#wh. why couldn’t she have just come and told me when she came to ask???

[lesbianstarlightglimmer]

This is how my day went

During bus duty the principal asked when my collab hour was so I told her. She said she wanted to meet that 5th hour. Yesterday, my mentor told me that principals met with newer teachers to “interview them” aka ask “you want to come back here? Okay cool you’re rehired.”

Cool that’s fine that must be what the meeting is then. Good sign!

First hour comes and goes. Standing in the hallway when another first year comes up to me and says she had asked the principal about the rehiring process (it was technically supposed to happen pre spring break but. Didn’t. Obviously.)

Principal told her that as long as the teacher isn’t called for a meeting to her office that they were implied to be rehired.

Bad sign!

So I now sit through the next handful of classes anxious because what if they were going to tell me in the middle of the day I wasn’t going to be back next year?

Time finally comes for me to meet with her. She’s meeting with several important admin people. Hoping it wasn’t for/about me.

They leave and she lets me in.

“Yeah so just so you know you’ll be getting an email about your position being opened.”

Omg here it comes…

“But you’re filled into the position (aka you’re renewed to come back next year)”

??????

Going insane

[nosyp]

Hii could we possibly get a smut w Cho Hyun-Ju x f!reader where were basically a person who loves to joke around n chill w everybody else but when it comes to Hyun, we get all distracted, stutter around her, n js listen to everything she says not even realizing that we have a crush on her until someone brings it up n were like “oh crap wtf im being weak😥” which causes us to avoid her n be in denial of having feelings cuz we wanna seem focused n nonchalant which everyone notices especially her n that causes her to corner us n lead to smth spicy? Pls n thank u!!

THIS IS SO GOOOODDDD!! I'm so sorry but errrr I'm trying to figure myeslf out rn so not much smut 😔😔😔😔😔

Title = Flustered and Fallen

Warnings = mdni, kissing, touching, smut interrupted by guard sorry hehe🥺

Pairing = Cho Hyun Ju x fem!reader

Summary = You're confident around everyone, except Hyun-Ju. When you realize you have feelings for her, you start avoiding her. But Hyun-Ju won't let you hide anymore, and things get more intense when she corners you one day.

Word count = 1.5k

You were the kind of person who could easily get along with just about anyone. Your relaxed attitude and carefree nature made you a natural at making friends. A well-timed joke here, a playful comment there, everyone loved how effortlessly you could lighten the mood. The other players would often gravitate toward you, laughing at your banter or joining in on the fun. You could talk about anything and everything, and no matter the chaos of the games, your personality never once changed. But that was before she came into the picture.

It started to shift when Player 120, Hyun-Ju, entered the room. At first, you told yourself it was nothing. She was just another player, just another person to interact with. But then, it happened. The moment her gaze met yours, something inside you flipped and you found yourself stumbling over your words, losing track of sentences mid-conversation. Where you usually spoke effortlessly, now you fumbled, feeling like an idiot each time she looked at you.

"H-hey," you tried to joke, but instead it came out broken up and stuttered. "Don't te… tell me you're gonna– gonna be the quiet one in this group? You got–gotta keep up with all the st– stuff happening! Or else you'll be left behind."

But as soon as she turned her head toward you, her lips curling into the faintest of smiles, you suddenly felt heat rush to your face. Why was this so hard? Why was your usual confidence suddenly evaporating?

"Maybe I'm just waiting for you to catch up," she teased, her voice calm yet somehow sent shivers up your spine.

You tried to laugh it off, but all you could manage was a nervous chuckle, blinking awkwardly as you avoided her gaze. It was her. Her presence. It made everything feel different. You’d quickly become aware of how much you started paying attention to the way she spoke, the way her posture shifted. Every time she moved, you couldn't stop watching her.

Even when you were surrounded by others, your mind would drift back to her. You'd notice how effortlessly she handled herself in the games, how she made every action seem so smooth, and how you couldn't seem to focus when she was near. Unlike the playful, relaxed version of yourself you showed everyone else, with Hyun-Ju, you were clumsy. Awkward even. You couldn’t even make eye contact for more than a second without feeling your chest tighten.

One day, after another awkward moment where you fumbled a sentence in front of her, your friend nudged you with a grin. "You good, [Y/N]?" he asked, eyeing your flushed face. "You look like you're about to pass out every time Hyun-Ju speaks."

"Wh-what?" you stammered, shaking your head. "I'm fine, just—" You trailed off, trying to brush it off like it was nothing. You glanced at Hyun-Ju quickly, who was talking to someone else. The sight of her made your heart race again.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying your act. "Come on, I’ve never seen you act like this before. You’ve got a thing for her, don’t you?"

Your throat went dry, and you could feel your heart start to pound harder. "No, no! I don’t—" you sputtered, but it was too late. The realization hit you like a ton of bricks, hard. You did. You had a crush on Hyun-Ju. You weren’t sure when it happened, but now that it had settled in your mind, it was all you could think about. Your attempts to deny it only made things worse, making you avoid her more.

It didn’t take long for others to start noticing, either. You went out of your way to be anywhere but near Hyun-Ju, trying to appear uninterested. But every time she walked into the room, you found yourself stiffening, words faltering, and cool exterior melting.

“[Y/N]?” a voice cut through your thoughts. It was Hyun-Ju’s voice, calm as usual. You froze, immediately standing up to look anywhere but at her. “Everything okay?”

You forced a smile, trying your best to act like you were just as unaffected as you always had been. "Yeah, just—just thinking."

But Hyun-Ju was no fool. She saw right through your act, and a smirk tugged at her lips. "You’ve been acting strange lately. Is it something I did?" Her tone was teasing, but there was something in her eyes that made you shiver, an unreadable look that seemed to look straight through you.

Your heart raced, and your mouth went dry. “I— uh— I’m fine," you managed, turning away quickly to avoid her gaze. You didn’t know how to handle this. You didn’t want to admit it, but being near her made you feel weak, and you hated it. You hated how powerless she made you feel.

Hyun-Ju seemed to notice your discomfort, and the intensity in her eyes shifted. There was a hint of amusement now, mixed with something else. Something more dangerous. She leaned closer, her voice dropping low. 

“You can’t hide it forever, you know. I know what you’re feeling, and I don’t mind.” Her breath was warm against your ear, and your breath caught in your throat. Then she got even closer. “In fact, I actually like it.”

Your heart skipped a beat. It was too much. Too intense. You needed to get away.

“I’m just... I’m just focused on the game,” you stammered, attempting to walk away quickly. But Hyun-Ju’s hand caught your wrist, her grip firm but not painful. “Don't think you can run away from this, [Y/N]. Not now.”

And in that moment, you realized you were in deep. She wasn’t going to let you pretend any longer.

—

Fuck. How did you get into this situation? Somehow you were now sharing a stall with her.

“I– I– don’t know why I act weird around you okay?!” you say, trying to give excuses for your weird behaviour. 

“You sure? Everyone else seems to notice and you know why.” she says, continuing to pressure you for answers. “I’m not here for your excuses.”

You felt the walls closing in on you, heart racing in your chest. Her gaze was unrelenting, eyes narrowing as she stepped closer, her presence so overwhelming it made your breath get stuck in your throat.

"I–I don't know what you want me to say..." you stammer, feeling your confidence slowly slipping away under her intense stare. The space between you two was so tight now, your skin prickling with the closeness.

"You don't know?" she murmured, her voice soft but with an edge that made your body tense. "You really don't know why you're acting like this?"

You couldn't meet her gaze. You wanted to look away, to step back, but your feet seemed frozen to the ground. She moved again, just an inch from you now, her breath warm against your ear as she whispered, "I think you do."

Her hand brushed against yours, fingers barely grazing your skin, and you couldn't stop the shiver that ran down your spine. The heat between you two was almost suffocating, and every inch of your body screamed to close the gap.

But instead, you froze. What was she waiting for? What did she expect from you?

Your eyes were starting to hurt, maybe from the light above, maybe from the tears you were holding back. You didn’t know. 

Your thoughts were quickly interrupted by a pair of lips suddenly being pressed against yours. The kiss was so tender… so loving. Were you going crazy? Maybe you were. Involuntarily, you leaned into the kiss, further deepening it, letting you taste her tongue as she tasted yours. Then, she pulled away, ending your sweet moment.

"You're not like the others, y’know…" she murmured, her voice low and soft. With every single word, you felt like you were going even crazier. "You make me want to do things I haven’t done in a long time."

Your heart skipped a beat at her words. Was she… was she admitting something? Or was this another game? You couldn’t be sure, but the way she looked at you told you everything you needed to know.

"I…" Your voice cracked, the words slipping out of your mouth before you could stop them. "I don’t know what it is about you, but I can’t stop thinking about you." you finally admitted. 

She only lets out a chuckle until she lets her lips crash onto yours again. She sucks, nibbles on your lip as her hands roam around your body. The warmth of her touch was solicitous, showing how much she loved you. 

Almost automatically, you started leaning into her touch more, eager to feel more of her. The heat in your body gradually increases the more you feel her fingertips dragging around your body.  

Then– the door slams open and reveals a pink guard. Fuck no.

“Player 120. Player [number]. Come out. Time is up.”

[sapphic-kpop-fics]

Hometown (Huh Yunjin x Reader)

Angst, fluff, smut

Reader is from New York for the plot, friends to lovers, first time, soft sex

You can see Yunjin sitting next to you through your peripheral, you were currently on a flight to New York for an award show, You and Yunjin’s home state you from the middle of NYC and her near Albany. There was a tension between you two, you had confessed your feelings for her but she said she “needed time to think” but she hadn’t spoken to you since.

Of course you tried, but she walked away before you could get to her or blatantly ignored you. You tried giving her the benefit of the doubt, that maybe she just didn’t know how to come to terms with her feelings rather than she hates you now for having feelings for her.

That was three days ago and of course your assigned seats were next to each other, and your members refused to switch.

“You have to talk to her eventually.” You remember Chaewon saying when you asked her, sending you back to sit in your seat.

Now here you were, staring out the window and praying the next fifteen hours went by quickly. You can see Yunjin’s mind running a mile a minute whenever you take a peek at her, at some point it looks like she’s about to speak to you but decides not to. Though it sends a flicker of something through you, hope that she’d finally talk to you.

But she stays silent most of the flight, only talking to ask if you wanted snacks. The drive to the hotel was no better as the others came together to force you to sit together in the backseat, Yunjin in the middle with you to her left and Sakura to her right, your shoulders are pressed together and you can swear her hand that rest on her knee is inching closer to you the whole ride but as soon as she’s about to hold your hand the van comes to stop in front of your hotel.

Luckily, you were blessed and had to share a room with Eunchae not Yunjin who was rooming with Kazuha. In the lobby Yunjin seems to be talking, or more so plotting something with Eunchae who keeps looking over to you as you try to focus on your conversation with Sakura.

In the room after you’ve settled down in the room, resting on your bed, Eunchae gets a text and abruptly stands up.

“Where are you going?” You ask, knowing that she was planning earlier.

“To see Zuha. I’ll be back later.” The youngest says opening the door, smiling at you.

“Oka-“ you get out before she’s gone.

Now you try to just focus on your phone, but you’re interrupted by a knock. Which is coincidentally exactly five minutes after Eunchae leaves. Getting up to answer you open the door, not thinking to check the peep hole first. Yunjin stands there, glasses on and orange hair messily framing her face. The sight makes your heart skip a beat but only for a second before you’re subconsciously shutting the door on her.

A hand comes out to stop it from closing, pushing it open enough to slide herself in.

“Get out.” Is the first words out of your mouth.

“No.” Yunjin backs against the door to close it, essentially blocking your only exit though you contemplate just jumping out the window.

“Why? Finally have enough of ignoring me?”

“I wasn’t ignoring you. I told you I needed time.”

“You’ve said 5 words to me this week, Yunjin.”

“I’m sorry. I just couldn’t think around you, you make me…crazy.” She exhales the last word, like she can’t believe the effect you have on her.

“I’m still mad at you.” You say, but there’s a hint of forgiveness in you that makes Yunjin smile and walk up to you grabbing your hands in hers.

“Let me make it up to you.”

“Wh-“

“A walk. In the park. We can even go to that place you told me about.” Yunjin cuts you off excitedly, recalling something you had told her as trainees, when still in New York after you walked your local park you’d stop at a small Korean store owned by family friends to get snacks for the way home. Coincidentally your hotel wasn’t far from there.

“But pe-“

“There will be a manager and a security guard with us the whole time.” She reads your mind, “plus it’s late, there shouldn’t be too many people.”

A hint of a smile tugs at the edges of your lips but remembering you’re supposed to be mad at her you hold it back.

“Fine.” You say before turning to grab your bag.

You look pointedly at the door and then her, Yunjin gets the hint and opens the door for you, doing little bow as you passed and then following you out.

“Loser.” You say under your breath.

“Hey!” She pushes your shoulder.

A manager and a security guard wait at the end of the hall by the elevator, entering behind you guys. You stand at the back of the elevator next to Yunjin, hands brushing together, wanting to interlock them but neither having the courage yet.

The hotel is close enough to the park, so you walk the whole way, shoulder to shoulder with Yunjin while the other two stand far enough behind to not hear your conversation but close enough to keep a good eye on you.

After a few minutes Yunjin finally interlocks your fingers, her grip is strong like she’ll lose you.

“Do you think we would’ve met if we both stayed in New York?” Yunjin suddenly asks after a few moments of silence.

“I don’t know, I’d like to think so. Why?”

“I don’t know, maybe we’re like soulmates or something.” She mumbles the soulmates part, a contrasting point of vulnerability.

Did the girl you’re in love with just say you might be soulmates?

This makes you stop, Yunjin stopping when feeling resistance against her hand holding yours. She stares at the ground, seemingly embarrassed by her words.

“Soulmates?” You ask, a teasing smile on your face.

“Shut up.” A blush on her cheeks along with a smile before she turns and pulls your hand to walk with her again.

“For what it’s worth.” You start when you’re shoulder to shoulder with her again, “I think you’re my soulmate too.”

“You do?” Turning her head to look at you, now with a blush covering your own face.

“Of course I do Jen.”

You reach the store after a little while, it’s late so it’s only you two in there and the cashier who you recognize from your teen years as an old friend’s dad.

“Y/n??” He says when he makes eye contact, coming from behind the counter to greet you.

“Hi Mr.Kim.” You say, shyly as Yunjin looks at you with an adoring smile.

“How have you been?” The man asks, bringing you into a hug, “besides insanely successful.”

You flush once again, and Yunjin’s smile becomes brighter.

“Good.”

His eyes go to the orange haired girl behind you.

“Oh, this is Yunjin. My uh.. friend.” You settle on, after all you don’t want to tell this man that the only label you’ve reached is soulmate.

“Hi. It’s nice to meet you.” Yunjin says, her kind voice and smile making you melt.

“Likewise.” He says before another customer walks in to the counter, “That’s my cue, take anything you want. On the house.” Walking away before you can protest.

“He’s nice.” She says catching your attention, “friend?”

“Jen…”

She holds up her hands defensively, a playful smile resting on her face.

“Kidding.” Grabbing your hand to drag you down an aisle, “you already called me your soulmate.” This makes you groan, she’ll never stop teasing you for this even if she was the one that said it first.

“You’re so annoying.” You grumble to her as she picks out various snacks, mostly your favorites making you smile at the thoughtfulness.

“You love it.”

You do.

Leaving the store, and subtly leaving enough money to pay even with the insistence that it’s on the house. Yunjin doesn’t let you drop her hand the whole walk, feeding you some kind of chips she opened before you even walked out the store.

Eventually come to a stop at a platform overlooking a bit of the park, you rest your head on her shoulder while she puts hers on top of your head. Still holding hands, Yunjin finds a bit more courage to bring yours to her lips and leave a kiss there before moving her head to leave one on your forehead.

Both make you lift your head up to look at her, and then the space around you, only your staff is around. No on lookers to invade your privacy, and no cameras.

“It’s just us. Don’t worry.”

Her big brown eyes stare into yours, almost pleading, they flicker down to your lips quickly almost imperceptibly. You return the look, turning your body a bit more to face her better.

“Jen.”

“Hm.” She’s blatantly staring at your lips now, you’re not sure if she’s actually listening.

“Kiss me.”

Like magnets you’re immediately connected, it’s soft but passionate. Both spoken and unspoken feelings being told through it.

“Can we go back now?” You whisper against her lips barely pulling away.

Yunjin looks around for your staff, who are trying (and failing) to pretend to not see you having your private moment.

“Yeah let’s go.”

The walk to the hotel is fairly short, both of you putting extra speed into it as you anticipate what will happen when you get there. At some point Yunjin stops holding your hand to move it to your waist, making your breath shake which causes her to smirk to herself.

You get to the elevator, staff still with you so you fight the urge to make out with her then and there. The hand on your waist tightening a bit and pulling you closer, her fingertips slipping underneath the edge of your shirt leaving goosebumps on your skin.

The walk down the hallway is almost worse, now alone her hand teasing your skin even more. Your room is all the way at the end of the hall, taking only a minute however it felt like hours. You both stop at the door pausing, you’re so caught up in her hand on you and how hot she looks you forget it’s your room and you have to unlock the door.

“Are you going to unlock the door?” Yunjin whispers, obviously aware of the reason of your spacing out.

“Oh, y-yeah.” You stutter, hiding your blush by digging in your bag for your room key.

Your hands shake a bit, maybe from the teasing or maybe from the anticipation of what’ll happen when you open the door.

You don’t have to wonder long, as soon as you open the door you’re being pushed against it so it closes. She kisses you while doing so, hands going to your face to pull you closer while you hold on to her waist. You make out for a few minutes, and it gets more heated by the second when suddenly you have a realization causing you to pull away.

“Wh-“ Yunjin starts.

“Eunchae.”

“Don’t worry about her.” Waving you off before leaning back in which you pull away from.

“What if she walks in?”

“We switched rooms.”

“Wait.” You think, “Were you planning on getting me in bed tonight? Is that why you were talking to Eunchae?” You question, playfully.

“You’re the one who asked to come back for this.” She teases, leaning closer to your lips, “But yes that is why I asked Eunchae to switch.”

You can barely get your laugh out before she’s reconnecting your lips, it’s the most heated kiss of the night. Her teeth pull your bottom lip making you open your mouth in a moan, which Yunjin takes advantage of this letting her tongue explore your mouth.

Getting a bit bolder your hands pull at her jacket, slipping it off her shoulders before she lets it fall off her arms to the floor, which makes the taller girl smile into the kiss and start lifting your shirt over your head.

You hadn’t worn anything underneath, you had thought you would spend the night in your bed but Yunjin changed that. With your bare chest on display, Yunjin stares idiotically with her mouth slightly open and hands on your now exposed waist.

“You’re gonna catch flies.” You say to try and hide how flustered you are.

“You’re so fucking gorgeous.” It’s breathless and she can barely get it out before she’s eagerly reconnecting your lips.

Yunjin hands grip your hips to guide you back to your bed, her lips not leaving yours as she leads you to lay down immediately pulling at the pants you’re wearing and throwing them off to the side.

Your own hands mess with the edge of her shirt and pulling slightly, eyes looking up to her with a pleading look.

“Want me to take this off?” She teases, a playful grin on her face, but she takes it off anyways and quickly follows up by unclasping her bra and throwing it off to the side.

Once again her lips are moving against yours passionately.

“This won’t ruin us, right?” You ask pulling away, surprising Yunjin with the sudden question.”

“Never.” She affirms with an undoubted firmness, rejoining your lips it’s noticeable more soft and gentle, letting her love transfer through it.

A hand makes its way to your thigh, at first just resting there before slowly gliding up and down but not moving otherwise.

“Can I touch you?” Yunjin whispers against your lips, waiting for you to verbally respond before moving her hand.

“Please.”

Her middle finger slowly slides from your clit to your entrance collecting some wetness before moving back up to rub slow circles over you gauging your reaction before going too far.

“Oh.” You gasp out at the sensation making Yunjin speed up her finger.

“Tell me if it’s too much.” She says, though she doesn’t seem to pay attention to much to her own words as she looks at where her hand is connected to you, she pushes her middle and ring fingers into you after the sentence.

Her movements are slow, going in and out of you almost gently. Eyes now looking into yours adoringly, her free hand brushing your hair out of your face.

“Oh fuck” You moan out.

“Feel good?” She asks, not a hint of teasing as she is determined to please you.

“Mhm, so good Jen.”

You swear you can hear her moan at her name coming out of your mouth in your breathy whiny voice.

“M’ so lucky. Get to hear those pretty moans. Whimpering my name.” Her blissed out face as she moves her fingers inside of you, still at a mild pace, “You’re so pretty.” A soft kiss on your forehead then your cheek and jaw, “You don’t know what you do to me.” She whispers when her lips are by your ear.

“Faster, Jen. Please.”

“You sure?” She asks warily

“Please. M’ so close.” You beg.

“Yeah?” Her fingers speed up finally, curling up as they move.

“Oh my god.” Your hands grasp at her back.

“You’re doing so good.” Yunjin’s voice praises you.

Your back arches off the bed, and Yunjin feels you tighten around her fingers groaning slightly at the resistance she feels.

“Come on baby let go.” She softly demands, your body reacting, shaking as you moan out into the hotel room. She leaves gentle kisses on your face as you settle from the overwhelming orgasm.

“How’s that for making it up to you?” Yunjin asks from above you with a confident smile.

“Hmm.” You pretend to think, “You’re forgiven.” Smiling back at her, “Though if that’s the apology every time I’m mad at you, then I am so angry right now.”

Yunjin can’t help but laugh at your words, needless to say the night was filled with many more apologies from the taller girl which she generously gives away.

[eideticmemory]

BABY DADDY | MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER

A one night stand leads to much, much more than either of you bargained for.

Word Count: 8.3k

Warning/Includes: BabyDaddy!Matthew, duh!!! Smut Lite™️.

So, the thing about babies is that they don’t really give a fuck about context. They truly couldn’t care less about what you’re doing, what’s happening in your life, your goals, your dreams, your ambitions. It’s all irrelevant. They will show up anyway. And what the little clump of cells in your uterus has failed to realize is that you do not know their father. At all.

Seriously.

You know him biblically. Obviously. You’ve shared drinks and a bed. You’ve seen him naked. He’s seen you naked. You’ve spent, maybe, an hour and a half together total. And you spent the majority of that time making the conscious decision to leave together, undress and fuck. You’re pretty sure the last thing you said to him was, “Safe travels.” As in, I don’t want to see you again. As in, If all goes well, I should never have to see you again.

You used a condom. You’re not dumb, you used a condom. So when weeks passed by and your period was late, you didn’t think anything of it. It happens. Sometimes periods are just late.

But it never came.

You bought the pregnancy test just to be safe. In fact, you were so sure that you were playing it safe that you didn’t take it for another three days. Pushing it back and back, hoping your period would come.

It didn’t.

So you squatted over the toilet and got a good amount of pee on the thing and waited two minutes just for it to stare you directly in the eye and say: FUCK YOU, DUMB BITCH. YOU’RE PREGNANT.

Okay, it just said pregnant. But that’s what went through your head. Your knees buckled and you grabbed your stomach, almost like you could feel the thing just hanging out in there. You doubled over, thinking you were going to puke, but you didn’t. You eye the test again and then, out of pure nerves, you puke.

You buy two more tests. They call you a dumb bitch again, just a little louder. You want a bottle of wine but you don’t have one because you’re pregnant. You want a lighter and a goddamn cigarette but you don’t have one because you don’t even smoke and you’re pregnant.

You sit down for lunch with your friend and it’s the first time you say these words out loud.

She yells, “You’re what?”

Pregnant!

You give her this look that says please don’t make me say it again and she doesn’t. She heard you very well the first time.

“W-wh-what…” she trembles. Shaking, like she’s the one knocked up. “What? H-how…what? who’s the daddy?”

You sigh, cut your eyes up at her, and her jaw drops, stuttering, “O-oh…no…no…[y/n]…no.”

“It’s gotta be him. He’s the last guy I had sex with. I had gotten my period before then. Now, no period, three positive pregnancy tests.”

“Three?” she shouts. “Oh, so you’re pregnant pregnant?”

“Yeah, I took three just to be sure and they all told me to go kill myself. So.”

“Oh my god…” she shudders. “Oh my god? Oh my…” and she chugs her glass of wine in one big gulp. It looks good.

“What are you going to do?” she asks you.

You shrug, your mind made up, “I’m keeping it.”

“What?”

“Okay, you need to quiet down now before we get kicked out of here.”

“What do you mean keeping it? As in, giving birth? As in, raising a child?”

“Yeah, exactly that.”

“O…kay…and the baby daddy?”

You shrug, “What about him?”

“I-“ she slams her hands down. “[y/n].”

“What?”

“You’re not gonna tell him?”

“Why would I? I have a house and a job and insurance and a 401K, I can take care of my kid.”

“Well, yeah…but it’s…his kid, too? Why-why are you keeping it if you’re not gonna tell him?”

“Because I want a baby. I don’t know. I-I thought about…getting it sucked out of there, but I don’t wanna. I want a baby. I want a kid. And yeah, this…isn’t the conventional way of doing that, but I never much saw myself with a husband anyway.”

“So…what’s the plan? Matthew’s just walking down the street one day and a little carbon copy of him comes out of the shadows saying ooh, aah, look at me! I’m the love child you unintentionally abandoned 10 years ago! That’s fucked.”

“What if he doesn’t care? What if he wants to abandon the kid? What if we’re on the same page?”

“Then at least give him the option.”

“Ugh.”

“[y/n], just give him the option. What? You can gargle his cock in your mouth but you can’t have a conversation? You need to tell him.”

“Okay…” you roll your eyes.

“And whatever the outcome, he stills owes you money. He stills owes some type of financial support, whether you want it or not.”

“I don’t want it.”

“Whatever. Look, I work with him when he’s in town, okay? I see him, I have to interact with him, I can’t hold on to this and I can’t be the one to tell him. [y/n]…please…”

“Okay!”

“Okay?”

You huff, “Okay. Fine.”

“Okay. You have his number?”

“No.”

“Classy,” she quips as she scrolls through her phone and you roll your eyes, “Okay, I’m airdropping it to you now.”

His contact comes through to your phone and you only stare at it long enough to accept and then you plant the device face down on the table. You suck back an anxious gulp of water and fidget with your hands, “This is your fault, you know?”

“What? How?”

“You’re the one that introduced us. At that launch party or whatever. What was that even about?”

“It was the launch party for a new production company and fuck you, you whore. I didn’t force you to go and get yourself knocked up. That was all you, Matthew and those free shots.”

“Oh, please, you practically threw us together.”

“Yeah, well, sue me, I thought you guys would hit it off,” she shrugs. “Not quite this much, but…”

The two of you sit in silence, looking around the restaurant, picking at your food.

“So,” she pips.

Your eyes flicker up at her.

“How was it?” she smirks. “Worth a baby?”

You let a long sigh, shaking your head with a very violent roll of your eyes, “Honestly…yeah…”

So far, pregnancy doesn’t suck. You’re still early, still not showing. There’s been no nausea or bloating. The insomnia, however, is getting ridiculous. You’re normally the type of girl to crash in bed as soon as possible, knocked out the moment your head hits the pillow. It is now midnight and your eyes are wide open, unable to relax. You check everything possible off of your to-do list, even scheduling your first obstetrician appointment. The only thing you haven’t done is call Matthew, having had his number sitting in your phone for close to a week now. To make it worse, all you want is a cinnamon roll. But not just any cinnamon roll. One from the late night bakery down the street. This is especially dangerous because you know very well that they are still open and somewhere out there is a cinnamon roll with your name on it. It would be nuts to leave the warmth of your bed right now, walk a mile in the dead of night, just for a cinnamon roll.

But you’re going to.

You bundle up and head out into the summer night, looking completely insane. Hoodie, sweats, tattered sneakers built for walking down the New York City sidewalks. It’s not far and you walk fast, faster than normal tonight because the craving is just that strong. You make it in all of ten minutes and within five more, you have the box cracked open and are tearing a piece off with your bare hands.

You look up for merely a second and your eyes catch him immediately. Now, you’re tired. Your blood sugar’s just shot up but you’re pretty sure it’s him. Posing for a picture with a fan. Tall. Beautiful. Smiling. His eyes land on you and he excuses himself, throws up a wave. You jump, looking around, contemplating running. But, yeah. That wouldn’t be suspicious at all. By the time you stop fidgeting, he’s standing over you and you’re trapped.

“Hi!” he greets you. “Hi, [y/n], how are you?”

You wipe frosting from your mouth and chuckle, more caught off guard by his remembering your name than anything. You cough, “Hi. Matthew, hi. I’m good. I’m doing good. How are you?”

“Good! Just heading home.”

“Oh! Oh, you have a place in New York?”

“Yeah, near the park, just a few blocks over. You live around here?”

“Uh…” you did not know this so you’re forcing your brain to catch up. “Uh, yeah, yeah. About a block over, just… couldn’t sleep. Wanted a cinnamon roll.”

“Looks good,” he giggles. “You look good.”

“Oh, you’re full of shit,” you smile.

“No! No, I mean it. You look great. I love the cinnamon roll run outfit. Honestly.”

You blush, you don’t mean to, but you blush. “Well, thank you. You look good, too.” He does. You can tell he’s just leaving somewhere because he’s dressed up and you suddenly remember very vividly how you ended up pregnant.

“Aw, thank you. I appreciate that…” his eyes scan over you. “Where did you say you live? Can I walk you home? It’s late.”

You want to shout No! Thank you! and run. It wouldn’t be hard to do. Why not? Still, you say, “Yes. Yeah, I’d like that.”

And so the two of you stroll down the empty sidewalks together, he does most of the talking. You can hear it in his voice that he’s flirting. You’ve heard it before. It has been successful, with you, before. Yet, you’re too busy this time around trying not to puke. He walks you to your door and you notice your cinnamon roll has gone cold in your hand.

“This is me,” you tell him. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” he smiles. “We should get together again, if you’re up for it.”

You nod, “Mhm. Yeah. That sounds nice. Um, I’ll give you my number.” He instantly pulls his phone from his pocket and hands it over. He’s serious. You type your name and number in and hand it back, chewing on your bottom lip.

“Perfect,” his fingers linger on yours as he takes his phone back. “I’ll call you. Hey, could I use your bathroom? I pee fast so I won’t inconvenience you too long.”

No!

You snicker, “Yeah…” you start to unlock the door. “Of course. Sorry in advance, it’s a little messy.”

“Oh, a little mess doesn’t scare me,” he laughs.

You let him in and point out the bathroom and as soon as he disappears, closes the door behind him, you release the breath that’s been trapped in your chest and plop down on the couch. “Fuck,” you mutter to yourself. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

The toilet flushes and then there’s a loud bang from the bathroom and you snap back to reality. “Matthew?” you call. “You alright in there?”

“Yeah, sorry,” he calls in response. “Just kicked over your trash can. Sorry!”

“That’s okay!” you reply. You relax.

It is definitely not okay.

You hop up and sprint to the bathroom door. You don’t even knock, you just burst into the bathroom where Matthew is picking up the spilled trash. Your eyes instantly land on the pregnancy tests and you can’t do anything but stand in wait.

When he notices them, he laughs. Not a cackle, but a soft giggle, almost silly, “You pregnant or something?” he asks. It’s a joke. He’s making a joke.

He looks at your face. It’s not a joke.

He stops laughing. He stops smiling. You’ve never seen someone’s entire being go so pale.

“Oh, you’re…” he stutters. “You’re…” he breathes. “Is it mine?”

You can hardly look him in the eye but you do and you nod.

“How long have you known?”

You gulp, “Like…a week. I haven’t been to the doctor or anything.”

“Are you…” you can see his chest heaving. “Are you serious?”

You nod, “Yes.”

He looks around the bathroom, wobbling on his heels and you worry he’s going to pass out. Instead, he slams the toilet seat down and sits on it, falls on it. “What…what are you going to do?”

“I’m…” you clear your throat. “Keeping it.”

“Oh.” he says. “You don’t...you’re not…”

“No. I don’t want that.”

And this is where his words became jumbled. Mumbled. Barely incoherent. He, himself, cannot even figure out what he’s trying to say.

“Look,” you interrupt him. “You don’t have to be involved, okay? You don’t even need to be on the birth certificate. I can handle this. I will handle this. If you wanna drop me a couple hundreds bucks every month and call it a day, that’s fine. If you don’t? Also fine. But I need to know because we’re…not…confusing this kid, okay? So, you need to be all in or all out.”

“Are you...” he cuts his eyes up at you and then promptly rises to his feet. “I can’t do this right now.”

You’re so dumbfounded as he rushes past you that your brain doesn’t even fully process it until he’s almost out the door. “Where are you going?”

“I have to clear my head. I-I have to get out of here.”

“Uh, okay...” he closes the door in your face. “Bye…”

And in the wake of all this exciting, suddenly surrounded by silence and cut tension, you remember your cinnamon roll. You want it after all.

When your friend asks if you’ve told Matthew, you say, “Yes.”

“Oh, shit. You called him?”

“No.” And you have to explain. You have to explain every awkward, uncomfortable, terrible second.

“And I haven’t heard from him since,” you shrug.

“Really?”

You nod.

She sighs, “Wow…fuck him.”

“Fuck him.”

And you meant that. You’re content with that. You feel like you can move on. Prepare, nest, move forward. Then he calls you. Out of nowhere. His name pops up on your phone and silences the music that had been playing while you took a bath. You stare at the screen for a long time, wondering if it’s best to protect your peace. It is. But still, you answer.

“Hello?”

“Hey, [y/n]?” he clears his throat. “It’s Matthew.”

“Matthew,” you sigh. “Hi.”

“Hey, um, when is your first doctor’s appointment? Has that passed already?”

“Um…” you furrow your eyebrows, genuinely confused. “No. It’s on the twenty-sixth. At Aster on the upper west side. Eleven o’clock.”

Silence.

Then, he says, “Okay…okay, I’ll be there.”

You shrug, “Okay.”

“Okay.”

You arrive at 10:45. You do not expect him to show up, like truly expect him to show up. So when he comes walking into the waiting room, your heart genuinely stops. You cross and uncross your legs, shuffling in your seat.

“Hi,” you whisper, with very minimal eye contact.

“Hi.”

The nurse calls your name and Matthew follows you into the examination room, taking a seat beside you. The technician asks you a series of questions about your last period, your symptoms, your health history and Matthew hears none of it.

“And are you dad?” she asks him.

He feels like he’s going to throw up. “Uh, yeah. Yeah, I guess.”

You roll your eyes and luckily, this kind woman cuts the tension pretty quickly. She slathers this cold gel on your belly and presses the wand to your skin and the heartbeat picks up immediately.

“Oh, wow, strong heartbeat already!” she grins at you. But you can’t take your eyes off the monitor. Matthew either. “You’re right around ten weeks so there’s the little head and you can see their arms and legs starting to form here.”

You can. You can really see it. There’s a baby in there. Barely. But a baby! You look at Matthew and his look of pure terror mirrors yours. It’s kind of comforting.

The nurse wipes you off and says, “So your estimated due date is March 10th, but again, that’s just an estimate so take it with a grain of salt because babies tend to follow their own schedule. You’re looking at anywhere from two to three days before or after.”

“Holy shit,” Matthew swears. “That’s the day after my birthday.”

“Is it really?” you tilt your head and at this, the nurse is dumbfounded. At this, Matthew is completely silenced.

You ask for two separate copies of the ultrasound and the technician has gotten over the shock. She’s not going to question it anymore, not going to give it any thought. Let you two sort it out.

As you stand outside afterwards, twiddling your thumbs, unsure of what to say or what to do, he asks, “Are you hungry? Can I take you to lunch?”

You cross your arms, wanting to say no. Wanting to lie. Instead you sigh, “Yes,” you nod. “Yes, please. I’m fucking starving.”

So he takes you to a cafe down the street where you order possibly the biggest burger even seen and fries and a cup of veggies and a piece of cake. It’s awkward, silent, and he just watches you eat. Almost like he can’t wrapped his head around it. You come up for air and catch his gaze.

“Hey,” you swallow. “Don’t look at me crazy. You’ve never had something in your body competing for resources.”

He chuckles, “No judgement. Eat what you want.”

“That was my plan.”

He picks at his food for a few moments and then sighs, “So…how…how are we gonna do this?”

You would ask for more context but you don’t need it. You know exactly what he means. You shrug, “I don’t know…” you shrug again. “I don’t know, just…do the best we can, I guess?”

He nods, “Yeah. Yeah, that always seems to work for everyone else.”

September | 14 Weeks

The deal is that Matthew will come in every four weeks for your appointments. This is what he agrees to, but you’re not convinced it will happen. But your next appointment rolls around and you’re shocked to walk in and find he’s beat you there. This time, he sees you and he smiles. His eyes scan over your figure as you take a seat, he goes, “Oh, you’re…you’re kinda starting to…”

You glance down at your tiny baby bump and you have this weird urge all the time to touch it so you do. “Oh. Yeah. I finally had to start telling people at work. They made me a registry.”

“Oh, that’s nice. What…what do you need me to get? What does a baby need?”

“God, dude, too much shit, I swear. Plus, I don’t even know what I want to dress her in. There’s like a million different brands and they all look the same or are made from spider silk or something stupid. I don’t know.”

He tilts his head at you, “Her? You think it’s a girl?”

You shrug, “I don’t know. I don’t think we can find out just yet anyway but, maybe?”

This little grin appears on his face and he almost reaches in to your bump, but he doesn’t. He shuffles in his seat, clears his throat, “A girl would be nice.”

You smile, “I think so, too.”

You both get your updated ultrasounds to go and the technician is greatful to not feel so suffocated this time. The energy around the two of you has shifted. Not much. You’re still strangers and it shows. But it’s different. You smile, you joke around, Matthew speaks up, asks questions.

It’s different.

At the end of the appointment, he asks you, “Hey, are you busy tonight?”

“Oh…” you’re caught off guard. “No. Why?”

“I was wondering if you might want to come over? For dinner maybe?”

“Oh.”

“Nothing…weird. I just…want you to know where I live and…I don’t know, I thought we could just talk.”

“Um. Okay. Okay. Send me your address.”

“Okay. I will.”

And so because you reluctantly agreed, you show up at his doorstep at six o’clock sharp. You’re not dressed up or anything, but it’s starting to get cold and you just threw on this big puffy jacket.

He opens the door and greets you with a bright smile, saying, “Hey, you. Come in.”

“Thanks,” you meekly walk in and instantly look around his place and oh, it’s fucking gorgeous. Comforting. Because you can’t have a baby with someone who lacks interior design skills.

“Are you still craving chinese? I got us a fuck ton.”

“Oh, my god,” you sigh in relief, smelling the food, instantly plopping down at the kitchen table. “Oh, my god, yes, thank you.”

“Of course,” he smiles.

You look around and notice the ultrasounds on his fridge, staring at them as he sets up a plate for you.

He takes a seat beside you and takes a bite of his food, then asking, “So, where are you from?”

It catches you off guard so you laugh, “What?”

“Where are you from? What’s your family like? Where’d you go to school?”

“Um, okay…what…you interrogating me?”

He laughs, “No. No, sorry. I just…uh, I wanna get to know you better, that’s all. You can ask me anything you wanna know, too.”

“Hm,” you nod. “Okay.” And you spill your guts.

You wrap your life up in a nutshell and it becomes this rapid game of back and forth about whose parents did this and how many siblings do you have and who was your first crush. Who’s your best friend. Who’s the last person you dated. Tell me about all the people you’ve dated!

Your baby daddy is kind of a slut, but, honestly, who are you to judge?

He’s funny. As far as you can tell, he’s honest. He doesn’t have or want to hide anything from you. What’s the point?

“So, um,” he says. “Why don’t I make you a drink and give you a little tour? Oh, wait, you…”

“Can’t drink,” you nod. “Yeah. Thanks for reminding me.”

“Sorry,” he laughs. “I have sparkling cider.”

“Bleh.”

“Sparkling water?”

“Bleh.”

“I…orange juice?” he laughs but you’re dead serious.

“That sounds so fucking good right now.”

“Yeah?” he chuckles. “Okay, you got it.”

And so, with your cup of orange juice, you follow him around his home. You see his bedroom, his office, and in the corner of the house, an empty room where he proclaims, “This will be the little guy’s room. I’m not sure what I’m gonna do with it yet, but definitely something.”

It’s beautiful. Lots of natural light but he says he’s already started looking at blackout curtains. “And then in my room,” he adds as you walk by. “I’ll have one of those little beside bassinet things, y’know? Just until he gets a little bigger.”

You look up at him with this sober look. You stumble around until you find somewhere to put your glass down and he asks, “You alright?”

You turn back to him and almost immediately jump into his arms, mouth open, a whole growing human between the of you, but still you are close. But still, you are kissing.

“Woah…” he huffs. “W-what…what are you…”

“Sorry,” you breathe out. “It’s nothing personal. I’ve just got a lot of blood rushing to a lot of different places and w-what?” you stutter because he’s caressing your face. “Y’know, it’s not like you can get me pregnant. It’s more like a…a favor?”

His eyes scan over your face and he nods, scoops you up in his arms like it’s nothing. “Yeah, okay, that makes sense,” and he carries you into his bedroom.

October | 18 Weeks

The greeting this week is different. In the past few weeks, there’s been a lot more casual texting. A lot of Matthew asking: Hey, how are you feeling today? Do you need anything? Do you have groceries? You appreciate it.

He walks into the waiting room a few minutes after you and you actually stand to say hi.

“Hi, you!” he pips and he gives you a big hug. This time, he is not so shy and he takes a hold of your bump in both his hands, leaning down to say, “Hi, you! What are you doing in there? Woah!”

“Ah,” you groan. “Yeah, kicking the shit out of me. lately. Don’t get her riled up.”

But he pokes at your belly again and those legs come back swinging. He laughs, “Oh, my god, that’s so cool!”

“Yeah, not so much when it’s the middle of the night and it’s directly on your bladder.”

“Oof. Sorry, I should be stern,” he leans down. “Knock it off, kid.” And the kid kicks back.

“Oh! Jesus. Okay, that was…bad. Keep practicing.”

He cackles, “I will.”

In the exam room, the technician asks, “Do you wanna know the gender?” The smile on her face tells you that she already knows.

And as you shout an enthusiastic, “Yes!” Matthew is shaking his head, saying, “No.”

And then there’s silence.

“What…” you chuckle. “What do you mean no?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugs. “I kinda just wanna be surprised.”

“Hm…” you furrow your eyebrows. You turn to the technician, “Well, I wanna know, will you put it in an envelope for me?”

This envelope is hand delivered to you at the end of your appointment and you hold it tight in your hands all the way out the door. You tear into it as soon as you step outside and Matthew shouts, “Wait!”

“What?”

“I don’t wanna know! Open it when you’re alone.”

“Okay…” you shrug, putting the envelope in your purse.

The two of you stand there, silent, avoiding eye contact.

“Fine, open it,” he says.

“What?” you laugh. “I thought you didn’t wanna know?”

“I don’t! I don’t. But-but you should know. Open it.”

You roll your eyes at him and take the envelope out of your bag, breaking the seal, flipping it open and showing absolutely no emotion. You rise and fall from the tip of your toes, biting down on your lip.

“Oh, c’mon!” he groans. “What is it? What is it? What is it? Just tell me.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“You positive?”

“[y/n]…” he whines.

You chuckle and turn the paper around to face him and his entire expression goes blank.

“A boy?” he whispers. Followed by, “Oh, my god, a boy!” Then, “A boy?” Finally, “A boy…”

You giggle and nod, “A boy.”

Halloween falls on a work day, after which you immediately come home to take a nap. You awake to find missed calls and texts from Matthew, the last of which reads: I’m coming over. You see this just before he rings your doorbell.

You answer and flinch, caught off guard by his costume. His makeup, the whole thing. “Oh…” you say. “You did say you were weird about Halloween.”

“Um, I don’t know if weird is the word I used but…here! For you,” he hands you a bag full of candy and you laugh, taking it from him.

“Thank you.”

“And…also, for you,” and he hands you a pumpkin.

“Oh! Thanks?”

“It’s the exact same weight as the baby. Weighed it myself.”

And your heart just kind of melts. “Aw…that’s so cute…” you hold the thing in your hands and look down at it. “Wow, what? No fucking way that’s in there.” you say in disbelief, holding the pumpkin level with your belly.

The two of you burst into laughter and Matthew sighs, happily exclaming, “Yeah, that’s him.”

November | 22 Weeks

Before your next appointment, Matthew calls you to ask if you’ll spend Thanksgiving with him in Vegas.

“Y’know, I told my family and-and they were…y’know shocked. But, they wanna meet you. I’m sure you already have plans but if you don’t…I’d really love it if you came with me.”

You sit in silence for a second. “I…I don’t have plans. I’ll go.”

“Really?”

“Oh, did you…want me to say no?”

“No,” he laughs. “No. I just thought you would. Um, well, okay, cool! Cool. I’ll book the flight.”

“Okay. Cool.”

Matthew meets you at your place the day before Thanksgiving, greeting you with a hug and a kiss on your belly. “Hey, you ready?”

“Yeah…” you grumble. “I’m all packed, just tired.”

“Want me to carry you?”

“Ha…ha…no, thanks.”

“I’m so dead serious. I’ve been lifting weights, gotta train to carry a baby around.”

“I’m telling you, this fucker is heavy.”

He laughs, “Yeah, he looks it already. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Um…” you sigh. “Can you just carry my bags?”

“[y/n].” He looks you in the eye. “I was going to do that anyway.”

You get sick on the plane and the flight attendant gives you ice to chew and a cold rag for your forehead. Matthew is constantly rubbing your leg and fanning you with the safety booklet.

“Ugh, I’m so sorry. What can I do?” he asks.

“Will you be the pregnant one for a little bit?”

“Yes, if that’s what you need.”

His face is serious and you can’t help but laugh, “Fuck you.”

As you drive through the desert, you have to keep your eyes closed to feel peace. You only open them when the car slows down and you arrive at the house.

“Oh, by the way,” Matthew says as he shuts the car off. “My family thinks we’re together. Like dating.”

Your eyes goes wide and you shoot up in your seat, “What? What?” you yell.

“Look, look, I’m sorry! I didn’t know what else to say!”

“Uh, how about I got a little too drunk and horny on a Friday night and put a baby in someone? You don’t lie! What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“I…ugh! I’m sorry. I know, I know. I will tell them the truth, but not right now. [y/n], please.”

“No.”

“[y/n]…”

“No. Fuck you! How could you wait until we get here to tell me that bullshit? You’re insane!”

“Okay. Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry, let’s just, please go inside and I will fix it.”

“No.”

“What?”

“I don’t wanna go inside now. You pissed me off.”

“Oh, my…” he huffs. “[y/n], please.”

“No!” you cross your arms. “I’m staying in the car.”

Just then, his mom comes rushing out the house, waving to you both from the front door and you have to put on a smile very quickly.

“I will tell them,” he whispers.

“Oh, you fucking better,” you sneer, still smiling. “Or I will.”

You play along as you’re introduced to everyone. You tell them about yourself. You show them the most recent ultrasound, you pig out on all the food just laying around and somehow, along the way, you forget why you were mad.

Until you retire to bed and they have you and Matthew set up in one room. Then, you are pissed all, over, again.

You rush into the shower to avoid him and when you come back out, he’s laying in the bed.

“Hi,” he smiles nervously.

“Fuck you.”

“Okay.”

“Did you tell them?”

“No. I’m sorry. I will.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Matthew.”

“[y/n]-“

“Matthew!”

“Okay. Okay. I’ll tell them now.”

“Yeah.”

Still, he lays there. “I…I pulled out your maternity pillow. All ready for you.”

“Get out the damn bed,” you grumble and he’s up before you lay down. And worse, he just stands there.

You roll over from your side, looking at him. He’s looking at you and his face pisses you off so you shout, “Matthew!”

“Okay!” and he leaves the room.

He comes back in after you’ve fallen asleep but still, half awake, you ask, “Did you tell them?” and you don’t even question it when he lays beside you, cradles you in his arms.

“Yeah, I did.”

“Good.”

And you fall asleep just like that.

Thanksgiving goes well, despite the recent news. You practically clear the table yourself because you’re eating for two and one of you is much greedier than the other. You meet Matthew’s dad, who spends the entire evening lulling you into security just to later pull the two of you into a separate room.

Here, the conversation gets legal. And while you were not expecting it, you’re grateful. You hadn’t thought of any of this. Custody, exchange schedules, schools, primary addresses, out-of-state trips. All of it.

His dad finally asks, “And what last name will the baby be taking?”

You say, “[y/l/n],” as Matthew says, “Oh, Gubler, for sure.” And the two of you just slowly turn to look at each other.

“Oh…” he dad says. “You two should probably discuss.”

That discussion lasts well into the night. Through the drive to the airport. Through the flight.

By the time you land, you’ve compromised. You’ll hyphenate.

December | 26 Weeks

Your next appointment is just over a week before Christmas. Matthew agrees then to spend Christmas Eve with you. Your family comes into New York just to keep you from flying yourself. When they arrive, your home is cluttered with boxes and pieces of the crib and a dismantled bassinet and bottles and boxes of diapers and wipes. Your baby shower was a huge success. You and baby boy want for nothing. But you’re big, you’re stressed, you’re aching and you can’t stop crying.

“Baby, let us put the nursery together for you,” you mom suggests.

“No. No, we’ll do it. It’s fine. I want to do it.”

“Okay. Speaking of, is your baby daddy gonna be here any time soon?”

“Yeah, he’s on the way.”

And as if on queue, Matthew walks in and everyone exclaims, “Hey! Baby daddy!”

Your sibling walks up to him immediately and says, “Love Criminal Minds, dude,” and you put your face in your hands.

Matthew gets everything stuffed into the nursery just for now so there’s more space for everyone to move around. He helps your mom with dinner and he doesn’t mind when they poke and prode into his life.

“So, baby daddy, what part of New York are you in?”

“So, baby daddy, is this your first kid?”

“So, baby daddy, do you think you might propose to [y/n] someday?”

“Baby daddy, what’s your net worth?”

And this is not an exaggeration. By the end of the night, he responds to baby daddy like it’s his actual government name and he confesses to you that it makes him uncomfortable.

Standing on your balcony, he wraps a blanket around you and rubs your shoulders, “Y’know, I understand the terminology, definitely. But…damn.”

You cackle, “Well..you are my baby daddy. We’re having a baby together, but were not together, but we have sex sometimes. It fits. Hey, I’m your baby mama!”

“Aw, well…” he sighs. “Thats sweet.” And he grins at you as you burst into laughter.

Your family leaves to stay at a hotel and Matthew stays to make sure you’re okay. You’re pretty fucking exhausted to be honest. So he tucks you into bed and runs his hand over your hair, “You need anything?”

“No. Just sleep.”

“Okay,” he touches your belly. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

When you wake up in the morning, your first thought is that you need to eat. You remember some sugar cookies that your mom had brought by last night and you decide to have them for breakfast. You walk to the kitchen and passing by the nursery, you almost don’t notice. Then, you stop in your tracks, tilt your head and walk backwards.

It’s done.

It’s done!

The crib is built, the dresser and changing table are assembled, the mobile’s up and running, the rocking chair is in the corner. Even the wall art you picked out is hanging up.

“Wh-what…” you stutter and then you march to the living room where Matthew is passed out on the couch. “Matthew!” you shout. Still, he doesn’t wake. So you rush over and shake him, going, “Matthew! Matthew!” and he jolts awake.

“What?” he takes hold of your hands. “What? Are you okay? Are you alright?”

“Yes. What…what the hell did you do?”

“What do you mean?” he rasps. “Oh…the nursery? Do you like it?”

“Do I…” you cut yourself off and run back to the nursery, where you wander around the room unable to focus your attention on just one thing.

Matthew follows behind you and watches you from the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. “Well?”

“It’s…” you gleam. “Exactly like my pinterest board.”

“Of course it’s exactly like your pinterest board, I’m not insane!” he laughs.

You feel this peace wash over you and you hug your baby bump as you breathe out a slow exhale. You turn to him with a smile and he thinks you’re running to give him a hug. So when you all but tackle him, take him a kiss, push him to the floor, tear off his clothes, it all happens so fast.

When it’s over, you have no bottoms on and your head is laying on his chest. “I’m sorry,” you whisper. “I should probably stop attacking you like that.”

He chuckles, “No. Don’t. I don’t mind.”

January | 30 Weeks

Your appointments are every two weeks now. This is the time you expected Matthew to miss at least one, but he never does. He’s always there. Even when he’s not with you, he’s always there.

When your insomnia is at its very worst, he facetimes you in the middle of the night.

“Hey,” he smiles at the screen. “I knew you’d be up.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Insomnia still kicking your ass?”

“Every night this past week.”

“Ugh, I’m sorry, honey,” he frowns. “But since you’re up, I thought we could talk baby names?”

“Oh,” you say. You had forgotten about that. “Oh…right…names.”

“I know, we kinda dropped the ball on that one,” he laughs. “Now, it’s kinda a Gubler tradition that all the boys have the middle name Gray. Y’know, alliteration and all.”

“Oh..that’s…” Boring, you think. “Unoriginal. Can we compromise?”

“Well, I’m already compromising with the hypenating so I don’t know.”

“Oh, good g-“ you roll your eyes. “Sir, you hyphenated like 7 months ago, let it go.” And he lets it go. You add, “I like the name Lincoln. Link.”

“Ooh, no. He used to bully me in school. What about Silas?”

“Yeah, cause he’s a vampire? Veto. I like Noah.”

“Cause he’s building an arc? Veto!”

“Ugh.”

“What about Simon? Y’know I voiced him in the movie.”

You roll your eyes, again. “Yes. We know. Veto.”

Silence falls over the call as you both rack your brains for another suggestion. And like a domino, it naturally falls into your mind, “Theodore?” you shrug.

Matthew smiles, “Teddy?”

“Aw!” you squeal. “Teddy Gray…” you say aloud and then a tear falls from your eye and then you’re full blown sobbing in front of the camera. “Teddy Gray, that’s it. That’s his name.”

And Matthew is freaked out because he’s never seen you cry before. Ever. Not at the doctor, not in the nursery, he’s never had the pleasure of meeting your hormones face to face quite like this. “Yeah…” he chokes out a sob. “That’s it,” he wipes his eyes. “Fuck, why am I crying?”

“Oh, why would you be, you fucking freak?” you shout and he thinks it’s the funniest thing you’ve ever said.

Suddenly, your doorbell rings and it silences you, scares you. “What the fuck?” you whisper. “Is that you?”

“Nope. I had something delivered.”

“What? Right now?”

“Just a little cinnamon roll and a milkshake, but I can tell them to leave if you don’t want it?”

“Oh, my god,” you rush out of bed and immediately waddle to the door, “You’re amazing. I wanna have your baby.”

February | 34 Weeks

Your customized pillows and blankets have come in the mail. They all say Teddy and his baby book says it too. It is perfect. It’s your son. At your last appointment, he weighed about 7 pounds and you certainly feel every ounce weighing you down.

But for Teddy, it’s worth it.

For now, you’re still going to work and taking an afternoon nap for survival. Matthew jokes all the time that you can quit your job whenever you’d like. That he can take care of you both, just say the word. That was never the deal, but you appreciate it.

When you arrive home on Valentine’s Day, you’re just getting settled when your doorbell rings. You look through the peep hole and the delivery man is holding the largest vase of roses you’ve ever seen.

“Hi,” he greets you. “[y/n] [y/l/n]?”

“Yes,” you nod and take the roses in your arms. “Thank you.”

He hands you a tiny bag and you carry everything inside, setting them down on the table.

“One more thing,” he tells you and when you turn around, it is a teeny, tiny vase of snipped roses. The vase is personalized with the name Teddy.

“Aw,” you want to cry but you can’t do it in front of this random man. So only when he leaves, you let the tears fall and you set Teddy’s vase near in the window in his room. You leave your flowers on the living room table and take a small jewelry box out of the bag. Inside, are the most gorgeous pair of ruby pendant earrings and you audibly gasp.

The card accompanying it all reads: Sorry I can’t be with you and Teddy today, but I’m thinking about you both. I’m always thinking about you.

Happy Valentine’s Day, baby mama!!

M

March | 37 Weeks

“Any day now, [y/n],” your doctor beams, rolling the wand around on your belly. “How are you feeling?”

“Good,” you nod. “Excited. Scared. I didn’t give it much thought about how I was gonna get him out of there.”

Her and Matthew laugh, Matthew holding your hand like it’s No Big Deal.

“You’re gonna do great. You’re right on track for your due date, but it’s possible you’ll start feeling some contractions in the next week or two. If you notice them coming really close together or your water breaks, I want you to put that birthing plan in motion, okay?”

“Okay,” you and Matthew say in unison. It would’ve annoyed you before. Now you just smile at him because you think it’s cute.

Matthew escorts you back home and he’s hoping you’ll settle in and maybe rest. You don’t. You end up in the nursery, walking around like maniac. There is absolutely nothing to do. Nothing to move. Nothing to fix. Still, your brain tells you there must be something.

“Honey, honey,” he calls, taking you by the hand and guiding you to the couch. “Come lay down, please. Everything is all set.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” he laughs. “You’re just nesting, I read about it online.”

“Oh, you and your baby google.”

“There really is so much out there!”

You roll your eyes, smiling as he covers you with a blanket. “You still going to Vegas this weekend? For your birthday?”

“Oh, no. No, I think I’m just gonna stay in New York.”

“What? Why? I thought your mom was planning a whole thing for you? You can’t miss it.”

“Well, I don’t wanna miss Teddy coming either. I don’t wanna leave you alone like that. The doctor said any day now.”

“Yeah, but, she also said it could be well over another week before I start contracting.”

He sighs, visibly anxious.

“Hey, look,” you pull him into your arms. “I appreciate you wanting to be here, I really do, but I want you to enjoy your birthday and I highly, highly doubt this kid is planning on escaping any time soon. Plus, my friend will be here if anything happens so, just, go, baby daddy, we’ll be fine.”

He sighs, “Fine. But you’ll call me if anything happens?”

“I will call you.”

“Immediately?”

“Immediately!”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

“Fine.”

“Fine.”

March 9 | 37 Weeks and 6 Days

The eve of Matthew’s birthday, you get roughly four hours of sleep. You rise with the sun and sit in Teddy’s room, folding his clothes, piling them in his dresser.

You friend wanders in, having just woken up herself and she sighs, “What the hell are you doing, crazy lady?”

“Nothing.”

“This nursery looks like it’s straight out of Architectural Digest. There’s nothing else to do, why don’t you go lay down?”

“Why is everyone always wanting me to lay down?”

“Because you’re carrying a human maybe? Duh?”

“I’m fine. I feel fine. I need to check on the bottles and make sure I have the right sized nipples because I’m not sure…”

“[y/n], you have all the nipples in the world. The ones, the twos, the threes, the ones on your tits. It’s fine!”

“I’m just checking!” And as you step towards the kitchen, you suddenly stop in your tracks, grab onto your crotch in shock.

“[y/n]?” you friend rushes to your side. “What’s wrong?”

“I-I…I, um, I think I just pissed myself?”

“Wh-what? Pissed yourself or did your water break?”

You look up at her in fear, “Oh my god.”

“I’ll get the hospital bag.”

“Oh my god.”

“Get some pants and shoes on, dude!”

“Oh my god,” you repeat. “I-I have to call Matthew.”

So you do. You do. Just in the knick of fucking time, your name pops up on his phone and he quickly grabs his luggage and sprints off the plane that was doomed to take off any second.

When he arrives at the hospital, he bursts into the room at full speed, thinking he’s already missed everything. Thinking it’s over. He finds you bouncing on a birthing ball and you grin at him.

“Hi, baby daddy!” you huff. “Happy birthday!”

“Hi! Hi…” he walks up to you, takes your hands in his although you do not stop bouncing. He kisses the top of your head, “Are you okay? How far along are you?”

“Three centimeters,” you pant. “And I am not getting off of this ball until it’s 10!”

“Okay, well, you have to take a break at some point. Do you need some water?”

“Nope! Just need to bounce.”

You last, maybe, five more minutes and then you need to lay down. Except you can’t. Because your contractions are ridiculous and you can never get comfortable and you end up on all fours in the bed, crying and groaning.

And three hours later, you are only 5 centimeters dilated.

Matthew lays in the bed beside you, patting your face with a rag, feeling absolutely useless. “What can I do, [y/n]? Tell me what to do.”

You cry and squeeze his hand until this contraction passes. You pant, “Y-y’know…I’ve heard sometimes…when a baby won’t come out…p-people….sometimes…”

“What? What do they do?”

“They…y’know…”

He is still confused.

“Like!” you shout in frustration. “Like, what gets the baby in also gets the baby out!”

It clicks, “Oh!” he exclaims. “Oh. Will that…will that hurt him?”

“I don’t think so,” you shake your head. “But he’ll sure as shit get the message.”

And so, two fingers, ten minutes and six big pushes later, Theodore Gray [y/l/n]-Gubler is born. He weighs eight pounds, five ounces but he feels so heavy in your arms.

Finally in your arms.

Matthew, like a big baby himself, can’t stop crying. Can’t stop looking at him. Can’t stop kissing your face, “Look at him! He’s beautiful! You did it! Oh, my god, [y/n]! Look what you did!”

Teddy is truly the best birthday gift Matthew has ever gotten.

Two days later, you’re discharged from the hospital. Matthew arranged for a car to drive you home and he installs the car seat himself. He pushes you out in a wheelchair, despite your frequent protests, and gets Teddy buckled in. He then helps you and into the car before sliding in on the opposite side of the car seat.

You cover Teddy with his blanket and touch your fingertips to his face. He’s fast asleep, but this little grin forms on his face and the two of you chuckle.

“Hey,” you coo to him. “Hey, mister man, what are you doing? Huh? You…really don’t look a thing like me.”

Matthew cackles, “Yeah. Yeah, that seems to be the general consensus.”

He follows behind you with the car seat as you unlock your front door and lead them inside.

“Should we…I mean, do we just let him sleep?” he asks you.

“Until he’s hungry, yeah,” you nod, taking Teddy from his carrier. “Oh, hi…” you whisper to him. “Hi, mister man, you wanna lay in your bed? Hm?”

You place him in his crib and he doesn’t make a sound. Doesn’t make a move. Matthew plops down on the floor, legs crisscrossed and you sit right beside him.

“He’s so fucking cool,” he tells you.

You giggle, “The coolest.”

The two of you could stare at him all day. You will.

“Is it still okay if spend the night?” he asks.

You look up at him with a smile, “Yes, we’d like that very much,” and you put your head on his shoulder.

His kisses your forehead softly, saying, “Cool.”

[skylarsblue]

✦Incorrect C.o.D Quotes✦

(Bros I'm so sorry, I've had the biggest fucking writer's block. I'm hoping some silly lil meme posts will make up for it until I can write something substantial, I'msosorry-)

Y/N: Some of us, I don’t wanna name names, give me a headache when they speak and its- Soap: Is it me?? Y/N: No. Graves: Is it me? Y/N: …it’s not Soap- --

Price: I’m gonna make you a soup. Gaz, delirious with the flu: I don’t wanna be a soup, Captain… Price: …right, how about I give you soup instead? Gaz: That’d be nicer. Price: Right. --

Soap: What the fuck knuckles is this? Valeria: *holding her hyper femme gf in her lap* She’s my girlfriend you intolerant shit. Soap: Whoa! Pump the hate brakes Fox & friends. I’m just surprised anyone would date you. Especially Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony. Y/N, on Valeria’s lap: You know that cartoon? Soap: No comment. Ghost: No, I think you should comment more, Johnny. Soap: NO. COMMENT. Moving on! Gaz: We’re gonna circle back to that. --

Graves: I think the term you’re searching for is ‘current captain’. Ghost: The words I’m searching for, I can’t say. Because there’s a rookie *motions to Soap* present. Soap: No no, say it. I can handle it. Ghost: You sure? Soap: Absolutely, L.T. Ghost: *looks at Graves* Fucking donkey lookin’ muppet bitch. Soap: Brutal blow, sir. Well done. --

Y/N: *comes in* Hey, Gaz, how old is your captain? Gaz: What? Y/N: No not like that…it is, it is like that. How old is he? I came into base, he asked if I needed anything to eat. I said ‘eat what’? Gaz: Okay, first of all, put my plate down and stop hitting on my captain! Y/N: Don’t get mad at me! I don’t even wanna be here. Y’all the ones that want me to be here. --

NPC: Ohhh if I weren’t a lady, I’d deck you! Fem!Y/N: Oh please. Try it and I’d have you on your back so fast you’d think you’re on a date. Ghost: *spits tea* Price, covered in tea: That was so unnecessary- --

Ghost: Mmph. Y/N: Dark room, avoidant, you seem tired despite sleeping for awhile…you wanna try and get out in the sun or do you just need to be in the sadness dungeon? Ghost: *holds up two fingers* Y/N: Would you like some tea for the sadness dungeon? Ghost: …Mhm. Y/N: Tea for the sad dragon coming up! Ghost: Mmph. (Aka “thank you”) Y/N: No problem! --

Y/N: Ya know sometimes there’s times in life where you just have to sit back and go, “ya know what? I’m proud of myself.” Gaz: Is this one of those times? Y/N: No- Soap: *wheeze* --

(Shibari reference)

Price: …alright, when I said we needed to restrain him in a way that ensured he couldn’t get out. This is not- Gaz: These are not military knots. Y/N: No, they aren’t. You all suggested knots that he would know how to get out of. You told me to get rid of that possibility. So, I did. Soap: He is tied…to the ceiling. Ghost: You kinky bitch. Y/N: *shrug* Price: Where did you even learn this? Y/N: That is for me and my daddy issues to know, sir. Don’t worry about it. Just wake him up so we can start interrogating him.

-

Graves: We can rule the world! Ghost: *turns to leave* Graves:: *watches him pull out something of Y/N’s* Graves: WH-YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO FUCK MY WIFE Graves: GHOST. G H O S T Ghost: *leaves* --

Graves: Let me log into Twitter- WAIT, IS THAT GHOST’S DICK!?! Ghost: I fucked your wife. Graves: AGGHHHHHH- --

Medic!Y/N: Don’t torture yourself Ghost. *snips bandage* Medic!Y/N: That’s my job.~ Ghost, internally: Stayfocusedwecannot- --

Price: We’re you listening to me at all? Y/N: No I was fantasizing about beard burn. Price: Pardon? Y/N: Huh? --

Ghost: He died of natural causes. Gaz: You pushed him off the roof. Ghost: Gravity is natural. --

Y/N: Nuh Uh, no. I’m not doing it. I have self respect, and I will not stoop so low as to- Gaz: *brings out 100£.* Y/N: -oooooo*takes money* I’ll have it done in an hour. --

Soap, looking at Konig: That man is a tree. Y/N: Then I'm a fucking squirrel. Soap: On the hunt for nuts then? Y/N: Famished for them. Ghost: Why do I sit with you two...

[shadowdaddies]

what do you think about reader and nyx being bffs and her having a huge crush on azriel , like nyx and reader have been friends for almost 50 years and she still remembers the first time she saw azriel. At was first it was a silly girl crush but it developed to her having a fat ass crush on him fr and nyx knows this and teases her relentless, azriel overhears this and confronts her. Fluff or smut pls i cannot handle angst🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️

well anon, I had planned to go a more playful/smutty route when I started writing this but that was not what the writing gods had in mind for me today. This is FLUFF (and I know you said no angst but I couldn't resist but IT PAYS OFF)

Birthday Wishes

Azriel x Reader

Warnings: none, just lots of fluff and a lil angst, not proofread

You grew up in Velaris; your first job was as a teaching assistant at Feyre’s studio. You grew close with Feyre, and she became a mentor to you. 

You babysat Nyx when he was young, and as you both grew older you also grew closer. He was the little brother you never had, and you were an honorary member of their family. You often accompanied Nyx to family dinners, which was comfortable because of how close you were with everyone. You had trained under Nesta’s command with the Valkyries, and often worked with Rhys and Feyre in your duties as an emissary. 

The only one in the IC who didn’t feel like family to you was Azriel. Maybe that was in part because you had a huge crush on him for over fifty years, but he never seemed to pay much interest to you. He was at dinners and events the least of anyone, usually off on a mission, and when he was there you were too nervous to say much to him.

One year, Feyre insisted on hosting your birthday celebration at the River House. Everyone in the family was there, along with some of the Valkyries and your and Nyx’s friends. Everyone except Azriel. When people slowly started leaving the house for the night, you felt tears welling up in your eyes. It shouldn’t have bothered you so much, you weren’t close with Azriel. Why should you care whether or not he’s here? Nevertheless, you found yourself needing to step out for air on the balcony.

Nyx came out and stood next to you by the railing as you two took in the view; he always had a sixth sense for when something was troubling you. “Hey, everything okay?” 

You tried to play it off, “I’m great, Nyx. You know how it is, the birthday blues strike again.” Nyx leveled you with a look that let you know he wasn’t buying your excuse. “Come on, I know when you’re upset. Could it have anything to do with a certain Shadowsinger?”

You couldn’t hide your shock as you looked up at Nyx. “Wh-what are you talking about? I.. I didn’t even notice he wasn’t here,” you sputtered out.

Nyx let out a laugh that had you punching him in the arm. “You asshole, why are you laughing at me when I’m crying?” you asked as your own tears turned to laughter at his infectious playful energy. 

“I hadn’t even mentioned that he wasn’t here. You told on yourself, sis,” Nyx lobbed back at you, and you turned beet red at the realization you’d been caught. “Shut up, it’s not like it’s obvious. You just know because you’re nosey as Hel.” 

Nyx slung his arm around your shoulder as he laughed again, “I think the only person it’s not obvious to is Azriel. Everyone else can see how you look at him.” You sighed, completely embarrassed that everyone apparently knew what you thought was your deepest secret. Nyx noticed your stress at the realization and squeezed your shoulder encouragingly, “it’s fine, sis. I can’t blame you for falling for those dreamy hazel eyes. But if I were you, I’d tell Azriel how you feel. It’s the only way you can move on, good or bad.” You nodded in agreement with him, and Nyx left a kiss on your head before turning around to head back inside. 

You noticed him falter in his movement for just a moment before collecting himself. “Oh hey, Azriel,” Nyx greeted cheerfully before slinking through the door without so much as a glance back at you. Traitor. You slowly turned around, praying to the cauldron that he couldn’t tell you had been crying. 

But you couldn’t have prepared yourself for the sight before you. Azriel stood in the doorway, hair windblown, wide-eyed and cheeks flushed as he panted for air. You took a tentative step towards him and spoke barely above a whisper, “Azriel. What are you doing here?” Azriel seemed taken aback by your question, but explained as he held up a package in his hand. “I flew here as fast as I could, and then I realized I hadn’t picked up your gift from where I had it wrapped and they were closed so I had to find the owner and get her keys and go to the shop and get your gift and then get the keys back and I flew here but I’m sorry it took so long, I messed it all up but I had to make sure I got you this tonight.” 

You were frozen in shock. You didn’t think you’d heard Azriel speak so much or so quickly in his life. He stepped towards you as he finally caught his breath, handing you the package. “Please open it, angel.” You took the package from his hands, unwrapping it shakily as you looked up to see his face filled with anticipation. Opening the box, your breath caught in your throat as you took in the sight of your favorite book inside. “It’s a first edition, and it’s signed. I know it’s your favorite book, and I searched all over for it. Helion had a copy in the Day Court library. There’s something inside the book as well.” You opened up the front cover to find a letter from the author to you wishing you a happy birthday. You looked up at Azriel through teary eyes, and something snapped inside your chest. You gasped as you felt like you’d been struck by lightning, and you realized. My mate.

Azriel gave you a soft knowing smile as he stepped closer to you. “I heard your and Nyx’s conversation. I had no idea that you felt that way. The bond snapped for me about four months ago, but I didn’t want to pressure you because I didn’t think you felt that way for me. I wanted you to have a special birthday, regardless of whether or not you are interested in accepting the bond.”

You were overwhelmed by joy at Azriel’s confession, your emotions emboldening you to reach up to Azriel’s face and cup his cheek. “This book was the most beautiful and thoughtful gift I’ve ever received, until I learned the cauldron gave me you.” You pushed up on your toes as Azriel leaned down, pulling you in close for a deep, passionate kiss that spoke more than any words could relay.

~~~

You can't help but laugh now as you think about that memory, how at one point in your life the scariest thing to you was to tell that male how you felt about him. The same male you smile at across the table exactly fifty years later as you blow out the candles without a wish, because you couldn't imagine wanting anything more than this.

[mischivana]

History is Written by the Winners

hi this is my first ever piece of writing, please be kind. a prompt list is to come soon so I can start taking requests. NOT PROOF READ!!

Masterlist

Jason Grace x Nike!Reader

warnings: none that I can think of :)

I lurked in the woods, deep in the treetops watching carefully where I stepped to make sure I didn't fall or attract too much attention by disrupting the branches. Being the daughter of Nike, I’m pretty quick on my feet and always kinda knew where they were. Victory is my game and I'm going to win no matter what.

I stalked through the trees looking for the other team's flag, it was Athena vs Hermes, when a strong gust of wind knocked me out of the trees. I was stunned for a moment as a swirled through the air before I landed flat on the ground on the edge of Zeus’s fist.

After I regained myself and quickly drew my sword, I looked around to see who my attacker was even though I’d already known. There was only one demigod at this camp who had the ability to control the winds. Son of Jupiter and love of my life, Jason Grace.

I looked at him with a cheeky grin. I knew Annabeth would put him on the front defense because she knew I would come straight for the flag and he could see through my strategy. Gods, sometimes I hate that she’s my best friend.

He chuckled and gave me a sly grin, his javelin at the ready. “You’re quick on your feet Trophy, but not quick enough,” he said. Trophy, that was his nickname for me. Not only because of my mother but because I beat him at almost every competition we ever had. He always said there was another reason, he never told me what though.

“What’s up Sparky? Care to let me get that flag?” I said with a small laugh. “Not a chance Trophy” he said. I lunged at him and our weapons met. My sword clashed against the base of his javelin. My eyes met his and I winked to throw him off.

He weakened his stance which gave me time to push him pack with my blade. He stumbled a little and I lunged to the right, attempting to slash his leg with my blade in my left hand. He knew me though, he knew how I fought and blocked my attack.

He swiped the end of his javelin across the bottom of my feet, knocking me to the ground. I used my arms to break my fall, when I looked up I was face to face with the sharp point of an imperial bronze javelin.

I stared at him for a sec, huffing my breath. He looked down at me and said “look at this, daughter of victory lost a battle”, he laughed, “isn’t it funny?” he asked me. “What?” I asked back. “Nike is the goddess of victory but her cabin hasn’t won a single game of capture the flag?” he said. I couldn’t help but blush, he was always so hot when he fought. I smiled back at him, he may have been right, but I had a plan.

My legs were laying in between his on the ground, before he could question why I still looked so confident. I had spread my legs out in different directions, throwing his balance off and taking the chance to roll back onto my feet.

Before he could swing his javelin back at me I’d taken the hilt of my celestial bronze blade and knocked out the backs of his knees, sending him to the ground. I ran up Zeus’s Fist and grabbed the flag, Jason on my trail.

I turned around, flag in hand, and took Jason by surprise with the tip of my blade on his throat. I smiled at him, I let out a small chuckle and said “don’t you know Jase? victory is my game and I play to win. Sure, Nike has never won capture the flag. But history is written by the winners, that’ll be why you’re so surprised right now” and I bolted off leaving him standing on Zeus’s Fist.

I could tell he had started to chase after me, I heard his feet on the leaves and sticks, but being the daughter of Nike I was much faster than he was. I saw the river in the distance and ran like my life depended on it.

I jumped the river and crossed the border just in time for Jason to see. I heard Chiron blow the horn, signifying the end of the game. The other cabins came rushing to see who’d gotten the flag and my siblings tackled me with delight. Finally, the Nike cabin had a victory.

We watched as the flag changed to show a light golden banner with a pair of laurels, the symbol of my mother. I looked back at my boyfriend and saw him smiling, happy for my cabin's victory.

I handed the flag to one of my siblings and walked over to him. “I've always wondered what your other reason for calling me ‘Trophy’ was, care to share?” I asked. “I call you Trophy cause you, my love, are my greatest treasure” he responded. I planted a quick kiss on his lips and said “I love you Sparky”, “love you too Trophy” he said back as we both looked to see my siblings celebrating my cabins victory.

thanks for reading my first piece. If you have any request or pieces of advice I'm all ears!!

[sadlittlerubybabygirl]

Good cop Bad cop?

nsfw

Bare with me on this one 😩

Daddy came home from work angry but I didn’t know why. When I tried to ask he just said Get on the table. In his serious Daddy voice, then went straight to the bathroom. I went and grabbed the keys to the playroom and did what I’ve been trained to do. I have to take my clothes off for Daddy. I have to lay down on the table for Daddy. My mind was starting to turn off while my princess parts grew more excited. I wonder what he’s going to do to me. Finally, Daddy storms into the room, Someone’s coming over. Now I’m really excited. I pretend to be scared but secretly, I love when Daddy shares me. It makes me feel even more like an object. His object. I don’t even notice that’s daddy’s grabbed the blindfold and all four cuffs. I guess I’m gonna be a starfish tonight! I practically help Daddy cuff me to the posts of the bed. My legs spread apart so wide I couldn’t stop anything no matter how hard I tried. And now I can’t see. I’m sorry baby. I didn’t even say hello to you properly. I feel Daddy start kissing my neck. You’re gonna need your paci today princess. How old are you? Mmm now my brain goes funny and I don’t think I remember how old I am? I feel so dumb and so young and I just start babbling. I wanna answer Daddy but I just can’t! Aww it’s okay baby. Mm Daddy put my paci in my mouth! Daddy knows how old you are princess, you want me to tell you? Mm hmm! You’re 5 princess. Right now at least. Daddy put my face down this time which was weird because I’m also blindfolded. I feel his fingers grazing my body. He’s always so sweet in the beginning when he knows he’s going to be brutal during. I feel something squishy but firm rub on my feet. He drags it all along my body until I feel him climb on top of the table. I brace myself but nothing ever prepares me for just how big he is. It’s just too big for me. I yell out as Daddy shoves himself in. Ooo baby I know I know, shhhh. You’re so wet alreadyy.. Ugh I love when Daddy whines. He just gets faster and faster and rougher. He’s choking me and slapping me and grabbing at me. I don’t even have enough time to think in between the feelings of pleasure and pain. And then he starts to go even harder. I scream and writhe underneath him as he has my way with me. There’s a wetness all over the table which I can’t tell if it’s my tears or my drool smeared all over my face. Hey there little one, your Daddy invited me over. I shut up when I hear the familiar voice. It’s my daddy’s friend. He scares me because he’s very tall and has a mean looking face. Daddy? I’m trying to get the words out to ask him why his friend is in the room but Daddy hasn’t stopped thrusting into me. Don’t worry baby, I’m gonna be your friend today. Your Daddy had a bad day and he just needs help to wind down, from the both of us. Wh- what are you gonna do? I can’t even think but I’m trying to process what he’s saying. Daddy grips my hips so hard it hurts. He knows he’s too big for me but I feel every inch of him pounding inside of me. I can’t stop crying and screaming but I feel a hand hold one of mine. You can hold my hand princess, I’m gonna help you through it ok? I hold onto his hand desperately. I want my Daddy! I want my daddy! That’s all I can say. Your Daddy is busy ok? But I’m here ok? I’m here for you. I feel a warm hand rub my back. Ok but I want my paci! I lost it sometime between when Daddy started and now. Get her fucking paci bro. I hear Daddy grunt out. I’ve never heard him like this before and I feel my princess parts gushing. I can’t stop it feels so good. I’m coming! I’m coming I’m coming! I can’t stop screaming it. I heard daddy’s friend laugh. Good girl! See? I told you everything would be fine. But I can’t see I know im blindfolded but all I see is colors and lights. She is really good. Touch her if you want to. I heard their words but I can’t process anything. I feel so numb and dumb. But I also feel hands. More, four, grabbing at me and groping me and I think daddy’s friend is kissing me on my body but I just feel. so. much. I’m so overstimulated I don’t even know what I’m saying.

[prince-rowan-of-the-forest]

A Swallow's Symphony In Spring (17/19)

Chapter 17 - Will Some Loving Ease Your Pain?

<- Previous | Masterpost | Next ->

----

Warnings: Talk about trauma/depression/grief

Word Count: 3007

----

The next time Remy visited his cell, it was the middle of the day - not for breakfast or dinner like every other day he came. 

Roman had been busy drawing that chair yet again (from a different angle this time) when he heard the clanking of armour. Quickly he’d shoved his art supplies under his blanket on instinct, before sighing and dropping his shoulders. It’s not like he needed to do that anymore. He was allowed to draw, he just wasn’t allowed to leave. 

“Hey kid,” Remy said, pulling out a set of keys. Roman’s eyes widened as Remy unlocked the door - what in the world was going on? “C’mon, up you get! Your first day of freedom has begun.”

“I- what?” Roman asked, glancing around, immediately he wondered if this was a trick, but Remy seemed pretty serious about this. 

“Janus has given clearance for you to be moved to the medical wing,” Remy explained, walking over and placing a bag down on his bed. “Here, put everything you want to bring with you in here - if all goes well you won't have to come back here.”

“Wait- wait what?” Roman said. He couldn’t hide the fear not understanding caused him - his eyes wide and hands shaking. “The medical wing? But I’m not hurt-”

Remy paused, sighed, and slowed down, much to Roman’s relief. “Janus wants Emile to check you over anyway, just in case,” he explained. “And then there’s also uh - the trauma.”

“Trauma?”

“Kid, not even thinking about everything that’s happened to you before all this, you’ve been stuck in a cell for over a month, and you seem hella depressed too - look, just- go along with it, kay?”

Frowning, still not so sure about this whole plan, Roman started to put his things in the bag. His trinkets got thrown in the bottom, the spare clothes he had been given, the blanket, his art supplies, and, of course, the letters. Roman might have read the last letter an unnecessary amount of times. Did that mean that Virgil really did love him? But why, then? Why had he let all of this happen to him? He hadn’t seen Virgil since Janus had given him the letters, and he still didn’t know what he would say to him even if he had. 

It took him way too long to pack up the bag, especially considering the so few things he had here in the cell, but Remy never seemed angry with him for it, no matter how anxious or worried he got about being too slow - Remy just told him to take however long he needed. Roman had never gotten that luxury before.  

Once he was done, Remy handed him a cloak. 

“What… Do I need this for?” Roman asked, holding it awkwardly as Remy picked up his bag. Remy sighed.

“They’re still trying to figure out how to announce to the palace that you’re still… uh… here, so, for now it’s easier to keep you hidden.” Remy explained. 

“Don’t they know I’m still here?”

“Most people think you were executed.” Remy said bluntly. Roman’s eyes widened, his grip on the scratchy cloak tightened.

“Wh- what?” Roman asked. “Wait- but- then - who died? Who did they kill instead of me?”

“No-one did, hon,” Remy said. “They faked it.”

Roman felt a little silly - of course, they wouldn’t have killed one of their own men, but still - why hadn’t they told him? He didn’t understand - it was just yet another thing they had kept him in the dark about.

“Does Emile know I’m still alive?”

“He knows you’re coming,” Remy said. “Don’t you worry - now c’mon, let's get you somewhere more comfortable.”

—-

The sight of his palace was almost foreign. 

Even the aura was different. The hallways felt brighter, more open, he noticed people walking through them, far more crowded then they had been before and the people were… different. Some were staff, but many were just… people. It almost scared him to see so many people in the palace, his first thought being worried about how the Queen would react before remembering… she was gone, wasn’t she? 

“What’s everyone doing here?” Roman asked Remy as they walked. “Is something going on today?”

“Nope! It’s like this every day now,” Remy said, seeming happy about it, “Janus and Logan have opened the palace gates for anyone in need - it’s been real nice here since they took over.”

“Oh, that’s… that’s lovely, actually,” Roman said softly - he just wished it was something he could have done. These were still his people, people who he hadn’t been able to help. Maybe him ending up in that cell was the best thing he could’ve done for him. 

—-

The medical wing was just as he remembered it, so was Emile’s office. Seeing the familiar face brought him a sense of relief, though the hug he received on Remy opening the door wasn’t quite so expected. Nor was Emile’s blabbering and… apologies.

“It’s- it’s okay, really,” Roman said, awkwardly patting Emile’s back whilst trying to ask Remy for help with his eyes. “You couldn’t do anything - it’s not your fault.”

It turned out that Emile had always felt awful that he had never been able to help Roman more with his parents. Roman knew there was nothing he could’ve done, but he understood. 

“Okay, okay - sorry,” Emile said, trying to discreetly wipe his eyes. “Let's get you set up in a room, hm?”

Roman nodded, feeling a little numb as he followed Emile into the hospital room - where beds were lined up. Emile got a wave from another person in the same uniform - a teen with tied back curly blonde hair and round glasses. Roman had never seen him before - he could only assume he was new. 

Leading him through another door, Emile led him to one of the more private rooms. It seemed surprisingly similar to the cell. Just with the addition of a small desk - though he assumed that was probably for Emile, not him. 

“Hopefully you won't be stuck in here too long,” Emile said with an awkward chuckle. “I mean, technically you’re not trapped here, though we can’t let you go anywhere without that cloak.”

“I guess people can’t be seeing a ghost, huh?” Roman asked bitterly, setting the bag Remy had given him down next to the bed and sitting down. Emile sighed. 

“This isn’t fair on you, Roman,” Emile said softly. “None of this is, I’m sorry it’s all happened like this.”

“I just…” Roman sighed, sitting down on the bed and pulling his knees up to his chest. “You’re the first familiar face I’ve seen since they took over - and- and Remy is really nice but I just - my life might’ve been awful but it was familiar and I just-”

“You miss knowing what you’re supposed to do.” Emile said, sitting down with him. “But… hasn’t Virgil been to see you? I thought…”

Roman scoffed, and turned his face away. “Virgil betrayed me.”

“Ah,” Emile said softly. “Would you like to talk about it?”

“No,” Roman huffed, squeezing his legs tighter, he talked anyway. “He just - he abandoned me, betrayed me, got me locked in a cell, what else is there to it?”

“How did that make you feel?”

After a moment’s consideration, Roman looked down. “Alone,” he said softly. “Scared - he was- he was the first person I’ve trusted in so- so long and he just-”

“I bet that hurt a lot, huh?” Emile said softly. Roman nodded. “Do you still love him?”

Roman’s head snapped up and he stared with wide eyes. “How- how do you know about that? Does everyone know about that?”

“No,” Emile said. “not everyone - Remy just tells me a lot, and he could tell.”

Roman wilted.

“I guess you’re gonna tell me I should talk to him, huh?” Roman mumbled.

“Well…” Emile said with a soft sigh. “It might be a good idea - I mean, if you do love him, it’ll only hurt more the longer you leave it.”

Sighing, Roman shook his head. “I don’t even know what I’d say - I mean - I’ve even read his letters and - and they say he didn’t mean to, but how can I trust him now? What am I supposed to say to him?”

“Just hear him out,” Emile said. “Tell him how you’re feeling, whenever you're ready, okay?”

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready,” Roman sighed. “I’m… scared - of what’ll happen when I do.”

“Then I suppose you’ll just have to do it scared, huh?” Emile said, patting his knee. “You’ll be okay, Roman, that’s what I’m here for.”

“To make me okay?”

“Exactly, now - I think you deserve to rest on an actually comfortable bed, hm?” Emile suggested, patting the mattress beneath them. It was much nicer than the bed in the cell. Roman sighed and nodded - he certainly had a lot to think about now.

—

Three days later, Roman awoke to a knock on his door. 

“...Who is it?” He called, voice gritty and low from sleep, he reached for the pitcher of water on his bedside table and poured himself a cup, taking a sip and glancing at the door when he got no response. “Hello?”

The door slowly pushed open to reveal Virgil. Roman sighed softly, looking down at his water. 

“Hey,” Virgil said softly, sounding… sad. Roman knew Virgil well enough to tell that he sounded distant and a little miserable. “Can we… Can we talk? Please?” He asked, still holding the door as though he expected Roman to shoo him away. He wanted to. 

A long, awkward, quiet moment passed, until Roman nodded. 

“Really?” Virgil asked, his hand tentatively leaving the door handle.

“Yes,” Roman said stiffly, still not looking up. “We can talk.”

Ever so slowly, Virgil closed the door behind him and took a few steps into the room. 

“Can I sit?” he asked softly. Roman shrugged, so Virgil pulled the chair out from under the desk and sat down awkwardly next to his bed. “I brought you something.”

“What?” Roman asked, looking up with a frown. What could Virgil have gotten him? Did he expect a gift to fix everything? Because it wouldn’t.

From his bag, Virgil pulled what looked like a piece of green fabric. When he passed it to Roman, he realised it was the scarf they had bought at the festival, green with paler green embroidery. Roman held it for a moment, unable to think of the words to say.

“I know it won't fix anything,” Virgil said after a long moment of silence. “But I thought it might… help?”

Memories of that night came flooding back to him. The way they danced, held each other, kissed for the first time. The way they had fun, got lost in each other - the way Roman had felt normal for once in his life. He looked up at Virgil, hands holding the fabric loosely. 

“Thank you,” he said softly, taking a deep breath. “This meant a lot to me.”

His words felt stunted and impersonal, he felt too formal and like there wasn’t enough there. He just… didn’t know what else to say. There was so much more he could say but he just… couldn’t get the words out. 

“I’m sorry,” Virgil said softly, not moving from his chair. “I’m so sorry - for everything - and I know an apology isn’t going to make up for anything - I’ve lied to you so much. I hurt you- I just- I don’t know what else to say but I’m sorry - I don’t expect you to forgive me, I just- I want the chance to explain everything-”

“I would… appreciate an explanation.” Roman said. He wanted to comfort him, to reach out to Virgil and wipe away the tears that were already falling down his face. Part of Roman thought that he should be the one crying, but he wasn’t. Right now all he felt was empty pain. 

“I was never meant to be your guard,” Virgil said, hugging himself and looking down. “None of this was ever meant to happen - I was- I was supposed to just be some nameless grunt in your parent’s guard, but I got picked at random. I couldn’t tell you why and I was fucking terrified, Roman. I didn’t have a clue what to do with you, especially in the beginning - I thought you’d be like them.”

Roman listened, twisting the fabric between his hands as Virgil explained, it was a plan that had been in the works for years. Virgil had been adopted by Janus and Logan when he was sixteen and brought into their guild - the Swallow was their symbol, that’s why everyone here wore it, that’s why Virgil wore it, that’s why Virgil had dressed Roman in it when they’d gone to the festival, so that the people would identify him as an ally. 

He had known about the attack, he’d wanted to give Roman one last night of happiness just like his letter had said. He had never meant to fall in love with him. 

“But I did,” Virgil said. “I- looking back it was inevitable, you’re- you’re so beautiful and bright, you’re brilliant, so, so smart and kind - you’re so different from what we thought, but I loved you, and I still do.”

This whole time, Roman had been silent. He had sat there and listened to Virgil spill his guts, his life, his story, he had told Roman everything. Everything except what had happened that night.

“If-” Roman said softly. “If all that is true, then why?”

“Why what?” Virgil asked, looking at him with a mix of apprehension and hope - Roman wondered when he had gotten so good at reading him.

“Why did you let them take me?”

“I…” Virgil said, letting out a soft sigh and ducking his head. “I have no excuse for that.”

Roman’s heart sank.

“It was - I didn’t know they would know about the catacombs, truly I didn’t. But then Janus was there and I just-” Virgil squeezed his hands into fists. “It was a horrible lapse in judgement. I was a coward - I’ve wished every second since that I could go back and change what I did, Roman, please I just- I don’t need you to forgive me, what I did was- it was truly horrible I just - I need you to believe me. I’ve lied to you so, so much but I promise I’m not- I’m not lying about this.”

Virgil’s breath hitched and he blinked, looking down as a tear tracked its way down his cheek. Sighing softly, Roman got up crouched down next to him, gently wiping the tear from his face. Virgil looked up, sniffing. 

“Roman-?”

“I believe you,” Roman said softly, he finally felt tears in his own eyes. “I- I read your letters, I wasn’t sure if I should believe them but - I do, I believe you.”

“I missed you,” Virgil whispered, meeting Roman’s eyes. Roman leant forwards to press his forehead to Virgil’s.

“I-” Roman said, voice wobbling. “I was so - so lost and angry that I almost forgot I loved you.”

“Can I hug you?” Virgil whispered. Slowly, Roman nodded and Virgil practically fell from the chair in his haste to get his arms around him. Roman almost fell backwards with the force of it, wrapping his arms around Virgil in return as he lowered them to the floor.

“Roman I’m so sorry,” Virgil said through tears that were now freely flowing. “I’ll - I’ll never do anything like that again, I swear.”

Roman just held him close, “Vee…” Roman said, unable to come up with more words than that, so he just pressed a kiss to Virgil’s shoulder. “I love you.” 

“I love you too,” Virgil said, tearful but with a big smile on his face as he clung to him, clutching the back of his shirt and burying his face in his neck - Roman had never seen Virgil like this before. He had always been so composed. Had Roman caused this? 

They stayed like that for a while, with Roman kneeling on the ground and Virgil in his lap, arms wrapped tightly around each other as they exchanged soft words and small kisses. 

“Will you stay?” Roman asked eventually. He didn’t want Virgil to leave him again, not after all of this, even if it was only temporary. “In here with me - I mean - we could nap or just sit or-”

“Yeah,” Virgil said softly. “If you’ll have me, I’d love to stay, I- I don’t care what we do, just-,” 

“Can we at least move to the bed?” Roman asked with a small chuckle. Having Virgil back in his arms was a dream come true, the pain in his knees from kneeling on the floor for so long however, as not. Virgil nodded quickly and got up, offering his hands to help Roman up off of the floor too. 

“They didn’t give you gloves?” Virgil asked, tilting his head as Roman took his hands and got to his feet. He climbed up onto the single bed and opened his arms for Virgil to follow him. 

Roman shrugged, “I didn’t want them anymore.”

For whatever reason, Roman thought Virgil looked proud as he climbed up, pulling the blankets around them and cuddling up to Roman with a soft, happy sigh. 

It wasn’t long at all before they both fell asleep, Virgil nestled against Roman’s chest, both comfortable and fast asleep.

—-

An hour later, Emile came around to check on Roman, accompanied by Janus this time, who couldn’t keep the smile off of their face when they saw the two of them together. 

“How sweet,” Janus said softly, placing another blanket over the two of them. Virgil stirred, but Janus shushed him gently, urging him to go back to sleep. They both certainly needed this.

“Hopefully,” Emile whispered. “This’ll help him a lot.”

“I have a good feeling.” Janus said with a smile, closing the door behind him and continuing on down the hall.

----

<- Previous | Masterpost | Next ->

----

[another-dr-another]

no... thats wrong.... god.... - annie

Maeda, narrating - I don’t…

Maeda - …

Maeda - I don’t want to say anything…

Maeda - I just want everything to go away.

~*~

Maeda - …

Hatano - …

//…There’s nothing that can sway Maeda to say words he simply doesn’t have.

Tsurugi - No, that’s wrong!

//Thank god that Maeda isn’t the only person in the trial room. 

Hatano - !

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Hatano, I’m sorry. I’m sorry you have to go through this- not only grieving a friends suicide, but having to experience it here.

Tsurugi - You need to get professional help. Your feelings are okay, those can be however they are, but I know that no one would be able to process this without a licensed therapist to help them.

Tsurugi - …And that’s what really sucks- the only people here are teenagers, who are… painfully far from equipped to help you.

Tsurugi - I’m the closest thing we have to a psychologist right now, and I don’t… really think you want to start having weekly sessions with me to discuss your thoughts.

Tsurugi - But…

Tsurugi - Just listen for a minute? I’m really not the resource you should be turning to now… but I can’t let you continue to understand Iranami’s death the way that you are.

Maeda - …

//Maeda’s eyes are wide.

Hatano - …What. Are you going to try and say it wasn’t suicide, now?

Tsurugi - No.

Tsurugi - But it wasn’t your fault.

Hatano - !

Hatano - Who…

Hatano, guard up - Who said anything about that?

Tsurugi - …No one said it in plain terms.

Tsurugi - But you said she couldn’t have killed herself, because she was getting better.

Tsurugi - It’s…

Tsurugi - I haven’t lost anyone to suicide. But, I have had close-up experiences with it- and not, just… like, at work? I mean personally…

Tsurugi - It’s definitely something I’m familiar with. I haven’t been in your exact situation, and even if I had, you can’t ever speak for everyone, but…

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - You tried to help her, right? She came to you, and you thought you took care of things… but she still died.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi, mumbling - It’s best to get things out of the way…

Tsurugi - Even if you had never known, you’d be asking yourself what you could have done. And the fact that she did come to you, but your actions didn’t get her to stop-

Tsurugi - If she knew you loved her, like you told her you did, then why would she still kill herself?

Hatano - …

Maeda - This… doesn’t sound helpful.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - You aren’t understanding what she experienced.

Tsurugi - I don’t mean that you weren’t empathetic or compassionate when she came to you about her struggles, I mean that you don’t understand what being suicidal is like.

Tsurugi - And… there were signs. We all missed the signs- I knew what to look out for, and I still just… missed it.

Tsurugi - Maybe later- sometime after the trial, I mean- we can all sit down, and talk about it. 

Tsurugi - It’d do everyone good to know what some of the warning signs are, and what symptoms to look out for…

Tsurugi - And I don’t think we should be letting people be alone. I don’t mean we enact a 24/7 buddy system, I mean… Iranami shouldn’t have been able to isolate herself as much as she did.

Tsurugi - That’s a sign something’s wrong… there’s a difference between being solitary, and not having the energy to be around anyone, or not feeling comfortable, or…

Tsurugi - Well- this isn’t the point.

Tsurugi - Again, later, we can go over some prevention-

Tsurugi - But that requires understanding what it’s like to be in that headspace, and that means you understanding that you…

Tsurugi - Honestly, Hatano- you had nothing to do with Iranami’s choice to kill herself.

Hatano - …

Maeda - Wh- like, Hatano didn’t mean anything to Iranami?

//Tsurugi goes to speak again, but gets interrupted.

Uehara - …Tsu, check it…

Tsurugi - …

//Tsurugi looks surprised, and turns to look at Uehara- who isn’t looking at him. Like the rest of the class, he’s trying to look at anything else, avoiding the conversation at hand. He isn’t giving any sort of explanation for what he meant- but Tsurugi seems to understand.

Tsurugi - …Hatano, Iranami knew you loved her.

Tsurugi - In fact, it’s… inarguable- she loved you too.

Hatano - …I know that.

Hatano - You don’t get it. I know she cared about me- that’s why I know it wasn’t a suicide.

Hatano - Iranami wouldn’t have lied to me. Something else happened to her, because… if she was having a hard time, she’d have been honest with me.

Tsurugi - …I’m sorry, Hatano.

Tsurugi - I don’t think you believe that. I think you’re saying that because you know Iranami didn’t want to hurt you, and she knew that killing herself would upset you.

Tsurugi - But, that’s what I mean to point out. First off, this is what I mean when I say we need to go over why people kill themselves, but-

Tsurugi - Hatano… Iranami tried to apologize. She tried to comfort you, before it happened.

Tsurugi - It’s obvious, to everyone- it’s almost a bit funny… you’re the only one who can’t see it.

Hatano - …

Maeda - …This isn’t the time to be… metaphorical.

Tsurugi - But I’m not, it’s literally true!

Tsurugi - If Hatano turned around, we’d all be able to see- but she can’t, because she doesn’t have eyes on the back of her head!

Tsurugi, quietly - Plus, her hair would be in the way…

Maeda - …Oh my god.

Tomori - ! The ribbon!

Hatano - …

Tsurugi - Mhm…

Tsurugi - It’s… really, it’s painful how obvious it is, in hindsight.

Tsurugi - Iranami did well, though, framing it like she was letting you borrow it- but, giving things away to loved ones is a big sign someone’s… planning their suicide.

Tsurugi - Hatano… Iranami knew that you loved her, and she loved you too- and yes, she still killed herself.

Tsurugi - It’s clear as day that you mattered to her, and she knew that you didn’t want her to die.

Tsurugi - This is how I know that you don’t understand what happened- Iranami not wanting to live does not mean she didn’t love you-

Tsurugi - Again! I think of uh… Golden Gate jumpers, there was one who lived and said that as he started to drop, he suddenly saw all the ways he could’ve changed things-

Tsurugi - Because- that’s what it’s about! Being willing to kill yourself is… 

Tsurugi - It is pure hopelessness. It’s- usually it’s because of months, or years, of things just being… bad.

Tsurugi - I-

Tsurugi - Iranami was so exhausted… I wish… that we could talk to her. That you could be hearing this from her- but trust me, it’s…

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - And all it takes is one bad moment. Iranami might have been getting better! Maybe the conversation did help- she clearly felt comfortable enough with you to go to you!

Tsurugi - But… maybe she just got upset. Maybe one person made one comment, and that was enough to kick her back there- and make that one decision.

Tsurugi - …

Hatano - …

//Maeda glances around. Still, no one seems eager to join the conversation… he meets Kobashikawa’s eye, but Kobashikawa simply holds the connection for a moment, then looks away. Taira is retying her hair, as Tomori wipes away a tear, starting to cry again. Maki looks at her, visibly sympathetic- but Tomori doesn’t see. Ōtori has his arms crossed, staring at his shoes- his position is rather similar to Uehara’s… but Maeda thinks Uehara is looking at Tsurugi’s shoes.

Tsurugi - It’s…

Tsurugi - When you’re suicidal, it isn’t always because you think you’re unloved.

Tsurugi - For… most people, it’s a way to escape a pain that doesn’t look like it’ll ever go away. It feels like the only option.

Tsurugi - You can’t run, and you can’t hide, and you can’t hope for the situation to get better. Maybe there’s things that make you happy, and maybe there’s people you love to see.

Tsurugi - But… there’s moments where they go away. When the person you love has to get on the train and go home. When you’re so upset that those hobbies can’t make things better.

Tsurugi - And it happens for so long, or it’s such a bad circumstance, or it’s so painful, or whatever it is, it’s just so tiring…

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - You’d just… rather sleep. And you don’t really want to wake up.

Hatano - …

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Some people say… that it’s selfish. 

Tsurugi - I’m not going to advocate for suicide. But… I think it’s important to recognize what it’s like…

Tsurugi - You mentioned Iranami had issues at home- then lost contact with her brother. Odds are, that loss was just… too much.

Tsurugi - She could have taken it as a sign… that she didn’t deserve good things, that she wasn’t prioritized, that no one cared about her;

Tsurugi - That could’ve been the moment she started to believe that things wouldn’t ever get better.

Tsurugi - And… as you start to think about it more, it starts to sound easy.

Tsurugi - Nothing to live for, if things always come back to the pain, and ways that seem quick and painless. Sure, you’d be letting people down-

Tsurugi - But, are you such a big part of their lives? Couldn’t they move on? Couldn’t they understand? Besides, they’ll probably go away too. You can’t keep anything good.

Tsurugi - And, even when things are happy… the sadness comes creeping back in. Sometimes, nothing makes you happy, and everything is gray. And sometimes… you’re just too hurt.

Tsurugi - You’re too scared, or too tired, and it’s too easy- to forget about what makes you happy, and…

Tsurugi - …

//He gestures vaguely, both hands making motions near his head.

Tsurugi - Easy to fall asleep. 

Tsurugi - It isn’t…

Tsurugi - You do it in spite of the people you love. You justify it, maybe, or you try to give an apology- you leave a note, you set something up.

Tsurugi - I don’t…

Tsurugi - …I’m sad Iranami felt that way. And I wish I could have done something for her. But- as someone who’s removed from the situation, who wasn’t too close with her-

Tsurugi - I can’t be mad with her for it. I’m not happy it happened, but… I don’t think she was dramatic for feeling that way. It’s common-

Tsurugi - No one wants to stick around in a place where they’ll just be suffering forever- not when it’s promised they’ll just keep on hurting.

Tsurugi - Things could have gotten better for Iranami- in a different place, I like to think we, as a class, would have helped her, to make sure things improved.

Tsurugi - But, she didn’t have a reason to believe things could change. It’s hard to stay optimistic, and see a way out, when you’re most familiar with… uncontrollable horrors.

Maeda - …

//Maeda feels nauseous. Something burns in his stomach, in his chest- and his eyes hurt with how thick his tears are. Slowly, he sinks to the ground, remaining on his podium, and pressing his head against the cool wood of his stand. 

Maeda - Oh my goddd…

Hatano - …

Hatano - So what.

Hatano - A-Are you happy?

Hatano - Iranami was miserable, and didn’t have anything to be happy for, and I fucked up by not understanding that, and agreeing with it.

Tsurugi - But that’s not what I’m saying.

Tsurugi - I want you to understand how Iranami felt, because I want to understand that-

Tsurugi - Hatano, you could not have saved her with that conversation- she wouldn’t have been expecting you to cure her struggles!

Tsurugi - She had been having a hard time for years! From the sound of it, she was born into a bad situation! 

Tsurugi - Not to mention, I think she probably started to struggle… however long ago her brother left…

Tsurugi - Her feelings weren’t a one-off fluke, and her actions weren’t the result of your response- it wasn’t something she did out of spite, or because she thought you wanted her to.

Tsurugi - Why do you think she confided in you? She wouldn’t have thought that you’d magically fix everything wrong with her life, right that second-

Tsurugi - She wanted someone to know, and… probably, to worry about her. To recognize the struggle she was having, and help her shoulder it-

Tsurugi - She wanted someone to care.

//Maeda stands back up. Uehara is crouching down, hands resting above him on the podium. Tomori has turned to the side, facing Maki, and starting to curl in on herself. Tsurugi, Taira, and Hatano seem to be the only students who aren’t physically removing themselves from the scene, in some way.

Tsurugi - …And you did, Hatano.

Tsurugi - Maybe you didn’t see it as a legitimate concern, maybe you did brush it off as a moment of dramatics-

Tsurugi - But it’s not like you didn’t care about her well-being, it’s that you didn’t realize she was in any danger.

Tsurugi - …And she knew that.

Tsurugi - She knew you so well, Hatano. I think she understood you, and recognized your love for her.

Tsurugi - That’s why she apologized when she was planning to kill herself. She was telling you that she knew you loved her- that was the last thing she wanted to tell you, the thing she had to make sure you knew.

Tsurugi - And that’s what I really care about right now.

Tsurugi - Iranami deserves to be mourned, and we can honor her by making sure no one else takes their own life.

Tsurugi - But in this exact second, you are the first priority, Hatano. The most important thing to me is making sure…

Tsurugi - Not… that you’ll be okay. Because that isn’t going to happen right now.

Tsurugi - But making sure that even as you grieve, as you process, as you hurt- you don’t misconstrue Iranami’s feelings, 

Tsurugi - Because you need to understand that you did everything you could have for her.

Tsurugi - You were never going to save her, and she didn’t want you to fix her every issue.

Tsurugi - The reason why I tried to explain to you Iranami’s feelings, what it feels like to be suicidal, is so you’d understand that your love for her was entirely separate.

Tsurugi - Love… is not the cure. 

Tsurugi - It doesn’t take away the bad things. It doesn’t keep clothes from getting torn up, and it doesn’t make you feel full when you’re hungry.

Tsurugi - You don’t look for medicine when you need to drink some water… I don’t think Iranami was telling you so that you’d take all her pain away.

Tsurugi - I think she told you because of the same reason why we ask to be held when we’re tired, y’know?

Tsurugi - She wanted comfort. 

Tsurugi - Maybe she- listen.

Tsurugi - We can’t know what happened. It’s not something we’ll ever be able to confirm.

Tsurugi - Maybe Iranami was getting better! So many suicidal people do have those nice moments, where things seem like they could get better-

Tsurugi - Then, they have those bad moments, those seconds that throw them a step back-

Tsurugi - And, by the way, that’s so hard to come back from. When you’re already clinging to anything that gets you forward, it’s really difficult to stand back up when something shoves you down.

Tsurugi - And- that’s what could have happened!

Tsurugi - Maybe she planned things out, maybe she’d been looking for a chance for awhile- or, maybe she was doing good for awhile! 

Tsurugi - But then, she has a bad moment, something sets her off, makes her scared again-

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - And the dining hall trip was announced. And she saw a chance to be alone, in a room she’d be locked into, while everyone else would be asleep for hours, and not notice.

Tsurugi - Speaking of- since we know she went there to take her own life… it is possible that she closed the doors on herself, to take away her way out.

Tsurugi - We truly just… can’t know. 

Tsurugi - So instead, let’s look at what we do know- there’s no way to definitively prove every last bit of Iranami’s reasoning, 

Tsurugi - But, we do have some clues, and every piece of evidence we have supports the same conclusion.

Tsurugi - You were something good for Iranami.

Tsurugi - While she was here, you made her happy.

Tsurugi - When she was leaving, she was worried about you.  

Tsurugi - She tied her ribbon into your hair, so you’d remember her, and how she loved you.

Tsurugi - And when she killed herself, she did it because she was tired. Not because she felt unloved, or because she didn’t have things to live for-

Tsurugi - She was just a bit too exhausted to keep fighting on. And it’s sad, and she shouldn’t have felt that way.

Tsurugi - But the fact she did is completely independent of you. You made things better.

Tsurugi - You are always going to wonder what you could have done. You will be eighty years old, fully understanding what I’m saying right now, and a piece of you will still want to solve it.

Tsurugi - This is because you love her. You are grieving because you love her. Everyone knows this. Iranami knew this would happen, I’d think.

Tsurugi - I don’t say this to keep you from asking yourself. You’re trying to figure out how you could have saved her from her fate because you love her. 

Tsurugi - You wanted to keep her safe, and to you, safety meant happiness. 

Tsurugi - I’m not going to tell you to stop finding a way to save her- it’s because you love her that you want things to have happened differently, and there’s no reason for me to go against your love.

Tsurugi - I want you to know, though, that it was never your failure. It wasn’t Iranami’s either-

//His voice shakes, as he starts to cry.

Tsurugi - Iranami was tired. Love wasn’t going to fix that. 

Tsurugi - But god, Hatano- please, for Iranami, understand what she wanted you to know. 

Tsurugi - Your love was enough. It was everything it could have been. It was important to her- you were so important to her.

Tsurugi - Her suicide happened in spite of that love, because love is a band-aid, at the most. She felt safe enough with you to look for comfort, but that does not mean her death was your failure.

Tsurugi -  Iranami felt so loved while she was here. 

Tsurugi - And that’s all you can do! All you can do is love them! Maybe it will help them hang on, but it will not save them from every bad second!

Tsurugi - But it still mattered! It mattered to her so much, that even when she knew she wanted to leave-

Tsurugi - Her love for you was strong, strong enough that even when she did seem to feel rejected, she still only wanted you to know she loved you- 

Tsurugi - And while she was here, when she was so hopeless she wanted her life to be over, your love made her life better.

//Everything is silent.

Hatano - …

Maeda - …

//Everyone is silent.

Tsurugi - …

Taira - …

//…

Tomori - …

Uehara - …

//There’s a soft whine.

Hatano - …

Hatano, crying - …I want Iranami back-

//Hatano falls to the floor. Somehow, it’s a different cry than before. It isn’t the shock of the dining hall, the sound of something deep in Hatano’s core shifting around. 

Taira - …

//It isn’t the sobs she let out when Maeda returned the ribbon, sounding of the ache it sparked in her. And it isn’t the way she sobbed after she found Iranami sporting new stitching, racking her body as her bloody fists shook.

Maeda - …

//Though it is slightly reminiscent of her tears as she insisted Iranami wouldn’t have hurt either herself, nor Hatano, there’s a key difference. It isn’t the volume, the power, the pitch, or the way it shorts and sputters.

Tsurugi - …

//There’s something in it that Maeda recognizes, the way one might know a melody, a rhythm, holding the familiarity of oxidation. When Maeda hears her, he knows how she’s crumpled. Everything outside of her has fallen away, including any will to fight; all that’s left is Hatano’s pain.

Maeda - …It’s over.

//Her grief permeates his core. He sees everything external stripped away. It’s what’s true.

Maeda - …

//Something… nags, and tells him it’s his fault.

Tsurugi - …

Taira - …Have we all found our final answer?

Maeda - !

//Maeda, Tomori, Maki, Kobashikawa, and Ōtori all seem to return to the room. Tsurugi stays focused on Hatano, who’s still on the floor…

Maeda - I think Taira was expecting that, though.

Kobashikawa - …

Ōtori - …

Tomori - …

//No one knows what to say. Hatano’s sobs had subsided, a few seconds before Taira spoke, leaving the courtroom completely silent.

Maeda - “Final answer”...

Maeda - Should… we vote?

Tomori - Well-

Tomori - …We don’t… seem to have a… culprit here… right?

Kobashikawa - …

Ōtori - …At the end of the day, Iranami’s death was a rule violation.

Kobashikawa - Right…

Kobashikawa - But, Monokuma did say we could vote for her case…

Ōtori - Yeah, and Monokuma also lets us vote for innocent people. It’s about our perception of things.

Maki - …

Maki - …If we don’t have a blackened we can prosecute, Monokuma has to tell us.

Maki - There’s no legitimate option we could vote for- it’s lying, to mislead everyone. 

Tomori - …M- Maybe… we can ask it?

Tomori - …

Tomori - If there’s a way for us to end things now… I think we’d all be better off.

Maki - Mm…

Kobashikawa - …

Kobashikawa - If Monokuma does operate strictly off of coded responses, there shouldn’t be a way for it to react as though there was a blackened…

Kobashikawa - Unless, this is because of a lack of a fail-safe, and Monokuma is glitched out because of a death by rule violation happening concurrently with a murder.

Kobashikawa - It’s possible that the reason we didn’t know how the trial would operate until the trial started was because of a short-coming in the code… I think.

Tomori - Ah- do you know about programming, Kobashikawa?

Kobashikawa - Oh- not particularly… all of what I’m saying is speculation, I guess.

Kobashikawa - Half of it was me trying to work things out. Ōtori didn’t really need to translate- I was signing to myself.

Ōtori - …

Maeda - That’s why he wasn’t facing Ōtori…

Tomori - Ah…

Tomori - Really, I guess there’s a lot we don’t understand about Hope’s Peak… we still don’t know how we got here, or how the school got sealed off…

Kobashikawa - …

Taira - …I wonder if Monokuma could recognize Iranami as a blackened? For causing her own death, I mean…

Uehara - …

Uehara - …What?

Maeda - …Welcome back to the conversation.

Taira - It might make a bit of sense. 

Taira - There certainly isn’t any danger in asking- Maki, if you would?

Maeda - …? Why is Maki the person we’ve designated to ask questions…

Maki - …

Maki - Monokuma!

Maki - Iranami died due to a rule violation. Did you lead us to believe she had been murdered because we could prosecute Iranami, calling her the blackened of the case?

Monokuma - …

Maeda - …

Taira - …

Monokuma - The Faculty Of Hopes Peak Academy Does Not Recognize Death Due To Rule Violation As A Murder.

Monokuma - In The Case Of A Participant Violating A Rule, No Participants Will Be Deemed Blackened, As No Murder Has Been Committed.

Maki - …

Maki - That doesn’t confirm if Iranami died due to a rule violation or not…

Ōtori - Lucky, then, that that isn’t something we needed Monokuma to confirm.

Maki - …

Kobashikawa - It’d be nice to have Monokuma acknowledge it.

Ōtori - …

Kobashikawa - …

Maki - So, “blackened” is something specific to murders, but the Monokuma file isn’t?

Monokuma - …

Maeda - …

Monokuma - …

Maeda - …?

Maeda - Is… it going to respond?

Monokuma - …

Monokuma - Due To The Nature Of Iranami Satsuki’s Death, A Monokuma File Was Provided.

Monokuma - …

Monokuma - The Intent Of The Faculty Was To Provide A Monokuma File For Any Deaths Occurring Under Unclear Circumstances, 

Monokuma - Included Examples Being Deaths Due To Murder, Deaths Due To Accidents, And Deaths Due To Rule Violations, In Contrast To Deaths Due To Execution In Compliance With Rule Eleven.

Maeda - Okay, I’m understanding…

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …Define “accidents”?

Monokuma - Examples Include, But Are Not Limited To; A Student Falling Down The Stairs, A Student Tripping, And A Student Choking, To The Result Of Fatal Injury-

Monokuma - Without Extraneous Intervention Involving Any Separate Students.

Tsurugi - …Okay.

Maki - …

Monokuma - …

Monokuma - The Faculty Is Willing To Adjust This Decision, If Petitioned By The Participants.

Maeda - Wait- really? They’re going to offer us that?

Maki, surprised - …

Taira - …

Maki, suspicious - …

Maki - …In the future… could we only get Monokuma Files for murders?

Monokuma - …

Tomori - I want the same! Please, only give us Monokuma Files if the deceased was murdered!

Kobashikawa - …

Kobashikawa - Are we really so sure we need to worry about this…

//Kobashikawa erases his whiteboard- Maeda isn’t sure who else saw it.

Uehara - …

//Uehara did, at least.

Uehara - It’s about setting up for the future-

Uehara - Like, those career plans! Which were so frustrating.

Uehara - Anyways… con-tin-gen-cy plans…

//Uehara enunciates every sound, throwing off the rhythm of the word- 

Maeda - If… that’s what he needs to do, that’s not an issue- I think it makes sense to have specific words you struggle with, if you learn new languages.

Uehara - I’ll throw my punch in the ring… Monokuma! Do the… thing, with the files…

Uehara - …Yeah.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - I think you should only do Monokuma files for murder victims, too.

Maeda - …And I agree, as well.

Monokuma - The Majority Of The Participants Are In Agreement.

Monokuma - The Faculty Of Hope’s Peak Academy Has Made Note Of This Change, And It Will Be Effective For All Future Deaths.

Maeda - …Still not confirming anything.

Tomori - …

Tomori - So, it has no bearing on Iranami’s case.

Maki - Mhm.

Maki - …

Maki - At least we’ve made progress, for the future.

//It’s silent.

Maki - …

Maki - And… we really are just… all in agreement?

Maeda - …

//Once again, the courtroom is silent. No one knows what to say.

Tsurugi - …

Kobashikawa - …

Kobashikawa - I guess… we knew, from the start- that one of the cases would never get confirmed by Monokuma.

Kobashikawa - …I suppose it’s a good thing, that we… proved it so definitively.

Taira - …Yes.

Taira - But, we still aren’t done.

Maeda - …!

//Most everyone turns to look at her.

Taira - The point of the class trial is not to solve any random mystery. Half of the issue with Monokuma misleading is that it led to the belief we had a choice in who we’d vote for.

Taira - We still need to execute a blackened- all that’s changed is that we know there’s only one person we can execute.

Taira - No leaving, and no survival, unless we can work out who that person was. We have a second case to solve.

Taira - …Did you all forget?

Hatano - …

Maeda - …

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …Everyone’s tired.

Tsurugi - There’s no real rule against silence, right? I think…

Tsurugi - Let’s… just take a moment. Pause, and recuperate. Then, we’ll start to discuss what happened to Higa.

Tsurugi - …I think everyone could use a moment to process.

Taira - …

//No one says anything.

Maeda - …

Maeda - I…

Maeda - …

Maeda - …I guess I should start organizing what I know about what happened to Higa.

//Maeda does not grab his E-Handbook. Nothing comes to mind- he can recall what he saw, but… he doesn’t come up with any ideas.

Maeda - …I can’t focus.

Maeda - I… I keep thinking about Iranami- 

Maeda - But… 

//He can’t even tell what it is he’s thinking. Everything is the same- all incoherent, indescribable. Visions set up shop in his head, bloodstained hair covering his eyes, be it braided or loose, and blood he felt in his legs just seconds ago is pounding out of his ears. 

Maeda - …

//Back when she was alive, and she did not want to be. What the world was in her eyes, the ways it ached. The quiet thrum of the sleepover, close friends and connections chattering away as she tied her ribbon into someone else’s hair, the air warm with eleven exhales. A face flush with a table, the quiet lure of sleep, the lull in the lungs. 

Maeda - …

//He sees most of her so clearly. 

Maeda - …

//It’s only one thing that can’t come to him.

Maeda - …

//When asking for himself in her eyes, Maeda can’t figure anything at all.

Hatano - …

Tsurugi - …

//Truly- none of this is coherent. Maeda’s ability to steel himself and evaluate is just… absent. The conclusions he comes to, the thoughts in his head- none of them get to be articulated. All he has is the fleeting feelings, the flickers of something resting between his brain and his cranium. He couldn’t put it into words like this.

Maeda - …Mm…

//Should someone ask him, there’s only one thing he might manage to say. 

Maeda - …

//He’s half convinced that she’s standing at her podium. She’s torn between looking at Hatano, and looking at him.

Taira - …

Monokuma - Students Will Be Granted An Intermission From The Trial.

Maeda - …Huh?

Monokuma - Trial Intermission Will Last For Fifteen Minutes, Beginning At The End Of This Announcement.

Monokuma - During Intermission, Students Are Permitted To Leave Their Podiums And Move Freely About The Trial Room.

Monokuma - Attempts To Leave The Trial Room Will Result In Immediate Execution. Attempts To Interact With The Curtains Located Behind Student’s Podiums Will Result In Immediate Execution.

Monokuma - Students May Petition The Headmaster For Increased Intermission. Standard School Rules Are In Effect.

Maeda - Oh my god-

Monokuma - Intermission Is Included In Class Trials Of Abnormal Length, As Determined By Extenuating Circumstances.

Maeda - …He’s… actually giving us a break.

Monokuma - Please Use This Time To Prepare For The Second Half Of The Class Trial.

//Maeda waits for the catch.

Monokuma - …

Maeda - …

//No one moves an inch.

Tsurugi - …

//He knocks his knuckles rapidly against his podium- then steps backwards off of it’s platform.

Taira - …

//…Nothing happens.

Tsurugi - …Okay.

Tomori - …

//She joins him.

Tomori - …It’s definitely safe.

Tsurugi - Mhm…

Tsurugi - Monokuma? Will you let us know when we’re about to run out of time?

Monokuma - A Warning Will Be Given At The One Minute Mark, And An Additional Countdown Will Begin During The Final Ten Seconds.

Tsurugi - Okay, cool- thank you, uh… at least for that.

Maeda - …

//It’s silent.

Tsurugi - …Anyone want a snack?

TRIAL ~ INTERMISSION! 

~*~

Maeda, narrating - …

Maeda - Oh my god…

Maeda - …

Maeda - I don’t…

Maeda - …I don’t have a clue what I should do.

[Speak With a Student - Taira]

{Stay On Your Podium}

[countrymusiclover]

30 - What's Wrong With Raelyn?

Part 31

Gemini Runaway

Tag list ask to be added @dragonixfrye @secretdreamlandmentality

“Focus on the heartbeat. That’s when you stop.” Klaus instructed me sitting on the couch love seat with a compelled redhead girl in front of me. We had been training for weeks now but he kept pulling me back before going all the way.

Holding the girl by her neck I bit into her slowly. Moving my hands tightly around her the blood flew down my throat like a rocket. The veins under my eyes grew darker and I could hear the girl's heartbeat slowing down. “Pull back, Rae. Raelyn!” He shouted at me grabbing me by my shoulders and throwing me onto the couch.

“Urgh. Why won’t you let me just get my fill!” I vamped up to my feet throwing my hair around getting in his face. “I do nothing but sit around this house and wait for you to bring back blood bags. I had more freedom when I wasn’t dead!”

Klaus scoffed, waving his index finger at me. “Because you have yet to prove that you can stop on your own. If I let you loose on the world right now you’d slaughter the entire town of Mystic Falls.”

“Well maybe I don’t care. Damon has told me once that vampires have to drink from the veins otherwise they aren’t as strong. If I drink animal blood then I am weak-“ Covering my mouth I bent over feeling pain in my stomach from the babies. Stumbling into the couch I gripped the side wincing until the pain faded. “Oh…can we go after Sophie Devero next because she should have given me something for the pain of carrying three miracle children.”

He slowly walked over to me dropping one of his hands down onto my stomach where I moved my gaze up seeing that the anger in his eyes disappeared. “I’m sorry, Rae. How about we go over to the Salvatore’s tonight. I’m told Damon is stocked up on more blood bags and we are almost out.”

“Fine. But you better not be lying to me.” I shrugged on a red leather jacket heading outside the door with him following my heels until we ended up at their front door.

“Hey, little siphon. Klaus good job getting her here.” Damon opened the door where we both stepped inside for me to see Bonnie, Rebekah, Elijah, Caroline, Stefan and Elena all standing around the couch.

Knitting my brows together I whipped my head around seeing Nik and Damon guarding the front door for some reason. “What the hell did you drag me here for, Nik?”

“Raelyn, don’t be mad but we are here because we care about you. We want to make sure that you don’t do something you’ll regret.” Caroline came forward first taking my hands into hers.

Making a face at her I couldn’t help but laugh. “Do something I regret. What is this like some lame integration because I feel fine. Who’s idea exactly was this?”

“Mine, Raelyn.” Klaus responded when I glanced over my shoulder, meeting my gaze. “You aren’t the same person you were before you turned. I’ve never seen that happen to anyone. So yes I called the people who actually care about you. The only person that couldn’t come was Josette because she was slammed at the hospital. Now please just give this a chance.”

Stomping up to him I growled in his face not believing that he dragged me into a trap. He said he would never lie to me and yet he’s done just that at this moment. “You broke your promise to me. You said you wouldn’t lie to me. So as far as I am concerned I can’t trust you. Now I’m leaving.” Attempting to move around him he vamped in front of me.

I tried again where Damon was standing but the raven haired vampire twisted my arms around my back holding me there. “Nice try, siphon.”

“Rae, just sit and hear us out for a little while. If we are wrong then you can go and we won’t stop you.” Rebekah spoke up eyeing the two boys holding me in the doorway waiting until they each gave her a nod in agreement.

Breaking free from Damon’s arms I plopped down on the main couch seeing that Elena was wearing a daylight ring on her hand now too. “So I’m going to be taking advice from a newbie vampire who hates being one. Oh joy, this should be good. If she can’t even choose between two brothers, how is she going to know what is wrong with me huh?”

“Raelyn, perhaps you could let us speak before insulting us.” Elijah suggested standing beside Stefan Salvatore who hadn’t said anything like Elena.

Laying my back against the couch I huffed tapping my fingers on the armrest seeing Caroline come over to me calmly. “Rae, you're my friend and I know you wouldn't intentionally hurt anyone. So I know that you weren't the one who hurt Tyler's mom."

"Oh but I did, Care." I snapped back at her intertwining my hands together with a cold scowl.

She made a face at me looking at Rebekah stunned in shock. "Wait, how did you even know about the Hex spell. It's too rare for even a witch like you to know."

"Simple, I got it from Kol Rebekah. I had to waste war somehow and I’m not nearly done.” I smirked, resting my chin on my intertwined hands.

Elijah walked over to his brother, sending me a worried look. “Niklaus, are you sure that she didn’t flip her switch?”

“Bloody no. She wouldn’t do that.” He scoffed at the ridiculous idea.

Elena crossed her arms over her chest where they began talking like I wasn’t there in the room. “Look I am having a hard time with the whole blood control but if we don’t know about her personal life then we can’t really say she isn’t just struggling like I am.”

Damon shrugs his shoulders, pouring himself a glass of bourbon standing in front of the fireplace. “If that’s the case then this meeting was for nothing. Vampires need blood, Klaus. It’s in her nature now. Maybe you just don’t want to accept that the innocent Raelyn is gone forever.”

“And I am fairly certain that if you wish to keep your tongue I suggest you shut up before I rip it from your mouth!” Klaus threatened vamping until he is his face showing his fangs and wolf eyes.

“Violence won’t give us the answers, Niklaus.” Elijah replied.

“Nik, what happened while I was staked in a box. What exactly would make Raelyn possibly turn it off?” Rebekah asked her hybrid brother.

Bonnie Bennett finally spoke up to the group. “She woke up thinking that she didn’t have access to her magic anymore. Then she thought her family was dead because she became a vampire. According to what she has told us, if the new coven leader dies then so does everyone else.”

“Well she got some revenge on the Lockwood hybrid so her magic is clearly there, Bennett witch.” Rebekah snapped back at her.

Damon took a sip of his drink. “Putting the fate of a witch coven in the hands of one person must make one hell of a dinner conversation. I wouldn’t blame the girl if she wanted to drain some people.”

“Not everyone is an evil monster like you sometimes.” Caroline shot back at her sire sending me a small smile hoping that I wasn’t like him. “Besides, becoming a vampire shouldn’t make her want to seek vengeance and drink the whole human population of the town dry. It doesn’t make any sense. ”

“It does if she’s a Ripper with no humanity.” Stefan declares, causing everyone except me to turn their attention to him.

Klaus eyed his former friend. “That’s not possible. I would have noticed if she had done that. She wasn’t a killer before she turned. So you’re lying.”

“Not if she went through a bad experience. She did have to kill her brother.” Bonnie said back.

Draping my arms behind my head with my boots on the couch I grumbled wanting this to be over. "Excuse me, are we done. Because I have some revenge plans that I would like to get started on."

"Well if she's turned it off I can darn well make her tell me." Klaus rounded the table placing his hands on either side of me leaning into the couch trying to compel me. "Raelyn, have you turned off your humanity?"

Leaning up on my elbows where our noses hit one another I smirked up at the hybrid father of my children. "You couldn't compel me before and ya still can't compel me now sucker."

"Unbelievable. You're acting like a child, Rae." He grumbled rolling his eyes.

Shoving my hands against his chest I vamped away from the group heading towards the doorway. "Then maybe that's why vampires aren't meant to get pregnant!"

"Rae, where are you going? Your brother wouldn't want this life for you." Nik attempted remaining in front of the stairs hoping I would turn back and run into his arms crying over Jacob. "You said you would live for him. That's why you turned."

Flipping my hair over my shoulders I snapped back at him. "I don't believe that for a second. He deserved to live."

"Rae, please come back to me." He pleaded with puppy dog eyes.

Spinning completely back around on my feet I grabbed some hold of my necklace mumbling the invisible spell disappearing from the house. "The old Raelyn Lane is dead. I'm what remains, Invisique."

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[samynnad102687]

Marauderstober

Oct 22 - Everyone- Fall Fair

1,431 words

James was excited to go to the Fall Fair. It was one of his favourite events of the year. He enjoyed it even more than birthdays. Don’t tell Sirius. James was at home getting everything set up before they left. He was determined to enter the pumpkin carving contest even though he had no clue what he was actually going to carve yet. He also wanted to try the new foods that seemed to change every year. Granted, there were the staples. The apple cider and mini donuts were a couple of his favourites.

“Hey, love,” James said easily when Regulus walked into the living room, finally emerging from his office.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were home?” Regulus was startled and looked up from the book in his hand. 

James had run to the shops to pick up a few things while Regulus worked on his book. He had only been home for about ten minutes but he figured that Regulus never came out of his office since he told him he was heading out.

“I haven’t been home long. Ten minutes at most.” James shrugged. “I was gonna let you know but I thought you were a little busy so I waited.”

“Oh. Okay, Jamie. Did you find everything that you needed?” 

“Yeah, they had a big selection of pumpkins to choose from this year. I would have preferred to go to the pumpkin patch but it was a little late for that.”

“Maybe next year. Is anybody coming over beforehand or are we meeting everybody there?”

“I think Pads and Moony are coming over but I’m not sure about anybody else,” James said absentmindedly.

The only reason James didn’t get a chance to go to the pumpkin patch was because he hadn’t decided to enter the contest until the last minute and then it was too late. He would have to make up his mind at least a week before the fair next year. 

“I think Panda said she might stop by but I’m not positive. My days have been starting to run together,” Regulus mused, pulling James from his thoughts. 

“How is the book coming?”

“Ugh, I’m stuck at the moment,” Regulus plopped down on the couch exasperatedly. 

“Anything I can help with?”

“Not unless you can tell me what the hell my characters were thinking.”

Regulus tilted his head towards James and he could see the frustration coming off of him in waves. He hated it when his husband was stressed and he couldn’t help. Not that he has let James actually read what he is writing yet. Claiming that he wanted to get a few chapters in and fleshed out before he asked for anybody’s opinions.

“How about we just go to the Fall Fair and try to relax? Take a break and come back with fresh eyes in a couple of days,” James suggested and Regulus glared at him. “You have been holed up in your office for the last week, you need a break.”

“Fine,” Regulus gave in after a few minutes, “But only if you buy me some mini-donuts.”

“I think I can do that,” James said with a laugh as he gave Regulus a chaste kiss on the lips before pulling him up from the couch. 

~~

James, Regulus, Sirius, Remus, and Pandora made it to the Fall Fair a little after six. James made a beeline for the pumpkin carving contest. You could enter at any time as long as your pumpkin was carved before the judging at eight p.m. Regulus followed him just to make sure he had everything and to let James know that he was going to find Evan and Barty, who were somewhere at the game booths.

“I’ll be here,” James said absentmindedly while he set up.

“Text me when you're done?” Regulus replied easily and gave him a kiss on the cheek when James nodded his agreement.

James spent the next half hour carving his pumpkin. He was trying to carve a willow with a couple sitting under it and a dark, mysterious forest in the background. When he was done, James took a look at it and decided that it was the best that he could do and turned it in for the judging. He texted Regulus and found out that he was by the mini-donuts and James still needed to buy him some since he dragged him outside. James laughed and headed for the concession stand.

When he met up with Regulus, James bought them both some donuts and noticed that Sirius and Remus had taken off. Did he want to think about where they had run off to? Not particularly. James and Regulus found their way to the rest of the group. Marlene and Dorcas were challenging each other to one of the game booths, something about rings and bottles. Lily, Mary, and Pandora were at a craft table making crowns. Peter and Benjy had just walked off when James got there so he didn’t know where they were going and Barty was challenging little kids to the water gun balloon game.

“Where’s Evan?” James asked after surveying his friends. 

“Not sure. Bathroom, maybe?” Regulus shrugged.

“Ha, I beat you again!” Barty exclaimed as a little kid ran past them and Regulus shook his head at his friend.

“If you keep traumatising the kids, you’re going to get banned from coming back,” Regulus said simply.

“Who’s terrorising kids?” Evan asked as he came up behind them and James nearly jumped but he kept control of himself.

“Your boyfriend, who else.” Regulus gestured to a cackling Barty over by the game booth.

“Oh, yeah that sounds about right.” Evan shook his head. “Barty?” Barty looked up from his cackling. “Knock it off.”

“Oh, you’re no fun.”

James was trying not to laugh but Barty was pouting now and it was the funniest thing he had seen all night. Regulus glared at him and James tried to cough to cover it up. Another ten minutes later Sirius and Remus showed back up and James was positive that he didn’t want to know where they had run off to but apparently Regulus had other plans.

“It’s about time you two fuckers showed back up. Do I even want to know where you went?”

“Probably not,” Remus shrugged and Sirius had a shit-eating grin on his face.

“Ugh, you two are just as bad as these two.” Regulus gestured to Barty and Evan who both put their hands over their hearts in feigned offence and said “Moi?” at the same time.

James clapped his hands together to get everybody’s attention.

“Okay, is everybody here now?”

“I think we are missing Pete and Benjy.”

“No, we’re here,” Peter said as he came up behind them with a funnel cake in his hand. Ah, so that’s where they went.

“Right, well it’s almost time for the judging. Who’s coming with?”

There was a combination of raised hands and mutterings of ‘yeah’ and ‘okay’, so James decided to take that as excitement enough and headed back to the barn where the judging would be held. There weren't a lot of people there and James wasn’t sure if he should take that as a good thing or bad. Either way, they got there right as the judging was starting and they took their seats.

“In third place… Dean Bishop.”

“In second place… Lyla Grady.”

James was getting anxious. The third and second-place pumpkins looked amazing. He was clutching onto Regulus’ hand even though it was only a little local competition for the Fall Fair. He would still like it if he won.

“And the first place pumpkin belongs to… Jamie Peck.”

It took James a minute to realise that they hadn’t called his name. It was close but it wasn’t it. When he got a chance to look at the winning pumpkin, he was floored. It was a full scene all the way around the pumpkin. There was a castle, a lake, a forest, some animals and a full moon. After seeing the winning pumpkin, he was okay with losing. Turns out James came in fourth place.

“Are you okay, Jamie?” Regulus asked quietly after they checked out the winning pumpkins.

“Yeah,” James whispered.

“Let’s go enjoy the rest of the fair and then when we get home I can cheer you up some more.” 

When James looked down at his husband, the smirk on his face said everything he was thinking and James could get on board with losing if that was his reward when he got home. 

@cazzythefrogking @clementinewoolf @maladaptivewriting @multiimoments @lavenderhaze @literally-the-prettiest-star @thebibutterflyao3 @seiworf @emjayeingray @remusregulusrosekiller @heartsoncover @accuratewhereabouts @belowthestarrs

[bunnyscar]

Trust part 2

Science was not Tia’s forte. She was not surprised, then, when she failed her science test and had to stay after school to go over it with Ms. Frazzle. Rasp came along as well, since he would go home with the teacher afterward. While the two went over Tia’s test, he wandered about the classroom, staring at the different experiments each class was doing.

At last, all Tia’s questions had been answered. As she was packing up her notebooks, however, Ms. Frazzle asked, “Has Rasp been causing any trouble?”

“Trouble? No…” Tia responded slowly and then smiled shyly. “I’ve enjoyed being with him.”

Ms. Frazzle frowned slightly. “Well, I suppose it’s a relief that he finally found a caretaker who works with him. However, I would caution you to not trust him too much. He’s been known to deceive people.”

Tia looked up in surprise. “Wh-what do you mean?”

“He lies, Tia. He acts friendly with people to get them to trust him, then uses and abandons them. That’s why he’s never been able to stick with a caretaker and has always been moving schools. Each time he says he’ll turn over a new leaf, but the ministry has just about given up on him. Anyway, just be careful,” Ms Frazzle said briskly. Before Tia could ask more, Ms. Frazzle stood and motioned for her to leave.

She walked home slowly that day, her eyes fixed on the ground, her mind full of her conversation with Ms. Frazzle. Rasp a liar? That couldn’t be! He was so kind and friendly, and he had even saved her from the bullies. But…sometimes she did get a vague feeling that there was more to Rasp than just his carefree cheerfulness. Was he secretly a mean person? What if he wanted her blood like those rogue vampires that had been in the news….

She shook her head violently. No, she couldn’t believe that Rasp would be that bad. Ms. Frazzle must be mistaken, or else she herself was lying, but that didn’t seem likely. There was nothing for it. Tia would have to ask Rasp and hope he told the truth.

She did not have to ask, however. The next time they were alone at recess, Rasp said, “Did Ms Frazzle tell you not to trust me?”

Tia blinked in surprise. “Y-yes.”

“And she told you I had to change schools because I lied?”

Tia nodded. “Rasp—is it true? Are you a-a-a liar?” she asked timidly.

“Well, I suppose everyone lies or tries to cover up things at different times,” he replied cheerfully. “Though I don’t think I intentionally lie all the time.”

Tia hesitated then asked in a small voice, “Rasp, you aren’t being friendly to me just so you can use me?”

“Is that what you think?”

“N-no, but it does seem sometimes like you’re hiding something. Like there’s something—something behind the friendliness….”Tia bit her lip, afraid she had said too much, yet at the same time feeling relieved to have voiced her fear.

Rasp’s smile faded. He kicked at the ground with one foot, a thoughtful look coming over his face. After a pause, he said, “There probably is something I’m hiding. But I don’t know what it is. I’ve forgotten.”

“Forgotten?” Tia asked, cocking her head in puzzlement.

“Something traumatic happened when I was young that made me suppress a lot of my childhood memories; at least, that’s what the ministry said probably happened. I don’t remember anything before I was 8, don't know who my parents were or where I grew up. The ministry doesn't know anything either, since they found me at their doorstep one day with no identification and no memory. If I’m hiding something, it’s probably in those memories I can’t recall.” Seeing the concerned look on Tia’s face, Rasp grinned and said, “Don’t worry though! It doesn’t really bother me.”

“But, don’t you ever wish you remembered your parents?”

“Oh, sometimes. But I imagine they wouldn’t want me to be sad, wherever they are. There’s not much I can do, anyway. I must have repressed those memories for a reason, and they won’t come back until they’re ready. At least that’s how I see it.”

“But what if they come back at a bad time, when you don’t want them to? What if they’re bad memories?”

“I guess I’ll just have to face them when they do.”

Tia lowered her eyes. “You’re so brave, Rasp,” she murmured. “I would be so scared….”

“Brave? I don’t know about that. But I do kind of feel braver now that I’ve told you.” Tia looked up in surprise, to see Rasp grinning at her.

The school bell rang, and Rasp hopped up off the bench they had been sitting on. “About what Ms. Frazzle said—I suppose I am using you, since I said I’d be your boyfriend if you’d be my caretaker, but I don’t intend to ditch you or anything. And...I do really enjoy spending time with you. I’m not lying about that.” Without looking back at her, he skipped away towards the school.

As Tia followed Rasp, she made up her mind. She would trust him. And she would be with him whenever those memories did finally resurface, whether they were good or bad.

Previous || Next

[angst-king]

Love Beyond Mortality CHp 5

(Lover's tragedy ending) CW contains descriptions of noncon/rape, rape accusations, being burned alive, and death) Endeavor’s words did haunt Nagant, and she could see those three wouldn’t give up. Of course, Allmight only went for the throat with Takami when Nagant wasn’t around, and when she was he was easily scared off. Though Yuu and Enji were persistent, they treated Keigo like a trophy, something to fawn over, a status! They tried a lot of things, even divine intervention with his comrades.

“Come on Hawks, I bet you’d do a lot better with Yuu than you would that party deity of yours” “Yeah man, I mean I sure as hell wouldn’t turn a pretty girl like her!” “Dude imagine it, people would totally feel safe now! And hell imagine the fun you’d have with her too~” Though Keigo wasn’t falling for it, time and time again he told them to drop it and that he wasn’t interested in Yuu. He wasn’t going to just abandon his goddess out of peer pressure. He was starting to become annoyed with their pestering.

After a hard day of work, he went straight home, where he could offer his prayers to Nagant at home. He was much too tired to go all the way to her temple to do it. He made just enough time to say his prayers before he flopped down into his bed to sleep. Just as he had fallen asleep a tall figure made his way into his room and crawled on top of him. It had been almost the middle of the night when Keigo woke up to his body stripped of his clothing and to the sight of someone on top of him. He could feel something wet and warm around his cock, and a set of hands holding onto his shoulder.

“What the fuck?!” He yelled out and pushed the person off before hurriedly clicking on the light. When his eyes adjusted to the sudden flash bang, he saw Nagant sitting on his waist.

“Oh shit, it's you, Nagant. Wh-what are you doing here?” He asked, Nagant never just showed up in his room unannounced unless something was wrong. And for her to have him balls deep inside her without asking was concerning. The deity leaned down while smiling arching her back as she began to kiss and nip at his neck.

“I got worried when you didn’t stop by, and I’ve been hearing all this talk from your teammates about you going with the wench. So I stopped by, deciding that those marks I gave you before weren’t enough.” Keigo could feel there was a difference in energy it was subtle but there, yet he didn’t have time to look into it when Nagant began to bounce herself on his cock while talking lowly with a seductive purr in her voice.

“And you know I can’t stay away from you, nor can I have people thinking you’re up for grabs my love. You know how I am~” Keigo nodded, he was about to question her further but his mind was clouded by a heavy kiss. This time the taste on her tongue was thick and sweet like honey. It wasn’t long before his vision went black.

It had been a day or two and Keigo couldn’t shake that what had happened that night wasn’t supposed to happen. It felt wrong, off, strange, so he went to Nagant’s temple.

“N-Nagant, w-we need to talk!” He stated as he made his way inside, the sound of footsteps echoed before the deity appeared. Keigo adjusted his jacket making sure to cover his body, he slouched a little while his wings curtained themselves.

“Oh, Keigo! I was wondering when I’d see you, is everything alright?” This confused Keigo, he had just seen her not long ago.

“Weren’t you in my room a night or so ago?” Nagant furrowed her brows while folding her arms.

“What do you mean? I never came to your room, why?” Keigo began to back away thinking over everything, did he imagine what happened that night? Did he dream it? It felt way too real to be a dream! His dreams were never of those sorts of things! He could feel and see everything!

“I-its nothing, pro-probably just my imagination, I-I should go-” But Nagant came towards him and gently grabbed him by the shoulders.

“Keigo you’re worrying me, what happened a night or two ago?” Keigo was hesitant to tell her though he knew his goddess wouldn’t let him go without it. So he told her what he woke up to, and a look of horror washed over her face. Eyes wide, they backed away slowly, hands over her mouth.

“I-I…I’d never-I’ve never done that to you Keigo. Y-You know that I-I always ask.” Keigo nodded it was true, consent was Nagant’s biggest thing, it was something she preached and lived by. To know that this happened made Nagant’s skin crawl, she was sure she had not done this, so the only explanation was one of the others disguising themselves to do it, and she had two people in mind. Just thinking about it filled her with both disgust and rage.

“Stay here.” She said before disappearing.

Nagant stormed up to Olympus, rage blazing in her eyes as she went to the center castle. Inside were many Olympians and minor gods, including Yuu and Allmight.

“You fucking bitches what the hell did you do to my devotee!” Nagant growled with fire in her step, everyone’s eyes were on her as she stomped up to the two blondes.

“What are you talking about Nagant, that soldier boy? What about him?” Asked Allmight, through gritted teeth she yelled out.

“Don’t play fucking dumb, I know one of you bimbo bitches did it!” “I don’t even know what you’re accusing me of, Yuu do you know?”

Yuu shook her head innocently, tilting her head like a confused puppy with a pout on her lips Rolling her eyes Nagant was growing frustrated, she could sense the fakness coming from Yuu.

“One of you creeps pretended to be me to fuck my devotee while he slept!” “And why do you think it was us?” Allmight countered, Nagant furiously waved her hands around.

“I don’t fucking know because you’re both known for changing your forms to get the people you want! Not to mention you two have been trying to interfere more than usual. I know it wouldn’t be Enji, not that I could put it past him, but I know damn well he can’t impersonate me well enough.” “So you’re accusing one of us of rape? Wow Nagant, you really think we’d go that far?” Yuu said with hurt in her tone, she adjusted her seat to curl in on herself.

“Yes. yes, I do.” She deadpanned, Yuu flashed a smirk and suddenly tears began to well up in her eyes.

“I would never do such a vile thing to the mortals, how dare you! I knew you hated me but to accuse me of something so heinous is really sick of you Nagant!” Yuu yelled back making her body quiver, letting tears roll down her face. She put down the brush she had in hand and curled into Toshinori beside her as she cried.

“I would never do that to anyone, and you know it! Maybe you should get your facts before you come up here accusing people. Besides how do we know he didn’t dream it, or that you did it to him without realizing!” Nagant looked at her in disbelief, why would she hurt her own devotee?!

“And where did you get that idea I would do that to my devotee and then come all the way up here to find out who fucking did it?” Then Enji suddenly interjected himself into this conversation with his own remarks.

“Maybe because you never have control of yourself or your powers, you drove him mad. So I wouldn’t be surprised if that madness either gave you a clear shot to take advantage of him or made him hallucinate the entire thing” His voice was cold as he got between Nagant and Yuu.

“I would never let myself lose control to that extent, and I would never take advantage of my devotees! Just because I struggle to control my power doesn’t mean I can’t stop myself or regain control!”

“Then he must have made it up.” “He wouldn’t, he was genuinely terrified to even tell me, why would he make it up?” The room was filled with mutters and murmuring. Nagant shook her, this couldn’t be made up, Keigo wouldn’t do that! She wouldn’t hurt him like that, there’s no way.

“Attention? Or maybe he wants to get away from you after you lose control? Did you stop to think about that?”

“I-I checked on him after it happened, he-he said he was okay, th-that he wasn’t upset with me!” She was beginning to spiral, second guess herself and everything that had happened.

“I mean you are a goddess, Nagant,” Toshinori added while he comforted Yuu who was still crying into his shoulder.

“He could have been scared to upset you any further than you already were. It's not hard to see how intense and scary you can be to the poor little mortals.” Why was this so confusing, she was sure it had to be Yuu or Toshinori, there was no way she could have done it or that Keigo would make up something so serious! Would he do it just to get away from her? No no Keigo loved her! Did he, did he actually love her or was she imagining it?

Keigo stayed in Nagant’s temple waiting for her return, but after many hours upon hours, he left. When the days passed he went to check on her but she was nowhere to be found. None of her casual devotees had heard anything from her, and rumors began to circulate. Some said she got in trouble with the higher-ups, some said she went Awol, others think she fell! Nothing had been confirmed and Keigo was growing concerned. He knew deities could come and go for periods but something about this felt wrong. He tried to get back into contact with Nagant but, no answer! Keigo wanted to know what happened, and if he had done anything. She had been gone ever since he told her about that night, so now he wondered if that had done something.

Keigo spent countless nights wondering what could have happened, and why his goddess had up and disappeared. He spent many nights missing her, her laughter, her playfulness, and the parties she hosted. He missed feeling her arms around him, her gentle scent and touch. His mind slowly became consumed with desperation to find her! He asked around, even some of the other earth-bounding deities didn’t have much of an answer, some simply refused or looked at Keigo with pity.

A group of casual devotees thought it would be a good idea to throw a party in hopes their goddess would return. Although Keigo doubted it would work, a part of him clung to any strings of hope he could get. Attending this party was purely for protecting the citizens, he convinced himself, nothing more The party got wild like usual though some grew sad when the night went on and Nagant didn’t show. Many tried placing both physical offerings and nonphysical. Dancing around the roaring fire pit, singing songs, acting out funny skits, toasting their glasses, even evocation chants. Keigo’s heart began to hurt as he felt alone and empty. He contemplated going home, but just as the thought entered his head a scream rattled him awake. Looking up the fire pit had combusted, spewing flames at the patio’s roof. The room began to melt and fall down onto the devotees who scattered in hopes of getting away!

Some tried pouring their drinks onto the fire but seeing as they were mainly consisting of alcohol it only fueled the fire! Burning hotter and hotter. Keigo knew he had to act quickly, having anyone who could group up and get themselves out and away from the forest. Using his wings to blow out the fire wasn’t working, and the fire was spreading to quickly for them to find a water source. They were soon surrounded by a ring of fire that slithered its way to anything and everything. Engulfing many people and things into flames! Parts of the temple began to crumble and crack, Keigo managed to swoop in grab a small collection of mortals, and fly them out. He continued this around the parameters until he heard shrieks come from inside the temple. Looking around he knew he wouldn’t have much time but he would not leave whoever was inside.

He darted inside only to be greeted by a smoke-filled building, that was getting hotter and hotter. Keigo could hardly keep himself on the ground without feeling the heat cooking his feet. He was grateful to have his goggles to at least protect his eyes, but his lungs were paying for it. Breathing was getting harder as he only breathed more smoke and ashes. The crackling was getting louder from both the fire and the temple. His chest tightened up, making him fight for air, he pulled his shirt over his nose and mouth to create a weak filter in hopes of lasting longer before collapsing.

There! A small Satyr was trapped underneath a burning chunk of metal. The poor thing bleated, screeched, and squirmed desperately.

“Ey’m coming to get you!” He called out, the goat-like being scuttled and tugged towards him. Keigo struggled as he attempted to lift the slab. The fire burned at his fingerprints, flapping his wings to give himself leverage. He winced and growled at the feeling of hot rock and melt falling onto his wings and back. Adrenaline began to flood his system as he pushed the large mass off the civilian. Grabbing them and holding them to his chest he rushed out of there. The bright light of the outside blinded him as did the roaring inferno threatening to swallow them. He had just enough time to get them out of the ring and into the city where he called for help. Everything had been so overwhelming, the world spun, and his ears were ringing, blood was pouring from his body in various places as he fought for air. Then everything had gone black.

Keigo had stayed in the hospital for numerous days, his teammates wished him well and celebrated those he saved. He had been greeted by many of those he had saved from the fire, they thanked him for his efforts and bravery. Many cried at his side offering their well wishes, and favors to pay him back but. No matter who came into his room no one could make him smile. No amount of gratitude could fill the hole in his heart. No matter who called him a hero it didn’t replace being her Erote. He hoped for her to walk through that door to his hospital room. He prayed to her silently for even a sign of her presence

When he had been discharged he found himself back at the temple, parts of his had begun to crack, crumble, and crash to the ground eroding away. The inside was chard and blackened with soot and dirt. The grass surrounding had been singed to nothing. The roses had been burned away, the gleaming dwindled into a dingy color. No longer shining with life! He ventured inside and the only remains were a pink agate stone formed in the shape of a heart with a rose encased inside strung on a necklace. Her energy could not be traced, not an ounce of it to be found. It felt like she had died, she was gone….truly gone…

As Keigo sunk to his knees in front of the temple holding onto the necklace tears rained down. His body shook as he was coming to grips with everything. He had lost many comrades in battle and training before, he thought he had stoned himself from ever feeling such pain long ago…But this hurt more than he could imagine. His heart ached, and burned like it was fighting like it was dying! Clutching his chest he let out the loudest scream to ever have escaped his damaged airways. It was a miracle he could even do it. Sobs wracked his injured form as he curled into a ball holding the necklace close to his body as if someone would snatch the only thing left of his goddess from him….

The letters had been lost to the fire, the letters he put his feelings, heart, and soul into. Now all he had was the necklace, the tattoo, and his memories.

“She was never going to come for you.” A gruff voice sounded, Keigo jumped and looked around, scurrying backward as he saw the fire god from the meeting.

“She left you to burn.” Keigo shook his head while wiping his tears away, what was this guy doing here anyway, he just lost his goddess and now he was telling him this shit?!

“No! No, she wouldn’t do that! Go away!” Keigo yelled out, Enji frowned and placed a hand on his shoulder. Keigo pushed it away with a look of disgust.

“She will come back! Sh-she..she’s not gone…please! NO!” “Please, I wouldn’t lie to you about something so serious.” Keigo continued to deny it, shaking his head, he couldn’t bear it, he couldn’t take it. It couldn’t be true! He curled away, shielding himself with his wings to block out the fire god as he cried.

“NO! NO! SH-SHE PROMISED! I CAN’T PLEASE! NO-NOT LIKE THIS! SHE’S STILL OUT THERE PLEASE!” He screamed out noncoherent pleads, if he heard it then he’d have to accept it. It was too soon, he couldn’t! They’d been through so much, even in their short time, Keigo couldn’t stand the thought of knowing she was gone for good.

“A star burns so bright, burning its light, sealing away what we surrender to the night. Day of dawn, darkness consumed, we remember the fallen wherever they have gone.”

[hopelessromantic5]

That scene from Peaky Blinders with the nuns but it’s Merlin and Arthur and they DO NOT PLAY ABOUT THE CHILDREN

TW!!! Check the tags!!!!

“Arthur if you don’t do something about it then I will.”

It was the first thing out of Merlin’s mouth when he charged into the King’s chambers that morning, the sun not yet peeking above the horizon.

Arthur didn’t bother looking up from his desk just yet.

“Gods above, what is it now, Merlin?” There was no bite or malice in his tone, any longer. Long chased away by fond exasperation.

“Arthur.”

His head snapped up, to meet his magical manservant’s gaze head on.

It must be severe, whatever the case. Arthur hadn’t heard that tone of voice from Merlin in some years.

The moment the King’s eyes fell on the other man’s face, his whole demeanor changed. Merlin had been crying. His cheeks and eyes were red and swollen but the emotion that resided there was not sorrow.

It was pure rage.

“What is it?” It was quiet and almost soft in comparison to his previous question.

Arthur’s instincts told him to go to Merlin, to comfort him and dry the last of his tears. (The Almighty Emrys hardly ever allows Arthur to witness them. Choosing to suffer alone than trust Arthur not to chastise him. The King knows he was an arrogant fool in his youth, but he thought they’d moved past hiding long ago.) The look on Merlin’s face told him to listen first.

“Do you remember the nuns?” He asked between clenched teeth, jaw flexing.

“The nuns that run the orphanage?”

Merlin nodded once. “A child, who was previously in their care, hung herself last night just outside the gates.”

All the air left the King’s chest. He was on his feet without the thought of doing so.

“What?! How could they have allowed such a thing to happen? Where were they wh- wait, why did she…” he trailed off, as the realization finally landed, and the endless list of unimaginable things that could’ve happened to that child ran through his head, circumstances Arthur couldn’t have dreamed in his worst night terror, things he’d heard coming out of other Kingdoms, acts that when they were relayed to him through word of mouth his blood ran ice cold. (He had a list of names in the locked drawer of his desk, kings and lords and blacksmiths and ladies maids, mothers, fathers, anyone he had ever heard was harming children in their care or even in their vicinity. Their time left on this Earth would not be pleasant, if Arthur had anything to say about it.)

“How old was she?” He whispered, stricken and stumbling back into his chair.

“She was nine summers old. She was funny and outgoing and, as one of the oldest, she made it her mission to make the others feel cared for and seen. And normal.” The raven boy’s stark blue eyes were gazing out the window, looking at nothing at all, eyebrows still furrowed in frustration. He took a big deep breath. “Teresa. Her name was Teresa.” Arthur nodded and channeled as much sympathy as he possibly could into a single look.

“The nuns made her wash with a different soap than everyone else. They would lock her away on sunny days when the others got to play. When she spoke out against this abuse, she got lashes. On her back, on her thighs-“ Merlin was crying again, and Arthur’s vision was blurring, blinking them back. “Arthur, there must’ve been twenty different sets of scars. Wounds healing just long enough to be able to survive when the next ones came…and every time I visited, she told me everything was fine. I never even suspected that she wasn’t being truthful, I was a willfully blind idiot. That brings me back to my initial statement. If you don’t do something about it, I will.”

“Of course we’re going to do something about it. And we’re going to do it now, but we need the round table as guards and also to escort the children to the keep when it’s over.” Arthur was up again, but remained at the desk, making a list and talking at the same time. “We may be forced to have a trial just for appearances, but-“ he stopped, having a thought. “How did you find this out Merlin? You said you never knew…before.”

“Initially, it was Gwen. After Gaius told me she was gone, Gwen came to me and told me that she couldn’t in good conscience keep her suspicions to herself. Gwen and Teresa had been much closer, for obvious reasons-“

“Wait, what obvious reasons? They’re both women?”

Merlin looked confused for the first time in the conversation.

“No, w-“ He searched Arthur’s face and when he only saw more confusion, he said,

“Teresa had dark skin, Arthur, like Gwen and Elyan, I thought you knew-“

“Hold on! Is that why the nuns…” Merlin could only nod, morosely.

Merlin and Arthur were mirroring each other’s untamable rage.

Without another word, the King led them out of the room, in search of Leon.

They sat across a dark wooden table, three nuns on the other side.

“You wanted to speak with us, your majesty?”

“Yes.” Arthur nodded once, hands gripped white on the arm of his chair. Yet his face remained unaffected, the perfect picture of regal grace. Perhaps it was muscle memory to him, Merlin was not blessed with ability to keep his emotions from his sleeve.

“All of us, sire? At 6:30 in the morning?”

“Yes.” The King replied, cool. Merlin began to wonder the room, looking in cupboards and checking drawers. Some of which were locked.

The head nun hissed at him.

“Get away from there, fool, have you lost your mind?”

“I’ll do as I damn well please.” Merlin tosses over his shoulder, yet even Arthur can feel the venom laced into the words.

“We do not use language in the house of the lord.” She appeared to be scandalized.

This halted Merlin’s pilfering, he began to approach her.

“Nor do we ‘find fault in the innocent.’ Yet, you do.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “You fucking do.”

Beside Arthur, Leon looked somewhat worried about his manservant’s intentions. Leon was the last of his knights to be made aware of Merlin’s ‘gifts’, while he was mostly accepting and curious, there was also something else. Arthur couldn’t tell if Leon began to protect he and his men from Merlin, or if he was protecting Merlin from everyone else.

The nun looked from Merlin to Arthur as if waiting for him to be reprimanded by his master.

When there was no sign of it, she sighed and crossed her hands in front of her body.

“May I ask what this meeting is about?”

“The Crown of Camelot is the only reason your orphanage was able to open its doors and feed these children that would’ve otherwise starved. Giving them a place to live when they would’ve otherwise been homeless. You are aware of this, yes, sister?”

“For which we give thanks.” Her eyes were downcast but Merlin saw the hint of panic there.

He stepped in.

“Reports of a most alarming nature have been reaching the King’s ear, Sister Mary.” He circled the three of them like a hawk circling prey. “It seems you and I have similar tempers, yet unlike you, I wait until I’m matched in size.” He practically spit at her as he spoke.

“And whom, may I ask, reported this to the king?”

“No need to worry about that, Sister. I have all the evidence I need. Children, when kept safe and comfortable, will actually say quite a bit.” The King had spoken to a few of the children before arriving here, he sent them to the keep immediately after.

“Who have they spoken to?”

“You’d have them only speak to God?” Merlin offered.

She sent daggers at him with her eyes.

“God be their witness.”

“There is God and then there is the Crown. This is Camelot, we are in Albion. I am much much closer at hand than God.” Arthur smiled but it was villainous, sinister in a way that sends one of the nuns running out of the room.

“We have in this place, children of the worst sort. They lie as easily as breathe.”

“You had a darker skinned child in your care. You made her wash with a different soap.” Merlin was not allowing her to blame those poor children.

“Sire, your own knights’ sins are legend.”

“Our sins?” Leon spoke for the first time. “Our sins, against the beating of children with whips and tree branches? Our sins…our sins against the child who hanged herself for fear of your temper?”

“I do not see how-“

“Oh, you do not see…” Merlin reached over the table and ripped the glasses off her face, slammed them back down on the table, crushing them.

He held her eye.

“Now put them on.” His breathing was heavy. “Put them on your face, or it will be your eyes that are broken.”

After another beat of silence, his voice, quiet yet slicing,

“Please don’t imagine that I won’t use this minute to do it, or that I am afraid of your prayers, or your crosses.”

After a hesitant look around the room, she slowly picked up the crushed frames and placed them back on her face.

“You see the world broken. Like those beaten children will.” Merlin finally backed away from the table and resumed his search of the premises.

“Now look at me.” The King commanded. She did not obey.

“Look at me!” His voice boomed and echoed through the room. She flinched and did as she was told.

“Funding withdrawn. You will leave Camelot, and Albion, if you are smart and I will never see your faces in my kingdom again. Unless you wish to see the full extent of my wrath.” He stood, as did Leon. Looks of absolute disgust on their faces.

“All children will be taken into the care of the crown.”

“You have no say in where the children-“ she was interrupted by the sound of a small, sharp knife its sheath. The point of Merlin’s blade was aimed at her throat.

“If I come for you, and I still might yet decide to come for you, I will bring an army so that you may hear our approach, and have time to repent.”

With that, he left. Following his King right out the door. Never to step foot in that establishment again.

The ‘orphanage’ was permanently moved into the castle, and every child made a ward of a the King. It made the castle alive with youth and laughter.

Merlin and Arthur realized after a few years, that they were practically married, and parents to a hoard of wonderful children. So they were married and the entire kingdom rejoiced.

[oddcryptidwrites]

Knight of Dawn, Chapter 3 [Not Your Typical Fairytale]

TW for toxic parent-child relationship, a bit more zombie-related gore, and the two freaky scientists who live in the basement

Despite the fact they locked their door, Grady still sat at their desk, shuffling through invisible files. She often busied herself with tedious tasks while they were gone, to keep herself distracted, and this time was no different.

“Whatcha up to?” Piers dropped their weapons on the desk. Grady grumbled, some of the files likely glitching out in her vision.

“I was working on security plans for the Coronation Dance. Comm. Benj wants less of his personnel here, because he believes there may be a terror attack on the Perimeter, either from radical groups here or from Florida. Comm. Sei and Dad think otherwise, but I really am with Benj on this one. If we shift all personnel to the Palace, we will leave ourselves vulnerable.”

“What’s Commander Lopez’s opinion on it?”

“Hell if I know. He fucked off to the coast this weekend for ‘navy training purposes’ but I think it’s because he doesn’t want to put up with this. Any updates on Lennox?” With a grand gesture, she closed the invisible stack of files, moving them out of her vision, then spinning in their chair to watch them.

They talked as they shed their outermost layers, “He’s having a moment, but then again, he’s always having a moment. Did Marcie come by, like you said?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Adele wants to talk to you, and Marcie came to get you. I told her you were working out and would be up there as soon as you were done.”

Piers walked into their closet, still talking, as they pulled off the thermal underwear, “Which wasn’t entirely untrue. Did she mention anything in particular for why Adele wanted to talk to me?”

“Nope. Just please wear something nicer. You can’t get around wearing sweats and a tshirt all day.” 

“Fuck you.” After yanking a pair of black slacks off the hanger, Piers inspected the fabric, before pulling them on, followed by a black button down and a green sweater they loved dearly, “Does this work?”

Grady poked her head in, as they worked on tucking in the shirt. “Good. Marcie said to meet her at Adele’s floor.” Piers stuck their tongue out at Grady as they plopped down on the bench and pulled on their shoes. She helped them back onto their feet. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“I’ll be fine. You do your work stuff.” 

The ride down to Adele’s floor was short, only a few levels. Lo and behold, Marcie stood there waiting when the doors opened.

“Oh sweetheart, I’m glad you’re here.” The older woman hugged them tight, before ushering them down the long hallway of closed doors, “Adele’s been wanting to see you today, but Grady said you were busy. I knew you just needed time to blow off some of your nervous energy. Come on.”

“It just hurts me to see her hurting.” They responded, as the two came to the big doors at the end of the hallway. The guards, in gray and bright red, stood flanking the door, and snapped to attention. 

“Me too, Piers. She’s been through hell, ‘n the devil spat her out for being too stubborn every time.” 

They pushed open the doors, together. At the vanity sat Adele, with her back turned to the door. She dabbed at her face with a makeup sponge, the rest of her makeup strewn all over the countertop. A billowy red dress swallowed her up, making her look smaller and even frailer. She spotted Piers’ reflection in the mirror, before turning around.

“Hello.” She gave a soft smile, straining to get up from her seat at the vanity. In Piers’ peripheral, Marcie flinched in sympathy for her best friend. Piers couldn’t bear to imagine Grady in the same situation.

“Marcie, can I speak with my mom alone?” They asked her, as Adele came over. With a polite nod, Marcie left, heading back into the depths of the Palace to do who knows what.

“Hey mama.” Piers greeted Adele, as she hugged them tightly. Tipping their chin up, they were just tall enough to rest it on top of her head. When they were little, she’d seemed so tall, so powerful.

“I’m glad to see you Jilly-bean. Marcie told me the Coronation today didn’t go as planned. Was it Miles?” She took their hands in hers, guiding them towards the plush red couch near the center of the room. Piers sat down with her, propping a leg up as they leaned on the arm.

“Mason, I think. Miles pretty much stuck to the script.” 

She nodded thoughtfully, before her demeanor hardened. “I saw you walked out without saying anything. You were supposed to give a speech, Piers, and you didn’t. I specifically asked you to, and you told me you had written something up.”

Fuck Adele for watching the broadcast. “Look, what was I supposed to say? ‘Sorry you hate my family, I’m gonna fix everything that’s wrong?’”

“Yes!” Adele snapped, “Jillian Piers, you should have just said something. Anything, literally anything, would have been fine! You had a chance to establish their first impression of you as Monarch and you threw it out the fucking window. I’d give anything to have that chance again.” She took their hands in hers, her red nails digging into their skin as she squeezed “Jill, I just want what’s best for you.”

“I know mama…” Piers sighed, as they pulled their hands away, before changing the topic so Adele couldn’t get onto them anymore, “How’s your day been? Have Marcie and the royal guards been treating you well?”

“As best they can, considering…everything.” She gestured about the situation in general, “Charoen came up today, and I’d appreciate it if you can pay xir a visit. I think it’d be good for you and xir. Also, if you could send David up here, that would be fantastic. Marcie, bless her heart, she’s sweet but you start to get sick of people after you’ve known one another for fifty years.” Laughing, Adele leaned her head back, staring up at the ceiling.

“Is that how Grady and I are gonna get? Am I gonna get tired of her once we’re both old.”

“Hey, I’m not that old Ja-Jillian. 54 is not old” Adele sat up to look at them, gray eyes tearing into their soul, and Piers backed off.

“Alright, Alright…” Piers put their hands in the air, backing off, “I’ll go pay Dr. Panya a visit. I got some stuff to finish up tonight, but I’ll be by tomorrow morning to go through some of the stuff you left in your office.”

“Good. I’ll see you then. Now go bother Charoen instead of me.” Adele teased them as they got up, and Piers smiled.

“See you tomorrow. Have a good night.”

Slipping out the big heavy doors, Piers closed them with a soft click. Then, they let out a long, shaky sigh, wiping their eyes as tears started to form. The guardsmen at the door awkwardly looked at them, halfway between attention and ease. 

“You’re fine. Don’t salute.” Piers waved the guardsmen down, before brushing themself off and heading for the elevator. For years, Piers had avoided Dr. Panya, and Dr. Panya had avoided them. And also for years, Adele had tried to get them and Dr. Panya to talk. The reclusive scientist never left the Lab, unless absolutely necessary, and Piers never went into the Lab, unless absolutely necessary. They’d spent enough time down there as a kid, sick with IR. The only time they willingly interacted with xir was when xe accidentally figured out about them sneaking out, and they begged xir not to tell Adele or Marcie. Or sometimes when they had to pick up their medication.

Their ears popped this time, as the primary elevator descended rapidly, until the little LED screen red B5. When the doors opened, they were greeted with a long, dark hallway. A bright light shone through the window of the ominous steel door at the end. If they turned to the right at the end of the hall, they’d pass by the service elevator, and out of the Palace. Today, they walked right up to the door and knocked. The metallic clang echoed in the dark.

After an awful screech from inside, Dr. Panya opened the door, looking Piers up and down with a judgemental glare. Xe wore the same exact thing Piers had always seen xir in: a blue jacket, a white lab coat, and a medical respirator, covering xir face.

“Why are you down here?” The scientist’s tone was notably short. They’d likely caught xir in the middle of something.

“Adele sent me. Plus I’m curious.” Piers replied, trying not to sound irritated, and Dr. Panya raised an eyebrow.

“I don't want you down here. Adele is welcome to bring you down here yourself.” Xe went to close the door on Piers, and they finally snapped.

“You asshole!”

At that, xe laughed. “You’re just like her. Put this on, we’ve got an IR cadaver out.”

Dr. Panya handed them a respirator like xirs, and they pulled it on. Finally, xe stepped back from the doorway, letting them into the Lab. The door shut behind them with a clang. Piers crept into the Lab, looking around. Everything was sterile, polished steel and bright white tile, meaning the light reflected off of everything. No corner was left unlit. Of the three surgical tables, only the middle was occupied. A cadaver, with the recognizable yellow growth on the lungs, was strapped down. Bent over it, wearing an apron, gloves up to their shoulders, and a respirator mask, was someone Piers recognized only by their cotton candy blue hair.

“Councilor Sidney?”

The politician jerked upright, a scalpel in one hand and tweezers in the other, blood up to their elbows. Their gray eyes went wide with surprise.

“Your Majesty! It’s a pleasure to see you again!” Sidney's accent was similar to Dr. Panya’s. 

“Marlowe studied in Athens’ world-renowned biogen labs, as expected for someone of their status and future, before they started onto their political career. Once they become Chancellor, they won’t have as much time for their pet projects, so I’ve been letting them work down here with me.” Dr. Panya pushed Piers closer to the cadaver, but they dug their heels into the ground. Councilor Sidney set the bloody tools down in the metal pan beside the cadaver, before stripping off the gloves, tossing them in a bin near the sink, before donning a new pair.

“That’s…interesting.” This was definitely out of their political knowledge. Science was a foreign language to them.

Councilor Sidney butted in,“It is, actually. After recent advancements in genomic replication technology, we’re currently seeing if there’s a way to use the tanks as treatment for Incaraneum Repartus. We’ve had…limited success so far but I have a hypothesis I’ve been wanting to test. I just need more data.”  

Piers wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that. Dr. Panya headed for the sink, grabbing a pair of clean gloves. 

“Why don’t you tell Their Majesty what you’re working on. I talked enough about my project.” Councilor Sidney prompted Dr. Panya, as they came to stand beside Piers. Piers was tall. Councilor Sidney was a giant, at least a half foot taller than them, maybe more. They had to actively look up at them, which was a strange feeling. 

As xe got to work with the tweezers, xe rambled “I’m researching another possible cure for Incarareum Repartus. What I used to cure you, it works…rarely. And it’s expensive. It’s just not practical and not entirely effective. The only reason I think it worked on you is that you…I see old habits die hard. They’re still using the old break action that he got them as a birthday gift in ‘89.” Dr. Panya produced a piece of metal from the body, holding it up for Piers to see, “Quick, what gauge is it?”

Piers stuttered, and xe laughed, setting it in the tray, “Trick question, you can't actually tell but it’s a 12 gauge buckshot. She doesn’t use anything different.”

As xe got back to work, muttering silently to xirself, Piers tugged on Councilor Sidney’s sleeve, whispering, “Who’s Panya talking about?” 

Councilor Sidney shrugged. Awesome. Piers was ready to dash. The Lab was freaky. Dr. Panya was freaky. Xir weird habits were freaky. Being around the infected was freaky without their mask.

“I think I should go…Grady needs me for…a meeting. Yeah. A meeting.”

Dr. Panya didn’t look up from xir work, as Piers snuck towards the door. “Liar. Councilor Sidney, see their majesty out, and shut the bar when you get back.”

NYTF WIP PAGE

Tag List (reply or dm to be added or removed; I pulled from the old tag list): @author-a-holmes, @soul-write @flowerprose @ceph-the-ghost-writer @theglitchywriterboi @when-wax-wings-melt @thechaoticflowergarden @lyralit @penspiration-writing @samatedeansbroccoli @charlesjosephwrites @italiangothicwriteblr @thetruearchmagos @pineapple-lover-boy @unilightwrites @sanguine-arena @bardic-tales @joshuaorrizonte @blind-the-winds @circa-specturgia @hymnonlips @aloeverawrites @the-stray-storyteller @writeblrsupport @the-down-upside-finch @shay-writes @aether-wasteland-s @n1ghtcrwler @writingonmymind @dyrewrites