so foolish. You may have a crush on the just king but you were only a friend in his eyes, of that you were sure. He was a tease but that was all. You could never take him seriously. Edmund just liked toying with your feelings. However he was so near, his warm scent of cinnamon and rum filling your nose. It was alluring and comforting. The music slowed and so did the two of you.

 His hands dropped yours and instead went to your waist. Your hands slid over his squared shoulders and looped around his neck. You took a step forward, now you were chest to chest. He swayed back and forth and you followed, relaxing in his arms, your cheek resting on his shoulder.You were staring at a particular freckle on his neck when you had the sudden motivation to brush your lips against it. Edmund’s reaction was nearly immediate, his arms went stiff and his steps halted and you stumbled a little at the sudden stop. He kept you upright however. Yet his cheeks were undoubtedly,  delightfully, pink. 

“Problem?” You questioned cheekily. He glared and grabbed your hand, his expression like stone. 

Edmund kept a tight grip of your hand and pulled you with him as he sped out of the ballroom. You yelped after he bolted through the doors, dragging you along with him down the long hall of the castle. “Edmund!” You scolded as you struggled to keep up with his long strides. 

Was he really so upset with your action? You were a little tipsy and that didn’t excuse it but if he tease you why couldn’t you do the same? Maybe you’d gone too far somehow? You immediately felt bad. “I’m sorry if I did something-” 

Edmund halted again and he gripped you by the shoulders. “Would you be quiet for a moment?” He said, eyes wide and cheeks still rosy. His chest rose and fell with harsh breaths and you were getting a little worried, your hand came to rest against his warm cheek and his grip on your shoulders tightened. “Not until you tell me why you dragged me here,” You said, voice softer now. 

Edmund apparently wasn’t have the same worries as you as he backed you against the wall, his leg finding it’s place between yours, making your dress fold awkwardly against your thighs. His hands had trailed from your shoulders, fingers tracing swirling patterns down until his hands came to yours. In a swift yet gentle move he had your wrists pinned above your head with one hand, his other resting against your waist. Your mouth had gone dry and you struggled to take a full breath. 

“Ed?” You squeaked as he lips brushed against your jaw. 

“I’ve never wanted to fuck someone so badly. You look absolutely gorgeous tonight. You’ve always been beautiful but you’ve brought me to my knees Y/N. ” He growled. “Tell me yes or tell me no, it’s up to you.” Edmund added, his grip giving some. He pulled away some and you found yourself leaning towards him, seeking the warmth of his body against yours. 

“You idiot,” You said, pressing your lips to his in a desperate attempt to show him how badly you wanted this with him. You could feel him smile against your lips and you freed one of your hands to press against his back, bringing his hips against yours. He grunted and slanted his lips against yours, squeezing your hip before both of his hands found their way to your chest, his hands mapping out your curves. Edmund was distressed with the barriers between you two though and his lips parted from yours as he trailed wet kisses down your neck, sucking and biting his way down to your collarbone and then to the tops of your breasts. 

“I liked this dress a lot earlier but now, I can’t say it’s my favorite,” You giggled and pushed away from him. 

“Then let’s get to your room and you can take it off of me,” 

His eyes brightened considerably and took hold of your hand again, dashing to his room with you in tow laughing and smiling like he’d never seen. 

---

Your head throbbed every so often and you shut your eyes tight against the light. Your body was waking up and you didn’t want to give it permission. It was far too early. You could tell because the room around you was still chilly. Your bare arms were pleased as you rolled onto your side and pulled the thick blankets back over you. As you made yourself comfortable against the plush pillow underneath your head you had the passing thought that this wasn’t your bed. Cracking an eye open you saw a mop of dark curls and a freckled back. Faint red lines were marked on his pale skin. 

Right. You had sex with your crush. More importantly, you had sex with your friend, your king for heavens sake. The thought had you blushing and you nearly made a noise from the warmth that filled you. Memories were coursing through you as you woke up. Both of you had been giddy, tearing at each other’s clothes once you’d gotten to his room. Edmund had been jittery, excited. Yet he pressed slow kisses and whispered praises against your skin as he took your clothes off. You’d never felt more cared for, more beautiful. But it wasn’t right!

He was still the king and you were still just a friend and neither of you had been drunk but you’d both had something to drink and emotions had been running high. It didn’t mean anything. You two had just gotten too eager. He probably would regret this. Oh god, what must he think of you now that you’d so quickly crawled into bed with him? Anxiety made your chest tight and you sat up slowly, eyes combing over the room as you spotted your discarded clothes. The day was still new, the sun rising steadily but not quite over the mountains yet. The sky was clear and the birds were singing but you could only feel dread. 

Luckily Edmund didn’t wake and you were dressed and bolting to your room before anyone could catch sight of you. When you arrived to your room you scrambled to your mirror and found that your neck was riddled with love bites and as much joy as theyd brought you previously they now made you feel sick. You needed to hide these. Edmund would be shamed for sleeping with you, especially since you weren’t courting. He probably hadn’t meant to lay with you in the first place. Out of frustration your eyes welled with tears and you tore through your closet looking for something that might help hide evidence of what youd done the night before. 

Luckily you found a dress with a high collar and you left your hair down, helping hide the rest. You washed your face and tried to wash away the memories and feelings. You needed to ignore what had happened for his sake and yours. It’d be better this way, less awkward. You’d eventually get over it and so would he and you two could go back to being normal friends. 

Your mind was reeling and so you decided you needed a distraction. You disappeared to the library, going far into the place Edmund never visited. He wouldn’t come and find you here. You grabbed the first book you saw and then lowered yourself to the floor. It would be a long day but hopefully this would help the time pass. 

Hours later you were halfway through the book you had picked up, history of something from someplace somewhere. You hadn’t really been paying that close attention to be honestly. You had zoned out, flipping pages every once in a while as your mind wandered. “Boo,” 

You yelped and slammed the book shut, whacking the back of your head against the shelf you were leaning against as you jumped. “Fucking hell Edmund!” You cursed, hand going to the back of your head. Your heart was racing from the scare but also from your new company. Why was he here? 

“Why are you avoiding me?” He asked, straight to the point. He looked down his nose at you and you frowned, setting the book away before you stood, squaring your shoulders and trying to look tougher than you felt. 

“I’m not,” 

“Liar, where were you this morning?” He looked curious and hurt, yet you might be imagining that second part. Why would he care that you had been gone? Edmund took a step forward when you didn’t respond. You took a step back. He gritted his teeth in annoyance. 

“None of your business,” You said airily. It only seemed to bother him more. 

“I think it is,” He spoke low and slow, his eyes burning. 

“And why is that?” You said, curious. 

For the second time in two days you found yourself cornered by the king. Your back was to the shelves and his hands were on either side of your head. You blinked and then his lips were on yours. You gasped and he nibbled at your lip, tongue sliding against yours. This snapped you out of the haze and you pulled away. 

“We’re just...friends,” You squeaked. “Friends don’t do this type of shit,”

Edmund looked absolutely exasperated. But then he took a deep breath and the grumpiness faded to a wounded look. “Is that really how you see me Y/N? Just a friend?” He sounded defeated. His eyes were downcast and he took another step away from you. Giving you the space you were apparently so desperate for. 

“No! B-but that’s all I ever am, that’s all I should be!” You said, feelings getting mixed up. He liked you back for gods sake, why were you fighting that? “You’re a king Edmund! You’re smart and brave and wonderful and handsome and clever and a complete pain in my ass. I’ve loved you for ages but I’m not what you should want.... You need a queen like Peter has....We were drinking, I was just a dumb one night stand. You don’t have to feel obligated to continue spending time with me, I understand I”m not what you need” You hadn’t known you’d felt that way until you were saying it but it was true. You weren’t fit to be with Edmund. He deserved better. 

However the man in front of you had dropped his jaw. “Are you daft?” He questioned and you hung your head low. The tone causing you to flinch. “You are without a doubt, the most stunning, infuriating, intelligent, insufferable woman I have ever met. There is no one better for me,” This time when he took a step forward, you didn’t take a step back. His palm came to rest against your cheek and you leaned into the touch. 

“You are so much more to me than just a one night stand,” Edmund spoke honestly. He looked pained that you didn’t understand that. Carefully he brushed his lips against your cheek and when you relaxed instead of tensed you let him kiss you on the lips again. Gone was the desperation and the need to fuck. Now it was just him conveying to you that you were more than a one night stand and more than a friend. 

You were all Edmund could ever need and he’d spend the rest of his days proving that to you. 

[mytwistedhome]

“The Alchemist” ❤️❓

A very old request that I’ve finally finished for @rainebowkitty​ !! 

It took me a while because it required a bit of research (of which I really enjoyed doing!)

This little drabble involves Riddle and... another Disney character (leaving the name out in this intro because you don’t really need to know who it is to be able to understand this story >u< ) 

Summary: During his alchemy class, Riddle Rosehearts gets paired with a strange, magic-less student that he's never noticed before. This student seems to know quite a lot about the subject, but his bizarre ideas tend to stray from the rules that Riddle is used to.

I think that the reason why this particular story took me so long to complete was because the subject of alchemy was quite intimidating to me •́  ‿ ,•̀ Even after weeks of having the basic plot written and taking many notes on the actual science of alchemy, I still always hesitated to complete this. Every day, I would try to write just a little bit, but I always ended up cowering away because all the different little parts of the science seemed overwhelming and, again, intimidating. I've never before procrastinated this much or run away from subjects of my own writing, so this was quite a new experience for me... I wish I could've gotten this done much faster, but I think this entire writing process helped me to face a fear I didn't even know I had--a fear of writing about science/scientific topics! It might be silly, but that's really the way I felt while writing this: afraid to delve too deep into the subject.

Still, I am very happy that this is finally done! I only hope that I served justice to this ancient science 💗 Kitty, I very much hope that you enjoyed your two favs together!!!

Okay!!! I'm gonna stop being annoying now

Riddle stood in the midday class with his back turned to his alchemy professor, easily slipping the buttons through the holes of his lab coat as Divus gave his greetings and instruction. His voice was clear and loud, reciting his usual classroom demands of always taking full precautions, ensuring safety, and arriving prepared. Always, it was these same rules, yet they were just a little bit different each day to suit whatever the current project may be.

But, on this day, Divus added to his instruction, "And, boys! Make sure you pair with a NEW partner today."

Riddle turned his head to stare at his professor and froze in place, absolutely dismayed. Crewel was asking them to switch partners? A brand new partner? All of a sudden?

How very strange that was, for wasn't it better to keep with the same partners? So that the two are familiar with each other and can work their best together? This switching of partners was truly, very odd, and it seemed just the thing that Professor Crewel would be against, for he was always the most sensible in keeping to rules and the traditional order of things. But, who was Riddle to argue or question the one in charge of the classroom?

He turned his head away once more and smoothed over the small wrinkles in his coat as the clean, clear goggles slipped over his eyes. It seemed the others in his class were just as confused as he, for they stumbled about awkwardly in search of a friendly-looking acquaintance of whom they were unfamiliar with. Riddle breathed out a huff and narrowed his eyes, a bit annoyed to have to deal with the uncertainty and the bother of finding a "brand new" partner. He turned around and looked, himself, for a person that seemed amiable and new, and to his luck, he was able to spot someone standing at one of the large, wide cauldrons of whom he was sure he hadn't ever worked with before.

He slowly approached where the other boy stood with his back to him. He was hurriedly flipping through the pages of several different books that were spread over the long desk just beside the pot of which they were to work. He had dark hair of an impressive volume and seemed rather intriguing in the way he went about his work. Riddle tilted his head slightly, watching with curiosity and interest as the boy worked quick to search what he was looking for, before he said in warm greeting, "Hello.. I don't believe I've worked with you before."

The boy went still upon hearing Riddle's voice, and he turned himself around to acquaint the unfamiliar classmate as he pushed the round goggles he wore over his head. "Hello!" he said with a nod, "I could work with you, if that's what we must do." There was clear enthusiasm in his voice before he turned his head once more to focus back on whatever he may have been searching for.

Riddle blinked several times in bewilderment. He had never even seen this student, let alone worked with him before. In alarm, he stared to get a better look at this stranger. His dark hair was accentuated by a teal stripe that ran down the center--a unique trait that Riddle had never noticed in a student before. He also had a soft, summer, sun-kissed shine to his complexion, which flattered and glowed upon his warm and freckled face, making him even more unrecognizable to Riddle.

Divus then gave further commands to the class, telling them that their goal was to make a particular potion. Riddle payed close attention to the details of the instruction, but all the while, he could not help but think in the back of his mind upon how strange his partner seemed to be. And, then, with the brief lecture over, he turned his attention again to that unknown student. "I'm sorry, but what is your name?" his voice was soft and polite with an ease in his eyes, "I don't believe I've payed much notice to you in this class before, and I'm sorry for that."

"Oh! Uh, I...." he dragged that last syllable out, much to Riddle's distaste, as he rummaged with the ingredients spread before the cauldron, "I only just began coming to this school. Not that long ago, really, so it makes sense if you didn't know. And--I'm Varian, by the way."

"You just began coming here?" Riddle said with alarm as his head tilted with even more interest than before, "A new student on the middle of the school year... And just like that? That isn't a typical thing here. How did it happen?"

Varian gritted his teeth and briefly glanced off to the side in attempt to avoid the question, "It's a... rea~lly long story. Don't worry about it."

Riddle looked at him with skepticism in his gaze. How odd it was to have a student transfer in the middle of the school year. As far as he knew, it was incredibly uncommon in NRC, for it meant that they would miss the welcome ceremony and so many other lessons and meetings that were essential in their learning.

But, again, who was he to argue with the way the school was run? Perhaps Crowley had a very special reason to allow this student entrance in the middle of the year.

Riddle took a small step to better observe what Varian was doing. All around on his side of the desk, there were sketches of obscure symbols that appeared unrelated to their project at hand, along with notebooks opened to pages of quotes that were beautiful poetically, yet seemingly unintelligent. How strange, how strange That one word kept repeating in Riddle's head, and he grew slightly skeptical of the student standing beside him.

Riddle pulled his head away and pressed his lips together as he began looking over the ingredients, chemicals, and metals that were laid out neatly upon the long desk, but his attention was seized once more by Varian who immediately grabbed two beakers of melted medals and mixed them carefully with one another.

"Just a touch of sulfur, and some more iron for the base...The iron brings forth the energy of Mars, so we'll have a fiery and quick result for this potion!" Varian was getting more and more excited as he explained the steps, and he seemed to talk more to himself than to Riddle. But, he soon took a breath in woeful thought as he continued with the mixture. "I really wish we had access to use gold in this lab. I guess it's understandable that we aren't allowed, but it isn't fair! Gold, after all, represents the sun, and the sun is connected to a princess I've been honored to become well-acquainted with--"

"Varian!" Riddle let out loudly, cutting him off after having had enough of his mindless chattering, "What are you even doing with all of those metals and chemicals?"

He reached out and took hold of the beaker that his partner held in his left hand, vigilant enough as to not disturb the dangerous mixtures, but harsh enough to cause a drop of the pinkish liquid to fizz onto the table.

"Woah be careful with that..!" Varian said frantically, trying to steady all the beakers that could cause a mess.

"What have you made?" Riddle's eyes were fixated in a glare, yet his voice wavered with fascination as he asked the question.

"Oh," Varian smiled with excitement and straightened his back, and he cleared his throat, preparing to deliver a recitation of all he created in a matter of minutes, "That's still just sulfur with an iron base, but the sulfur also works as a primer. You know... the 'spirit of life'. I also added a bit of mercury to better blend the high concentrations with the low ones, which also aids in connected the high and low energies. And, of course, I added a touch of salt as well, just as another primer."

"I see..." was all Riddle said in quiet response. He knew of the three primers and their functions in the mixtures--every student learned that at some point or another in the class. But, as for the other symbolic and rather spiritual things mentioned by Varian, he had never heard of them before, and he wasn't sure if he should believe them now.

Varian only continued, "It's unfair that we can't use gold or silver. I'd complain if I wasn't so new to this school." Getting excited again, he seemed to be talking mainly to himself once more, "Gold is the sun! And the sun is willpower, inner ability and inner strength! It's deeply connected to the heart and the heat of the body... It ignites passion and life! And it's connected to vision, too. But, silver probably has even more use than gold does. It's connected to the moon and creation... but in formulas, it helps the metals grow more quickly and aids in their blending."

The scowl on Riddle's face deepened, and his small nose wrinkled every slightly in skepticism and suspicion, yet that typically unsavory expression looked oddly beautiful over his fair face, and so Varian payed him no mind. Instead, he kept up on speaking, though this time it was less of a ramble. "We should probably go through the first couple steps together, shouldn't we?" he asked with a kind smile. "The first thing would be to go through the operation of calcination. You know, heating things to purify the metal and cancel out any toxins. But, I trust this lab, so it's fine to skip that step. Next would be dissolution, like... using water to dissolve bits of the metal into rust at the edges. It usually works as another purifier, as the water brings in life. But it really isn't that important, is it? Let's skip that one! Then, that brings us to the operation of separation. Specifically, separating the components of the dissolution... But if we don't do the dissolution, there really is no point. It's basically isolating the rust and the different elements of the metals by filtering them carefully and then discarding the bad materials. That always seems to tedious to me. I doubt there's anything very bad that could sabotage our results, anyway. I don't think it's necessary; it'll only eat up our time. We should skip that as well--"

"Varian!" Riddle's patience was reaching its brim. His anger ripped through his voice, causing Varian to flinch back and widen his eyes. "We shouldn't skip anything! There's an order for a reason!"

"Okay, okay," Varian said with a timid smile in attempt to ease his partner's nerves. "But trust me, we should just go ahead a proceed with the fourth operation. Conjunction. It's basically the re-combination of the components that should have been separated in the previous step. But, combining the metals is basically what I've been doing so far, so it's like we're ahead. All we need is potassium nitrate. I promise! It's like a short cut." Varian said, looking to Riddle with pleading eyes in hopes of convincing him.

"Alchemy is a discipline," Riddle said sternly, though his voice was now kept soft, "There are rules and a direction you must follow. Every step involves a precise measurement, and unless you adhere to the order set in place, you will never achieve a good result!"

"Well, yes, you're... kind of right."

Riddle stepped back, blinking in disbelief. Kind of right? Who did he think he was? An alchemy expert? Someone so profound that he could skip around on the steps? Riddle's anger was building up inside, heart racing, blood boiling. His face was heating up, just about to burst--

And, then, Varian quickly drew from the cauldron a small sample of the potion they were to create. It was small bit, but it was perfect. Made with such quick ease, and filling up half of the beaker. It was quite impressive to have achieved such a wonderful result in such little time, and noticing this, Riddle slowly calmed.

"Hey... Relax, okay? It's really not something to stress over," Varian reassured with a confident chuckle and a mocking role of his eyes that went undetected by Riddle.

Riddle pressed his lips together before softening his expression and letting out a sigh, easing himself of the tension and excitement, yet also ashamed now for having gotten so angry before. Maybe, perhaps, he could trust this kid to do what he seemed so passionate about.

yes... drew the pic because I wanted the two of them together but, obviously, there are none that exist, so I had to create my own with my very slim art skill. I was originally going to have it at the top, but I am NOT confident enough in my doodling to do that lmao

[echoes-of-the-clockwork]

Book Three: Pestilence (Ignis x Reader) Chapter Ten

"Don't stray too far, lest you get left behind," Ardyn started as they headed for the ruins. "And surely you'd rather avoid unnecessary scuffles, seeing as you're now a trio. Well, with the exception of your new acquaintance." He stopped for a brief second, looking back at the four. "Oh, dear. Touchy subject?"

(Y/n) only smiled in response. Underneath the surface, she felt a tinge of anger when he doubted she could handle herself in battle. She decided not to spark an argument and continued to smile.

"One we won't discuss with you," Ignis responded.

"Then let's discuss why you're here. Hmm....It can't be archaeology...Mythril, perhaps?"

"This guy's reading our thoughts!" Prompto gasped.

Ardyn smirked, continuing to lead them through the swamp. "Mythril-it's a precious resource. We can't just let anyone get their hands on it."

"But you'll help us get ours on it, right?" Noctis questioned with a raised brow.

"I never said that."

"Of course you didn't," the freckled boy groaned.

The chancellor chuckled. "Where is the fun in that? I thought you'd rather dig it up yourselves."

Arriving at the ruins, the group spotted a familiar figure standing at the entrance with two imperial officers beside her. Ardyn spun around to face the boys and Horseman, causing them to stop in the ankle-deep waters of the swamp. "Fear not-I'll be but a moment."

He walks away from them, giving (Y/n) the chance to breathe. "My, my. What a character."

"He's a creep with the way he was touching you earlier," Prompto stated. "I mean, smelling your hair? That's really creepy."

"Mm, yes. I must admit-it sent a chill down my spine," Pestilence confesses with a small grimace.

"You really know how to hide your emotions," Noctis comments.

"Only when it concerns others."

"Ooh. Does that mean you've hidden some from us?" Prompto asked.

"That's for me to know and you to find out," she snickered in response.

Ardyn suddenly calls out to them, silencing the group. "All clear! Go ahead." He walks a few feet back toward the four, allowing them to proceed forth.

Noctis took the lead and approached the woman they fought only a week ago at Fort Vaullerey. She crossed her arms and tilted her head to the side. "So, you're the "new recruits" they sent over for "special training." Nice cover, runaway prince. At least you brought snowflake with you."

"Thanks," Prompto cheerfully replies.

The prince groaned in disbelief at his best friend not recognizing the sarcasm in the woman's tone. "Oh, c'mon!"

Aranea shook her head with a sigh, waving her hand in the air. "At ease, "recruits." There's nothing in it for this ex-mercenary to turn you in. Especially not with her around." The last part clearly being directed toward (Y/n). She directed her gaze to the ivory-haired girl with a slight smirk. "I know you were holding back during our first fight. Wouldn't want to see you in complete action unless you were fighting alongside me, snowflake."

The Horseman smiled. "I'm afraid my full potential is rather...unbefitting for human eyes. It is quite unsightly."

"Oh, yeah. Heard from some strange group of highwaymen that you've killed more than twenty of their men in just mere seconds. Gotta say, snowflake, you definitely don't look like a killer with that innocent face."

(Y/n) was somewhat relieved to know Aranea hadn't overheard from Silas' men of her status as one of the Four Horsemen. "Yes, well, Silas and his men are a cowardice bunch who wish to eradicate Eos of the weak by using a force no human could control even if the Astrals blessed it upon them themselves."

"Hmm..." Aranea hummed. "I'll keep that in mind when my men and I come across them again. We'll teach them a lesson or two."

"Please, do," Pestilence chuckled. "They deserve whatever punishment that comes their way."

The ex-mercenary grinned. "Will do, snowflake. Now, let's get this show on the road."

Prompto's eyes narrowed in bewilderment. ""Show"?"

"Forgot about your "training"? Well, I'm being paid to escort you...Just watch yourselves in there."

Ardyn overheard them and called out. "I trust you'll be civil. Commodore Aranea Highwind, I leave them to you."

Ignoring the chancellor, Aranea grabbed her helmet and pulled it snuggly over her head. "Search until sundown. It won't do you any good. If you're lookin' to get inside, you're gonna have to wait."

"(Y/n)," Ignis called out to the girl, remembering the trick she used on the entrance to Costlemark Tower.

"It seems you and I are on the same page, Ignis," she smirked at him. Walking past Aranea, she headed to the sealed entrance of the ruins. The boys and a confused ex-mercenary followed her through the murky water and up the ancient stone staircase.

The Horseman placed her hands against the frigid stone and casted a shadow spell to activate the mechanism sealing their only entrance into the ruins.

Aranea watched in amazement and merriment. "Well, well, well. Snowflake's got even more tricks up her sleeves. Nice work."

"Now we won't have to waste precious time to wait for sundown," (Y/n) exclaimed.

The five enter the ruins, Prompto eyeing the architecture around them. "What kind of place was this? Any idea, Ignis?"

"None," the jaded-eyed man responded.

"Maybe (Y/n) knows," Noctis said.

All eyes fell upon Pestilence, wondering if she could give them a little information on who once lived in such a structure since they knew she was an archaeologist in her previous life. She ran her hand across the stone wall, admiring the intricate carving method and design. "Along with the structure, all hints of who once lived here has been washed away with time. Though, I have seen such a design before on the outskirts of the Duscae region. Maybe the two are connected."

Aranea placed a hand on her hip. "Don't tell me you're a scholar, too."

"Not exactly," (Y/n) grinned. "I...am following in my father's footsteps of becoming an archaeologist." She worded her sentence carefully. She didn't want to drop hints about her true status because she had yet to find a reason to trust the ex-mercenary. There was melancholy behind her words, but it wasn't enough for the woman to detect.

"You're not just some dainty little flower these guys lug around just for looks, huh? You can kick ass anytime and are pretty knowledgeable. You're one hell of a package, snowflake."

The Horseman simply smiled as they delved deeper into the ruins. They maneuvered through countless of hallways and conjunctions leading in different directions. (Y/n) nibbles on her bottom lips when she saw a look of suspicion come across Aranea's face. "Where the hell are all the daemons? This place should be crawling with them."

Prompto briefly glanced at (Y/n), swallowing nervously. Noctis, being slightly calmer than his best friend, cleared his throat. "Maybe they're sleeping."

"You would say something like that," the blonde whispered to the prince.

When Pestilence tried to brew up a better explanation, a chill crept up her spine. She recognized the familiar presence as her eyes darted to the hallway to their left. Ignis and Aranea were the first ones to notice her strange behavior.

"(Y/n)," Ignis called out to the girl only a few feet away from him. "Is everything alright?" He heard a faint inhale of air from her slightly ajar lips before she stormed down the hallway.

"Wha-(Y/n)!" Prompto shouted as she ran away from the group.

Without hesitation, the group rushed after her. They turned various corners racing after the Horseman, but when they made another turn, she was no longer in sight. "What way do you think she went?" Noctis looked down the two pathways presented to them.

Ignis placed a hand over the pocket containing the summoning orb, but he decided against using it with Aranea currently tagging along. As he was pondering what to do next, he received a faint whiff of mock oranges. Immediately, he knew it was (Y/n)'s scent. "She's nearby," he said.

"How do you know?" Aranea questioned.

"This scent-it's hers."

The ex-mercenary sniffed the air, smelling the mock oranges. Before she could comment, everything began shaking. The group braces themselves as pebbles and a few large pieces of stone rain down around them. "An earthquake?! I thought we were done with those!" Prompto shouted over the loud rumbling.

"This isn't a natural phenomena," Ignis stated, dodging a pile of falling stones from the ceiling above.

"Since when are you an expert on earthquakes, Specs?" Noctis retorts.

"The rhythm is inharmonious."

"You think a daemon is causing the tremor?" Aranea asked.

"Or whatever creature resides in these ruins," he added.

"Guess we're in for a surprise," the woman snickered. "Better find snowflake before whatever's causing this place to shake finds her first."

<-------<<<<<<<<

An hour passed by without anyone knowing. They had yet to find (Y/n), having lost her scent half an hour ago. With her presence no longer in the vicinity, they were attacked by several daemons. Fortunately, the boys were able to play off why the enemies were now just appearing to keep Aranea from prying.

While walking down a long stairwell, Prompto grumbled as they descended deeper into the ruins and seeing no end to the stairwell they were traveling down. "Man, how far does this go?"

"Yet a ways still," Ignis sighs.

"And we still haven't found (Y/n)," Noctis said.

"I'm sure she's fine. She can handle herself," Aranea stated. "So, which one of you is the lucky guy?"

"What do you mean?" Prompto answered her question with one of his own.

"There's no way in hell a girl like that would be traveling with you unless she's close to one of you. So, who's the boyfriend?"

"B-Boyfriend?" The gunslinger stuttered.

"Out of the three of you, I'm guessing it's you." Aranea points to Ignis, who became flabbergasted at the accusation.

Before the advisor could deny such words, Noctis interrupted him. "Uh, yeah. They've been dating a while."

Ignis' face scrunched up at the prince's words. "Yes, well..."

"Oh, definitely!" Prompto chanted with a smirk. "Iggy can't keep his hands off her. He always talkin' about her, too!"

"Prompto," Ignis scolded the younger boy.

"What?" The sharpshooter feigned shock, ignoring what consequences he would suffer from later. "I'm only telling the truth!"

Ignis held his tongue, pinching the bridge of his nose with a sigh. Aranea chuckled and grinned at him. "Didn't take you for a clingy type of guy. I'm a little shocked."

"As am I," he mumbled to himself while adjusting his glasses.

"We better find your princess before she winds up impaled by daemons or by whatever thing is making this place shake," Aranea said, patting the strategist on the shoulder.

They continued through the ruins, more daemons spawning and blocking their path. They checked around every corner and dead end for (Y/n) but still couldn't find her.

Prompto huffed, slumping his shoulders forward as they checked another room off their list, Noctis tugged at a few of his raven locks with a sigh, Ignis rolled his shoulders from the pent-upped stress of the missing girl, and Aranea simply smirked at them. She folded her arms over her chest, watching their vexation caused by their absent companion. She thought about making a comment but decided to keep from teasing them.

Further into the ruins, the group makes their way into a large central chamber. They all gasped in amazement at the beautiful architecture. "Beautiful beyond words..." Ignis gazed all around them.

"That is pretty neat," Aranea said.

Prompto wandered over to the railing and leaned over it, staring upward. "Look up!"

"Whoa-If that's the water's surface..." The ex-mercenary's voice trailed off.

"Wait, what? Does this mean we're underwater?" He spotted a various amount of fish swimming in the water above. "Whoa. There's even fish."

"The hell is this place?" Noctis muttered.

"Can we truly be submerged?" Ignis asked.

"It does seem harder to breathe," the blonde said.

"Like seeing a dream," the prince stated.

"Gladio is seriously missing out."

"Probably not his thing."

"Now, now, you can never tell," the tactician exclaimed.

Prompto, taking the opportunity of the serenity, took out his camera and snapped pictures of the central chamber. As he scanned the area with his camera for the next perfect shot, his eyes narrowed when he spotted someone standing on the railing of a bridge below. He adjusted the lens and zoomed in to get a better look. When he recognized the person, he gasped and lowered his camera. He leaned over the railing, nearly losing his balance in the process. "Hey, (Y/n)!" Everyone's attention was grabbed and they rushed over the railing to peer down at the girl.

Pestilence heard Prompto's shouting and immediately looked up. She smiled and waved at him and the others, relieving them of their stress. But, it was short-lived.

Another tremor shook the entirety of the ruins. Among the rumbling, a strange and eerie hiss resonated throughout the large chamber. "W-What was that?" Prompto stuttered in a fearful tone.

"No daemon we've encountered has made such a ruckus," Ignis responded. The group held onto the railing, bracing their bodies as rubble fell all around them. The bespectacled man's eyes landed on (Y/n), seeing as she hopped off the railing to prevent from falling. She gripped the stone tightly, avoiding a few large pieces of stone that threatened to smash her skull in.

His emerald eyes widen in horror when he saw the bridge beginning to crumble. The cracks webbed around her feet, which didn't go unnoticed by the girl. She knew the fall would injure her severely, but the wounds would heal within seconds. What she feared the most was the extreme pain she'd experience. She also couldn't focus on teleporting to safety because she couldn't properly clear her mind. Slowly, she backed away, but the cracks followed with her every step.

"Noct!" Ignis shouted just as the bridge collapsed underneath (Y/n)'s feet. Luckily, she was able to grab on a part of the bridge that wasn't crumbling at the last second to cease her plummet.

"On it!" The prince conjured his engine blade and threw it to the bridge below. The sword embedded into the sturdy portion of the bridge and he felt the familiar tug on his body as he warped. His fingers wrapped around the hilt as his feet landed on the bridge. He dispelled his blade and immediately lunged forward to grab the Horseman's hand before she slipped. "You're a handful, (Y/n)," Noctis grunted, trying to pull her up to safety. The tremor had yet to cease and made it impossible to hoist her up onto solid ground.

Pestilence was speechless as she looked up at the ravenette. She couldn't believe he's risking his life for her. "Noctis, it's too dangerous!"

"Tell that to Specs!" He retorts just as the advisor made his way down to the bridge.

Ignis arrived and tried to help (Y/n), but she refused to give him her other hand. "You two need to head to safety! Leave me!"

"We won't stand for such stubbornness," Ignis sternly proclaimed. "Give me your other hand, (Y/n)."

She stared up into his eyes and saw the resolve in them. She knew this was not the place nor the time to be stubborn. Lifting her other arm, she reached up and Ignis grabbed it. As they began pulling her upward, the magnitude of the tremor increased. From where she hung, the Horseman saw the remainder of the bridge was collapsing. Before she could even warn them, it disappeared from underneath them.

Plummeting downward, Noctis was able to warp back to Prompto and Aranea. His body hung from his blade, eyes wide with fear, as he watched (Y/n) and Ignis fall.

[luctisonusx]

Homecoming Dance || Drabble

Small summary: Halloween Homecoming starring Lisa, Christina, and vague bits of the prince himself, Roman.

“C’mon, Caleb, please?” The blonde-haired vixen known as Lisa batted her eyelashes at Caleb who scrunched his nose at her pleading. Saying no once had been hard enough but she seemed set on getting him to repeat himself again. Yet guilt bridled his gut, so he searched his brain for an excuse, finding one in his step mom’s annoying ways.

“Lisa, I doubt my stepmom would even let me go,” Caleb argued, but Lisa didn’t budge. In fact, she slipped her hand into Caleb’s back pocket and took his phone. How she even knew his password was beyond him, but it wasn’t as if he made it anything dangerously hard. The password was his birthday, but he hadn’t expected her to even know that.

“Hey!’ he tried to snatch the phone back, but she dodged him effortlessly, finding his step mom’s number and typing in a quick text. As she waited for a response, she continued to dodge the boy, much to his annoyance. When the phone finally vibrated in response, Lisa’s face lit up.

“She says it’s fine.” Lisa held his phone out to him and he eyed the screen. She had indeed texted her and asked if he could attend the dance. Her response had been a yes. The only thing was that Lisa would have to give him a ride to and from. Lisa moved to text again before handing the phone back to Caleb after hitting send. The look on Caleb’s face was one of obvious discomfort, but it didn’t seem like Lisa noticed and if she did, she simply didn’t care.

“So you’ll be my date to the homecoming dance. I’ll pick you up at 5.” She concluded. Caleb scrunched his nose again before tucking his phone back into his back pocket. He made a mental note to change his phone password, but it was likely that he wouldn’t change it still.

“Yeah. Alright. Fine. I just don’t have a costume and it’s so short notice.” Caleb mumbled, again trying to think of another excuse. Lisa eyed him down and Caleb cringed uncomfortably. She grabbed his shoulder and spun him around before letting out a laugh.

“No. I have something you’ll fit in nicely.” She said with a wiggle of her eyebrows, “And I’ve got a wig to match oh and I can do your make-up!” Lisa clapped her hands together as she got more excited. Wig and make-up? What was this big idea? “You’ll see.” She answered his unspoken question, “5 o clock on the dot. Be ready to be Halloween-a-fied!” She gave him a kiss on his cheek then and ran off to her car. Caleb blinked before realizing his bus was going to leave soon and ran off to catch it. Tonight was going to be very strange.

----

“I don’t know about this,” Caleb mumbled as Lisa put on eyeshadow on him. She was going for a smoky sort of look. Her idea for his costume was a Wednesday Adam’s costume she had bought last year but had gotten “too fat” to wear. It seemed to fit him perfectly and the pair of leggings she found for him also worked well. It didn’t necessarily feel bad, but he did feel a little self-conscious about this.

“No. You look great.” Lisa said, giving him a quick kiss on his lips before starting to do his lipstick. His brows furrowed as he looked at her. She’d kissed him before, especially at school in front of her friends, but he had never agreed to anything with her. Still, she seemed under the impression that they were something, but the what was a mystery in and of itself. “Now shut up so I don’t fuck up, okay?” She added, focusing on his full lips. When she pulled away she looked at her handy work, her own make-up was simple. The tip of her nose was painted black with whiskers. She was going to be a catgirl.

“What if people stare?” Caleb asked once she was done, but she motioned for him to  rub his lips together, which he did begrudgingly. 

“If people stare, it’s because they wish they could be as hot as you, Cal. Now let’s go before the dance dies down.” She went to go grab her keys and her bag and Caleb stood up with a sigh. Lisa said goodbye to her mom and dad. Her sister was sitting in the living room and gave Caleb a big-eyed look as they passed by, but Lisa urged him to keep walking. She locked the door and they both got into Lisa’s car.

“The last dance I went to was in 6th grade,” Caleb noted, feeling anxiety building up in his stomach. The real reason he was worried was that he wondered if Roman was going to be there. He knew he shouldn’t be concerning himself with the playboy, but ever since the first day of school, Caleb couldn’t stop thinking about him. Even with his reputation, heard from both loud cheerleaders and from Lisa herself, he couldn’t make his mind deviate to something or someone else. It was beyond frustrating.

“How’d that go?” Lisa asked as she backed out of the driveway and began the trip back to Hemlock Grove High. Caleb chewed on his bottom lip as he glanced out the window. There were kids trick or treating already with their superhero costumes or witches or zombies or skeletons. It did nothing to help his turning stomach.

“I think ... I ended up leaving with my ex. She uh lived down the street so we went to hers, I think. I don’t remember really. I just remember getting into trouble after.” Caleb scrunched his nose a bit, “Do you always go to these dances?” He changed it to something about her, regretting bringing up the memory. 6th grade had been dark times for him. The beginning of an end it had felt like.

“Oh. Sorry.” Lisa said as she focused on the road, “Uhm yeah. I guess so. I think it’s fun.” She looked over to Caleb and gave him a soft smile, “Hopefully this will be fun for you. Maybe get rid of some bad associations?” She tapped his knee before retreating her hand back to the wheel. He sighed as they pulled up to the school. His eyes looked over every car they passed and it didn’t take long for Caleb to spot it, the red jaguar. Shit.

“Shit?” Lisa repeated and Caleb realized he’d said his thought out loud. His freckled cheeks turned crimson before shaking his head. He’d asked her a few questions about Roman when they’d first met, but she’s taken it as mild curiosity and not a full-blown crush. He tried his best not to give her any reasons to think otherwise.

“Nothing. Just thinking too much.” Caleb admitted. When he was met with silence, he felt a bit relieved. She could be a bit pushy about wanting to know information when she felt it was being withheld, so he was glad she didn’t ask any further questions about it. Lisa pulled into a parking spot and turned the car off.

“Well, no more thinking. Just partying, okay?” She cupped his face in one hand and he gave her a half-hearted smile. He understood that she was trying to comfort him, but with things in his past, it made it hard to accept her affection. That and the fact that he didn’t have eyes for anyone but Roman Godfrey. It wasn’t that Lisa wasn’t pretty, it was just ... she wasn’t him.

“Okay.” He agreed as he turned away. Yet he knew he likely wouldn’t be able to hold to that promise. Especially considering what he knew now. His eyes had already begun to search the crowds heading for the school gymnasium from the front windshield. He knew he was here but where and who had he brought with him?

“I’d kiss you, but I don’t want to ruin your make-up,” Lisa said. He tried not to visibly cringe at the indication. Yet he didn’t know how to tell her this wasn’t what she thought it was. She looked so happy and excited and he surely didn’t want to be the cause of ruining her night and also she was his ride back home after all.

“It’s okay.” He mumbled and after a few awkward seconds, they both got out of the car. They soon merged with the crowd of people and Lisa hooked her arm around his so that they wouldn’t be separated. It seemed the school was taking some precautions because of the murder of a girl at a local school. Brooke Bluebell had been her name. His stepmom hadn’t been her teacher, but had known of her and so had forced Caleb to attend her vigil. He didn’t want to think about that now though or the fact that people had been whispering about Roman Godfrey’s absence even then.

The line moved quickly enough and soon they were in the gym. It was all flickering lights and people dancing or drinking punch. Teachers walked around like hawks to make sure that no one was engaging in inappropriate activity. Lisa led them off towards the dance floor instantly and Caleb scrunched his face.

“I’m not really a dancer. My dance teacher back in middle school said I have no rhythm.” Caleb tried to argue, but his eyes were admittedly searching the dance floor. Eventually, he found what he was looking for. Roman was dressed in a suit with his hair slicked back. Caleb wondered what he was supposed to be. It reminded him a bit of James Bond. Still, the tall male wasn’t dancing and the girl at his side -- Ashley Valentine -- didn’t seem too happy with him.

“Party. No thinking.” Lisa said, redirecting his attention back to her. She was swaying back and forth to the music and he gave her a small smile, trying his best to match up with her. When the song ended she gave him a hug, one he returned half-heartedly. His eyes looked back to where he’d seen Roman, but he was gone.

“Let’s get some punch, yeah?” Lisa suggested and before he could agree, she was pulling him towards the punch. That was when Caleb spotted him again, but he quickly looked away when Roman seemed to glance mildly in his direction. Don’t freak out. Don’t freak out. Don’t freak out.

“Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Lisa asked as she handed him a cup of punch. He took it but didn’t take a sip. He wondered if someone had managed to spike it with alcohol like they did in typical teen movies. This kind of felt like one right now.

“Just not feeling too hot. I’m gonna go sit down for a bit okay? Go dance with your friends. I’ll be fine.” Caleb waved her off and though she gave him some puppy dog eyes, she relented as he went over to the bleachers and took a seat alone. He sniffed at the cup then and decided he wasn’t going to risk it, setting it down behind him.

“Hey.” A soft feminine voice reached his ears over the music and he looked up to see the girl who had helped him after dropping his books his first day. What had her name been again?

“Uh hey, Christina.” The name came to him upon speaking and he felt relieved, but the look in her eye at him saying her name made him wish for a moment that he had forgotten completely. She bit onto his bottom lip and gestured to the spot beside him.

“Is this seat taken?” She questioned. She was dressed like some sort of fairy, he noted. It seemed fitting for her soft demeanor. Yet he couldn’t help but feel like something dark and sinister was hiding behind it all. Perhaps it was his overactive imagination.

“Guess not,” Caleb replied, and then out of nervousness, he picked the cup back up and took a sip. He visibly cringed at the taste and yeah someone had definitely put something in it. He spat it back out into the cup and put it back where he’d had it before as Christina sat down beside him. There was barely enough space between their legs.

“I think you’re the only guy here cool enough to wear a dress,” Christina noted, staring out at the crowd of people. His eyes went to Lisa who looked like she was having the time of her life dancing with her friends. He wished he could share that moment with her as a friend, but she’d made it next to impossible now.

“Thanks.” He had to resist the urge to try to drink the punch again just so that he had an excuse not to talk to Christina. She didn’t seem like she was going to be leaving him alone any time soon either. Her own eyes had laid on her friends, twins, who seemed to constantly be getting into trouble with the teachers for dancing in a way that was too provocative. How an innocent girl like her had befriended the two girls was beyond Caleb.

“Is Lisa your girlfriend?” Christina asked after a few awkward moments and Caleb turned to look at her. Her lip was jutted out a bit in a pout and his brows furrowed. Did everyone think that was what they were? He certainly didn’t like the implication, especially since he didn’t want Roman to think anything like that of him. It was frustrating how his brain always went back to him.

“No. She’s just my friend, though I don’t know if she knows that. I never asked her.” Caleb said and Christina’s head canted to the side, “She kisses me without asking and touches me when I don’t want to be touched. I just don’t know how to tell her to stop.” His shoulders sagged and he was about to say something when he noticed something black and long slithering towards the dance floor. It didn’t take long for everyone else to notice and everyone began to scream. Caleb stood and Lisa was somehow instantly by his side. 

“Everyone evacuate immediately!” The principal said over the mic, “It seems the school snake had been released. I repeat, evacuate immediately!” Caleb gave one more glance to Christina, who didn’t seem at all panicked before Lisa was pulling him away. As they rushed out of the school, Caleb looked to where Roman’s car was, seeing Roman in it alone. He seemed to take a swig of something before speeding off. Caleb had a feeling Roman had done it and whispered a quiet thank you in his departing direction.

“Guess the party’s over.” Lisa pouted as they headed back to her car. She did seem thoroughly disappointed, but Caleb couldn’t be assed to care. This all and all had been an awkward night.

“Guess so,” Caleb said.

“Let’s get you home.”

[the-melting-world]

A Stranger Aura

This fic came about when I discovered @forgedarcana and their apprentice Malon Almasi! It didn’t take long for me and my own apprentice to fall in love with this sweet gremlin. Take a look at how they first meet!

~ 2200 words

A Stranger Aura

In which a humble gardener meets a feral wanderer… .

Despite how unpopular it would make her among the other merchants, the innkeeper was determined to smoke out her communal fireplace by the end of the afternoon. She was convinced that it was the only way to purge her establishment of the family of bats that had taken residence there. 

Kipling Bronne absorbed this information along with other gossip highlights as she arrived for weekly upkeep. She had eleven storefronts to cover. Her potted arrangements were looking a little more overgrown than usual. Some even had leaves that were glistening with sap. Not poisonous or uncommon, but also not particularly appealing to the city dwellers as they went about their errands. 

Kipling took in the sorry state of her plants and groaned internally as her mind generated a lengthy to do list. She really had her work cut out for her.

The block was busy that day. And so was Kipling if anyone took the time to notice. Yet it kept none of the gossipy merchants from interrupting her often and baptizing her ears in the latest scoops whether she invited them or not.

“Kip, have you been by Little Brother’s yet?”

Little Brother. The innkeeper, who happened to be large-boned, robust and a widow, but nicknames were sticky, stubborn things. For the fourth time that morning, Kipling heard about Little Brother’s pest control problem and her radical solution.

“I mean, don’t you think that’s inhumane, Kip?”

Kipling briefly turned away from her work to offer a look of consideration. “I think Little Brother’s customers are tired of hatchlings wandering from the nest and falling in their soup.” She also thought the other businesses thrived off the innkeeper’s unhappy tenants, but she plastered a smile over that little sentiment.

As the day dragged on, the interruptions did not slow down. Kipling could only rely on her familiar’s steady chittering and encouraging ear nibbles to keep her focused as much as possible.

However, as the gardener worked her way further down the street, she noticed that her pygmy lemur grew more and more antsy. Taro was already a lively companion. Add a dash of neurosis on a day like this and it really sent Kipling’s nerves spiraling.

“Taro,” She finally huffed, “what is the matter with you?”

Taro whimpered and bounced around Kipling’s ankles. Usually she could tolerate the lemur’s sporadic bouts of mania, but it was very hot and she wasn’t in the mood. Work was tedious, and the damn shop owners kept bothering her, and —

“Kipling! Might I have a word?”

The inquiry snapped Taro out of her neurotic rain dance. She scrambled so fast onto Kipling’s shoulder that it made the gardener sway on her feet. 

The newcomer steadied her and asked if she was all right. Clearly they were not going to leave, so Kipling affected yet another friendly smile and said, “Can I help you?”

The shopkeeper wrung their hands and threw a glance at the intersection off to the right. Kipling followed their nervous gaze, but saw nothing amiss in the throng of passerby.

“Don’t you see that?”

Kipling narrowed her eyes. “See what?”

The shopkeeper steered her gaze with their finger. “That. Coming back this way right now.”

Taro chittered again with sudden urgency. 

Kipling saw what the shopkeeper was talking about. A Vesuvian to be sure, but walking with a strange gait, like a cross between a raptor and a toddler. With a walk like that combined with those bright, shifty eyes, it had the potential to put people on edge.

“I don’t know what manner of vagrant she is, but she’s been prowling the intersection for the past three days.” The merchant threw their hands in the air. “I can’t figure out what she wants! She won’t buy anything. Whenever someone tries to talk to her, she barks. Once she even hissed at me!”

Kipling fought to stifle a laugh. Yes, the lurker was odd, but otherwise she seemed harmless.

“I’m not sure why you’re telling me this.”

The shopkeeper fixed her with a desperate gaze. “I was wondering, would you mind maybe just seeing if you can get through to her? Make her go away? Or encourage her to buy something at least. Anything would be better than haunting the crossway like this.”

Kipling tried to think of a polite way to decline when Taro suddenly bolted from her shoulder. 

“Taro, no!” She hastily threw her work tools in her satchel and took off after the purple lemur. It was too hot and crowded to be chasing anything, let alone something so small and fast. And what do you know? Her familiar was headed straight for the wild eyed vagrant.

Taro was already coiled around the wanderer’s shoulders by the time Kipling caught up. Thankfully they were off in a spot outside of the foot traffic. It was shadier there. The road tapered off into a more natural setting. Further in were clusters of trees and beyond that a sparsely wooded glen. 

As Kipling approached, she was able to get a better read on Taro’s new friend. The closer she got, the more she was confronted by a rather unique aura. Gauzy and yellow – a feral essence. Almost exclusively so. Rare for a Vesuvian. Most tended to be elementals or some manner of seer. 

The limbs of the stranger’s magic stretched far, but flailed from a lack of practice. Kipling wondered if the carrier even knew what she was capable of. The stranger was now letting Taro groom her and . . . grooming the lemur in return. 

Taro was not the kind to jump on people she didn’t know, so Kipling wasn’t really sure how to go about this. Not only did she have to ask for her familiar back, but she also had to find a way to tell the stranger to run along – that she was scaring the poor shopkeepers. 

The stranger and Taro carried on, only vaguely aware of Kipling’s presence. That was okay, she still hadn’t worked out the details of what she wanted to say. Plus she was still studying the vagrant and weighing her appearance against the presence of her wild aura. She was tall enough that Kipling had to look up, which happened often because from her point of view everyone was tall, no matter what was considered standard. 

Kipling registered skin that was baked by sunlight and colonized by an army of freckles. Lastly, the stranger had a youthful mop of dark hair and a scar on her lip that gave the illusion of an errant fang. Kipling wouldn’t have been surprised if the shopkeepers had dismissed it as such.

Despite Kipling’s proximity, those bright eyes kept flitting about, fixating on pretty much anything and everything.

“Uh,” Kipling was about as close as she dared to approach. “Hi. Sorry about that.” She gestured to Taro. “She doesn’t usually jump on people’s heads.”

The stranger regarded her briefly, so fast she almost missed it. “It’s okay. Taro is really good at finding ticks.” 

Taro chirped appreciatively.

Kipling blinked. “How . . . ? How did you know her name was Taro?”

The wandering gaze settled. “She told me.” She said it like it was the only natural answer.

Given her sunny aura, Kipling wasn’t surprised. She narrowed her eyes at her familiar, but relaxed her shoulders a little. “What else did she tell you?”

The stranger giggled. “That you’re called Kipling.” Then she shot out a long arm. “I’m called Malon. Or Mal if you want.” The way she pronounced her own name came out like a yawned mewl. It made her wonder if that’s why the shopkeepers mistook her for something primal. 

Kipling smiled. “Hi, Mal. You can just call me Kip.” As she shook Mal’s hand she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do more – hug this feral being or simply give her a bath.

Taro whined in protest as Kipling pried her from Mal’s curly mop. “So, I have to ask. What exactly are you doing out here?” Not happy with the way that came out, she added, “I mean, is there a reason why you keep going back and forth along this street?”

Mal’s gaze was back to wandering, and this time she was sniffing the air. “Do you know what panic dreaming is?”

Bewildered, Kipling said that she had never heard of it.

Mal gave a curious grunt. “Hm. I’ve been wondering why it’s so loud over here.” And when it seemed that her answer was not going to evolve beyond that, Kipling tried a different approach.

“Are you,” she paused, trying to choose her words wisely, “looking for food?”

Mal grinned and reached for Taro. “I can find my own food. See?” She extracted a tick with ease and popped it into her mouth. 

For a moment Kipling was struck with disbelief, but it didn’t last long before she burst into laughter. 

“That is . . . impressive.” And she meant it.

Maybe it was the heat or the boredom of the day’s tasks, but Kipling found Mal’s atypical behavior strangely liberating.

Even though she had Taro back, she wasn’t ready to leave. And she noted that Mal had chosen to stay where she was though there was nothing holding her back from prowling the storefronts again.

Kipling paused in her thoughts. The stores. 

She sobered and said, “Mal? Could you come with me? I think I might know how to help you.”

When Mal cocked an eyebrow at her, Kipling reached for her hand and added, “With eh . . . the noises you’ve been hearing. Panic dreaming, right?”

At that Mal relaxed and wordlessly allowed Kipling to guide her through the intersection. The shopkeeper that had asked for Kipling’s help watched on with eyes that begged her to quit leading Mal further and further into the plaza. But she ignored all of the judgemental stares until she reached the door of the innkeeper.

“Little Brother,” she called once they were inside, “I think I found the answer to your pest problem.”

Kipling’s instincts were right. Mal’s feral aura was strong enough that it gave her the ability to not only communicate with, but also draw animals to her. She was like a beacon for the colony of bats in Little Brother’s chimney. The whole market was completely awestruck as dozens of bats teetered across the cobblestones on all fours, marching blindly in Mal’s wake towards the woods. Kipling and Taro followed close behind, careful to watch out for any strays that might wander off in the wrong direction.

Once they reached the shade of the trees, the bats opened their eyes and properly flocked to a small, but conspicuous cave. When Mal and Kipling caught up with them, Mal strolled into the cave and peered around.

“Didn’t know this was here until they showed me. Cool.” She made herself comfortable in the mouth of the cavern, almost as if it belonged to her. Kipling also noticed how Mal’s aura seemed more relaxed than before, tamer even. Her gaze still traveled, but in reflection as opposed to fruitless searching.

Kipling held Taro against her chest and scratched behind her ears. “Aren’t you coming back? I’m sure the shopkeepers won’t mind having you around now.”

Mal shrugged and shook her head. “Nah. I like it here.” She exhaled. “It’s quiet.”

Kipling didn’t feel right about leaving her new friend here alone in a cave of bats and who knows what else.

“Do you have any plans for dinner?”

Swinging her bare feet and bobbing her head to some imaginary drum, Mal pointed to the ceiling of sleeping bats and declared, “I’ll just have whatever they’re having.”

Kipling glanced up and grimaced. Crickets and cave worms? I don’t think so. 

But she realized that she wouldn’t get anywhere with the mother hen approach. So she tried another. 

Kipling gathered Taro close and whispered, “Guess what we’re having, girl? That’s right! Glazed salmon. Your favorite.”

The mere mention of the dish activated Taro’s excitement. Kipling knew that Mal wouldn’t be able to ignore the lemur’s projection of all of those sensory delights.

For once Mal stopped wiggling her toes and looking around. She went absolutely still and fixated Kipling with a gaze so direct and an energy so concentrated that it practically tickled. 

“You’re really going to feed me?”

Kipling granted herself silent applause as she nodded and held out her hand. Instead of taking it, Mal popped to her feet and rushed forward. 

Kipling squeaked as Mal fastened a pair of wiry arms around her and hoisted her off the ground.

“The bats,” she said, “told me to thank you.”

Kipling suddenly became aware of Mal’s scent of lingering campfires. It stirred some sad ache on the inside when she sensed the solitude underneath. She surrendered to the embrace, leaning her head against Mal’s and breathing in more old firewood.

“You did all the work. I just showed you the way.”

It was getting late and Kipling wanted to go home. She attempted to disentangle herself so they could leave this creepy cave, but the beast whisperer had other plans. Kipling made another ungraceful sound as Mal spun around and hoisted her onto her back. Taro made herself comfortable on Mal’s head and chirped authoritatively. 

Mal said as she marched forward, “Kip, you should get some rest. Taro can show me how to get there.”

It hadn’t occurred to Kipling that the shifty-eyed vagrant had picked up on her fatigue. She was tempted to say that she wasn’t tired, but she had a feeling that Mal would know better than to fall for that.

[sustraiii]

TEAM ZRCN ARC 3 - CHAPTER 5

Depression hour has arrived.

Helia reveals what went down on Shizukana to a confused Team ZRCN, and a new recurring character finally makes her long awaited appearance.

Many thanks to @neopoliitan for offering to proof read once again.

XANTHOS

The group had headed out to Cordovan’s home in Mantle after a quick call to Professor Velour to confirm that the Sabyrs had been dealt with and give her a brief rundown over what was happening. It was hard to ignore Helia’s warning.

“You’re in danger.”

But danger from what exactly? Xanthos was desperate for someone to ask, but even he had deemed it inappropriate to press the issue - especially given the urgency in Helia’s voice when she had requested somewhere safe to talk.

Depending on who or what they were in danger of, going to Cordovan’s house might not have been the safest idea in hindsight, but it was their best option outside of the Academy - which wasn’t exactly private. 

Xanthos came to a halt as they approached, having spotted someone sitting on the steps leading up to the porch, and made a show of pointing them out. “Um, who is that?”

“Who are you talking about?” Cordovan questioned as he pushed forward to get a better look. His confused expression quickly furrowed to a more annoyed one as he let out an exasperated sigh, “Rosie…”

Stepping ahead of the group commandingly, Cordovan approached the young girl who was sitting on the steps. Her head was buried in a magazine, but when she heard someone approach she looked up immediately - a glare of suspicion swiftly softening with apparent recognition.

“Hi Corduroy, what are you doing here?” She asked cheerfully, jumping to her feet.

“What are you doing here, Rosie?” Cordovan fired back, folding his arms as he spoke. “Shouldn’t you be staying at Mrs Clearwater’s house?”

“I should,” Rosie confirmed with a sly smile. “But she smells funny and I don’t like the way her cat looks at me. It looked like it was going to eat me. Probably could too, the ugly thing was big enough.”

Cordovan sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “So what was the plan here, Rosie - were you just going to wait for me or my mom to come home and maybe freeze in the process, or was it something else?”

Rosie looked up at him blankly before shrugging her shoulders. “I dunno. I didn’t think that far ahead.”

As he and the others closed the distance between them and their teammate, Xanthos was struck at the similarities between Cordovan and the girl; both of them shared the same messy reddish-brown hair, brown eyes and fair complexion. The only notable difference was the girl had freckles, while Cordovan did not. She wore a slightly oversized flannel shirt, half tucked into a pair of cropped, faded jeans.

Sensing the two could have gone back and forth for a while, Xanthos stepped up and interrupted the pair with a light cough. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?” he asked.

Cordovan hesitated for a moment, and Xanthos saw him glance nervously towards Rosie, who in turn met his gaze. “This is Rosie. She’s my, uh, cousin -- from my dad’s side... hence the hair.”

The girl looked down at the concrete between her white canvas shoes. “Yeah, what he said - we’re... cousins.”

“Anyway,” Cordovan cut in, looking around at the gathered party and withdrawing a key from his pocket. “Shall we go inside?”

He unlocked the door and the six of them all shuffled inside. Cordovan made a brief, mumbled comment about making some drinks for everyone, then swiftly disappeared in the direction of the kitchen, closely watched by Rosie. As they waited for Cordovan, the four of them headed to the living room to make themselves comfortable, though no one seemed in much of a hurry to sit down. 

This wasn’t the first time Xanthos had been in Cordovan’s home, but it was the first time he had noted some subtle changes. It remained as cluttered as ever, but it appeared as though there had been a conscious effort to at least neaten things up. Books that had once taken up nearly all the spare space in the living room had now been neatly stacked on newly built shelves. Niche decorative items that had once filled the mantlepiece were now replaced with more tasteful decor  though Xanthos noted a small pink cat figure lingered behind, and he assumed that was at the behest of Rosie. He wondered if many of the changes were due to her presence around the home, as opposed to general desire of wanting the place to look tidier.

Silence filled the room for what felt like several minutes. It was not interrupted by Cordovan’s return, but instead by heavy breathing coming from the doorway. Instinctively turning to face the source of the noise, Xanthos saw the girl - Rosie - stood there, staring intently at Helia.

“You’re Helia Vines.” It was said as less of a question and more of a statement. Xanthos wondered if she hadn’t paid much attention as to who was present when talking to the Cordovan.

“Yes, I am.” Helia confirmed, with a small nod.

Rosie let out a little squeak of excitement before she started babbling incredibly fast, an action which Xanthos could only describe as fangirling of the most extreme kind. When she had finished rambling, she seemed to settle, and directed a question at the veteran huntress in a more restrained tone. “Would you sign my doll?”

“Sure.”

Clearly thrilled at the response, Rosie did a small fist pump before turning on the spot and darting upstairs - likely to retrieve the aforementioned doll.

Once the girl had left the room and was out of earshot, Helia turned to Xanthos, Neela and Zelde and gave them a nervous smile. “You know I’ve had a lot of merchandise made for me, but I don’t remember dolls being one of them.”

“She reminds me of my sister.” Xanthos said softly, a faint smile forming on his lips as he thought of Marisol. It had been a long time since he had spoken to her - with the CCT being down - but he hoped she and their mother were okay.

“Don’t tell me your sister owned potentially creepy homemade dolls too.” Neela teased.

“I was referring to the enthusiasm actually, Nee,” Xanthos responded with a wink. “But if you must know, Marisol prefers plushies.”

Cordovan reappeared carrying in a tray of drinks for them all. He seemed to time his reappearance poorly - Rosie also reappeared at the exact same time, nearly tripping him up as she tried to jump ahead of him.

“Rosie!” Cordovan exclaimed, only just managing to keep his balance. Xanthos lifted himself slightly out of his seat to aid his friend - a reflex informed by Cordovan’s recent handicap - but the other student righted himself. He stepped further into the living room and set down the tray on the coffee table, before turning to face his cousin.

“What were you doing running in front of me like that? Surely you could see me coming.”

“Helia said she’d sign my doll!” Rosie responded, quickly showing everyone the doll in question. In truth, it wasn’t as bad as Xanthos had been expecting; he could at least see what the doll was meant to be. If Helia had electric green hair and disproportionate limbs,  it might have been a perfect match.

“You can do that later,” Cordovan said, trying to usher her away. “We’ve got grown-up things to talk about.”

Rosie had been co-operating until he referred to her age, which prompted her to stop and put her hands on her hips. “I’m eight, not seven!” She chided. “You don’t have to speak to me like a child.”

“I’m not - “ Cordovan paused to groan. “I didn’t mean it like that. Listen, I’m not trying to be rude, but there really is something urgent we need to talk about. Something that you don’t need to hear right now. When we’re done you’re welcome to come and pester us again.”

“Do you promise?” She batted her eyelashes at him expectantly.

He seemed taken aback by this question before shrugging his shoulders. “I guess so. I made you a hot chocolate if you-”

“Does it have marshmallows in it?” Rosie asked, suddenly perking up with interest. She had already begun to move towards the table, eyeing up a pink cup as she approached.

“No, it doesn’t have marshmallows in it.”

By the time Rosie had turned to respond she had already grabbed the cup with her spare hand. “Well, next time you owe me marshmallows -- but I’ll let it slide as your friends are here.” She smirked. Running past him and hurrying out of the room, she called to the others. “Bye Corduroy! Bye Corduroy’s friends!”

“‘Corduroy’, huh?” Xanthos mused, scratching his chin as he spoke. “I may have to use that.”

“Please, don’t.” Cordovan said, shooting him a warning glance before he eventually took a seat in one of the armchairs like Helia, with the rest of ZRCN once again huddling onto the sofa. There were a few minutes of awkward silence before Zelde got the ball rolling on why Helia had been so urgent to find somewhere to talk.

“What did you mean when you said we were in danger?”

Helia shifted uncomfortably in her seat, leaning forward to grab her drink. She traced a finger around the rim of the cup before looking up. “Do you remember what happened when we confronted Farron on Shizukana?”

Save for Cordovan, everyone else in the room had been present during the final confrontation with Farron’s people. It had been over six months now, but the event was still easily recallable to Xanthos. After a moment, he, Zelde, and Neela all nodded their heads, allowing Helia to continue.

“Do you remember what Wisteria said to him?” She asked. “Her ‘reveal’.”

“She said she didn’t work for him…” Zelde’s voice trailed off softly, already beginning to understand what Helia was trying to say. Xanthos was a bit slower on the draw.

“The people she worked for are the ones who are after us?” He questioned, looking to Helia for confirmation. “But why? We didn’t do anything to them! If anything, I got the impression we’d helped them take out a competitor of sorts. Why would they want to hurt us?” There was a brief pause before he quickly added, “Did they send the robots? Why?”

“Because you know too much.” Helia said.

Neela snorted a little. “Do we? I thought this was all resolved.”

“So did I,” Helia agreed before Xanthos noted her crumpling into her chair. It was only then he noticed how defeated she seemed in that moment. “But I was wrong.”

It was Cordovan who dared to ask the final question. “What happened, Helia?”

The huntress sniffed loudly, tears forming in her eyes. “My team and I had been talking about reuniting for months - a few weeks ago we finally agreed to meet up on Shizukana. It was the first time we were all in a room together after we went our separate ways... I was so excited to see them all again. It was only our third night when it all went wrong.” 

She lowered her head and took a long steadying breath before looking back up at them. “The real people Wisteria was working for decided to make an appearance - Wisteria, too - and they literally blew apart Leyla’s house. Leyla herself was knocked out, and the rest of us were dazed but we could still fight. Anthea and I tried to hold off two unknown attackers, but they were stronger and got the upper hand on us. Alcyone was the only one left standing by the end. We told her to stop and give up, that fighting would get us nowhere, but she was always stubborn - always thought she knew best.” 

Helia looked away, and Xanthos noted she had a pained smile. “Then a white-haired bitch skewered her with a spear.” She revealed grimly.

“Fucking hell,” Xanthos cursed aloud.

Helia was beginning to cry, but she was too determined to finish her story to succumb to tears. “I should have stayed with her in those final moments. I’ll always regret that I didn't. But I was confused and angry - who were these people, why had they come here and done this to us? 

“Other than Wisteria I had no connection to them, and the only thing they had told us was that the whole thing was a warning. A warning for what though? Why? Over and Over again I asked them. Eventually Wisteria knocked me aside like I was nothing and I was too weak to stand back up. She warned me against rising to my feet and I listened to her.” 

She took a shaky sip from her cup. “I’d like to say the white-haired woman took some pity as she approached me, but there was no pity in those blood-red eyes. Only malice and pleasure. I think she actively enjoyed seeing me suffer. And then she told me that this was all a warning. A warning for me and Leyla, but mostly for you. Anthea and Alcyone were just a nice little ‘side dish’. They had ‘other things’ to do first but she warned me that eventually they’d come for you too. Then they just… left. By the time I got back, Alcyone was gone.”

Helia didn’t need to elaborate on what she meant - by now they all knew the fate Alcyone had succumbed to, what these foes were capable of. Xanthos had always thought Wisteria might have been one of the largest challenges they would face, but it was becoming apparent she was just a piece in a much larger puzzle.

Zelde was the first to move, rising to her feet and standing in front of the window in silence, clearly deep in thought. Cordovan had leaned forward and was running his hands through his bowed head. Xanthos and Neela were silent and unmoving, still trying to process what Helia had told them. 

The silence in the room was soon filled by the increasingly loud sobbing of Helia, a sound that would have melted even the coldest of hearts. Neela was the first to rise to her feet and approach the veteran huntress, quietly wrapping her arms around her comfortingly. One by one, the rest of ZRCN followed suit; Cordovan, then Xanthos, and lastly Zelde. And that was where they stayed for a while, just holding and comforting each other, only breaking apart when Rosie finally ventured back downstairs again.