#why is it always some mean lady doing things that shove him onto the throne without his accord

[navree]

anyway i find it really annoying that for some reason the attempts to move away from “richard iii was evil because he was hideously deformed and therefore also a cold blooded murderer who was responsible for every english death from 1450 to 1490” appear to consistently land in “richard has no agency in his own decisions and no ambition whatsoever and it’s [insert whichever woman the writer dislikes] scheming to contrive reasons that get him on the throne”

[enchantestuff]

hatred - Charles Leclerc

I think I might make this into a mini series with an enemies to civil with each other to friends to lovers kind of vibe but I'm still not sure, anyways here's Charles x reader wanting to rip each others throats but instead end up ripping each others clothes off

gonna dedicate this to the lovely @yungbludz​ happy birthday <33

GIF NOT MINE

warnings; smut as per usual, Charles being very egotistical, choking, language, enjoy <3

2k words 

part two

It was safe to say you and Charles hated each other. You knew hate was a strong word, but you also knew that you felt nothing but hatred for the man. You hated his cocky smile and the fact that everyone seemed to be obsessed with him. You also hated the fact that you had to spend the whole weekend with him.

You worked for Ferrari, meaning that, unfortunately, you had to spend a lot of time with Charles. You were actually excited when you first got the job of being Charles Leclerc's PR manager. You had admired the driver and couldn’t wait to work alongside him, but that all changed once you actually met him and realised what an ass he really was. Everyone else loved him, of course, because he seemed to be nice to every single person on the planet except you.

You and a select number of the Ferrari team had been invited to a special charity event taking place in the ballroom of a luxurious hotel. You had all decided to check into the hotel the day before the event, in order to save time and familiarise yourself with the venue. Of course, according to your job description, you also had to run through the possible questions Charles could be asked with him.

Although Charles loathed you, he had to admit you were good at your job and managed to prepare him for every possible scenario, which is why he hadn’t begged Mattia to fire you, at least not yet.

You sighed as you reached the check in desk, all you wanted to do was flop onto the hotel bed and sleep until the morning. You gave the lady behind the desk your name and watched as she quickly typed on the computer in front of her. “Ah yes, Y/N and Charles, room 506”

Your eyes widened at her words as you shook your head. “No no, that can’t be right” you pleaded as you leaned your arms against the counter.

“Im sorry ma'am, but the booking is for the both of you” she explained with apologetic eyes as she handed you the room key.

“Take your time, Y/N. Not like we aren’t all exhausted from our long trip” you heard Charles scold from behind you. You quickly turned around and shoved the room key into his chest.

“Politetly, go fuck yourself, Leclerc” you muttered as you shouldered past him and walked straight to Mattia on the other side of reception. Mattia sighed once you walked over and gestured for you to begin arguing with him, he knew it was going to happen.

“Why? Why would you stick me in a room with that-that imbecile!” you snapped.

“Listen, Y/N, i know how much you dislike him and vice versa, but everyone had to be paired with someone and I thought this was the best option for you both” he explained with a soothing voice.

“Why do I have to be with her?” you heard Charles ask from behind you. You felt small standing in front of him, his broad frame practically trapping you between him and Mattia.

“Y/N is your PR manager, it's her job to prepare you for this event” Mattia once again calmly explained

“And she couldn’t do that over breakfast?” Charles inquired, you could feel his tense gaze on the back of your head and you whipped around scoffing at him as you placed your hands on his hips.

“Don’t act like this was my idea! Not everyone wants to share a room with you Charles, get your head out of your ass”

Charles opened his mouth to throw a rude remark your way but Mattia stopped him before he got the chance. “The both of you are sharing this room, whether you like it or not. I think everyone would prefer if you took this time to sort out your problems instead of bickering like children. I’ll see you both at breakfast. Goodnight,” he scolded as he walked off with his luggage in tow.

You felt your cheeks redden as embarrassment creeped up your shoulders. “Are you trying to get me fired?” you accused Charles as you grabbed your own luggage and made way for the elevator.

He shrugged in response, “Wouldn’t be the worst thing” he muttered, stepping inside with you. You pressed your floor number and sighed in frustration. “Can you stop breathing so loud?” he groaned, rolling his eyes.

“It was a sigh, dipshit.”

“Trust me, i don't want to be near you as much as you don't want to be near me”

“Glad we're on the same page” you replied, stepping out of the elevator and storming to your room, which in hindsight was a foolish idea as Charles had the key and you had to wait for him as he took his sweet time walking up the hallway.

He unlocked the door with a smug look on his face and stepped in before you, dropping his luggage on the floor as he surveyed the room. “You have got to be kidding me” he complained once he saw the double bed in the middle of the room.

“Oh what is it now, Charles?” you asked as you shut the door behind you “is the carpet not to your liking? Is it too bright? Are there no chocolates on the pillow” you continued and slipped off your shoes, “do you want me to - oh shit” you cursed as you saw the predicament you both were in. “Looks like you're sleeping on the floor” you shrugged whilst walking towards the bed.

“I am NOT sleeping on the floor,” Charles complained.

“What? And you think I am?” you argued, once again placing your hands on your hips.

“I don’t see why not,” he commented, crossing his arms across his chest.

“I am not sharing a bed with you, Leclerc! So you,” you jabbed a finger at his chest, “are going to have to step off your mighty throne and take the gentleman approach and sleep,” jab “on,” jab “the floor,” you snapped.

Charles raised his eyebrow as he stared at you. You could cut the tension between the two of you with a knife, it was almost unbearable. You had never fought this long, somebody had always interrupted you both before you got the chance to really push each other's buttons. “I'm going to say this nice and slow, sweetheart,” Charles growled, taking a step forward, you in turn took a step back as you removed your finger from his chest, “I’ll take the high road, we can share the bed just this once, as long as you stop acting like the spoiled princess that you will never be” he continued to walk towards you as he spoke and you were eventually trapped against the wall.

Charles moved his hand to lie on the wall next to your head, the distance between the two of you becoming smaller and smaller by the second. “I might be ready to step off my throne but are you ready to be a good girl and step off yours too?” he concluded. 

“Bite me, Charles” you retorted and something in the both of you snapped as you grabbed his face in your hands and he roughly grabbed your waist. Your lips violently pressed against his as your tongues practically fought against each other. You almost moaned at the force of his kiss, but refused to give him the satisfaction.

Charles pulled away, giving your mouth a final short kiss before he moved to mark your neck. “Come on, princess. Stop being stubborn for once in your life and let me hear the noises that you can make''

You however kept your mouth shut, Charles smirked and shrugged his shoulders. “If that's how you want to play it,” he smirked before gently grabbing your breast and slipping his hands into the waistband of your leggings. He rubbed circles on your clit as he pinched your nipples. “I want to hear you, sweetheart,” he grunted.

You rolled your eyes back in pleasure and involuntarily let out a moan. Charles felt his dick twitch in his pants and cockily grinned as he kissed right under your nose. “Good girl,” he whispered. It wasn't long before his trousers were discarded as well as your own leggings. You hadn’t moved however and were still pressed up against the wall. “Are you sure you want this?” he asked and although you felt your heart skip a beat you rolled your eyes at him and nodded.

“Yes, please just - just hurry up” you squirmed against the wall. That seemed to be all the validation he needed. He slowly put a condom on before easing into you. You scrunched your eyes at the uncomfortable feeling and tapped him to move. Your lips parting on their own accord as the feeling was replaced with pure pleasure. Charles forcefully grabbed your legs and wrapped them around his waist, providing him with a better angle for both himself and you.

“O-oh shit” you moaned as you scraped your nails down his shoulders to his arms, which left harsh red marks in their wake. Charles moaned at the feeling and you were almost aroused by the sound. Almost.

One of Charles hands were digging into the soft flesh of your thigh while the other moved to wrap itself around your neck, his signature pinky ring digging into the flesh of your skin causing you to mimic his actions and let out a moan at the pain.

“You like that?” he grunted as he continued to thrust into you, lightly placing some pressure on your throat, not enough to suffocate you, he didn't hate you that much, but enough for you to enter a state of pure bliss.

“I hate you, Leclerc” you found yourself muttering but you certainly did not hate him at that very moment.

“Feelings mutual, love”

You continued to scrape your nails across his back, desperate to pull more moans out of him. Charles however, didn't like being the only vulnerable one and removed his hands from your throat, he grabbed both of your hands in his own and shoved them upwards, beginning his assault on your chest.

Your toes curled as he hit all the right spaces, you knew you were close but you really didn’t want to be the first one to let go. Charles could feel the clenching of your walls and smirked into your chest. “Are you close, princess?” he asked, bringing his mouth to your lips and for some reason you found yourself kissing him back.

“No” you blatantly lied.

You moved your head closer to him when he pulled away but he refused to connect your lips once more and you found yourself pouting at the lack of attention. God, how pathetic had you become.

“Now, i knew you were a spoiled brat but i didn't take you for a liar as well”

“Glad to know your ego has no off moments, Charles” you scoffed and were about to start an argument before he began slowly pounding into you, his precise thrusts made it extremely difficult to formulate a sentence let alone hold onto the knot in your stomach. So, against your brain telling you not to, you let go.

You would have fallen onto the ground if it wasn’t for Charles' strong grip trapping you against the wall and his own body. The noises that he made as he reached his own high caused your heart to flutter in your chest and you began to wonder if having sex with him was a bad idea.

“Are you okay?” he asked after he had pulled away from you. You nodded your head as you furrowed your eyebrows

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” you asked.

You were surprised the both of you were capable of having a normal conversation, but you supposed nothing could be normal between you after that.

Charles gently ran a finger across your neck and by the look on his face you knew you looked worse for wear. “I kind of lost myself in the moment, I’m sorry if I hurt you. Really I am” he clarified.

“Its okay” you sighed as you rubbed your neck, “lets just go to sleep”

“I’m still not sleeping on the floor”

“Just stay on your side of the bed, Leclerc”

[tokoyamisstuff]

Scandal Ch. 1 - Loki x Reader

Summary: After your child is born a Frost Giant, your husband accuses you of infidelitiy, unaware about his own heritage...

Warnings: Pregnancy, Childbirth, Angst, Mild Cussing

Noteable: Takes place before Thor 1, Asgardian Fem! Reader

Words: ~1800

I Story Masterlist I General Masterlist I

It was as if your anchestors wanted to deliver a warning, for Asgard had never faced a storm matching this fateful afternoon.

The thunder swallowed all of your screams and cries, every curse you spoke with each contraction as the baby made it’s way into this world. All this time, your precious husband would never leave your side, letting you squeeze his hand as much as you needed.

“Only a little bit more, my Lady!” the midwife shoutet from between your legs, her tone calm yet cheerful. “I can already see the head!”

“I’m right here. You’re doing wonderful, my petal.” Loki was softly petting your hair, pressing a wet kiss into your forehead. “You are incredibly strong, Y/N. And I love you so much!”

Remaining collected was using up all of his energy at that very moment, you knew that much. Yet not even the God of Lies could hide all the helplessness and excitement stirring in his head at that very moment.

Being with the Prince of Asgard was just like in a dream.

Once you get to know him, that troublesome arrogant lone wolf turned into a smart, caring - and especially charming - prince. And hel, Loki treated you like a Queen.

All this pain you were experiencing right now would ultimately lead to the greatest bliss imagineable - just like it was with Loki.

Oh, how dearly you had fought, suffered, yearned for him, only to be rewarded with heartbreak and frustration. In between his feverishly chase for the throne and his rivalry with Thor, there was just no room for a loving relationship to grow.

The crushing weight of thinking himself unworthy for affection had made him cold and bitter over the millenias, telling himself the comforting lie that he was above all, born for a glorious purpose.

For the God of Mischief, whose kinsmen had always made him feel out of place or under-appreciated, the process of trusting had always been one step forward, three steps back.

But through your compassion, and with a great deal of patience and understanding, you slowly but steadily melted the ice around the prince’s heart.

Because deep inside, you always knew that it was worth it.

And today would be the peak of your romance: Your child would forever remind the Odinson that he belonged somewhere - right here, with you.

“It’s a boy!”

“A heir?!” Loki exclaimed, smothering your face in kisses. “Well done!”

You smiled weakly at his excitement, in between choked sobs. All that your exhausted self was able to process was the fact that your child is born - and you already loved him beyond reason.

“Where is he?!” you whimpered, unable to realize how the air in the room had shifted - for when the midwife touched the infant, she began to scream in agony.

“What’s wrong?!” Loki’s eyes were narrowing at the midwife that almost dropped his newborn, detecting some sort of burn wound on her palm. Quickly, she had covered the boy in a towel, aware that if any harm came over that baby, she was to die at the God of Mischief’s hands.

A flash of lightning was brightening the whole room, which had only been flooded by dim candle light until now.

Another one of the midwife’s screeched in terror, almost stumbling as she frantically erscaped your bedchamber. The adrenaline from birth and worry about your child sharpened your senses, yet concentration was almost impossible.

Still, the words she was yelling as she ran down the hall send a shiver down your spine:

“It’s a monster.”

Your head was spinning as you rushed into an upright position, with two nurses pressing you onto the bed again. “Milady, you need to rest! It’s still too early!”

“What is wrong with my child?!?” you desperately screamed, kicking with your legs to free yourself from their hold. “Give it to me!”

Their expressions were too much to bear. Your head was spinning, seeing pity mixing up with disgust and anger in their eyes.

“Enough!” Loki finally broke his own silence, his mind having been occupied with all the horror scenarios one could think about.

Walking up to the midwife carrying the infant, he demanded seeing it. “Your highness, don’t-” yet the midwife’s beg was for naught.

Yes, everything will be alright. Loki will take care of it, like he always does. After all, he’s your savior, your hero, the love of your life...

Gently and insecure, your husband cradled the newborn in his arms - a sight to behold. And the baby’s strong cries assured you that it was at least alive.

However, as soon as he dared to unwrap the towel, revealing it’s face, Loki’s heartbeat completely stopped for a second. His trembling lip began to shake, mouth widely agape as he took in the child’s form.

For a brief moment, his mind was completely blank. All emotion dropped from his face before taking in a complete different demeanour.

“Wha-” you wouldn’t dare ending that sentence when your husband’s furious eyes met yours.

The air was so thick, you thought not even Thor’s hammer could break it. Clearly ritten on Loki’s usual unreadable face were so many emotions at once:

Aversion, fury, incredible sorrow...all directed towards you? The child?

Impossible.

Loki Odinson loved you more than anything in this world, this was the only thing you had always been sure he wasn’t lying about.

“From all the people I expected to betray me...” His voice was hoarse, as if the ache in his heart was wrapping around his throat. “Why did it have to be you?”

You could feel the horrendous aura, a wave of sadness and despair coming from your husband. Seeing him like this was like torture.

“What- what do you mean, darling-”

“Don’t fucking call me that, you harlot!” That was surely not the first time your lover had raised your voice against you - he could be a bit difficult at times, obviously.

But this time was different somehow. It sounded so...ultimate.

And the Loki you knew would never use such harsh words against you!

“Please, I beg of you...just let me see my baby!” Everything was just too much for you, almost to the point of passing out. 

And the man did as you pleaded, almost shoving the child into your arms. “There, have your bastard! And make sure to never show your filthy faces to me ever again!”

With that, he stormed out of the room, leaving you with those strange nurses looking at you like you’ve just commited an unforgiveable crime.

There was no use in overthinking this. He’ll come back like he always did. You can work this out, whatever it is - even if you are gonna be mad for a very long time, making such a fuss and then disappearing instead of taking care of you, the mother of his child.

Out of a whim, you decided to finally observe the little being you’ve been waiting for all those months.

A loud gasp escaped your mouth as you realized just why everyone was so worked up about that little boy. Yet the sound you made was solely surprised - not a hint of fear or rejection laced your voice.

It was a beautiful baby boy, little fists balled to the air as if he was searching for the warmth of his parents - though his skin was in the shade of a dark blue. When you dared running your hand over the deep lines and ridges on his body, the stinging pain of frostbite immediately stung your fingertips. His eyes snapped open, looking at you with black irises through red scleras.

You knew the meaning of this, even though you didn’t understand how this was possible: This child was a biological Frost Giant. A small one, but nonetheless.

A curse? Was someone trying to play your family dirty? No. If that was the case, the child wouldn’t also have actual powers together with the appearance.

Just how long have those tears been running down your cheeks in thick streams already? You wouldn’t know.

Only one thing came as clear as daylight to you: You loved this baby, more than anything in this world. And no matter the hardships that came along with it - you would protect him, no matter what!

“He’s magnificent...” you sniffled, pecking some quick kisses onto his small body before the cold could hurt you. “I love you so, so much...!”

Not minding the judging looks of the nurses, let alone wondering about the consequences, resolve was starting to give you new strenght.

The boy got a grasp on your finger, and instead of your skin freezing off as expected, your magic allowed him to the boy to finally disguise itself as one of you. How was this even possible? Well, this is probably the first time something like this ever happened, so no one could prepare you for what to expect with this child.

They all say that birth was an impactful event - but nothing could’ve prepared you for everything that you had to endure on this day.

Yet nothing could’ve stopped you from believing that this child was the greatest blessing that ever came over you.

Now you only had to convince your husband of that very fact...

“Y/N Y/L/N!” the guard wouldn’t even bother adressing you with your full title as his harsh voice woke you up. When had you drifted away into slumber anyway? You were probably way more worn out than you wanted to admit...

Your eyes immediately snapped open, heart skipping a beat until you saw that your son was still sleeping soundly right next to you. Stroking his cheek as he smiled up to you, it almost made you forget about that burdensome situation.

“Hey!” Protectingly, you were holding onto your child for dear life as the guard approached both of you. “I have an important message to deliver!”

You scowled, almost like an animal mother protecting their offsprings with baring teeth, even though you knew in that state you would be completely and utterly helpless. “Why now? What could be more important than the well-being of my child?”

The answer let your blood run cold:

“I am here to announce that Lady Y/N Y/L/N has to face a trial in front of the Allfather. The following crimes she is being accused of: Infidelity, collaboration with the enemy and trying to sneak one of them into our glorious kingdom.”

[anyoneseenadam]

You write fenrys so well 🥺

Can I request something for him falling in love with a lady who works in a library and is friends with aelin and he keeps finding excuses to visit the library and one day they realize they’re mates ? Can you plz include alot of longing looks & touched and his friends noticing ?

pairing: Fenrys x reader (throne of glass)

warnings: drinking, small argument, mainly fluff

a/n: kay so it's been a hot MINUTE since I've posted and I am sorry my loves, also I comepletely modified this but I hope you still like it, comment and shiz pls it really helps with writers block lol <33

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

You had met Aelin sometime after the war. She had been wandering around town a couple days after the coronation, smiling at children and waving at the elderly, observing the way the town was slowly filling again, people returning home now it was safe. There weren’t many people about however, it just being seven in the morning.

She had walked past a shop then. It was small and rickety, the door barely on its hinges as a girl fought with it, swearing like a sailor.

“Do you need some help?” she asked, moving to stand beside the girl. You screamed instantly, jumping out of your skin at her sudden appearance, having not heard anyone coming due to how absorbed you were in your job. Aelin screamed when you screamed, and it left the two of you staring at each other with wide eyes before you fell apart in fits of laughter.

You stood from where you had bent to clutch your stomach, wiping tears from your eyes as you calmed down.

“Jeez you fucking gave me a heart attack,” you laughed as she apologised, still giggling behind her hand. You then turned, hands on your hips as you glared at the door of your shop.

“Rude men should be put down,” you muttered and Aelin was laughing again.

“That I can get behind,” she said as you opened it, giving up on fixing it completely, Aelin gasping when she saw the inside.

“You have a bookshop!” she exclaimed, and you laughed.

“Had, now I just have dusty books and a broken door. It was my mother’s before…” you trailed off and Aelin put a hand on your shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” she said, and you shrugged.

“It’s fine, it was ages ago anyway,” you stepped further into the shop, going to the large window up front and tugging of the white sheet that obscured it from light. “However, this shop isn’t dead yet so might as well get it done.”

Aelin looked around the shop, the paper on the walls was peeling, the paint on the shelves cracked and the books covered in a fine layer of dust. “Damn, where do we start?” she asked, rolling up her sleeves and grinning at you when you whirled around, frowning at her.

“Doesn’t the queen have better things to do?” you asked, and she shrugged, laughing at your bewildered expression.

“I’m sure my husband will cope.” You gave her an unsure look at that, and she laughed, “He’s competent.”

“If you say so.”

“If you knew I was queen you really have no fear of authority do you?” she asked as you started pulling books down and pilling them onto the sheet you just pulled off the window.

“Respect is earned, plus you’re the one who made me shit myself.” She laughed again, smiling widely, and helping you take down more books as she realised this was the most she had laughed since the war ended.

--

The worked all day. First removing the books and putting them upstairs in the rundown apartment you lived in, filled with plants, blankets, and somehow even more books. Next the repainted the shelves, setting them outside to dry while they re-wallpapered the walls and cleaned the floor until it was shining.

When the sky got darker you swore as you realised neither of you had eaten all day, going up to your new friend and asking her what she wanted for dinner.

“I make really good pasta,” you had suggested, and she had nodded enthusiastically as you went upstairs to your apartment, drinking wine as you cooked together. As you ate on the floor, drinking yet another bottle of wine, this time straight from the bottle Aelin asked about your past.

You assured her it was relatively normal, asides from the whole ‘evil tyrant thing’ as you put it. You talked together for hours, going back downstairs, and bringing the now dry, sage green shelves back in and putting all the books away, setting them in categories.

Hours later Aelin decided to go home, not wanting to worry so much and she opened the still broken door, the both of you laughing as you realised you had forgotten a pretty integral part.

“Hey, you could just name the shop, ‘the broken door’,” she suggested, and you smiled.

“That would work.”

--

When Aelin got home she was met with a concerned Rowan, asking where she had been all day.

She smiled at him, pausing before answering, “I think I have a new best friend.”

Rowan frowned at that, “And what brings you to that conclusion?”

“Today was the first time I’ve laughed since…” she trailed off as silence fell at the thought of their past few months, Rowan then bringing her in for a hug.

“You know this means I have to meet her too then,”

“Nope my best friend get your own.” She shoved him playfully, falling asleep next to him that night with a smile on her face.

--

They went to see you the next morning and Aelin laughed when she saw your dishevelled state.

“Did you sleep?” she asked when she walked into the shop and found signs put up and plants dotted around the room as you sat on the floor, drinking a coffee that smelt so strong she almost gagged, much preferring sweeter tastes.

“Sleep is for the weak!” you said, half-heartedly raising your hand.

“And what’s with all the plants?” Rowan asked, frowning as he almost walked into another and you sat up straighter, glaring at him.

“What you too good for plants?” you asked your hands moving over-exaggeratedly as you got to your feet. “Don’t listen to him, he’s just a stinky man,” you whispered to the plants and Aelin laughed at her husbands offended face.

You stood and started walking upstairs, your feet dragging as you went to get breakfast. You heard them follow you and you pushed open the door to your flat.

You had even more plants up here and Rowan rolled his eyes as you moved to open the large windows, letting in fresh air, you then moved about making pancakes, mixing enough for the three of you and adding blueberries when you were finished.

You cooked them up while chatting idly with Aelin and Rowan, only receiving a small amount of judgement when Aelin discovered you didn’t actually have a bed and instead just a mattress on the floor with a sheet for warmth and some soft pillows. Your house was newly decorated, art hung on the walls, plants and candles decorating every surface.

“Tea, coffee, water, vodka?” you offered them drinks and Aelin whined.

“No vodka, we had too much wine last night,” you laughed at that as you served up coffee and pancakes.

“Yeah we’ll have to go properly drinking some night,” you muttered, Rowan chuckling under his breath and nodding in agreement.

The three of you ate the rest of your food, laughing and joking together and Rowan really noticed the difference in Aelin’s manner. She hadn’t been truly comfortable or at ease in months, always looking over her shoulder, but now she sat laughing with her friend and Rowan wanted to thank you a million times over for bringing her back out of her shell.

--

Since you first met Aelin you were meeting up almost every day, discussing books over tea and hanging out at your shop, or drinking from expensive glasses in her castle while trying on elaborate dresses. Soon you were practically apart of the family, but that didn’t stop the confusion Fenrys felt when he walked into the castle and found a young girl sleeping on Aelins’ bed, a book opened but abandoned on her chest.

He tentatively walked forward so he could see her more clearly and felt his heart clench when his eyes fall upon her peaceful face, her eyes closed, and hair spread around her head like a halo. He was about to reach a hand out to brush a strand of hair from her soft hair when he heard the door open, turning to see Aelin run in, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

“Fenrys I didn’t know you were back,” she said when she pulled back, bouncing on the soles of her feet excitedly and he laughed.

“Are you going to explain why there’s a girl in your bed, or do I need to break some news to Rowan,” he joked and she shoved his shoulder before moving to the bed and shaking the girl awake.

“It’s just (y/n),” she explained as the girl huffed and rolled away from Aelin.

“Ah of course this person who I definitely knew existed,” Aelin stuck her finger up at him as he laughed, unable to stop his eyes from trailing back to her.

He watched as she breathed in deeply, her eyes opening slowly as she took him in, before she pulled her covers up to over her chin and frowned at him and Aelin with a small pout.

“I was having the best dream every asshole,” she complained and Fenrys smiled as she sat up on her elbows and reached a hand out to him to shake, introducing herself. He brushed the shake of and instead brought her hand to his mouth pressing a kiss to the back of it as sparks show through her skin at the sensation.

“I’m Fenrys, ambassador of Terrasen,” he smiled cheekily as she shrunk away slightly, nerves taking over her, “hope to see you around more.”

He left, pressing a quick kiss to Aelin’s temple, and winking at you as Aelin moved over to you with wide eyes.

“Aelin…” you started as she squealed.

“He was totally flirting with you! You would be such a cute couple, please, please ask him out I need you two to get married and have to worlds prettiest babies!” she was bouncing in hr seat as you moved to shut her up.

“Okay ONE, I just met him. And TWO, he was far too pretty for me,” you said and Aelin frowned.

“Nope, nope you are incorrect, and he is going to fall in love with you,” she demanded, and you laughed, kicking her with your foot.

“Mhm sure.”

--

The next few days, Fenrys was coming to your shop every day. He would bring chocolates and flowers some days, or coffee and pastries other days. Always dropping them off with a smile, before lounging in the plush, green chair in the corner of the shop and talking to you for hours. He has also started coming to your and Aelin’s weekly cocktail night, wrapping his arm around your shoulder’s and laughing drunkenly into your neck as you told stories.

However, through all this you remained ‘friends’. He would press kisses to your cheek and hands, keep an arm slung around your waist when men came to speak at you at bars and primarily referred to you using pet names and rarely ever your actual name. And it was getting frustrating.

You were having to start putting genuine effort to not kiss him every time you had a drink and he sat extra close to you. Or when you were invited to parties, and he moved smoothly through the countless questions asking if you were dating.

And while you revelled in the attention it was tearing at your heart slightly as insecurities told you that he would never actually be interested in you. You wanted to scream at him every time he kissed you but wanted to melt into him every time he hugged you, your brain constantly at battle with itself when he was near.

You knew you were due to explode any time soon. So when you were out one night and he was holding you extra close, you pulled away, muttering an excuse about getting another drink.

Standing at the bar as you waited you rested you head in your hands for a second before you saw a man begin to approach you. He was attractive, not like Fenrys, but honestly you would take anything to get your mind of him at the moment, so you smiled at him, tilting your head.

“What’s a doll like you doing all alone?” he asked, his voice rough and gravelly, unlike the smooth, deep timbre you were used to, but you just laughed.

“Waiting for a man to not dehumanise me,” you bit back, and he raised his hands sheepishly.

“Sorry about that, what would you prefer?” he flirted, sidling up closer to you as you turned to face him.

“Can’t go wrong with ma’am,” you joked, and he laughed, looking down and shaking his head, only to look back up, his eyes going wide. You felt a familiar hand wrap around your waist and looked up to see Fenrys, resisting the urge to roll your eyes as he glared at the man in front of you.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, his voice deep and full of authority, the man in front of you shrinking under his gaze.

“Shit sorry man, didn’t realise she had a boyfriend,” he apologised and this time you did roll your eyes.

“He’s not my-“ you began but Fenrys cut you off.

“Yeah she does, so back the fuck off.” You looked down as he spoke, shaking your head as tears of frustration built in your eyes. You harshly pulled out of his grip, leaving the bar as quickly as you could, wiping away the escaped tears as you heard Fenrys follow after you, shouting your name.

You whirled around when you got outside, your glare murderous.

“You do not get to do that!” you shouted as he moved closer to you.

“Sweetheart I’m sorry,” he began but you cut him off.

“NO! I am not your girlfriend! You have never once asked me to be so you don’t get to try scare away any guy that might have genuine interest in me!” his shoulders slumped as you spoke. Truthfully, he has been working up the courage to ask you out for months, and while he knew it was unfair how he treated you, he couldn’t help himself. He was addicted. He thought of you constantly, the texture of your skin, the smell of your hair, the way your eyes lit up and the way you moved your hands as you spoke. So when he saw you engage with the man that had the audacity to talk to you, his grip tightened on his glass so much it shattered, ignoring the worried looks from Aelin and Rowan as he stomped over to you.

“(y/n) listen, I’ve been an asshole I know,” he raised his hands, tentatively stepping towards you, “But I really care about you, and I want to be yours.”

You laughed bitterly, “You’re just saying that.”

He shook his head vehemently, stepping closer to you again and wrapping his arms around your shoulders so gently, one would think you were made of glass.

“I love you darling, please be mine,” he said into your hair, and you pulled back, looking up at him through glassy eyes before nodding slightly.

“I love you Fenrys,” he smiled down at you before leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss against your mouth, pouring his heart into the action. You gasped slightly as your lips met and he smiled widely against your mouth as the bond clicked into place.

“You know this means I now have an excuse to break the nose of any man that talks to you,” he whispered against your lips, and you giggled, shoving at his shoulder gently.

“I’m still annoyed at you,” you muttered, and his eyes darkened.

“Well I’m sure I can make it up to you.”

[jlalafics]

"Photograph"-a Royal!Everlark story

This was inspired by this prompt from @writing-prompt-s:

When you were seven, you held a fake wedding by the swings with a kid you met at the park. You never saw your childhood “spouse” again after that day. Today you received a letter summoning you to a foreign country… where your wedding to the heir to the throne twenty years ago is seen as valid.

This is totally unedited. Thank you to @sparklingdust4612 for bringing this prompt to my attention. Looking forward to everyone else's interpretations along with this one and the story by @jhsgf82!

I actually have more of this but I thought I'd show y'all a little bit of my interpretation of the above prompt.

****

We keep this love in a photograph

We made these memories for ourselves

Where our eyes are never closing

Hearts are never broken

And time's forever frozen, still…

-Ed Sheeran

Photograph

Katniss Everdeen loved building castles.

In the massive sandbox, she packed another bunch of sand into her bucket before placing it upside down to set. While waiting, Katniss imagined how she would decorate the inside of her palace, a delighted smile growing on her face as she thought of the possibilities.

First, the walls would all be yellow. Not the ugly yellow that looked like snot—but yellow like Prim’s, her baby sister, golden locks.

Yellow meant hope: that’s what Daddy always said.

Knocking on the sides of the bucket to loosen the sand like Mommy showed her, Katniss slowly lifted it revealing a perfect tower for her castle.

“Yes!” she hollered, jumping up in excitement.

Her eyes went to Mommy who was sitting on the bench across the way. She was talking to a pretty, yellow-haired woman with a big tummy. Prim was asleep in her stroller, her binky hanging from her mouth.

“Mommy!” Katniss rushed over, stopping just a scant from toppling over on the concrete. “Look! I’ve made the perfect tower!”

Her mother smiled proudly.

“That’s wonderful, Katniss.” She turned to the woman next to her. “My Katniss is always building and dreaming on how to make her perfect home. Her teachers tell me that she has such a creative mind for a seven-year-old.”

“How absolutely charming,” the woman responded kindly, a smile on her pink lips.

Katniss tilted her head at the sound of her voice. There was something different about the way the lady talked—the dips of it sounded strange—but still nice.

“Why do you sound like that?” she asked bluntly.

Her Mommy frowned. “Katniss Everdeen! Please apologize!” She looked to the woman once more. “I’m so sorry—”

“That’s perfectly alright,” the lady assured her. The pretty woman turned to Katniss. “I have a little bit of an accent because of where I’m from, that’s why my voice sounds different.”

Katniss nodded. “Okay, but it does sound nice…like a song!” She smiled. “What’s your name?”

The woman glowed like an angel. “My name is Marguerite.”

“Hello Miss Marguerite.” Katniss looked to where her sandcastle waited. “I better go before someone takes my stuff! Bye!”

Throwing a wave at the woman, she plopped back down onto her space in the sandbox ready to add some detailing to her newest tower—

The foot crushing her tower landed straight in the middle of it creating a space between each side.

Katniss fumed and her eyes went up to the blond-haired boy with the snooty face.

She stood, her hand slamming into his chest. “Hey! You destroyed my castle!”

The boy stared at her in shock. “No one ever touches me!”

“Until now—”

Katniss was suddenly blocked by another boy, tall and dark-skinned.

“No one touches his royal highness,” he declared, and the blond boy stuck his tongue at her.

Another boy, this one dark-haired and sharp-eyed, approached.

“Prince Peeta has decided that you will be his bride,” he stated with a scowl.

Katniss made a face, crossing her arms to show them how disgusting that sounded. “Gross.”

The so-called Prince Peeta walked over to her.

“As my bride, you can make as many sandcastles as you want,” he explained. “I’ll build a bigger sandbox than this for you!”

Something inside zinged at the thought. “Really?”

The boy shrugged. “Sure. Why not?”

Katniss eyed him suspiciously. “Why would you want to marry me anyway?”

Peeta shifted in his stance, the confidence in his blue eyes suddenly wavering. “I like your eyes.”

“My eyes?”

A rise of pink colored his cheeks. “They’re soft…and pretty.”

That had been it for her.

On that warm afternoon, by the swings of District 12’s only playground, Katniss Everdeen married the so-called Prince Peeta.

“You may now kiss the bride,” Gale, the dark-haired boy, said. He looked at Peeta, a teasing smile on his face. “Go on—kiss her!”

“Close your eyes,” Peeta told her.

Katniss, wearing her paper towel veil courtesy of the park’s public bathroom, did what he said and closed her eyes.

SPLAT!

She barely registered being shoved down into the muddy puddle.

Katniss looked up at the sneering boy, feeling the rise of anger in her body.

“That’s what you get for pushing me.”

++++++

Twenty years later…

“Katniss.” She looked up from laptop to find Prim at her open doorway. Her sister held out a Fed-Ex envelope. “This just came for you.”

Without even glancing at it, Katniss tossed the envelope on her bed, going back to the open page on her screen.

“Don’t you want to open it?” Prim stepped into the room and plopped onto the bed, picking the post up to examine it. “It looks important.”

“Probably one of those things saying that I’m eligible for another credit card.” Katniss frowned, sitting back, and staring at the blinking cursor. “I’m so stuck on this blog post!”

“Is this the one about kitchen flowers?” her sister asked, and she nodded. “You got some great pictures from Madge’s shop.”

“I know but my writing inspiration is zilch,” Katniss explained. “I need to get this done if I want to post by Mother’s Day.”

“Speaking of Mother’s Day, mom is wondering if you’re bringing anyone to Sunday dinner,” Prim informed her.

“I love our mother but lately every conversation we’ve had is either about my lack of a dating life or my withering eggs,” Katniss said. “Right now, I need to focus on getting more attention on the blog. It’s just gaining momentum!” She rested back and turned to her sister. “This is important to me.”

“I know,” Prim replied. “And you are good at it. I mean, look at what you’ve done to our apartment! To this room!”

Her sister’s bright blue eyes looked around the buttercream room, beautifully decorated with white-washed furniture. The console that her television sat atop was bought at a nearby thrift shop and refurbished by her. Katniss had sanded it down before putting a whitewash over it and adding lacquer to give it a more modern look.

In fact, most of the furniture in her and Prim’s apartment was completely refurbished by her. She had always had an eye for decorating and instead of going to a four-year college, Katniss had opted to go to design school.

Creating something new from what people considered junk gave her a special kind of thrill—almost akin to being in love.

At least that’s what she thought it might feel like.

“Whoa!”

Katniss whipped over to her sister—who was holding an unfolded paper in her hands.

She stood from her seat and went to Prim. “What?”

Wordlessly, Prim handed the piece to her—it was a letter.

The letter was on marbled paper, an elegant insignia atop it, and she could see that the elegant calligraphy was done by hand:

Dear Miss Everdeen,

You are hereby summoned to the kingdom of Panem to present yourself to His Royal Highness, King Peeta.

Photo documentation has validified that you are the Queen Consort to His Royal Highness.

Attached is my business card, please contact me to arrange your travel to Panem.

Respectfully,

The Rt. Hon. Effie Trinket

Private Secretary to His Royal Highness

“This is a joke!” Katniss tossed the letter onto her desk and laughed. “Photo documentation? There is no such thing—”

The laugh fell from her lips as Prim turned the FedEx envelope upside down and a single photo fell onto her bedspread.

“There’s a business card in here, too,” Prim told her carefully.

Walking over, Katniss could see that the photo was facedown.

Trembling, she picked the print up and read the elegant cursive atop it:

‘Peeta and his new bride, Katniss Everdeen!’

Next to the caption was a happy face; it was obvious that this statement was made in jest.

Turning the photograph, a wave of nausea hit seeing the image of her seven-year-old self, a paper towel veil atop her head, joining hands with a blond boy—

Prince Peeta.

Or to be more precise, His Royal Highness King Peeta of Panem.

[ragingbookdragon]

The Beds We’ve Made Final Part

Kurt x De Sardet

Word Count: 2,440 Warnings: None

Author’s Note: Oh look at that, I’ve finished a WIP while undergoing a midlife crisis! Enjoy! -Thorne

           It wasn’t real, he told himself. The annoying sensation of his heart fluttering in his chest when he caught sight of her. Or heard her voice. Or her laugh. It wasn’t real when he watched her explode with glee when she saw the Naut walking their way, Síora and Aphra in tow. And it certainly wasn’t real when he saw her throw her arms around the young captain’s neck, expressing her relief at his recovery.

           Oh, but it was real. That vine of thorns that slunk in his chest, curling tighter and tighter around his heart until the sight of it became too painful to watch and he had to avert his gaze for fear of making a fool of himself—and embarrassing her. That was the last thing he wanted, for De Sardet to be ashamed of herself because of him. And that seemed to knock all the air from his lungs, leaving him breathless in the face of his truth.

           What did he have to compare to Vasco? Sure, they both lowborn, excluding the whole ‘Vasco’s-Actually-A-Noble’ thing, but the Naut had status. And with his loyalty restored in his guild, it meant he had power. Kurt had no doubt that the Naut would come out a commander before his thirty-fifth year—it was only a matter of time. But what could Kurt offer De Sardet that would make even a smidge of a difference when you compared him to Vasco? Hell, he didn’t even have a childhood to possibly reminisce happily about. He spent his life fulfilling contract after contract, coin purse after coin purse. Where was his honor? Where was the life he could give her? Of happiness? Of joy? Where was—

           “Kurt!”

           An almost painful grip had settled onto his bicep and, curse himself, he startled like a doe in a clearing. His head shot up, eyes wide as he gaped at the very woman he drug himself for, her own gaze slightly worried.

           “What?” he dumbly blurted out, quickly darting his eyes to the other members of their troupe, all staring back at him with cocked brows.

           De Sardet pulled away and he missed the warmth already. “I was calling for you and you weren’t responding.” Her gaze narrowed. “Are you well?”

           He felt foolish. The type of foolish that made his skin crawl and itchy, and he cleared his throat, forcing himself not to flush.

           “I’m fine,” he nodded. “I was lost in thought.”

           Gauging her reaction, Kurt knew that she wanted to keep asking to be sure, so he offered her a smile. Or at least he thought he did. He was sure it was more of a grimace.

           “Really, your excellency,” he said, tightening his voice with, “I’m fine.”

           By the way her eyebrow arched, he knew that she didn’t believe a word that came out of is mouth, but the forceful remark made her tip her head in acknowledgement and she glanced back at Vasco.

           “Well, they were going to the tavern in celebration of Vasco’s recovery.” Meeting his steely gaze, she added, “I was going to join them after seeing Constantin, but if you’d rather go with them, I understand.”

           For a moment, he briefly considered it. Getting drunk would happen a lot faster if she weren’t there to start it. But then again, he was a jealous, envious, and greedy son of a bitch, and any moment he could soak up her presence without the threat of someone else taking her away from him was a moment he was going to covet like it was the rarest of jewels.

           He cleared his throat. “I’ll come with you.” The others chuckled and he griped, “Someone might try to hurt you.”

           De Sardet snorted as she waved the others off and started up the stairs. “Oh please. We both know I can take care of myself.”

           “Be that as it may, I’m still your bodyguard.” And before he could shut his mouth, he grunted, “And the one who pays me.”

           She didn’t turn around, and she didn’t have to for him to know that his remark upset her. The way her shoulders set, and her chin tilted up told him otherwise.

           They entered the palace and he murmured, “That was unworthy of me. I apologize.”

           De Sardet heaved a sigh and shrugged. “It is what it is.”

           Nearing the throne room, he felt a shift growing between them and before he could help himself, Kurt reached out and grasped her elbow, stopping her in her tracks. She didn’t pull away, which relieved him more than he cared to admit, but the suspicious look on her face made his stomach roll uncomfortably and he realized that it would appear badly for them if someone saw them—fuck it, he didn’t care anymore.

           “I didn’t mean that Lady De Sardet. Not in the slightest.”

           She shook her head. “I told you Kurt, it is what it is.” Tipping her head to the door, she added, “We need to see Constantin. Can we talk about this lat—”

           “We’re gonna talk about it now.” He interrupted, grip tightening ever so slightly on her arm, and he watched the pride swim in her gaze, daring him to try to change her mind.

           “And if I say no?” De Sardet challenged coolly, eyes narrowing into a heatless glare.

           Kurt leaned close until they were nose to nose. “I’m afraid that’s not an option, my lady,” he murmured.

           They stared one another down for a minute, neither willing to give on their stance until she huffed and shook him off.

           “Fine,” she agreed. “Let’s go to the residence then.”

           And suddenly Kurt felt his hands start sweating as she passed him by, marching towards the doors, leaving him in the dust.

***

           It wasn’t the first time he’d been in her bedroom. And shit, saying that made him feel dirty, like some type of lecherous peeping Tom. While all of the times he’d ever been in her room had been to roll her out of bed and to practice, there’d never been any type of emotion between them—other than her absolute loathing at being woken up by the smug mercenary.

           But now? Now they’d been dancing around one another with thinly, very thinly, veiled innuendoes. And sharing tents. They’d shared a goddamn tent and Kurt didn’t sleep a wink that night because every time she brushed up against him in her sleep, his heart hammered like a blacksmith was pounding it with a mallet, and a warmth split his gut in two that made his face burn with embarrassment.

           And she didn’t even notice. Not then, and certainly not now as she busied herself with pulling off her fancy gray tricorn, setting it aside before moving on to the weapons belts. Each undoing made Kurt’s heart skip just a bit faster and when she finally pulled the armored coat off, she glanced back at him with a funny look.

           “Kurt?” she called. “Are you going to take off your armor?”

           “My—my armor?” his tongue felt heavy in his mouth and she nodded.

           “You can’t exactly sit comfortably with a great sword attached to your back,” she explained, and he watched her as she began to shift the cushions around on the floor, just against the trunk at the foot of her bed.

           “I’d also assume that clunky armor isn’t comfortable to sit in.” She shoved at him playfully as she moved around her room, grabbing a bottle of wine.

           Somehow, Kurt managed to make his hands move and his fingers to undo the belts holding his sword and armor in place. It left him in his tunic and leather pants, and he lent the gear up beside the doorway and when he turned, she was already perched on the pillows, reclining back.

           “Sit with me,” she said, waving him over and he walked on less-clumsy feet to her, taking the seat beside her. He grunted as his knees popped and she giggled. “Old much?”

           “I am not old,” he retorted indignantly, swiping the bottle from her to uncork it and take a swig. “I’m in my prime, thank you very much.”

           “Oh ho?” De Sardet countered, then took back the bottle and gestured around them. “And the silence outside that I’m hearing is obviously your suitors waiting for you to lay them, hmm?”

           A grin came across her lips at his pinched expression and she took a drink, then passed the bottle back. And a silence fell over them for a while as they simply drank with one another.

           “You know,” she started after a time. “It is surprising that you never married, Kurt.”

           He almost choked on the wine going down. Almost. Meeting her gaze, he questioned, “Why’s that?”

           De Sardet shrugged, explaining, “Well, you wer—are young and strong. I always assumed you’d find a wife in Serene.”

           “I would’ve, but I had to royal greenies to raise,” he teased, nudging her in the ribs. He wasn’t drunk enough to not control his actions, but just tipsy enough to loosen his lips and his feelings. Thank the gods, because if they’d tried to talk while he wasn’t buzzed, he’d have spluttered like a pierced hose.

           “Oh piss,” she laughed. “Constantin and I knew how to take care of ourselves even without weapons protection.” Turning, she cocked her elbow on the trunk and peered at him with amusement.

           “Tell me honestly, Kurt. Why didn’t you ever marry and settle down? Haven’t you always wanted a family? Or at least some semblance of it that wasn’t the guard?”

           Her questions dug deep, deeper than he wanted to go into his own heart. Of course, he wanted that. He wanted that more than anything now that his worst nightmare was burned away…but only if it was with her. His mouth was moving before he could shut it.

           “Only if you’re the one I do it with,” he confessed and his mouth snapped shut when her eyes widened, shock splattering across her face.

           “What?” De Sardet whispered, and he wasn’t sure if she wanted him to repeat it because she hadn’t heard or if she did and she wanted him to say it again.

           “I—” he started, then shook his head. This was a bad idea. “It was nothing. A slip of the tongue.” Kurt turned away, but stopped when her hand caught his chin, turning him back towards her.

           “My lady, I—”

           “Do you mean that Kurt?” she asked quietly and one look into her unfathomable gaze had him sinking deeper and deeper.

           “Yes,” he breathed, trying to ignore the way her touch burned him alive, all in the best way. “I…I know that I was your Master-At-Arms all this time, and you were young then, and I didn’t think anything of you.”

           De Sardet huffed slightly. “Ouch.”

           Kurt chuckled, then his smile fell as he admitted, “But now, Lady De Sardet…you have become a beautiful and wonderful woman. A woman that any man would be lucky to even be in the presence of.”

           His icy gaze searched hers. “Everything that I want, everything that you said…a wife…a family…I want that, but only if it means that you’re the one beside me.” He reached up and cupped her cheek. “I—I love you, Lady De Sardet.”

           For a moment, she didn’t speak, and for a brief moment, Kurt wondered if he’d spilled his guts only for her to hand them back in disgust. Until of course her hand covered the one at her cheek and her eyes crinkled with mirth in the way that set his soul aflame.

           “See, that wasn’t so hard now was it, Kurt?” she grinned, pulling away to rise to her feet. De Sardet spun and held out a hand, and when he took it, she hauled him to his feet, enjoying the way his arms automatically wound around her.

           “Was this a test, my lady?” he mused, and she shrugged.

           “I don’t know, maybe?” her nonchalance made him chuckle and he bent down to capture her lips, only to be stopped by a pointer finger and a cocked brow.

           “Uh…”

           “Magic phrase?” she whispered sweetly, and Kurt smirked.

           “May I get into your knickers, please?”

           De Sardet swatted at his chest in anger, though laughter peeled from her all the same.

           “Oh you—you—you!”

           “You what?” he retorted, twirling them around to near the bed.

           “You are such a ma--AN!” De Sardet cried when her knees hit the bed and she tumbled back onto the sheets, landing with an ‘oof’. Suddenly a weight was on her and she looked up, seeing Kurt smiling down at her.

           “You didn’t say the magic phrase,” she pouted, and he leaned down, pressing his lips to her forehead.

           “I love you,” he murmured, pulling back to meet her eyes once more.

           De Sardet felt a flush crawl under her skin and she grumbled, “Well, it was ‘may I please kiss you?’, but this works too.”

           Kurt chuckled. “Good to know…but I have to ask…do you love me too?”

           She stared at him. “Do you think I’d’ve let you into my bedroom if I didn’t?”

           He shook his head. “I wanna hear you say it.”

           “Is that a command, Captain Kurt?” she purred, sliding her thigh up between his legs in a way that made him let out a throat growl.

           “It’s going to be if you keep that up,” he countered lowly and she grinned wickedly.

           “In that case…” he barely got a word in before she shoved him over and straddled his hips, enjoying the crimson that spread across his cheeks when he gaped up at her.

           She placed her hands on his chest and stared at him for a moment, innocently murmuring, “I do love you, Kurt. Very much so.” Her eyes took on a sad tone. “Which is why when you didn’t tell me about the coup…I was so hurt.”

           His face fell and he sighed. “If I could go back in time, I would tell you everything, my lady.”

           De Sardet shifted slightly and motioned for him to sit up. When he did, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

           “Promise me that you’ll never hide another secret from me.” Tilting her head, she added, “And I will promise the same to you. Every inch of my soul will be exposed to you.”

           Kurt couldn’t agree fast enough. “I promise. I promise my loyalty and truth to you. For all of time,” he vowed, and she smiled, pressing her forehead to his.

           “And I you, my love.”

[raviotherabbit]

royal pain in the ass - chapter 7

Chapter 7: Era of Force Princess Zelda heads to the forge.

[first] - [previous] - [next] read it on ao3!

  △ ▲△

“Is the peppermint tea alright?” Zelda asked her companion sitting across from her on the picnic blanket. “I thought we’d try something a bit more herbal this time.”

“It’s lovely, thank you,” Hyrule smiled at her past his cup. “In fact, I’m tempted to start growing peppermint myself.”

Ever since she found out the Hero of Hyrule liked tea, Zelda had begun setting aside certain flavors for him to taste whenever he visited. Though he was older than the two of them, he reminded her a bit of Link just a year or so ago. A bit brash, always buzzing back and forth… they both needed to be reminded when to relax.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Zelda responded. She sips at her own tea, deeply sighing as its warmth settles in her stomach.

What a beautiful day…

“Excuse me, Princess Zelda?”

Looking up from her drink, Zelda was a bit surprised to see the Hero of Warriors. He stood above the two picnickers, ignoring how Hyrule’s gaze narrowed on him.

“Why, hello hero!” Zelda happily lifted her teapot to show to the captain. “Would you like to join us? Today’s choice is peppermint.”

“Maybe some other time,” Warriors waved the pot away. “I had some questions about the castle’s security.”

Subtly, Zelda met eyes with Hyrule. His lips were pressed together tightly, and his grip on his teacup seemed almost desperate. But the moment he saw her, she swore he forced himself to act natural.

“Go ahead, Princess,” he hesitantly nodded. He brushed himself off before he started to head towards the castle gate. “I need to stock up on potions in town, anyway. We can talk more later.”

“If you’re sure,” Zelda stood, taking Warriors’ nervous hand into her own. “Come with me, brave knight.”

Wordlessly, Warriors allowed himself to be guided into the castle. Zelda looked back towards the gate one last time. Despite his words, Hyrule was still there, leaning against the stone.

Then the door closed.

One step at a time, Zelda walked Warriors through the castle’s defenses. The armory, the barracks, even the throne room. But wherever they went, it seemed the hero grew even more nervous. He eyed the knights with suspicion as they passed by, and every time Zelda looked at him, he was even more fidgety than before.

But there was no reason to suspect Warriors of any ill intent. He’d been nice on all of the Links’ previous visits. Better than nice, really. Always courteous, opening doors ahead of her, even joining in with ribbing Four a bit. So if he was a bit nervous about her safety, Zelda would do anything to assuage those fears.

“You’re kind for your concern,” Zelda told Warriors, leading him into one of the empty banquet halls. “But we’re safe here. With Vaati sealed, there’s no longer any threat to Hyrule.”

“What about threats from within Hyrule?” Warriors asked the second they were alone.

Zelda couldn’t but gasp at the accusation. “Are you speaking of traitors?”

“Soldiers can be… easily manipulated,” Warriors explained warily. “It’s happened before, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, we… we did have an issue with mind control,” Zelda admitted with a frown. “But again, Vaati is gone for good. None of our soldiers will harm us.”

“What if… what if it wasn’t just any soldier?” There was a paranoid gleam to his eyes. “What if it was someone you know?”

Warriors was taller than Zelda, that was true. But the wrath of a princess is not feared just for her height. Zelda’s hands tightened into fists, and Warriors almost seemed to cower from her rage. “Just what are you suggesting, hero?”

His shock wore off, and Warriors righted himself again with the rigid composure of a knight. “If Four turned his blade against you, what would you do?”

“Stop!” Zelda commanded, silencing him with a single pointed finger. “Don’t speak of my four that way. He… none of them would ever do that!”

“But what if he did?!” Warriors suddenly grabbed onto her arm with a vice-like grip. “Can you honestly say that you would fight against him?!”

Zelda yanked against his hand. “Let go! Let go of me!”

“Stop it!”

There, silhouetted by the hallway’s light, was Hyrule. He rushed past the doorway, shoving Warriors away from the princess.

“Wars, you need to control yourself!” Hyrule shouted. “What’s wrong with you?! Why are you all acting like this!?!”

Warriors blinked is confusion, as if waking up from a dream. He spotted Zelda, helplessly clutching to her aching arm behind Hyrule.

“I didn’t mean…” he started, but his words drifted away.

“Just go,” Hyrule sighed as he dropped his head into his hands.

Stunned into silence, Warriors left before Zelda could stop him, scattering as quickly as he could and leaving the door open.

“I’m so sorry, Princess,” Hyrule turned to her. “I knew he was acting off, but I didn’t think… Anyway, are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” she said breathlessly. The light spilling in from the door only twisted her stomach further. “I’m fine.”

  △ ▲△

With her head held high and her steps confident, Princess Zelda Lucille Hyrule passes through the town gates.

“Princess!” one of the guards shouts after her. “It’s dangerous to go alone! Let us come with you!”

“I’m just going to visit Smith!” Zelda calls back, keeping up her quick pace. “I’ll be back before you know it!”

The soldier says something, probably about her father or the minister. But to be honest, Zelda couldn’t care less. A little time out of the city could never hurt, after all, and someone has to check in on the old man.

Once she’s out of hearing range of the guards, Zelda takes in a deep breath. The morning air is still fresh, a bit of a chill hanging onto it. It’s the perfect day to spend out in the world, not cooped up in the castle.

The walk to Link and Smith’s house is rather short. Zelda lightly knocks on the door, pushing it open as she does so.

“Smith? Are you home?”

But when she peeks inside, Zelda’s surprised to find she’s not Smith’s only visitor today. There are five girls seated around the room, Smith delicately balancing glasses of water as he delivers them to his guests.

“Princess!” Smith grins when he sees her at the door. All eyes turn towards Zelda, embarrassingly enough. “Come in! You’re right on time.”

“Uh, who are all these people?” Zelda asks, slowly stepping into the humble home.

“Friends of Link! They just stopped by asking about him, so I thought I’d offer the poor things some hospitality,” Smith moves behind her, guiding her to one of the chairs by her shoulders. “How’s your arm feeling, by the way?”

“I’m fine, not even sore anymore!” Zelda waves her arm up and down to demonstrate. She eyes the two ladies across from her, one in a simple pink dress and the other in a long black cloak. “So, you all know Link.”

“Well, we know the Links!” one of the girls sitting against the wall, wearing bright blue, amends, putting emphasis on the ‘s’.

“Plural,” her short friend with the bandana clarifies.

“And you,” the cloaked one leans forward, folding her hands on the table. “You’re Princess Zelda.”

“Yes, I am,” Zelda’s eyes narrow at the strangers around her. This has got to be the most suspicious way she’s ever been approached by potential crooks, that’s for sure.

“Well then,” the tallest one, wearing light pink, pushes herself up from the floor. “Welcome to the club.”

  △ ▲△

Of course, once they explain the situation to Dot, she sweetens right up. Her suspicious glares and crossed arms melt away, and by the time they’ve stayed their welcome at Smith’s home, she’s walking in tandem with Tetra along that path back to town, all while Flora takes notes in her journal.

“So, you and your Link have known each other for quite a while,” Flora remarks as Dot finishes a story about the time Four lost his first tooth. He’d cried so hard that day, the whole town was complaining. But in hindsight, it’s incredibly funny.

“We’ve been friends since we were kids,” Dot explains, a fond smile on her face. “His grandfather is friends with my father, and his dad is one of the kingdom’s best knight’s. We’ve always known each other.”

“That must be nice,” Flora comments, speaking as she writes. “I didn’t meet Wild until we were twelve, and it was a bit of a rough start.”

“Yeah, well, Wind I met two years ago,” Tetra chimes in. “But unlike Four, I don’t think he grew up out of his crybaby phase.” She snickers to herself. “Still my best friend, though.”

“Oh, same here,” Flora twirls her pen.

Dot giggles. “Ditto.”

“When was the last time you saw them?” Dusk suddenly asks from the back of the group.

When Dot turns back, Dusk has stopped in her tracks. There’s something about the way she looks at her, desperation mixed with something else. Regret? Guilt?

“It’s been about two months,” Dot reveals. She looks to the one of them standing next to Dusk, Artemis, concern clear on her face. “Your hero is Warriors, right?”

Artemis startles, perhaps a bit shocked by the shift of conversation. “Y-yes,” she confirms.

“Well, he was-” Dot suddenly glances down, fidgeting with her hands. “He- Did you see him after me? Because he seemed very upset, so I was wondering if-”

“Woah, hold on,” Artemis interrupts. “He was upset?”

“Paranoid, more like,” she amends. “He wanted to know about the castle’s security, he was convinced that… that Four would turn on me.”

Artemis gasps, covering her mouth with a hand. “His paranoia came back?”

Flora gently closes her book, moving to place a hand on her fellow queen’s shoulder. “Artemis, are you alright?”

But before Artemis can respond, someone else speaks.

“Sky was also acting strange, when I saw him,” Tetra says.

Suddenly, all of the group’s attention is focused squarely on the pirate, particularly Sun, whose eyes are wide.

“What?” Sun questions. “Something’s wrong with my Link?”

Tetra snaps suddenly. “Oh, he’s yours! I’m not the best at keeping track of all these guys.”

“Tetra, now isn’t the time,” Flora reminds her.

“Right, right,” Tetra leans back on her left foot. “Well, I found him all alone, and he asked me about the flooding… About who died when it happened.” She sighs. “Called it the legacy he’d left the world, shamed the faith the people had in the Goddesses.”

“He… what?” Sun brings a hand to her forehead. “He said that?”

“Twilight was also angry, when I last saw him,” Dusk reveals abruptly. “He… he snapped at me, said that protecting Hyrule had always fallen to him when I should have… But we-we’ve talked about it before, I don’t know why he…”

A deafening silence hangs over all of them. After so long, so much work to get close to normal again, Warriors was somehow convinced once again that there was a traitor around every corner. Sky, always so brave, so dedicated, now believed that faith in the Goddesses could only bring sorrow. And Twilight, the loyal farmer, who’d always listened to his friends, used words spoken in confidence against Dusk.

What had happened to their boys?

  △ ▲△

After so long on the road, being welcomed to Hyrule Castle feels like a dream. Nice soft beds, clean clothes, and the first bath Flora’s had in a week at this point. The grime of seawater and city filth washed away like nothing. Afterwards, she sat on her bed in one of the castle’s guest rooms. It’s much smaller than she expected, in fact, she and Artemis would be sharing a room. It reminds her a bit of their first night together, back in the Era of the Sky.

Idly, Flora doodles in her journal. Silent Princesses have always been her favorite, and their curled leaves and five petals are practically engrained in her mind with how much she draws them. One hundred years ago, whenever she was stressed, it was always these small sketches that helped calm her.

Flora’s stomach twists, the deep dread from before their arrival to the castle returning. So far, none of them had mentioned Wild, but if something had happened to her dear hero again…

So she writes it in her journal. Everything she knows, from what Dusk, Tetra, and Dot have shared. She may not know what’s wrong, but for Hylia’s sake, she’s a researcher. If anyone’s equipped for putting mysteries together, it’s her.

Luckily, just as she finishes her writing, the door creaks open. Artemis steps in, her hair damp from her own bath. She’s wearing a robe the castle staff so nicely provided.

“Artemis,” Flora smiles. “Thank goodness you’re here. I’m going to figure this out.”

“Oh, are you?” Artemis quips, though she’s missing some of her spark.

“I’ve just finished writing my own account of the last time I saw the Links,” she taps her journal. “And we know that you saw them next. So-” she pats the spot on the bed next to her. “Tell me everything that happened. Leave out no details.”

Artemis’s smile is weak, maybe even a bit forced. But she sits down by Flora’s side anyway.

“Alright,” she says. “Their portal appeared in the courtyard, early in the morning…”

  △ ▲△

By dinnertime, Flora has managed to collect a statement from everyone she has available.

Flora (me) -Last saw the Links 3 months ago. -The Links spent an afternoon at Hyrule Castle. -Four and Legend were allowed to investigate the library, but to be careful. -Wild and Wind took a trip into town. -Twilight was concerned Wild would get into trouble, but I told him they’d be fine. I got some drinks for us, and I asked him about his time period (refer to prior notes). Same questions were asked of Warriors later. -I’m not sure where Time, Sky, and Hyrule were. -Everyone left before the evening. Wild said goodbye, promised to let me know as soon as he returned.

Artemis (Era of Warriors) -Last saw the Links 2.5 months ago. -Heroes went through a portal right into the castle courtyard. Artemis let them know they were welcome to explore Hyrule Castle and the town. -Wild wandered off with Sky and Legend, though Artemis noted he was leading that pack. -Warriors brought Wind to visit some of his fellow soldiers he hadn’t seen in a while. -Time came to her with concerns about group morale, so she suggested spending time with some of their loved ones (including the Zeldas! This bodes well for future statements). -They left the next morning. Other than Time, nothing seemed off. -Artemis wants it known that their army has had troubles with traitors in the past. This caused much paranoia for Warriors for quite some time, but she was sure he’d worked past it by the time he began travelling with the heroes.

Sun (Era of the Skies) -Last saw the Links a little more than 2 months ago. -Arrived at the Sealed Temple late in the day. Sun and others helped make them feel comfortable (classic Skyloft hospitality), they let most of them sleep in the temple that night. Sky slept in Sun’s tent. -They were all very tired from traveling, so she didn’t see a lot of them. -Sun found Legend staring up at the Goddess Statue. He was wondering what the point was of defeating evil if it always rose again. Sun told him a story about the First Hero (reminder: ask for THAT later), which seemed to calm his nerves. (Is this strange for him?)

Dusk (Era of Twilight) -Last saw the Links less than 2 months ago. -Four told her at some point before arriving, Legend said something rude and Twilight had to tackle Wild to stop him from pouncing on his fellow hero. -At the castle, Four made a comment about the armaments available to the guards. Something about this made Twilight explode, saying how they couldn’t even protect the castle. He turned on Dusk, asking why she couldn’t have stopped the Twili invasion on her own. She tried to reason with him, but he stormed off. -Dusk took Four to the armory to try and calm him down. He noted that all of them seemed to be tense. -The next day, Time went to Ordon Village (Twilight’s hometown) to look for him. The rest of the Links followed in the afternoon.

Tetra (Era of the Great Sea) -Last saw the Links 1.5 months ago. -They were staying on Outset Island (Wind’s hometown), so Tetra decided to drop anchor and spend some time with Wind. They were there for several days. -Wind was excited to see Tetra. He babbled on and on about his adventures with the heroes. She asked if he’s done any exploring, and he said he had in Wild’s time. Got very quiet. -One the second morning, she found Sky alone in the woods of the island. He asked her about the flooding that created the Great Sea and wanted to know how many lives were lost. He was dismayed by the “legacy [he] left the world”, wondering what faith brought the people.

Dot (Era of Force) -Last saw the Links about a month ago. -They were only passing through the area. Four and some of the others had stayed back at his house to talk to Smith. -Over time, Dot has made friends with Hyrule. Apparently they both like tea a lot. -While she and Hyrule were having a picnic, Warriors approached with questions about the castle’s security. Hyrule said he’d go get supplies and catch up with her later. -After Dot showed how secure the castle was, Warriors began questioning the procedures for traitors (see Artemis’s statement). He then asked what she would do if Four betrayed her. -This part, Dot has asked me not to share with Artemis: Warriors grabbed onto her arm with enough force to hurt her. The bruise lasted for quite some time. -Hyrule suddenly appeared and stopped Warriors, asking what was wrong with him. Dot thinks he implied there was something wrong with the others, too. Warriors left, seeming confused. -Four came to visit with Wind, later, to say goodbye. She didn’t mention the incident to him.

Several red flags stand out to Flora. The first being Time noticing tension amongst the group. If their issues started small and built their way up, then perhaps what he saw were the beginnings of whatever happened to him. He’s not specific, though, about where their problems were originating from, much to Flora’s dismay, but whatever happened must have been not long after they left her castle.

Sky was definitely acting strangely, but truthfully, Flora has no idea if Legend’s actions were out of character. She can only hope they’ll make it to his time soon, so she can ask his Zelda herself.

By the time they visited Dusk, though, there was clearly something wrong. Wild apparently almost physically attacked Legend at some point, which Flora can barely believe. Wild would never hurt his fellow Hylian, let alone another hero. And Twilight’s respect for his queen apparently going out the window? What was up with that?

If what Artemis says is to be believed, though, Warriors has regressed. He’s lost a lot of the progress he made towards himself after the War Across the Ages. If he’s so out of line, Flora can only imagine what’s happening to the rest of them.

Flora’s stomach grumbles loudly. Right, dinner is soon. A full stomach will definitely help her thinking, and Dot already made the rounds to let everyone know her father will be attending. Whether he knows anything or not, she has about a million questions to ask him anyway.

Closing her book, Flora carries it with her to the dining hall.

  △ ▲△

The whole world, all of it, is coated in shadows. They hang from the sky like drapes, and never before has Zelda felt more alone.

“Link?” she calls out to the darkness, raising her torch just a bit higher. “Link, are you there?”

WIth her limited light, she almost runs right into a small statue. It comes up to Zelda’s hip, depicting a bird with its wings outstretched. But the top of its head is caved in, revealing a pile of kindling.

Right, it’s a torch.

Zelda lights the bird torch, which does nothing but provide a little more light. Perhaps on a whim, she decides to follow its directions, walking where its beak points.

“Link?” she shouts again. “Please, answer me!”

Again, Zelda comes upon another bird torch. And another, and another. Each time she finds one, she lights it, and she changes her path to follow its point. In the back of her mind, she remembers an old fairytale about finding your way back home.

As she travels more and more through this darkness, Zelda can see other things as well. Just on the edges of her torchlight, there are ruins. Buildings, torn apart or decayed, suffocated by the pervasive shadows. But she can’t stray from her path, not now.

Then, her light finds someone.

“Link?” Zelda asks. “Link, is that you?”

When he turns to her, Zelda is relieved. It’s Link, it really is! They can go home now, together, and-

The torch’s light gleams against the Master Sword. Blood drips from its hilt.

“Link, what did you do?” Zelda demands.

He says nothing, just takes a step closer. In fear and betrayal, Zelda steps back.

“Stop it,” Zelda says shakily. “Link, I’m warning you.”

Link still doesn’t respond. He darts towards her, raising the sword in a swift motion, and Zelda-

And Artemis wakes up in bed, gasping for air.

  △ ▲△

There’s one last thing Dot wants to do before she leaves with her fellow queens and princesses. A job that’s all hers, as Princess of Hyrule, and one she wants to make sure is done before she’s away for who knows how long.

“You’ve all met my Link,” Dot explains to the group as they make their way through the woods. Her pack is already full, “And you’ve seen his sword, the Four Sword.”

“It’s a remarkable blade,” Dusk comments. “From the legends I’ve heard, it could give the Master Sword a run for its money.”

Sun humphs at that, crossing her arms and sticking her chin up.

“Not as you’ve seen it,” Dot reveals. Just then, they come across an old stone sanctuary, with pillars standing proud. Everything is covered in moss and vines, except for one item. At the center of it all is a sword, its hilt gleaming a pure white.

“The Four Sword that my Four carries is a fake,” Dot continues. “A recreation, with the power Four needed after his journey. This is the real Four Sword.”

“Oh, wow!” Flora marvels at the blade. “I can’t believe it! To see such a historical artifact up close like this…”

Dot tugs on her cloak, stopping her from running. “I’m only here to check on the seal,” she states with exasperation. “We don’t want to disturb Vaati, now, do we?”

“Oh, don’t we?”

As the Zeldas were distracted, none of them noticed the shadows behind the Four Sword twisting and gaining shape. The being behind the sword was a perfect facsimile of Link, but with pure red eyes and darkness all over his body.

“Shadow?” Dot can’t help herself but reach out. “Is that-?”

Tetra suddenly grabs onto her shoulder, pulling her back. “Whoever you think that is, Princess, you’re mistaken. He’s no friend.”

Of course, Tetra’s right. Shadow never had such malice in his eyes, and he would certainly never hover over Vaati’s seal like that.

“I’m hurt, Princess,” Dark Link fakes a pout. “I’ve always been a friend to her grace.”

He turns to Sun, a wicked grin suddenly on his face.

“Isn’t that right, Hylia?”

All eyes turn to Sun. The progenitor of their bloodline, the founder of their kingdom. The first Queen of Hyrule.

The… Goddess Hylia?

Flora is finally the first one to speak. “What?”

[sherrybaby14]

Thor’s Kitten

Request:  Hi can I request a dark!thor fic? Something where reader falls asleep in his bed(I imagine it’s the biggest and most comfy and unused cuz it’s Thor). She doesn’t know he’s coming tho and when he finds her he thinks she’s like a welcome back gift. So he uses her until she wakes up. Thank you!

Warnings: Rough sex, Dark!Thor,  Non-con (Please do not read if this offends you), turns into dub con.  

Pairing:  Thor x reader

Words:  2500

A/N:  this is FILTHY!!

It was a stupid chore.  Changing the linens on every royal’s room in the palace even if they hadn’t slept there the night before.  Here you found yourself changing the sheets on Prince Thor’s bed for the twelfth day in a row when he was no where to be found, probably fighting some important battle.  You doubted he was even on Asgard.  

You dropped the clean set of sheets on the chair next to the bed and looked at the flawless mattress.  The gold and red comforter and satin pillow cases looked so inviting.   It was large enough you had to get on your knees and crawl across the thing to get the linens down so you were aware how soft it was.  

A yawn left your mouth.  This was your final task of the day.  You looked down at your blue dress.  You were leaving here to meet up with friends and already changed out of the maid’s uniform.  Managed to freshen up your hair and makeup too.    

You changed early since the servant’s rooms were on the far side of the palace and you didn’t want to walk back after doing this meaningless task.  Nobody was expecting to see you again the rest of the night.  You told your friends you weren’t coming, you could still surprise them a few hours late.  There really was no need to rush.  

Besides, the bed looked so inviting.   Another yawn left and you fell forward, hugging an untouched pillow, spreading out over the massive piece of furniture.  Just a little cat nap, you told yourself as you drifted off.  

~~

“That was a battle for the ages.”  Loki took off his helmet as they walked into the palace.  

“Another victory for Asgard.”  Thor ran his fingers through his locks.  “One that must be celebrated.”  

He looked to his comrades.  They all looked exhausted.  Lady Siff shook her head.  

“None of you want to play?”  Thor turned to look at them, holding his arms up.  “Surely you have the spirit for celebration brother?”  

“I’m having a kitten sent to your room.”  Loki laughed.  “That way you will always have something to entertain yourself, since none of us can keep up.”  

“One that scratches!”  Fandral added in.  “Claws at our leader’s eyes.”  

“And plays games, keeps Thor on his toes when they’re not biting at them.”  Siff laughed.  

“Of course!”  Loki clapped.  “Thor always benefits from a challenge.  A kitten eager for a lesson.  The mighty Thor will have the poor thing meowing at his feet by the end of the night.”  

The group exploded with chuckles and Thor shrugged.  

“Tomorrow night then.”  Thor pointed at them.  “There will be a feast.”  

He was greeted with forced enthusiasm and shook his head as he spun around.  The warriors needed to learn to let loose a little.  

~~

When Thor arrived at his rooms he took in the scent.  Home.  Maybe the group was right to spend the evening relaxed.   Besides, there was a tint of himself in his nose.  He needed a long hot shower.  He didn’t bother lighting his room as he went straight for the wash.  

The hot water did him good, as he washed away the blood and grime on his body.  When he stepped out he wrapped a deep red towel around his hips.   He should be more tired than his comrades, but his blood was still pumping.  

Maybe he would dress and leave the walls.  Find a way to wear out the adrenaline coursing his veins.  He stepped into the main room and lit the area.  He was heading to his wardrobe when he heard a soft nose from the bed.  

His eyes went wide when he saw her.  

“Brother.”  Thor shook his head as he cracked his jaw.  “You’ve outdone yourself.”    

A kitten in the bed.  One who would scratch and claw.  The night just took an interesting turn.

~~

You were on a beach, your toes in the sand.  The wind was in your hair and there was a picnic next to you.  The sand started to wave.  Was water coming?  

“Good evening Kitten.”

The voice was to real.  You glanced around.  You were alone on the beach.  The sand started to give way and you tumbled.  

Your eyes popped open and you looked around, confused.  Where was the water?  The clear skies?  

“You’re quite the actress.”  The deep focus focused your thoughts.  “How did Loki acquire you on such short notice?”  

“What?”  You looked at the face next to you in bed and your eyes widened as you scooted away.  “Your highness.  I apologize.  This is so unprofessional of me.”  

You were going to lose your job.

“A Kitten who wants to play games.”  Thor reached out and grabbed your waist, yanking you back to him like you weighed nothing.  “I have a feeling you will keep me entertained until all hours of the morning even without them.”  

You pushed your hands to his chest and tried to scoot away.  Unsure what he was talking about, or why he was touching you this way.  Your sleep was so deep you couldn’t quite comprehend anything but embarrassment.  

“Please don’t tell anyone.”  You turned to the ceiling, wanting to roll across the bed and stand, but Thor rolled you onto your back and pinned you with one hand.  “I fell asleep.  I didn’t mean to, I mean that is a lie.  I did not think you would return.”  

“So the theme is sleeping beauty.”  Thor moved so he was on top of you from behind, his hands ran up your back and grabbed your wrists, moving them above your head as he inhaled your neck.  “I guess I should awake you with a kiss.”  

His lips met your neck and your eyes flashed open.  

“No.” You tried to buck underneath him.  “I am a maid. This is not a game.  I fell asleep in your bed.  I apologize.”  

“If you wanted to role play maid you should’ve at least warn the outfit.”  Thor sighed and rolled off your back.  “Breaking character already Kitten?  I am a bit disappointed.”  

You didn’t quite understand what he was talking about, but got the general gist and started crawling toward the end of the bed, eager to escape this embarrassment.

“But all is forgivable.”  A hand was on your ankle yanking you back before you made it to the edge.  

“NO! Please.”  You were spun on to your back. “This is a misunderstanding.  I can explain everything!”

“Drop the maid angle.”  Thor’s hands went to the straps of your dress.  “Your prince desires to wake up his beauty with much more than a kiss.”  

What the fuck?  You blinked as he tugged on your straps, destroying the dress like it was nothing.  

“Stop!”  You went to cover yourself, but the blonde grinned down at you as he shredded your outfit.  “STOP!”  

You tried to twist and turn away, but his hands were too powerful and his thighs gripped you in place.   So you brought your arms to your chest to cover yourself while Thor did away with the rest of your clothing, leaving you bare to the man.  

“This is a mistake.”  Your chest started to heave.  “An error!  Please you must stop! Let me leave!”  

“Now now Kitten.”  Thor’s fingers ran up your arms until they grabbed your wrists, spreading you for his view.  “Let me enjoy my victory.”  

Heat covered your body as your mind caught up to what was happening.  You struggled against his grip, but all it did was make your chest bounce for the heir to the throne.   He responded by licking his lips and dropping his head.  

You cried out as he sucked a nipple into his mouth.  

“Stop!”  You tried to wiggle into the mattress, but his tongue worked you like an expert, flicking you into a hard peak.

He moved his mouth to your other breast, and the air felt cool against your hard pebble, but Thor dropped your wrist and began tweaking at it.  At first you moaned, grateful the pressure was back to your teased nub.  

Then you realized you had a free hand.  You started shoving at him, but he was like a wall.  You tried to slap, pull his hair, claw at him.  But he kept sucking and pinching you.  

“STOP!”  You dug your nails as hard as you could into his shoulder.  

That elicited a grunt from the man who lifted his head and lost attention on your chest.  There was an electricity in his eyes as he glared down at you.

“I was warned you would scratch.”  He tightened his grip on your wrist to the point you whimpered.  “But NONE OF THAT!  You will behave yourself Kitten, do you understand?”  

The boom of his voice shook you to your core.  Hot tears on your cheeks, fear in your soul.  You responded without thinking, nodding your head yes.

“Good Kitten.”  Thor smiled and his grip lessened. “Don’t worry, I’ll have you purring by the end of the night.”  

His head dipped again.  You winced as he resumed his attention on your breasts.  Flickering his tongue and teasing his teeth on one while he kneaded the other.  

You were too scared and confused to react, but your body had other ideas as you began to rub your thighs together, hoping to make a friction between your legs.  What was wrong with you?  Why were you enjoying this?

“Very good Kitten.”  Thor lifted his head, smiling.  “You deserve a reward for that.”

He went back on his haunches, letting you go as he dropped the towel.   A massive godly cock sprung forward.  Your pussy clenched at the sight, but your brain kicked into gear.

“No, no no,” You turned and started to crawl away.

“Here I was going to let you have a lick.”  Thor grabbed your hips before he pushed your head into the mattress and snaked his other arm around your hips, holding your ass in the air.  “But it appear my Kitten is eager for more.”  

“Please.  You’re too big.”  You gripped the sheets, trying to pull away from him.  “I can’t.”  

“Oh you can.”  You felt the head of his cock run up and down your slit.  “And you’re so nice and wet for me.  Good girl.”  

He began to press inside.  Your muscles struggled to accommodate his girth.  Again the tears came back.  

“PLEASE STOP!”  You were just a maid.  How did the happen.  “PLEASE.”

Your shoulder started to shake as you sobbed into the bed.   To your surprise he did, not pressing into you further.  He leaned over you and found your ear.  

“I promise, I care about your pleasure as much as my own.  You’re doing a great job by the way.  Loki really outdid himself with you.”  He kissed your cheek.  “You’re so convincing.  But lets continue with the game.”  

Your head was spinning.  A game? Loki?  What the hell was he talking about.  

His fingers stroked the top of your pussy and then found your pleasure.  Thor pushed down on your clit and started to rub, going in a circle, then up and down.  You squealed in response and your hips bucked backward, taking him further in causing you to gasp.

“Eager now Kitten?”  Thor let out a booming laugh.  “Don’t worry.  I’m here to take care of you.”  

Thor began to press down.  He was splitting you in half.  You let out an other worldly shriek and tried to bite down into the mattress.

“If you need to bite.”  His fingers grabbed your chin as he turned your head.  “These will do.”  

Two of his fingers slid into your mouth.  You didn’t know why but you found yourself moaning against them.   His other hand worked your clit further while he stretched you with his cock.  You found yourself sucking of them, like some safety blanket as he speared you.  

“Very good Kitten.”  Thor’s voice elicited a response in your body you weren’t expecting.  “We’re almost there.”  

Your vision started to blur.  The pleasure and the pain and the softness in your mouth as you sucked at his digits.  Sweat started to erupt all across your body.  

“Perfection.”  Thor’s pelvis touched your rear.  “You’re doing so well. I told you you could take me.”  

He leaned over and kissed your shoulder before spreading his thighs.  

“Let’s make you purr.”  He pulled out slightly, it created a strange ache and burn in your core.  

Then he went right back in.  You didn’t know if you wanted him gone or were happy he was back.  Before you could decide his fingers began to dance.  Changing the level of pressure of your now swollen bud, rubbing, stroking, light, hard.  

You found yourself sucking on his finger in response to your confusion, trying to pulsate at the same pace he was, but unable to keep up.  

“Such a good Kitten.”  Thor was now slamming in and out you.  

How had you not noticed?  Did it matter?  You started to rock against him, your body now desperate for his return.  

The coil in your center started to form.  Your vision going blurry as every effort you were capable of focused on one thing.  The sounds of your body slamming into each other, the taste of him in your mouth.  You wrapped your fingers around his wrist, needing him more than the bed or escape right now.  

“Prrrrr…” Thor let out a cat noise and your body shook in response.  

You were getting closer and closer, making unintelligible noises around his fingers.   He let out a grunt.  Lightning.  That was the only way you could describe it.  Your body started to convulse, more energy built up than you thought possible.  

It burst, like a thunderous roar.  Your veins flooded with him, you cried and moaned forgetting his fingers as you went limp under him.  

He held you close, pressing down on your clit as he joined you in release, flooding your womb with his seed.  You struggled for breath as he fell on top of your back.   Both of you struggling to regulate.  

Sleep started to return when SMACK!  Your ass exploded with pain while Thor’s member slipped out.  

“You did so well this first round.”  He pulled your to his chest as he laid on his back.  “But I was promised you’d be sleeping by my feet at the end of the night.  And you know, I am up to the challenge.”  

Yet again you had no clue what he was talking about, but you no longer cared.  You just wanted him to make you purr again.  

[justthehiddleswrites]

Destiny Has Other Plans | Loki x OFC (Alexis Randall) | Chapter 1

Pairing: Loki x OFC

MASTERLIST IS HERE

Summary: When Loki goes to ask his father for permission to marry, he is shocked to discover his destiny has already been made for him.  He is already betrothed to Sjofn, the daughter of the King of Vanaheim.  An arranged marriage to bring the two kingdoms closer together and strengthen the bond.  Never mind that Sjofn and Loki can’t stand each other.  

After The Battle of New York, Loki is sent to live at Avengers Tower as punishment for his misdeeds.  But it doesn’t mean he has to like it.   A year later, he has adjusted to life on Midgard but has avoided any romantic or emotional entanglements, still bitter over his lost love.  Dr. Alexis Randall is skilled at helping others fix their relationships as a couple therapist, but can’t help her own love life.  A chance encounter with Loki in a dive bar has life altering consequences for both of them.  Now, Alexis and Loki must figure out a way to co-habit without killing each other in the process, plus navigating impending parenthood and other roadblocks along the way.

This Chapter:  Loki’s plans to grab the throne have gone horribly awry. Having been defeated by the Avengers, Loki must now pay for his actions on Midgard. Rather being throwing in the dungeon to rot, he is sent to live in Avengers Tower and repay his debt to the citizens of New York. One year later, he is adjusting to life on Earth. The only things missing would be a love match. But Loki’s heart is closed to the prospect of falling in love again, much less with a mortal, preferring a string of one night stands and casual sex to a relationship. A chance meeting with Alexis Randall in a dive bar seems like a perfect opportunity to continue his streak.

Warnings: Arranged Marriage, Forced Marriage, Pregnancy, Unplanned Pregnancy, Smut, Angst,  Semi-Public Sex, Mentions of law enforcement, Oral Sex, Cursing, Vaginal Sex

Taglists are Open, please let me know if you wish to be added.

-

Loki’s chains clinked along the stone floor of the Asgard throne room. This is not how he imagined his grand entrance as the new ruler of Asgard, Midgard and the rest of the Nine Realms. Nothing had gone as he imagined, hence the chains.

Odin stared foreboding down at Loki and Thor, who stood by his brother’s side. Frigga was off to the side, her eyes pleading with Loki.

“Hello, Mother. Have I made you proud?”

“Loki, please let your brother speak.” Frigga told her son. “Don’t make things worse.”

“Define ‘worse’.”

“Enough!” Odin voice echoed. “Explain yourself, Loki.”

Loki stepped forward, clicking his heels together before chuckling.

“I really don’t see what all the fuss is about.” Loki commented, a smirk appearing on his face.

“Do you not truly feel the gravity of your crimes?” Odin countered. Thor’s eyes darted between the two of them. “Wherever you go there is war, ruin, and death.”

“I went down to Midgard to rule the people of Earth as a benevolent god. Just like you.”

“We are not gods. We are born, we live, we die. Just as humans do.”

“Give or take 5,000 years.”

“All this because Loki desires a throne.” Odin mused.

“It is my birthright.” Loki grew weary of his father’s games.

“Your birthright,” Odin spat. “was to die. As a child. Cast out onto a frozen rock. If I had not taken you in, you would not be here now to hate me.”

Loki stepped forward, chin lifted. “If I am for the axe, then for mercy’s sake, just swing it.It’s not that I don’t love our little talks, it’s just... I don’t love them.” Loki’s eyes begged for the conversation to end.

“It is only because of Frigga and Thor, you are still alive. I had intended for you to spend the rest of your days in the dungeon, but Thor…” Odin gestured to the tall blond god who stepped forward. “… has convinced me otherwise.”

Loki’s head snapped to glare at his brother.

“And what decision have you made for me? Once again?” Loki hissed.

Odin bit his tongue. “You live on Midgard, with those who defeated you.”

Thor piped in. “The Avengers.”

“And you will make amends for your crimes.”

“If it’s all the same, I would prefer the dungeon.”

“Which is why you will go to Midgard. Thor will be responsible for you.”

Loki rolled his eyes as Thor clapped his hand hard on Loki’s shoulder. “Are you sure you won’t reconsider? I am certain over time, I could learn to hate the dungeon as much as I despise you.”

Odin said nothing and waved his hand at the guards holding Loki and they lead him out of the room. Thor remained behind.

“If anything goes wrong, I am holding you accountable, Thor.” Odin snapped. He didn’t enjoy the idea of Loki being so far away but Thor assured him it would teach Loki some humility.

“Yes, Father.” Thor left to make the arrangements for their return to Midgard.

-

Tony met Thor and Loki at the entrance of the new rebuilt Avengers Tower, wearing a scowl.

“I don’t like this, Point Break. Don’t like this one bit. What is going to stop him from trying to kill us all again?”

Thor shoved Loki hard. “I promise I won’t kill you. Please let me stay. I promise to be good.” Loki responded with a flat affect.

Tony rolled his eyes. “Real believable, Reindeer Games. Appreciate the effort. Fortunately for you, I’ve made some upgrades to living quarters. Here.” Tony shoved a slim bracelet at Thor, who snapped it around Loki’s wrist, only then releasing him from his cuffs. Loki twisted her hands, stretching.

“Aww, Tony.” Loki smirked. “I didn’t know you cared enough to give me jewelry.”

“I don’t.” Tony smirked back. “It’s a tracking device and if you remove it with anything other than the key. Well let’s just say you will wish you were in the dungeons.”

“I already do.” Loki sighed. “Now if you don’t mind, please show me to my cell.”

Tony laughed. “Oh you are not a prisoner. You are working off your debt, buddy. Thor take him upstairs.”

Loki was silent until the elevator doors closed. “What did he mean, I would be working off my debt?”

“Another condition of you coming here was that you work to not only help rebuild the city but to help the Avengers when needed.”

Loki wrinkled his nose. “Like going on missions and what not?”

“Not until we can trust you.”

“We?” Loki raised his eyebrows. “You always were the joiner weren’t you?”

“There is nothing wrong with having real relationships, Loki. You should try it sometime.”

“I did, only to have Odin destroy whatever shred of happiness I had or ever will have.”

The elevator doors opened. Thor nodded.

“Odin told me about Lady Sigrun. I am sorry it did not work out.”

Loki’s nostrils flared. “It was working out fine until Odin decided that my future for me while I was still in diapers.”

The elevator doors opened, revealing a common area with couches and a TV. Around the corner, a full equipped kitchen.

“Sometimes destiny has other plans for us, Brother.”

Thor guided Loki down a hallway to a nondescript door, unlocking it with a keycard. Inside was a sparsely furnished apartment, little more than a couch, table and chairs. Loki spied a bed in the bedroom with a closet and dresser and a bathroom behind that.

“Destiny is a cruel mistress, Brother.” Loki flopped onto the bed, tugging off his boots. “The sooner you learn that, the better off you will be.”

Thor shook his head at his brother. “Stark says to ask JARVIS to order anything you may need for the apartment. You can wander the floor and to the lobby freely. We will expand access as you earn it.”

“And he said I wasn’t a prisoner. It is a prison of a different sort.”

Thor gripped Loki’s shoulder, shaking him hard. “Try and make the best of things, Loki.”

“How do you suggest I do that?”

“Oh, I don’t know, find a hobby, make some friends, fall in love.”

“Love.” Loki scoffed. “Why bother? To fall in love with mortal to watch them wither and die? I would rather not. But your sentiment is touching.”

“I do not know what has soured you so, Brother. I only hope you meet someone that makes you realize love is worth the trouble.”

Loki flashed a smug smile. “Not likely. Now leave me.”

Thor rose, squeezing Loki’s shoulder, leaving the keycard on the nightstand. “I’ll meet you in the morning. And I am just down the hall, if you need anything.”

Loki shooed him away. Once the door shut, Loki groaned and laid back on the bed.

-

One Year Later

Loki sipped his large caramel mocha coffee and smiled. Of all the wonderful treats created by the kitchens of the palace, nothing compared to designer coffee of Midgard. A small pleasure he granted himself each morning on his walk. Today he also purchased a chocolate chip scone which he devoured before reaching the Tower and a small regular coffee for Thor.

The pedestrians no longer swerved or sneered as he walked by. Even the barista took to smiling at him when he came in to order. He hated to admit Thor may have been right about making the best of his time here on Earth.

There was a spring in his step as he entered Avengers Tower, waving at the security guard on his way to the elevators. Once he reached upstairs, Loki knocked on Thor’s door. Thor opened the door with a groan and Loki shoved the coffee into his hand.

“De-briefing in twenty minutes. I suggest you get dressed.” Loki commented.

“I liked you better when you were brooding.” Thor grumbled, walking away, but leaving the door open for Loki.

Loki finished his coffee, discarding the cup. “You were the one to make the best of things. I am merely following your advice.”

Thor downed the coffee in one gulp, emitting a large burp. Loki wrinkled his nose. Thor smiled back at his brother.

“I also suggested you find a nice woman and fall in love. Still sticking with one night stands?” Thor grabbed a mug from the small kitchenette in his quarters and poured himself another cup.

“My love life is no concern of yours.”

“One night stands it is.” Thor smirked and disappeared only to return a few minutes later dressed for the day in jeans and a hoodie. A stark contrast to Loki’s grey dress pants and matching button-down shirt. “Ready?”

“Lead the way.”

The two Asgardians made their way to the 20th floor, where most of the Avengers operations were housed. Loki was given free range of the Tower’s facilities three months ago except for the ARC reactor, Bruce’s lab, and Tony’s private workshop. The bracelet, however, remained in place.

“Glad you could grace us with your presence this morning.” Tony joked. “Take a seat. Donuts and coffee are for closers.”

Loki beelined to the pastries, selecting a chocolate glazed donut. Steve blinked at him.

“How can you eat so many sweets and never gain weight?” Natasha questioned.

“A god-like metabolism.” Loki countered, shoving a quarter of it in his mouth.

Tony tried to snatch the donut away, but Loki was too quick.

“Hey!”

“I said donuts are for closers.” Tony lunged for the donut again.

“Who defused the bomb?”

“Temporarily. You nearly kill the Cap.”

Loki glanced over his shoulder where Steve was scowling, arms crossed. He smiled back at Tony.

“And yet he lives, despite my best efforts. Now if you will excuse me, you’re delaying the de-brief.”

Loki grabbed a chair and squeezed between Steve and Bruce, despite there being no room. Loki made a show of finishing his donut. Tony rolled his eyes and started the de-briefing, only talking to Loki with absolutely necessary.

“And so for future reference, we confirm we deactivated a bomb before batting it around like a beach ball.”

Everyone stared at Loki, who gave a thumbs up. His mouth filled with his second donut of the day. Tony ended the meeting and the group scattered to handle other assignments. Loki was due in Bruce’s lab later that afternoon to help with a Chitauri artifact.

“Loki!” Steve jogged to catch up with him. “Some of the team are getting together tonight for drinks at Tilted Gimlet. Would you like to join us?”

Loki rocked back on his heels, contemplating the offer. He technically didn’t have plans for the night. But when he drank, Loki alone. He preferred to not have an audience.

“Another time? I am indisposed this evening.”

“Oh a date?!” Steve’s eyes widened. Loki nodded, not bothering to correct him. “Way to go, man. She’s a lucky girl.” Steve’s brow furrowed. “Or boy. Your brother mentioned something. Sorry.”

“No need to apologize. Now if you excuse, Master Banner is waiting for me.”

Steve nodded and hurried away, Loki imagined in fear of insulting him again. Loki wasn’t insulted, but the Cap didn’t need to know that.

The rest of the work day dragged as Bruce poked and prodded the artifact. Loki sat down on a stool, being less than helpful. Bruce shooed him away an hour earlier, complaining Loki was in the way.

Loki returned to his quarters and showered. He replaced his dress pants with black jeans and knit polo. A bit casual from his general attire but a dress shirt would stick out like a sore thumb in the dive bars he frequented. He ate dinner in his apartment, avoiding his brother and the rest of the Avengers. Around 8 p.m., Loki slinked out via the service elevator and headed to his favorite watering hole, The Whiskey Front Room.

-

Alexis was nursing her third Manhattan at the bar. She thought she was all cried out when Eric sent the text breaking up with her earlier that day. She cancelled the rest of her appointments and sobbed at her desk. Alcohol was solution, that is plain science.

“I would peg you as a Cosmopolitan kind of woman.” A smooth voice purred into her ear.

She turned and squinted in the smoky haze of the bar to find the source of the voice. Standing beside her was a tall man wearing black jeans and polo hugging his lean form. His hair was long and dark, hanging loosely around his shoulders, while his piercing green eyes undressed her. Alexis had a nagging thought she knew the man, but the tendril of a thought blew away before it came to fruition.

“And I would have pegged you as a gentleman, so we are both wrong.” She turned back to down the rest of the drink.

The man sat down in the empty stool beside her. “Give me a chance. Name’s Loki.” He extended his hand. Alexis shook it.

“Alexis.” She tucked her chin length brown hair behind her ear.

“So whatever particular sorrow are we drowning today?” Loki ordered a whiskey neat.

“Breakup. By text.”

Loki winced. “And you say I’m not a gentleman.” He downed his whiskey and ordered another. You finished up your own drink.

“I don’t want to trouble with my relationship issues.” Alexis stood too quickly and wobbled a bit on her feet. Loki wrapped his arm around her waist to steady her. Alexis shrugged him off. “I’m fine!” She smoothed down her top. “I’m just heading to the restroom.”

Loki pressed his hand to his chest. “Allow me to escort.” Alexis raised an eyebrow at him. “To help with reputation as a gentleman.” Loki flashed a killer smile and Alexis’s knees buckled, this time not due to alcohol.

“Fine.” She suddenly wanted Loki’s arm around her again. As if he read her mind, his arm wound around her.

“Lead the way.”

Loki did not plan on ending up in the ladies’ room of the Whiskey Front Room. Once Alexis and him made their way to back of the bar, he planned on waiting outside to take her back to the bar or even walk her to her car.

Alexis had other ideas as she grabbed the front of his shirt, yanking him into the bathrom. She continued to pull him into an empty stall, latching the door.

“You seem like a perfect rebound guy.” Her hands ran up and down Loki’s torso. His muscles twitched under her touch. “Tall, dark, polite, hot as fuck.”

Loki blushed. “I wouldn’t want to take advantage.” Alexis palmed his crotch.

“Little Loki would disagree.” she giggled, squeezing him through his jeans.

Loki’s eyes snapped to stare at her. “Don’t start things you have no intention of finishing.” he growled, pushing her against the stall.

“I always finish. Usually first.” Alexis grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into a rough kiss. Loki bit her lower lip and she gasped, allowing Loki to explore her mouth with his tongue. Her hands trailed down his Loki body to tug at the fly of his jeans. Loki followed suit with her jeans.

His cock sprung free as Alexis shoved his pants just past his ass. Loki moved to suck along her neck, his lips left a trail of purple marks. She didn’t care.

“Well, that is certainly a surprise.” She pumped his cock a few times.

“I’ve never had complaints. Turn around.” Loki guided her around.

Her hands pressed against the cool metal wall as she bent at the waist, wiggling her ass. Loki smirked as he pulled her jeans down around her knees and smack her ass hard with his hand.

“Ow!” Alexis called out.

Loki pressed his torso against her back, warmth radiating through the fabric. “Can you keep quiet or do I have to gag you?” He rubbed his cock along her ass.

“I can keep quiet. Please fuck me, Loki.” she begged, bucking back against him.

He playfully slapped her ass again, and rubbed his hand along her smooth skin.

“Such a eager little thing, aren’t you?”

“Yes… please…” she continued begged.

Loki impaled himself inside of Alexis’s pussy, warm and wet.

“So wet, pet. Aren’t you a treat?” He gripped her hips and thrusted into her rough and fast. The time of niceties long gone as he stared at the dingy bathroom tile. Alexis did her best to muffle her moans, biting her lip hard enough to almost draw blood. She locked her arms to push against Loki’s cock. The walls of the stall shaking with each snap of Loki’s hips.

Alexis’s walls fluttered around Loki’s cock. “Loki. I’m… cum…” Her words cut off as Loki pressed his thumb against her clit and she screamed while she came.

Loki realized he should pull out, come on the floor, the stickiness would not be noticed. But Alexis’s pussy clenched him so tight, so perfectly that two thrusts later, he spilled inside her. She slumped against the wall, leaning on her arms. He pulled out and tucked himself back into his pants.

With a tender touch, Loki turned Alexis to face him. His lips softly kiss hers. He helped her dress, pulling her jeans back up and smoothed her head back away from her face. One of his hand slipped between them as he continued to kiss her, until it lighted on her lower abdomen. A green light glowed as he cast a spell, the same one he did every time passion overtook him. No need for the messy entanglement of a pregnancy.

Loki parted to share into Alexis’s blue eyes. “Your boyfriend was a fool to leave you.”

“I’m always unlucky in love.” she murmured, still coming down from the euphoria of great sex.

He kissed her one more time before slinking out of the bathroom. Alexis took a minute to collect herself before heading out into the bar proper. Loki nowhere in sight.

She hustled out to the street but nothing besides the night sounds of New York.

“Another rejection, what else is new?” She turned and headed home, hoping she wouldn’t regret tonight come morning.

[harringrovetrashrat]

Hey I'm new at 'Asking' on tumblr but I'll give it ago, I was thing like, a harringrove soulmate au, (it can be what ever) but like they find out mid-flight at the Byers, like (the thing you choose) happened, and maybe even one of the kids see and is all like "omg are u guys SOULMATES?!?!?"

YES YES!!!

I’ve never done a soulmark fic before, so I truly hope you enjoy this!!  I had fun writing it, either way, lol

(Quick note: Shirts v Skins in this is more Shirts v Tanks for privacy based around marks.  Most things are made so you have privacy, but a lot of people are open with their marks anyway.)

--

The day that Steve found out that Nancy wasn’t his soulmate probably should have been a little sadder.  Don’t get him wrong, Steve had been fucking heartbroken.  Had felt like something was missing inside him.  But it had made sense.  Because there was always something that didn’t click between the two of them.  Where Steve reached, Nancy pulled away. Where she went, he couldn’t follow.

He reminded himself it wasn’t her fault.  It wasn’t her fault she didn’t love him, you can’t make yourself love another person, but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt.

Also, he probably should have seen it coming when he got his mark.  When the mark appeared on his ribs, a crown encircled by a wave.

He had no fucking idea what that meant.  How it related to him and Nancy.

After the breakup, done in her front yard on her birthday in late August, when hers appeared and was a camera with an eye for a lens, he had hated looking at it.  Hated the reality it presented, even if he was happy for Nancy and Jonathan.  More jealous of what they had together.  The mark was a constant reminder that he was the problem, so he stopped showering at school after practice.  Changed and left as quickly as he could.  Did the same at home, hoping, wishing that if he just didn’t look, it would go away.  It never did.  He never looked in the mirror without a shirt anymore.

Then Billy Hargrove arrived and Steve’s world was fucked.

He was everywhere, getting into Steve’s space, challenging him for the throne he didn’t even fucking want.  Blue eyes, tanned skin, rough hands, and a tongue that refused to stay in his mouth.  Steve didn’t like to admit that that tongue had featured a lot in his dreams.  That he had imagined Billy pressing him against his bed, pressing him against fucking anything, and speaking in that low voice that hit Steve in his gut.

It wasn’t necessarily shocking, Steve had come to terms with kinda looking at boys too, but it’d never been like this.  He’d never been so utterly consumed by the thought of another person.  Not even with Nancy.  Billy Hargrove was a temptation, but also not a possibility.  He was a man’s man, a ladies man, and an all around asshole.

By the time he had joined the basketball team, Steve had developed the worst one sided crush he’d ever had in his life.  And it didn’t even make sense.  Sure, he’d noticed that Billy was smart, was attentive and observant, just like Jonathan.  But he was also a massive tool.

Practice was normal enough, Billy and Tommy doing what they could to get a rise out of Steve, but he quickly brushed it off, making a beeline for his locker.  He heard the clanking of a lock and turned to see Billy opening his locker.  When he noticed that Steve wasn’t showering he turned his wolf-like grin on him, tongue peeking out between his teeth.

“What’s up, Harrington?  Kings don’t sweat?” Steve ignored him, sighing.  Billy smirked, smile going sly and… something Steve couldn’t place.  “Got an embarrassing mark or something?” Steve rolled his eyes, blocking Billy’s view of the left side of his ribs as he pulled his shirt on.

“Just don’t want y’all tryin’ to look at my massive dick, Hargrove,” he replied.  There was a pause, then Billy laughed, loud and bright.  It sounded surprised and almost happy.

“That so, King?” Steve slammed his locker closed and shot Billy a dark look.  He kept his eyes on Billy’s, not letting them wander over the expanse of his chest.  Billy smirked, like he knew where Steve wanted to look, where he wasn’t going to look.  Steve turned on his heel and left, ignoring the blood pumping in his ears.

Then everything kinda went to shit.

Or well, really, really went to shit.

He didn’t know why Billy had to always goad him, had to be such a prick all the time.  Why he had to come here to find Max, on tonight of all nights.  Why he had to smash a fucking plate over his head.  And now here he was, being flipped over as Billy straddled him, much differently from his dreams, and got ready to beat the shit out of him.  Steve looked up at him, hating that the light created a halo behind him, hating that he looked good, hating everything.  Billy’s shirt was hiked up, Steve had tugged it free from his jeans as they grappled, and as he moved, it rose some more.

“Holy shit!” Dustin’s exclamation wasn’t new, mixing in with the cries of the other teens, but then he said something that made both boys pause.  “Your mark!” Billy went rigid on top of him, slapping his hand over the side of his back hip as he turned and leveled Dustin with a glare.

“What?” He snarled, tugging his shirt down with one hand while he held Steve down with the other.  “If you think pointing that shit out is gonna make me--”

“I’ve seen it,” he whispered, eyes widening.  “Oh my god, that’s--” He let out a weird sound, making Billy let Steve go fully, narrowing his eyes.  Steve took his chance, sitting up quickly, trying to shove Billy back, but he gripped Steve’s body with his legs, pulling him along.  They rolled and Dustin let out another strange noise.  “You guys!  Stop!” Both older teens turned to look at him, confusion on their faces.  He went forward, tugging at Billy’s shirt, trying to get a better look at his mark.  Billy scrambled away, shoving Dustin’s hands.

“What the fuck!”

“You have the same mark,” Dustin breathed, eyes going wide.  Billy stared at him, contemplating, before his eyes slowly widened.  Steve furrowed his brow, not getting it.

“What?” Billy took a step away, looking ready to run, which was so different from only moments before that Steve was feeling weirder than he had about carrying a dead monster.

“Remember when you showed me your mark,” Dustin said, speaking fast, “I would recognize it fucking anywhere--”

“Max,” Billy snapped, breath coming in shorter, “We’re fucking leaving.”

“No,” she said, anger barely restrained.  “Fuck you, Billy!  We’re doing something important.” He grit his teeth, turning his back on Steve, looking right at her.  Dustin looked between him and Steve, before his face hardened and he yanked up Billy’s shirt, mark on display.

Steve couldn’t fucking breathe.

“Fuck off, shithead!” Billy said, wrenching away from Dustin and shoving him back, though the push was weak.  He turned back to Max, not once looking at Steve, who was still staring, mind wrapping itself around Billy having a crown.  A crown with a wave circling it.  Of Billy, the total womanizing douchebag, having his mark.  “Maxine, Neil and Susan want you home, we’re leaving.”

“Wait,” Steve said.  It was quiet, but it cut through the room.  Billy tensed, not turning around.  Steve wanted to ask, wanted to show Billy his mark, wanted to figure out what the fuck was happening, but they didn’t have time.  Mike tensed up, already knowing what Steve was going to ask.  “Guys, I think--”

“No!” Mike cried.  “No, we’re not telling him!”

“He’s not gonna leave without Max,” Steve snapped, finally getting up.  Billy had retreated slightly, still twitching with anger, but his curiosity was starting to win out.  “And,” he sighed, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if we tell him, we’ll have another person to go with us and--” he let out another sigh, “We’ll do your plan.  In the tunnels.” The preteens exchanged glances and huddled together.  There was intense whispering, one ‘ew,’ and then they were turning back.

“Nothing about-- You know,” Lucas said, miming a nosebleed.  Mike looked unhappy, arms crossed as he hunched over, but he didn’t say anything.

“Fine, fine.” Steve rolled his eyes.

“What in the fuck are any of you talking about?” Billy snapped.

“Are we not going to discuss that you guys have matching marks?” Dustin said, clearly unable to read the room.  It was like all the air had been sucked out, like the eye of a storm.

“Dustin,” Steve said, voice restrained and even, “I seriously need you to drop it.”

“But--!”

“Drop.  It.” Steve said through gritted teeth.  Billy bristled and Steve’s eyes flickered over to him.  He wasn’t looking back, just angrily staring at the floor.  “Hargrove,” he said, and Billy still didn’t look at him.  “This is gonna sound weird, and you aren’t gonna believe me, but--” He paused, not sure what to say.  Then he remembered.  “Follow me.” Billy looked at him then, eyes narrowed and wary, almost scared, and wasn’t that funny.  Still, he followed, and while the kids moved to do the same, Steve glared them into submission.  “You guys get the stuff ready, okay?  You’ll just overwhelm him otherwise.” He couldn’t help it, he put his hand on Billy’s lower back, ushering him into the kitchen.  Billy moved away, movements jerky.  It felt like ice in Steve’s veins, but he could worry about his soulmate hating him later.

“So?” Billy snapped, licking his lips anxiously.  “Show me.” Steve took a deep breath and pulled open the door of the fridge.  The demodog spilled out, practically oozing onto the floor, and if it wasn’t the night it was, if hell wasn’t knocking on the door, Steve might have laughed at how bugeyed Billy went.  “What the fuck?” He breathed, eyes darting between Steve and the monster.  “What the fuck is that?”

“That,” Steve said, “Is a demodog.  It’s a monster from a different dimension called the Upside Down.  We gotta go kill and distract a horde of them so the chief can close the gate and kill their connection to the other side.” Billy stared at him, blinking.  He pursed his lip, pointing a finger, before dropping both and looking at Steve like he’d grown a second head.

“What?”

“Essentially,” Steve said, glancing at the clock and noticing they needed to leave, “We gotta go distract and maybe kill a bunch of monsters or they’ll take over Hawkins.  You in?” Billy stared at him, brow furrowed.  Steve stared back, tired and ready to fight if he had to.  Wondering about where that syringe went.  Billy finally swallowed and looked away.  His voice was low when he responded.

“You want me to come along?” He sounded almost shocked.  “Even with--” He pursed his lips, going red.  Like he hadn’t meant to bring it up, but also couldn’t stop thinking about it.  Or maybe that was just Steve.

“Of course,” Steve said, scoffing a little.  Billy frowned at him, looking defensive.  Steve licked his lips, feeling bold.  The night was already scary enough.  “I’ve been crushing on you since you got here basically.” Billy’s eyebrows shot up and Steve looked at his shoes.  There was demodog on them so he looked back up, but not at Billy.  “Even though you were a total tool,” Billy scoffed, “You were smart and like, so much more than you let people believe.” Billy was silent and Steve chanced it, looking at him.  Billy stared at him, face soft and open, at least more so than usual.

“Can I--” He licked his lips.  “Can I see it?” Steve’s breath hitched and he swallowed, nodding.  He untucked his shirt, hiking it up to show the left side of his ribs.  Billy's thick hand splayed over it, thumb rubbing the mark.  Steve shuddered, mouth parted slightly.  His touch was electric, especially over the mark.  Now that they knew, it made sense.  King Steve, engulfed and protected by the rushing and wild wave that was Billy Hargrove.  His breath hitched as he watched Billy stare, each rub of his thumb sending sparks through Steve.  The mark looked right, now.  Like it was meant to be there, bright against his pale, skin, marking him for the world to see as Billys Hargrove’s soulmate.

The thought of Billy belonging to him made him shudder again.

“If you guys are done being all sappy,” Mike Wheeler’s voice cut through the moment, shattering it like glass.  “We could maybe, I dunno, go?” Steve pulled away, beet red, and Billy looked like he could strangle the kid.  He had his lanky arms crossed, trying to look fierce, but Steve could see that he was scared.  Worried about El.  He sighed and gave Billy a loaded look, heading for the door.

“I’ll grab the axe from the shed, you kids pack up the car.” He looked at Billy. “Grab my bat will you?” Billy’s nostrils flared and he grinned, eyes alight.

“Sure thing, King.”

[classysassy9791]

Sometimes its the quieter moments that speak the loudest. A story of love, laughter, and friendship carried through the years during the most wonderful season of all. Full of fluff and Christmas cheer. Interconnecting One-shots.

Fandom: Inuyasha Genre: Romance/Friendship Pairings: InuKag, MirSan, SessKagu Ch. 1 l Ch. 2 l Ch. 3 l Ch. 4 l Ch. 5 l Ch. 6 l Ch. 7 l Ch. 8 l Ch. 9 l

Chapter 10: Silver Bells Word Count: 1700 Can also be found here

.

.

.

“What about this one?”

Inuyasha’s amber eyes stole themselves away from watching the crowded department store to the green, knit scarf Kagome held in her hands. “Sure.”

She frowned, her fingers working their way over the fabric delicately as she struggled with her decision. Finally, she sighed and dropped the scarf to continue her way through the store, seemingly unbothered by the throng of people pushing past her. 

Inuyasha and Kagome had been weaving through crowds all day, holiday music telling them how joyous they were to be parting with savings it had taken them months to accrue. Inuyasha scoffed bitterly at the thought. Now who was getting his hard-earned money? Some fat CEO? If it was up to him, he would have canceled the present exchange part of Christmas, but he knew Kagome would’ve baulked at the idea. 

She never minded the holiday rush or the amount of stress it caused. Inuyasha, however, despised shopping during this time of year. People were rude, children screamed, and prices were usually outrageous. He believed Christmas was the biggest con job of all time. Some slick marketing jocks told everyone that Christmas came in a box with a pretty ribbon and a prettier price tag . The higher the price, the more the love, right? The commercialization of it all made Inuyasha sick, and always put him in a foul mood. 

“Why don’t we finish our shopping online?” he grumbled as he followed Kagome through another aisle of sweaters. At least online shopping meant he didn’t have to deal with the holiday crowds. 

“That’s so impersonal,” she quipped, throwing him a look over her shoulder. “What if the fabric is itchy? Or the design isn’t as pretty as you had hoped?”

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. “Everyone will love anything you get them.” And his words rang true, because although Kagome didn’t know it, she had a knack for choosing gifts. During the rest of the year, she was frugal and spent her money wisely, but when it came to Christmas time, she always went all out. 

“I don’t know,” she mused, fingering another sweater before moving on. “Some people are always so hard to shop for. Like, Miroku and Shippo.”

A heavy-set man shoved past Inuyasha, nearly causing him to fall into a display. “Hey, watch it!” he yelled out to him, only receiving a dirty look in return before the man hurried away. Annoyed, Inuyasha shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket as he followed Kagome out of the department store, both empty-handed. “Kagome, why do you even care about this stuff, anyway? Christmas ain’t about the presents.”

She smiled up at him with a thoughtful hum. “Well, you’re right. Christmas isn’t about the gifts.” He raised a brow when she didn’t offer a further explanation, and opened his mouth to question her, but was interrupted by-- “Oh, look! It’s Santa Claus!”

Inuyasha’s eyes followed to where Kagome was pointing to see the big man himself all dressed in red. Santa had two elves at his side as he sat on his big throne, a few “ho ho ho”’s being bellowed. A line of eager children and their parents weaved through the town square, the kids bright-eyed in amazement at the sight of Santa. 

“Come on!” Kagome said, tugging on Inuyasha’s hand. “I want a picture with Santa.”

“No way,” he refused, pulling his hand out of her grasp. “No way am I getting a picture with some strange man in a red suit.”

Kagome pouted, looking up at him with the saddest eyes she could muster. “But, Inuyasha… I really want a picture. It’ll be a great memory!”

Inuyasha hated caroling. He hated crowds. He hated taking pictures with Santa, especially with him being an adult now. But, somehow, Kagome always managed to convince him to do things he otherwise wouldn’t, even more so during the holiday season. 

It didn’t help that Kagome’s teeth were sunk into her lower lip, a sensual pout making itself known as she pleaded with him. Inuyasha groaned in reluctance, a grumbled, “fine,” falling from his mouth as she practically skipped with joy to the back of the line. 

They shuffled through the queue  slowly as each child eagerly sat on Santa’s lap to indulge their Christmas wishes this year. The kid in front of them tugged on his mother’s jacket insistently, excited about the elves and feeling star-struck at meeting THE Santa Claus. Inuyasha rolled his eyes at the stupidity of it all. 

“I’m excited to share Christmas with our kids someday,” Kagome off-handedly commented, catching Inuyasha completely off-guard. 

He swung wide amber eyes in her direction, feeling a heated blush work its way up his neck and flush his cheeks. “Our-our kids?!”

A light pink tinged Kagome’s cheeks as she toyed with a lock of her hair. Her brown eyes quickly glanced up at him before averting away. “Well… yeah. I mean… Do you want kids someday?”

He cleared his throat awkwardly trying to look at anything but the blushing girl beside him. “I-I guess I never thought about it.” 

“Well,” she said, grabbing his hand and holding it in hers, smiling up at him. “Think about it.” 

They stayed silent during the rest of their trek through the line. Inuyasha’s mind had been shocked into a muddle of several thoughts, all of which he had a hard time focusing on. Kagome brought up kids and yet he could barely think of where they would be in a few months, let alone a few years. She had taken him completely by surprise. 

Before he knew it, it was their turn to see Santa, and Kagome eagerly moved to stand beside the man in red, with Inuyasha standing on his other. 

“Well, now,” Santa greeted, smiling up at them with a voice filled with cheer. “What’s your name, young lady?”

“Kagome,” she spoke, the blush from earlier now gone. 

He turned to ask Inuyasha the same, but Inuyasha simply scowled at the man. Santa studied him for just a moment before turning his attention back to Kagome, obviously feeling Inuyasha’s disinterest in this little adventure. “And what would you like for Christmas this year, Kagome?” he asked her, eyes sparkling with amusement. 

Kagome exchanged a brief glance with Inuyasha, before leaning down and whispering her answer into Santa’s ear . When she’d finished, Santa chuckled merrily before replying with, “I’ll see what I can do,” in a hushed tone. 

Inuyasha didn’t have time to question the exchange before the photographer called for their attention and snapped a quick picture - after which, of course, Kagome purchased. 

The pair continued their shopping around the town, a slow pile of bags of presents beginning to fill their arms as the hours ticked by. Finally, as the clock struck eight, Kagome had declared their shopping complete while she looked up at him with an accomplished smile. 

The evening streets had thinned as stores began to close for the night. Inuyasha felt himself relax, the bustling of the shopping rush dwindling to no more than a few last-minute shoppers. He breathed in the crisp, evening air, listening to the stillness of the night. Allured by the scent of freshly baked cookies coming from a bakery, Inuyasha tore his gaze off of the enormous Christmas tree in the square, adorned with glistening ornaments and flowing fairy lights draped around it. The sky had turned beautiful, dark shades of blue while the amber light of street lamps spilled onto the stone-paved streets. 

“Feeling better?” Kagome’s voice drew him back, his eyes meeting hers in the dim lighting of a decorated storefront. 

“Yeah,” he grumbled. “Never liked the crowds.” 

“I know, but thank you for coming with me. I enjoyed your company.” 

Inuyasha studied her as they paused in walking, her warm gaze meeting his own. Her smile shined like the stars in the sky, with no bright city lights to dim them. She had a touch of exhaustion to her, but she was beautiful all the same. 

“Here,” he mumbled, pulling the shopping bags out of her hands before crouching down in front of her. “Get on.” 

Kagome blushed and waved her hand dismissively. “Oh no, Inuyasha. I’m fine. I can walk.” 

He shot her a look over his shoulder that clearly stated he wasn’t taking no for an answer. “Come on, you’ve been running around all day.”

She looked around reluctantly before finally resigning to his request with a sigh. “I swear if you drop me, Inuyasha, there will be no hot chocolate for you.” 

He chuckled with a shake of his head. “Whatever you say.” 

Inuyasha felt her cautiously grab a hold of his shoulders before clasping her legs around his waist, and his hands folded together beneath her to make her feel secure. Once she was settled, he began walking again, closing the distance between the last few blocks to her home. She rested her head against his back as she relaxed against him. 

They were quiet for a while, Inuyasha simply listening to her steady breath near his ear. The lights around them began to fade as the last few stores shuttered, leaving only the streetlamps and a few strands of Christmas lights decorating the walkway to light their way. Silver bells jingled as they passed by a man dressed in a Santa suit. He smiled at them, wishing them a “Merry Christmas!” as they passed.

“Inuyasha?” Kagome murmured, startling him out of his thoughts. 

“What is it?”

“Christmas isn’t about the presents,” she said, repeating their conversation earlier. 

“Yeah?”

She nodded against his back. “When you have so much, you can only really receive by giving.” 

He raised a brow, glancing back at her questioningly. 

“Love doesn’t come in a box. It can’t be bought or sold. But, the joy someone feels from receiving a gift, from knowing that you had been thinking of them… that feeling can’t be bought or sold either. It’s not about the money spent.”

The snow fell down softly, gently laying itself on the earth. Inuyasha smiled, his thoughts encompassed by a cold, winter night, a brightly lit Christmas tree, and the shining, brown eyes of a child who had silver hair. 

“Daddy!”

[moltenhair]

Season 3 Minus Gothel (2)

[Part 1]

This is the second part of what I managed to write. No Cass in this one since originally going to be a complete season rewrite. Which meant rewriting other parts... But then I realized I was just doing a novelization of the show for these parts and decided to scrap it 2.5 chapters in and only focus on the Cass parts. 

Which I had all plotted out before life drained me of my ambition and energy.

without further ado.. Chapter 2 (The return to Corona re-written)

-

It was a long ride home.. But it wasn’t quiet. Rapunzel kept her energy high and a smile on her face. In the basket of their hot air balloon- brought surprisingly from Corona by Ulf- she pointed excitedly at every familiar sight. So many places they had scene on their journey. It was unbelievable to think about just how far they’d come since they embarked on this mission. The black rock trail had taken them beyond the bend of the earth and to lands they never could have imagined. But also some familiar lands that were known to a few of them. Like Vardaros. Rapunzel waved enthusiastically as she spotted Hook Hand and Hookfoot’s tour caravan in the canyons below. But they were too busy being lectured by Quaid and Vex for a parking violation to notice the balloon. 

But soon, on that glowing horizon stood those familiar spires. Standing tall above the beautiful island kingdom- The Castle of Corona. Rapunzel never realized how much she could miss the sight of those towers. She couldn’t wait to be home with her mom and dad. She was going to give them the biggest hug the moment she saw them.

Still there was this feeling of… regret. She didn’t betray those feelings to her dear friends, but Rapunzel couldn’t help but feel guilty looking at those towers. In her own mind they had always stood as a symbol of strength. Peace. Unity. Love… Home. But the night before she had learned the truth of what some in her kingdom felt when they looked up at the castle. It made Rapunzel’s insides feel tight and squirmy. That feeling, even if it wasn’t her fault, was hard to shake. She couldn’t let anyone realize, though. Things were already so bad and they were returning to Corona without a friend.. She couldn’t make this about herself...

As the balloon touched down and bounced against the cobblestone streets of Corona, a giddiness filled everyone trapped in the tight confines of its basket. Eugene barely waited for it to be anchored before throwing open the woven door to step out. Rapunzel followed after and took a deep breath. Ahh, sweet personal space!

“Alright, it’s been great. But we have all been together way too long and I need a break from your faces.” Eugene teased before looking at Rapunzel with a playful smirk and a wink. “Except for you, Sunshine.”

The princess smiled, her heart warming. She knew he was trying to crack jokes to keep everyone’s mind off of what just happened. Eugene cared so much about keeping the people around him safe and happy. And thanks to his distraction, Rapunzel was able to enjoy looking out at her home town for the first time in more than a year. 

“We’re home..” She sighed, looking out into the surprisingly empty streets. But that barely mattered as Rapunzel’s heart lit up with joy. “We’re home!”

The princess took off down the streets, taking in the buildings as she passed them. Each so familiar and just as she left them. Maybe with a little extra garbage laying in the roads, but maybe it was a bank holiday or something and the trash people had the day off. Each shop window brought back a beautiful memory. The dress shop! The women who worked there designed her coronation gown! The bakery! Feldspar’s shoes! Rapunzel had never worn them but Feldspar was an artist with boot leather. 

Even Monty’s Sweet Shoppe brought a smile to her face. In fact, she’s really been craving some of Attilla’s cupcakes since she’d left. No one could make a cupcake quite like that lovable ruffian. Rapunzel marched up to the shop door and grabbed the handle, ready to swing it open and announce her return with an order of a dozen raspberry cupcakes… But when she pulled on the door it didn’t budge. She shook the handle, a frown marring her face, but it still didn’t open. She tried pushing instead… Still nothing. Her green eyes looked skyward and found the sun still hanging high up there. Monty was usually open this time of day. Did he change his schedule?

Rapunzel cupped her hands against the glass and peered through them into the shop interior. It was unusually dark inside. The shelves were fully stocked but it didn’t seem like there was anyone inside. It didn’t seem like it had been open for several days.

“Ohh.. I see.” Rapunzel laughed, stepping back from the door. She could see what was happening here. Her head turned and she looked at the chameleon perched on her shoulder. Pascal looked concerned more than amused. “I know what’s going on! Monty saw us coming and locked up the shop to keep me from buying anything!” She raised her voice so that the old man could hear her if he was inside hiding behind the front counter. “Very funny, Monty!”

“I dunno, Princess…” Lance approached from behind, his gaze flicking from one dark window to the next. “It doesn’t seem like anyone is home.”

Rapunzel’s smile fell. He was right. Not even her yelling had attracted a civilian. Nor had their balloon landing in the square attracted a guard. It was like no one was in the town at all.. What happened to everyone?

“Maybe there’s another festival or something.” Eugene suggested, sensing the rising tension. He took point, leading Rapunzel and their friends down a street. Walking backwards so he could continue to sooth them with that winning smile of his. “Come on. I’m sure they’re all around here some-WHA-”

He fell backwards suddenly, tripping over something none of them expected to see coming around the corner. When Eugene moved, Feldspar was lying on the ground, clutching a basket full of minerals that had spilled out onto the street. He groaned and sat up, looking startled and afraid. 

“Feldspar! It’s you!” Rapunzel exhaled, feeling sweet relief at finally seeing one of her kingdom’s people. “Where is everyone? We-”

“No, no! No time!” The shoemaker scrambled to his feet, shoveling his curious haul back into his basket. The look in his eyes was nothing but panic. “I have a quota to make! I can’t be late again!”

Now THIS was strange. Usually nothing shook Feldspar this bad. Well.. Nothing other than someone wearing suede shoes in the rain. 

“Quota? What is going on?” Rapunzel asked, putting her hand on his shoulder to keep him from running off. “What’s all this for? Where are all the people?”

The man huffed, his ginger brows furrowing, “In the mines!” He scoffed, pointing back the way he’d come. “Everyone in the kingdom has been ordered to dig up as much of this weird mineral as possible for Varian’s… whatever it is he does with it! Everyone’s down there. It’s awful!”

Varian? He’s got the whole town trapped in a mine?

Rapunzel glanced sideways at Pascal and Eugene. The dread was shared between the three of them. 

“Don’t worry, Feldspar.” The princess spoke again, “I’m going to talk to my father and get to the bottom of this.”

“Good luck.” the shoemaker shrugged her hand off of his shoulder to continue to walk away to wherever he was supposed to check in. “I don’t know how much good it’ll do.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Eugene asked, folding his arms across his chest with an arched brow. The people of Corona not having faith in their king? That was unusual.

“I mean I don’t think the king will do anything. He was the one who gave the order.”

Rapunzel charged those castle doors without a moment of hesitation. There were no guards to slow her down, no Nigel to announce her. Her bare feet pounded down the castle halls and carried her through the throne room doors.. Where she found her parents sitting on the thrones. Seeing them for the first time in a year almost made Rapunzel forget what she’d come to confront them about. There they were! And this time they were REAL!

“Mom! Dad!” Rapunzel ran up to them, throwing an arm around each of them to pull them into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you guys so much!”

“Young lady!” The king balked, stiffening in her hold. “What is going on?”

“Frederic… Who is this?” The queen asked quietly, confusion clear in her voice.

Rapunzel released them, her eyes blinking in confusion as she looked between her mother and father. Why were they looking at her like they had no idea who she was? Why didn’t they recognize their own daughter?

“Mom, dad, it’s me.” She took a step back, gesturing to herself with a tense smile, “Your daughter?”

“Daughter?” Frederic and Arianna parotted in unison, looking at each other like they had just received alarming news. Like they had no idea they had a child at all. What was going on in Corona. First the citizens and now this?

“Dad! It’s me! What’s gotten into you?” The princess gripped her by the shoulders, “What is....that?” Her eyes fell to the medallion hanging around her father’s neck. Where there was a Corona sun there was now an ominous symbol of… A three eyed crow? Maybe? It was definitely familiar even if she couldn’t determine what it was. 

“Like it? It’s Saporian.”

As Rapunzel turned she was greeted with the sight of her friends being roughly shoved further into the throne room by a large brute she didn’t recognize. Followed by a small, slightly deranged looking woman and a face too familiar for comfort… Andrew. Smirking smugly with his hands upon his hips. Soaking in his decisive victory. At least what he seemed to think this was.

“Ah, right. Less-attractive-topknot-guy. I slightly remember you.” Eugene quipped as he straightened his jacket. 

“Andrew? You’re behind this?” Rapunzel grit her teeth and stepped down from the thrones where her parents still sat. They seemed undisturbed by the sudden appearance of a man who was sent as a spy to topple their kingdom. “What did you do to my parents?!”

“And what did you do to the Sweet Shoppe?!” Lance interjected, sounding the most offended out of anyone.

Andrew glanced at Lance only a moment before moving on as if he hadn’t heard it. “Corona is under new management, Princess. Thanks to a little help from my former cellmate…”

Cellmate? Rapunzel straightened, preparing for any manner of ruthless criminal to appear. The Stabbingtons? Had Lady Caine beaten them back to Corona? As a shadow appeared in the archway leading out of the throne room, her fingers curled into tight fists, ready to fight… But then, wearing a bandanna over his face and a heavy black jacket (that was too big for him)… emerged… VARIAN?

As he stepped into the light, dressed in dark clothes and heavy boots to match these usurpers, he pulled the bandana away from his face to reveal a cruel grin... And a crudely drawn on goatee. Which was, apparently, meant to look convincing. Rapunzel didn’t have the heart to tell him it wasn’t. Even if he had kidnapped her mom once.

“Welcome home, Rapunzel.” he taunted.

“Varian… You’re working with Andrew? You erased my parents’ memories?!” 

“Who, me? Oohoho-” He laughed haughtily, as if this were all just some joke. “No, actually. As you know, I’m all about the science.. I helped with the breakout and the takeover but my friend Clementine here-” He gestured to the petite woman at his side, “Added some… er.. Texture.”

Rapunzel looked at this ‘Clementine’ and saw a very familiar item in her hand. A Wand of Oblivium. Rapunzel knew it well. She also knew that the effects were irreversable without the antidote.

“Give my parents back their memories. NOW.” She barked.

“Sorry, no can do, Princess.” Andrew stepped in, “We’ve got plans for them.. But don’t worry. Thanks to my new pal here, you’ll barely notice anything changed.”

Rapunzel and her friends shared a look, all equally worried about what that meant.

Andrew nudged Varian forward, smirking, “Tell ‘em.”

Varian marched forward, head held high. That look in his eye from the night Rapunzel almost died trying to free his father. But something was different. “You see, Princess, I’ve studied the magic in Clementine’s wand and devised a formula that, once finished, will create a gas with the power to erase every memory in Corona.”

Rapunzel felt a chill strike her to her bones. “What?”

“I call it ‘Quirinium’.. In honor of my father.” Varian’s grin turned sour. Into a bitter scowl. “So no one will ever be able forget who they abandoned.”

A murmur from the back of the room. Lance’s voice cutting through the tension, “Aren’t they going to have a hard time remembering after you erase their memories?”

Varian seemed caught off  guard. As if he hadn’t realized that himself or it hadn’t mattered. Rapunzel had a feeling that the alchemist hadn’t gotten much of a chance to think this plan through. Maybe there was hope to talk him out of it.

“I- It.. It doesn't matter!” Varian dismissed Lance’s words with a harsh shake of his head. “This is the only way-”

“I think that’s enough talk.” Andrew interjected, placing himself back at the front of his group. He drew his sword, pointing it menacingly at the princess. “I think it’s time to say goodbye to our uninvited guests.” 

(end)

[alison-anonymous]

♡ loose cannon ♡ pt 5

Here it is darlings, the fifth part of Loose Cannon, just like I promised! There will probably be only one more chapter to this fanfic, and that will be the end! Enjoy, my darlings! 💙

Keep Hope

♡♡♡

      Hades is dead. 

      It was official now, you had seen his body. You had seen them take his  casket away, you had cried on his body. Three months had passed since his death and while you had changed physically, you were forever emotionally deceased without him. You now got up in the mornings, got yourself dressed, and attended royal meetings. Even though you and Hades never actually got married, Mal thought of you as her new mother figure, so she wanted you on the royal board. So, you attended those meetings. You forced smiles and responses when need be. But your smiles never met your eyes and your eyes were dead. Glossy and emotionless. You couldn’t feel any emotion, as your body had become as hollow as a tree. 

      An embodiment of nothing. You didn’t even have your powers. 

      You weren’t really sure what kept you going through the days. I mean, you were practically brain dead, on auto-pilot twenty four seven. But something kept you going through the days. Some sort of lingering hope that refused to leave, like when your loose tooth is only hanging on by a string, but yet refuses to let go. 

      Maybe there was something deep down inside of you that just knew... he was still alive. 

♡♡♡

      “Due to the border being lifted, we’ve already confirmed that taxes are going to need to be raised slightly. There have also been some concerns regarding rogue Isle adolescents that we’re going to have to acknowledge...” Fairy Godmother’s reading of the daily concerns to be further addressed turned fuzzy as it swam through one ear and out the other. You stared blankly at the wall behind her head, chewing ever so slightly on your nail. Mal, who was seated next to you per her request, glanced over at you from the corner of your eye.

      You were fading again. 

      She gently tapped her knee against yours, causing you to jump slightly in your seat, reeling you back into the present. Clearing your throat, you made sure no one else noticed your little slip. “Sorry,” you apologized quietly. Mal just simply smiled at you. 

      You knew she was worried about you. Everyone was. You were never the same. But how could they expect you to be? You didn't have much to look forward too. They didn't dare try to encourage you finding another guy out of fear you might try to kill them.

      "And, before we close this meeting, there is one last thing we must discuss. Y/n?" Your head snapped at the sound of your voice, straightening your back.

      "Yes?" You croaked, your throat sore from barely speaking.

      "We never discussed Hades belongings," Fairy Godmother paused as you froze at his name. "His ember. We would like to get it in the museum as soon as possible. Do you have it?"

      Your eyes reglossed as you slowly lowered your head, causing everyone to purse their lips in pity. You slowly shook your head. "I'm sorry, but he had his ember on him when..." you couldn't finish the sentence as your voice became lodged in your throat.

      Ben gently rested a hand on your arm and offered you a sympathetic smile. "It's okay, Y/n. Let's wrap things up." He motioned the last part to Fairy Godmother, who quickly nodded and attempted to end the meeting on a happy note by mentioning your upcoming “coronation”. Since you had become Mal’s new mother figure, she had desperately tried to win you a prize of getting a position on the royal court that wasn’t out of pity or as a replacement for her father. The only position she was able to score was that of her Lady in Waiting, but the purple haired girl meant so much to you that you bit back your cringes and accepted the role.

      Of course, you got a whole coronation ceremony to go with the title, even though all you would really be doing is what you were doing already. Now you just got a fancy sash to go with it. 

      The bell rang throughout the castle, signifying that the students would be rushing to their next classes now. It was also your signal that the meeting was over. As you quietly began to pack your notes and books back into your bag, you pulled out your phone to check the time and instantly regretted it. You still had a photo of you and Hades singing a duet together as your lock screen. Tears brimmed in your eyes as you stared down at the glowing screen, wondering if this feeling would ever go away. 

      Mal and Ben glanced anxiously towards you, silently debating with one another on whether or not to ask if you were okay. They never got the chance though, as you quickly rushed out of the conference room, not noticing it when a book fell out of your bag and landed on the ground in front of their feet. Ben bent down to pick it up and once he read the cover, his face blanched.

      “What is it?” Mal asked. He held the book out to her so she could read the title too. 

      “Buried Alive?” She asked incredulously, turning to Ben with her mouth agape. She slowly shook her head, green eyes full of confusion. “She doesn’t really think...”

      Ben let out a soft sigh. “It is... rare, but it isn’t impossible for some people to have such a hard time believing that their loved one is gone that they resort to... drastic measures, like believing they’re still alive.” 

      “She thinks he’s still alive,” Mal said, more to herself than anyone else. “I can’t believe this. This is why she’s having such a hard time letting go. Should we do something?”

      “What is there to do?” Ben exclaimed. “It’s only been a couple months. We need to give her space. If I were in her position, and you were gone...” he gently took her hands in his and gazed into her eyes. “I would do everything I could to bring you back too.”

♡♡♡

      It was the night before your coronation. Evie and Mal had paid you a little visit before they left you alone for the night to set out your outfit and put curlers in your hair, but the second that they left, you practically leapt onto the floor, tugging out all of the spell books and magical elements that you had collected. You had started trying to find ways to bring back Hades about a week or two ago, after your gut instinct that something was wrong here took the wheel. You had tried everything from Ouija boards to reincarnation spells and so far nothing had worked. You did your research on what happened to people who were buried alive and most of them ended in death, but none of those people were... Hades. You read books about being entrapped in ice, how to cure death, tons of articles on voodoo, but every page you turned, every spell you performed always ended the same way. 

      Nothing. 

      And while you had an inkering to just give up, you pushed through it. You wouldn’t give up on your true love even if there was just the slightest chance that he could still be alive. Running a hand over your face, you thumbed through another spell book you had swiped from the restricted section of the library until you came across one you hadn’t tried. It said that if you had an object that was once the deceased’s prized possession, and repeated a chant over it, that it could become enchanted and lead you to wherever your true love was. Of course, this was if you knew for sure that your true love was still alive whereas you only had a gut feeling. 

      But... 

      You turned around to stare into your closet, the half that contained Hades’s clothes remained untouched. But you could still see the leather jacket that he always wore, the one that he had once asked you made him look fat. A smile whispered along the edge of your lips at the memory. You suddenly realized... that was the first time you had almost smiled in a while. It was worth a shot, you decided, and quickly took the jacket out of the closet. 

      Turning back to the spell book, you were about to begin the chant when you realized how late it was. Your coronation was tomorrow and you should probably actually try to get a good nights sleep for once, you decided. After you memorized the chant in your head, you were about to hang the jacket back up when you realized... it still smelled like him. Like that cheap cologne he always wore that you said you hated but you really didn’t. You cautiously held it a distance away from you, afraid to get it too close.

      After what seemed like forever, you finally pressed it against your chest and deeply inhaled the scent. Maybe if you breathed deeply enough, you thought, it could feel like he were still there with you. You decided to take the jacket to bed with you, snuggling up in a ball under the covers with his jacket still safe in your arms.

      Maybe if I dream hard enough, you thought, it could feel like he were still here... 

♡♡♡

      The next morning was your coronation. Of course, you did your best to shove the jacket to the back of your mind knowing how important this was to Mal. It was difficult, but you managed to do so with fake smiles and grins, and while you loved Mal to death, it was very hard for you to find joy in things anymore. Mal and Evie had showed up like usual to help you get ready, and it seemed like only seconds before you were walking up to Mal and Ben on their thrones and getting dubbed with Fairy Godmother’s wand. Before you knew it, you had a glistening sash on your shoulders and a flurry of paparazzi in your face. 

      After Fairy Godmother cleared away the cameras, you and Mal exchanged a warm hug and you did your best to live through the mingling of the after-celebration before slipping away outdoors. The sun was slowly setting, so you knew you had to act fast before people began searching for you. Pulling out Hades’s jacket from your purse, you inhaled his scent one last time before holding it up into the sky. Drawing in a deep breath, you felt the power that wasn’t restricted by the pendant around your neck surge as you ran through the chant in your head once again. This had to work, you whispered in your head. It had to. 

      You began to chant the words, muttering them under your breath as you closed your eyes, sensing the air around you to pick up a bit as a magical reaction. The strength of your chant was beginning to pick up as his jacket began to feel lighter in your hands-

      “Y/n?” 

      The disruption was like slamming the door shut on your spell, causing you to stumble slightly, eyes popping open. The blissful power you had felt before snaked back into its shell and Hades’s jacket fell limply back into your hands. Tears of frustration sprung into your eyes as you whirled around to face who dared to disrupt your spell only to be greeted with the VKs, the Pirate Trio, and Ben. Expressions varied from face to face, some of confusion, others of shock, most of worry, and some of awe. But Mal’s was the one you were most concerned with. Quickly hiding Hades’s jacket behind your back, you tried your best to plaster on a nervous smile.

      “H-Hi guys, what’re are you doing out here?”

      “We came to look for you,” Carlos answered, eyeing the jacket that you were hiding. Mal crossed her arms on her chest and stared at you in disapproval.

      “I thought we were past this, Y/n,” she sighed. “I know how hard his death is for you, but trying to bring him back just isn’t going to happen.” 

      You tilted your head back and heaved out a deep sigh as some of your friends shifted awkwardly on the grass. “Mal, I love you, but this is none of your concern.” 

      “Actually, it is,” she spoke with wide eyes, full of concern and frustration. “He was my father. And I’ve gotten over it. But you trying all of these pointless spells and filling your head with such nonsense from stolen books-”

      “They are not pointless! I know he is out there somewhere, I can feel it, Mal!” You cried out, for once expressing more emotion than you had in months. Shock filled her expression as the rest of the crowd slunk away slightly, trying to give you and Mal room but not wanting to leave you two alone. You watched her closely as a flame suddenly ignited inside of her eyes. Gritting her teeth, she threw her hands up in the air and practically screamed, “Hades is GONE, Y/n! He is gone and there is nothing that you or me or even the Genie can do about it. I’ve made peace with it, and it’s time that you do the same. He’s gone, Y/n.” 

      Her words were enough to shatter you completely before a new voice entered the fight. 

      “You guys really underestimate me.”

♡♡♡

To be continued...

I know, I know, I'm horrible for leaving such a cliffhanger. The next chapter will be the last one, so let me know in the comments if you want to read it!😉💙 I love you all so much, thank you for all the support and PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

♡ a.a.

[headoverhiddles]

Werewolf Floaties - John 5/John Lowery x Reader [Fluff]

Synopsis: After years of dancing around each other, both of you idiots wonder if the other is pining just as hard.Solution? Pool party. (Good thinking Ginger.)

Notes: No smut in this cause as I was writing, it became apparent that I can't think of John that way. Don’t know what it is, I feel like he's bff material. Oops. Accidentally friend zoned. Oh well, he's got Rita irl and they're endgame❤️

John strums an E minor on his guitar, staring up at his living room ceiling.

"I mean... does she think of me as a brother?"

Ginger shakes his head adamantly, shoving four doritos into his mouth. "No. Definitely not. No way, man."

"The more you say it, the more it sounds like bullshit," Piggy hisses. Ginger looks over to the bassist, genuinely bewildered.

"I've seen (y/n) look at John before... I don't think that's brotherly love. Or, y'know, maybe sorta like Game of Thrones, but-- she could have just been looking over his shoulder at something..."

"You're really cheering me up, here. Thanks guys." John sighs.

"Not a problemo," Ginger sets aside his empty chip bag. Piggy cuddles one of John's cats. Rob comes sauntering out of the kitchen, shaking a green, slimy looking power shake.

"Who needs some fucking cheering up, man?!" he asks, bouncing himself onto the couch beside John.

"John thinks (y/n) doesn't want his dick," Piggy supplies. Rob gives John his Disappointed Father™ look.

"That's not the only reason," John clarifies, starting to play a melancholy riff on his guitar as he speaks. "I don't think she's interested in me, outside of being a friend."

"Mm." Rob hopes that sounded sympathetic.

"--It's cause I'm so damn nice. If I told her I thought she was beautiful she'd just go, "Awww! Jooohn!" and move on."

“Wow, you sounded just like her,” Ginger murmured. 

"Just let your inner asshole out, ladies love that," Piggy suggests, "She asks for a drink or something? Tell her get it herself! Be the rock star that you are, man!"

"Ooh, refusing to get a woman a drink," Rob says, "Look out, we've got a real badass over here."

"Anyway Matt, if you did that, you'd probably cry all night and apologize," John says, rolling his eyes at the bassist. Piggy looks down.

"Most likely."

"Ask her out to a movie. Ask her out to Three From Hell, that's a great date night movie," Rob nods.

"That's not even out yet," John sighs.

"There're two prequels. Just throwing that out there."

"Pool party," Ginger suddenly blurts.

"Not now," John mutters.

"No, I think you should have a pool party, John. One, (y/n) would be in a... in a swimsuit that'll probably look very very, uh, pleasing, and two-- you could find out definitively if she likes you or not."

Piggy starts to nod, pointing. "You may be onto something, Kenny."

"I love pool parties," Rob pitches in, "Not. Hot fuckin weather. Stupid looking swim trunks. Stupid little cocktails in stupid little pineapples."

"A limitless poolside bar," Piggy grins.

"Unicorn floaties!" Everyone looks over at Ginger. "Or... werewolf floaties?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Yep."

"Totally."

John begins to play the tune to 'Everybody Hurts' on his guitar, so Rob concedes. "Sheri and I'll come. If only to show a little solidarity. I remember being back in the dating game." He shakes his head. "Fucking glad I'm married, man."

"I'm gonna pick up, like, four babes who are big into vampires," Piggy says, "Keep a room open for me John, I'm gonna need it."

"I'm not just inviting random girls," John protests.

"Can I bring my rottweilers?" Ginger smiles.

"No, your psycho rottweilers tried to eat one of my cats last time," John says.

"They'll be tethered!"

"...Fine."

---

The late summer heat beats down as your phone rings. You smile to yourself as you read the caller ID.

"John?"

"(y/n)! Hey! I'm having this... thing, like a... like a pool type thing... not the game pool, the... water."

"Oh," you say, "You're having a pool party?"

"Yeah! That's... yeah."

You're smiling like an idiot, thinking of the handsome blonde. "I'd love to come."

"Cool! Yeah, um... it's tomorrow. Everyone's gonna be there."

"Sounds good."

"Alright."

"Alright!"

You bite your lip, waiting to see if he'd say anything else.

"See ya tomorrow! I'll be on the lookout for... boys!"

You drop the phone as it goes dead, sighing to yourself. You're excited, but you wish John saw you as more than a little sister.

"What the fuck does that mean?" Rob immediately asks him. John looks around at all his band mates huddled around the phone.

"I'll be on the lookout for boys?" Piggy frowns, "Great, man. Now she thinks you're gay."

"John and I experimented during our days on tour with Manson," Ginger smiles proudly.

"To be fair, his touring environment would allow for it," Rob mumbles.

"That's not helpful Ginger, everybody does that," Piggy whispers.

"I don't!" Rob scoffs. John cuts into their little argument.

"HEY. I just meant I would be looking out for boys, like, protective wise! I'd be making sure none of them would... bother her?"

"Maybe that's why she thinks of you as a big brother," Ginger grimaces. John glares at everyone.

"What should I have said, "Hi, (y/n). Can't wait to see your tits bounce in your bikini tomorrow?""

"That would've worked," Rob nods.

"Wouldn't have been a lie, either," Piggy elbows him.

"Maybe say boobs instead of tits though," Ginger comments.

"Leave the flirting to me, and just help me get my pool ready," John says, turning. Ginger is already in the kitchen. He plops two pineapples on the cutting board and picks up a butcher knife, grinning.

"Everyone back away from the crazy drummer with the knife," Rob says.

 You tie the bikini top behind you, and check yourself in the mirror. You look great, and you know John loves boobs. If he didn't notice you (and your boobs) today, he never would.

"Hey," you smile at the mirror. "Hey, John!" you try again. "Hey, baby," you say sultrily, then groan in frustration. Faced with him opening the door for you, all you'll be able to do is abrasively grunt anyway.

Exiting your beachside apartment, you hop into your convertible, toss on some Sabbath from your Bluetooth, and start off toward the Lowrey mansion.

 John looks at himself in the mirror. "She likes you," he pep talks himself. "If she didn't like you, she wouldn't talk to you. Simple as that. She wouldn't even be coming to this party if she hated you!" He frowns. "Why would she hate you?" That was a bad question to ask himself. As a billion possible answers to that flooded his brain, he heard a very loud, very vicious barking from downstairs, and the hybrid of a scream and a hiss from one of his cats.

"Ginger's dogs must be here," John smiles tightly.

Downstairs, Piggy is gelling and combing his hair for the tenth time, and watching the mirror.

"Ging! Fangs, or no fangs?" he asks, trying on the prosthetics. One of John's cats jumps onto Piggy's shoulder.

"What?" Ginger asks, trying to corral his rottweilers as they gnaw on John's couch.

"You're right," Piggy grins, "Always fangs."

Outside, Rob and Sheri are chilling under an umbrella by the large pool. The hedges are all perfectly trimmed, and the backyard fountains look great. Music is already playing, and everyone is set to have a good time.

"Come in with me, sweetie," Sheri pouts, stripping down to her purple bikini, "I'm sure the water's just fine."

"Go for it."

"Come on!"

"I don't do swimming," Rob mutters, hiding behind his beanie and sunglasses. Sheri frowns.

"Stop being such a grump and come in." Rob cautiously takes off his Svengoolie shirt, crossing his arms.

"My dreads take forever to dry."

"That's okay."

"I'm too hot."

"Your wet dreads will cool you off."

"I'll get sunburned."

"I'll protect you," Sheri giggles, jumping on his back. Rob can't help but laugh too as she kicks him forward to jump in.

 You get out of your car at John's. You see a bunch of cars already there, and take a deep breath. You'd been here a hundred times before, but it was different this time. This time you'd do something about your crush.

Now or never.

"A daiquiri, my lady?" Ginger asks you, surprising you with a banana cocktail right in front of your face.

"Don't call her 'my lady' Kenny, Jesus Christ," Piggy hisses, "It's creepy!"

"Well geez, I was just being nice..."

"Hey! You're creepy, you fanged asshole," you shoot back, and Piggy grins, jogging over and fist bumping you. You give Ginger a big tight hug, and accept the drink graciously. Daiquiris might not be your drink of choice, but you'll take anything right now to ease your nerves.

"So John's upstairs getting ready," Ginger tells you, slapping his thighs excitably, "Uhhh, probably talking to himself in the mirror and stuff, telling himself you--"

Piggy hits him. "Eh, you know how John is with his hair and stuff." You raise an eyebrow at Piggy's own overly-styled hair, but smile.

"Sure. I gotta get to the pool, man, I'm hot as fuck."

"That you are," Piggy grins, and you give him the finger.

"(y/n)!" Sheri shrieks, and gets out of the pool to run over.

"No, don't leave me!" Rob calls. You strip down to your bathing suit, tossing your clothes, and hug Sheri.

"I feel like it's been forever!" you say.

"I know! I've been so busy with Rob and Three From Hell, I haven't had any time to see my friends. I'm so glad you made it. I know John's excited to have you here."

"That's an understatement," Rob muttered, floating just above the surface like a lake monster. Sheri turns to him, her look saying 'I will drown you'. Rob takes the hint, and shuts up.

"Hey stranger," you get into the pool, and swim over to Rob.

"Hey you," Rob smirks, "How you been?"

"Keeping busy." You grab a Mummy floatie, "How was the tour?"

"Oh, it rocked. Yeah, no rifts with Manson this time, which was nice."

As you three chat in the pool, John comes downstairs in his Frankenstein swim trunks. He takes his T-shirt off, and Piggy pretends to faint into Ginger's arms. Ginger, bless his heart, actually thinks he's fainted.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, yes, just..."

"Oh god. She's in the pool," John says, and Ginger frowns.

"Yeah. Is that an issue, man?" Piggy stifles laughter. John ducks his head in laughter.

"No, Kenny. I'm just... flustered. A little."

"Hey. Hey, it's gonna be okay," Ginger slaps a hand on his shoulder. "Man, I spent your player years on tour as your wingman. I know you've got the moves."

"Care to describe these moves, Kenny?" Piggy asks.

"Oh, well he's got this thing that he does where he looks at you with those eyes and just--"

"I love you but I'm leaving. Bye," John smirks, pushes through them, and walks toward the pool. He clears his throat, and tries to come off casual.

"Hey, (y/n)."

You look up, regarding John. He looks amazing-- shoulder length blonde hair swept by the wind, beard trimmed, sexy eyes squinting in the sun. All the gorgeous tattoos on his chest are such a turn on, too. He's been your friend for ages, and though you've always harbored a crush, you never remember him being this hot. You try to remember words.

"John! Hey, come on in."

"Yeah! Totally. Good idea." John gets in, and Sheri shoots Rob a look. Rob shrugs.

"I'm in now, I'm not getting out."

Sheri intensifies her look. Rob glances down at a non existent watch.

"Ohh, look at the time, I think it's--"

"Vegan lemon drops o'clock!" Sheri giggles, and Rob closes his mouth.

"Uh, sure. That, mmm. Woah!" She yanks him out of the pool, and the two head over to the bar in search of more cocktails. This leaves you and John alone.

"God damn, this freezing pool is making my balls shrivel up," John mentions, and you laugh.

"Fortunately, I don't have that problem."

"Nah, you've just got..." John glances down at where your nipples are starting to peak, and you see him bite his lip ever so slightly before looking away. Bingo.

"You like my bathing suit? It's new," you tell him.

"Very becoming of you," he nods. "Really, I love it."

"You don't look so bad yourself."

"Yeah?" He swims a little closer to you. "I'm actually hating this water. Wanna check out the hot tub? I've got it at a real nice setting."

"Let's do it," you say, and take his hand, swimming to the shallow end with him. John takes a deep breath as you get out of the pool in front of him, watching as the water drips from the swimsuit clinging to your body. You turn, and walk with him to the hot tub surrounded by fountains.

"Look at them," Piggy says, "They're finally cozying up!"

"Leave them alone," Rob mutters, "They need to put up a curtain or something."

"Hey, we like (y/n), we want John to get with her so she can come on tour with us," Ginger points out.

"So. This is so strange for me to be in here without a guitar," John laughs, putting his arm around you. Your eyes widen a little, and you freeze. Is he doing that to be friendly?

"You play guitar in the hot tub?"

"Oh, yeah. It's a good way to get electrocuted, but it's also a good spot to practice. And hey, if you're not risking electrocution while playing, are you really metal?"

You grin. "When aren't you playing guitar?"

"When I'm talking to you," John admits, turning fully toward you. "You require my full attention. (y/n), there's something I gotta tell you."

"Yeah?" You bite your lip.

Just then, the patio door opens.

"I am fashionably late but HERE!"

Everyone turns to find Manson standing there. All at once, John regrets inviting him.

"Awww, look at you two!" Marilyn calls over to the hot tub, "Kissy kissy kissy sex time! Hey (y/n)!" You wave to him.

"Manson? Get over here," Rob practically drags the new guest over to the bar, knowing that is where he can keep him best distracted.

John turns back to you.

"Well. That was--"

"Before you tell me what you were going to tell me. Do you think of me as a sister?"

You blurt out the question, dying to definitively know the answer so you could stop second guessing yourself.

"A sister?" John laughs a little. "I think of you as my best friend!"

Your face falls, and you feel like such an idiot for falling into this whole thing head over heels. Of course he doesn't like you like that. You're just reading too far into it, as usual.

"--a best friend who I wish was more than a best friend." You hesitate, and look up at him as he second guesses himself. "D...Do you think of me as a brother?"

"N-No!"

He sighs. "(y/n), I've felt this way for years, but it never seemed like the right time to tell you. I think you're really cute. And, sexy. Really sexy. Like... I can't stop thinking about you."

"I..." you shake your head, "John, I..."

He swallows. "Okay, now you're making me nervous. Thumbs up, or down?" He gives a shaky laugh.

You straddle him underwater, sitting on his lap and cupping his cheeks.

"John Lowery. I've wanted to be your monster girl since the day you asked me what my favourite Karloff movie was." He smiles. "Be the Lily to my Hermann?"

"If you'll be the Gomez to my Morticia."

You press your lips to his again, and as he wraps one arm around you, he uses the other to pull a success fist.

Hollering erupts from the bar, and you two turn to see everyone clapping, pumping their fists, and celebrating.

"Wooooh, John and (y/n) are finally gonna fuck, cocaine for everyone!" Marilyn calls.

"Manson, no."

"But Robert!"

"No."

You and John giggle, turning to each other again in your own little world. John plays with your hair, looking down to admire how you look in your swimsuit.

"I think you're perfect. Like... Paul Stanley's guitar perfect."

You draw back, putting a playfully shocked hand on your chest. "To receive a compliment like that... overwhelming!"

He swims over to catch you again, and kisses your cheek, chasing you as you dip underwater.

"Ah! Help, lifeguard!" you shout, laughing, and oh no-- here comes Ginger to save the day.

[queen-scribbles]

Blowing Smoke

for @pillarspromptsweekly fill 106: Awakened Anonymous

---

Of all her duties as Lady of Caed Nua, Tavi’s least favorite, by far, was the petitioners. She liked helping people, sure, but listening to a multitude of them drone on about shit their own mayors should be handling was not helping. It was sitting in an uncomfortable chair for hours on end and trying not to let her mind wander. At least the flow was occasionally broken by someone coming with thanks--or a genuine problem that required her attention. And she had Aloth to elbow her when she failed at not letting her mind wander.

Today though.... today had been an unbroken line of petty grievances and finger-pointing. Tavi was on the verge of tearing her hair out, flinging some choice expletives at the postenagos, and walking out when it finally, finally ended.

“I have never been so glad to see a kith’s fuckin’ back in my life,” she muttered to Aloth as the last one moseyed out of the great hall. She slouched on the throne and ran both hands through her hair, letting out a groan of relief that it was done..

“Today did seem a much greater test of your patience than most,” he chuckled sympathetically, offering her his hand. ”I’m proud of you for not punching anyone, much as I’m sure you wanted to.”

“Thanks, city slicker.” She took his hand and used it to lever herself out of the throne. Her knees were stiff from sitting so long, as was her back. She stretched like a cat, rolling her shoulders to try and loosen the tight muscles. “Berath’s ass, I need to go do somethin’ fun.”

“By which you mean beat the stuffing out of some poor training dummy?” He didn’t let go of her hand as they started down the dais steps.

Tavi shrugged. “’Less Keya or somebody’s willin’ to go a few rounds with me, probably. Is Ioan here? He’s always good for a fight....”

Aloth shook his head. “You sent him to Whitewreath, remember? He hasn’t made it back yet.”

“Oh, right. Fine.” She pinched he bridge of her nose as they stepped through the doors out onto the grounds. “I need my armor. And sabres. And then I need to beat the shit outta somethin’, be it willin’ hireling or sacrificial dummy.”

However, antsy as she was to hit something, enjoy her freedom on a rather beautiful evening, the man loitering near the fountain stood out too much to be ignored. His height and build suggested he was folk, the cut of his burgundy shirt and rich brown jerkin suggested Vailian origin, but none of that seemed terribly relevant considering his corkscrewing ash-grey horns and the flickering flames that swirled around his head.

He grinned when he caught her staring, looked her over right back. “Watcher?”

Tavi crossed her arms and arched a brow. “What’s it to ya?”

He made a deep, theatrical bow that trailed embers and smoke, spark-bright eyes dancing as he met her gaze. “Elias Colgrin at your service, ac? I realize your time is precious and you are likely sick to death of kith asking for your help-”

“But you’re planning to do so, regardless?” Aloth interjected dryly. He looked distinctly unimpressed by the man’s showmanship.

“With no obligation to do more than talk, I assure you, aimico,” Elias winked. “I believe we share a past... mutual acquaintance, and merely wished a conversation.”

Tavi’s brow arched even higher. “I don’t have a lot of acquaintances,” she commented, wondering how long Elias had carried the customary mes Réi  before he shed it in favor of his own name, clever as it was. “Who do you imagine we know in common?”

There were only two options, far as she was concerned. He knew someone from Silversteel, or had had a run-in of his own with the copperfuckers who kept trying to kill her.

“Ah, Watcher, you misunderstand.” He shook his head and leveled a significant look at her. “A past mutual acquaintance.”

The pieces clicked as she stared right back.  There was a feeling, a sense, to fellow Awakened souls; maybe only something she noticed due to being a Watcher, but whatever it was hung around Elias like a newly purchased cloak. Now that was interesting... She grabbed his elbow and dragged him toward Brighthollow, Aloth scrambling to catch up with her abrupt start.

“Tavi,” he hissed, “what’re you doing?!”

Elias chuckled before she could reply. “...You know, dear Watcher, it is usually customary to ask when you wish someone’s company.”

“You fuckin’ wish,” she retorted, then turned to Aloth. “Just trust me.”

He nodded and quickened his pace to open the door for her. Tavi released Elias’ arm once they were inside and led the way up to one of the now-empty rooms her companions had used. She opted to lean against the wall rather than sit on one of the chairs left behind.

“So.” She inclined her chin toward Elias as he dropped into one chair so his chest pressed against the back. “Exactly what ‘past acquaintance’ d’you think we share?”

“Oh...” He let the word trail off coyly. “A certain enigmatic Engwithan. Tall, imposing, impressive beard.” The bright spark of one eye briefly winked closed as he grinned. “Feel free to stop me when you guess it.”

"I think I got it,” Tavi deadpanned. “For someone who acknowledges how precious my time is, Elias, you sure seem intent on fuckin’ wastin’ it with fancy talk and guessing games. If you have somethin’ to say and aren’t just blowin’ smoke, cut the bullshit and say it.”

Elias rested his chin on the back of the chair. “Fair enough. The fancy talk and bullshit is my bread and butter; it’s hard to let it go, ac?” He cocked his head as he looked at her, the flames dimming slightly. “Thaos. I knew him. As did you.”

“What makes you think I did?” she asked, eyes narrowed. She knew some details of her pursuit had become common knowledge, but others had not. MAde her wonder where he’d gotten that idea.

He smiled thinly and shook his head. “Now who’s wasting your time? I do not come to accuse or recruit or whatever you think I’m up to. But I do know that you knew him. Previously.”

“How?” Aloth frowned as he settled in the other chair.

“Kith talk,” Elias shrugged. “You hear things, ac? Especially when in a tavern at the same time as another storyteller.”

She took his meaning; there’d been a good two decades where tavern chatter was her primary method of acquiring information. Kith did talk, especially when they were drunk, excited, or both. “Alright, then, how did you know him?”

He smirked and the flames flickered. “As a shepherd knows a wolf, honey-tongued and wily, come to steal his flock. As one who heard treacherous Iovara and her dutiful sister held up to contrast the waiting fates by those who saw their story unfold. I knew him as a smugly grinning judge who won my people to his faith in a trickle turned torrent, then accused me of heresy for not bending the knee to his wishes.” His Vailian lilt, which had vanished as he shared his past life’s experience, returned, and he smirked. “Heresy that could be forgiven through conversion and repentance, of course. Submission. Otherwise, the cleansing grip of Berath awaited, and hopefully my next life would be more receptive.” Elias gave a dark chuckle. “Given the memories do not extend much further, I think he--I--chose an honest death over a lived lie.”

“Good choice,” Tavi muttered, pushing away memories of pious hymns and muddy boots and the smiling face of a sister not yet betrayed. “And an interestin’ tale, I’ll give ya that.” She shoved off the wall and gave him a measuring look.  “How long have you--”

“Been Awakened?” He shrugged gamely. “Only a few months, aimica.”

She raised a brow. “You’re handlin’ it a lot fuckin’ better than I did that early in.”

“Well, I can’t speak to your experiences, but bearing Magran’s favor has necessitated learning to roll with the punches.” His eyes sparked brighter as he grinned. “Or, at least, look like you’re rolling with the punches.”

“Oh, trust me, I’ve dealt with some fuckin’ stiff punches,” Tavi snarked. “Dealin’ with an Awakened soul is still a pretty big change. ‘Specially when they’re real different from you.”

Aloth coughed into the back of his hand and Tavi winked at him.

“All that aside, though,” she said to Elias, “what made you come to me? Thaos is dead an’ fuckin’ gone, so you’re a couple months late for revenge.”

“What good would that have done me, anyway?” Elias scoffed. “He did not seem the type to ever question if he was wrong. Besides, the past is the past.”

“Well, then,” she cracked her knuckles, “why are you here?”

“As I said, kith talk. You hear things, ac?” He spread his hands. “From the tales I hear, Thaos has been manipulating the course of history and faith itself for centuries... millennia. I thought, .between the two of us, if we compared experiences--memories--we could perhaps find some wrongs he caused, or at least set in motion, that could be made right.”

Tavi’s thoughts drifted to the speech Thaos had made, the boasting of plagues allowed, beneficent leaders replaced with tyrants. He didn’t seem to leave survivors in his wake, aside from his own followers. And sometimes they weren’t even so lucky. Sacrifices for the greater good. Finding  some of the means he’d decided were justified by ends and setting things right was an enticing thought.

“It’s.... not a bad plan,” Aloth muttered, the grudging words yanking her from her reverie.

“Wait, you agree with him?” she blurted. She’d figured it would take at least a couple rounds of persuading.

“Not entirely,” he clarified, twisting one of his rings. “I’m not sure, at this point, how much good you can actually accomplish; in most cases it’s far too late for recompense. But if the two of you compare notes, as it were, you may be able to establish an idea of his patterns and methods, making it easier to trace events he may have influenced.”

“Ac, another good point,” Elias gestured broadly and grinned at Aloth. “I had not considered that; you may also find that useful.”

“And what’re you gettin’ outta this?” Tavi probed. “Most kith I’ve met aren’t this helpful outta the goodness of their hearts, why’re you so fuckin’ eager to help?”

“Who would not wish a chance to solve mysteries or right wrong hundreds of years in the making?” His grin widened and he leaned into the chair back, making it rock on two feet. “The tales alone would be worth my weight in gold, aimica. And to have the honor and privilege of working with the legendary Watcher Tavi Illani, Roadwarden of Caed Nua, well,” the chair thunked emphatically down on all four legs once more. “That will make me highly desirable to the curious. Knowing heroes always pays well for storytellers.”

Tavi stared at him as she weighed out his free acknowledgement of using her for the name recognition to line his pockets against the potential benefits of his proposal. He held her gaze steadily, the flames flickering and twisting around his horns as he waited. It sounded interesting, more fun than most parts of being the Lady of the castle, anyway,and if there was risk to it, well, that had never scared her before. “Eh, we can give it a fuckin’ try,” she finally shrugged.

“Belfetto!” Elias chuckled. “Agracima, Watcher.”

“Just call me Tavi.” She pointed a cautionary finger at him. “Don’t make me regret this.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said as he pushed to his feet. “Hardly seems wise to cross one with your reputation, eh?”

“Smart man,” she smirked. “There are plenty of rooms free, since most of my friends have gone their separate ways, so you can have your pick of those. We can work things out tomorrow; gives you time to settle in and I” --she headed for the door, snagging Aloth’s hand to tug him to his feet as she passed--”have a previous engagement.”

“Agreeable terms,” Elias nodded, flames dancing brightly. “I shall see you tomorrow, then.”

“Both of us,” Aloth chimed in. However agreeable he was to Elias’ proposal, he clearly remained skeptical of the man himself. Probably a good thing one of them wasn’t swept up in the lure of  righting wrongs and fucking up Thaos’ schemes.

“Ac, of course,” Elias agreed easily.

“Well, this should be interestin’,” Tavi said, linking her fingers between Aloth’s as they headed for her room so she could get her armor and sabres.

“That is one word for it,” he replied dryly.

“Oh, c’mon, city slicker.” She squeezed his hand. “Even if he is just blowin’ smoke”--he rolled his eyes and she grinned at the pun--”having another Awakened perspective on Thaos will be interestin’. It’s a damn good word and you know it.”

“I will concede the point,” Aloth said. He released her hand as they stepped into her room.

“Thought you might,” she gloated as she gathered up the lighter chain shirt she used for sparring and grabbed her sabres. He rolled his eyes again. But Tavi caught his fond smile as they headed out of Brighthollow. He knew, sketchy as it might be, she would enjoy this pursuit much more than she would warming a throne for hours on end and listening to people complain.The possibilities of it were already getting her excited, she had to admit.

Whatever came of it, this would prove very interesting, indeed.

-----------

So, yeah, new OC. :D He’s somewhere between Tekéhu and Scanlan personality-wise, and while I love him, you can imagine how well Aloth will get along with him. :P

[snidgetsafan]

Whom the Gods Love Die Young

Rating: G (for the moment)

Summary: The bride bit into the shiny red apple as everyone cheered around her, the wedding ceremony ending with this ritual gesture. The clapping and hurrahs soon turned to screams of horror as Snow dropped the apple, choking and clutching her throat as she fell in her groom’s arms, a last I love you leaving her lips before she died, David’s screams the loudest of all.

David and Emma travel to the Underworld to claim back Snow after her untimely death. In order to do so, they're going to have to face the dark and mysterious God of the Underworld and complete his challenges.

Seems simple enough until you add magic, divine quarrels, and the worst thing of all: feelings.

Notes: And here it is! The first chapter of my @cssns​! Thanks to the lovely ladies who organized this second edition! I took inspiration from both the Hades/Persephone and Orpheus/Eurydice myths, which I hope you’ll enjoy. I’d like to thank @shireness-says​ for betaing for me (at such short notice too!) and for cheering me one. Thanks darling, you’re a gem! I’d also like to thank @distant-rose​, who helped me with the mythological aspect of my fic when I was plotting it. She is a font of knowledge, people! All mistakes are mine, however. I’d also like to thank all the lovely ladies at the CSSNS Discord, who helped me when I needed it, and who always encouraged me when I needed it. Love you guys! And last but not least, I’d like to thank @tennant-the-tigger​ for the fantastic art she made for this fic, and which you can see at the top of this post. Thank you so, so much! (Go give her some love!)

Word count: 3.6k (on AO3)

The bride bit into the shiny red apple as everyone cheered around her, the wedding ceremony ending with this ritual gesture. The clapping and hurrahs soon turned to screams of horror as Snow dropped the apple, choking and clutching her throat as she fell in her groom’s arms, a last I love you leaving her lips before she died, David’s screams the loudest of all.

Emma’s eyes follow David as he paces back and forth in the dark room, not unlike a lion in its cage. They’d been asked (well, asked was not quite the right word; almost physically pushed in would be more accurate) to stay in this waiting room until the King of the Underworld could receive them, but Emma isn’t fooled. There are no windows in the room – probably because they’re deep under the hill the palace is built against – and Emma is pretty sure at least one person is standing on the other side of the only door. They’ve managed to travel to the realm of the dead quite easily, but Emma fears it will take a lot more to get out.

It had been surprisingly easy to get this far. After David had convinced her to accompany him on his mad trip to reclaim his murdered bride, Emma had sought the counsel of Elsa, Hecate’s High Priestess and Emma’s mentor within the temple. Prayers to the goddess had resulted in the appearance of two golden boughs on the altar, which the young priestess understood to be Hecate’s blessing.

(The strange dreams which plagued her that night must have been another gift - visions of boats, three sets of glowing eyes in the dark, pomegranates, and whispers of a word. She has no idea what "Killian” means, but she feels that it's essential to their quest.)

The legends about the whereabouts of the entrance to the Underworld were surprisingly accurate, and showing the golden boughs had allowed them to cross the Styx on Charon’s boat. The sedative-laced meat that David had brought took care of the three-headed hound guarding the gates of Hades (hadn’t that been a frightening explanation for the glowing eyes), and they had soon arrived at the doors of the dark palace.

But that’s where it had gotten more complicated. The guards they had come upon apparently weren’t used to having to deal with living people, as David had barely been able to explain why they were there before they had been shoved into this room, were they had been waiting for what felt like hours, leading to David’s pacing. Emma, for her part, was trying to keep a calm façade in case they were being watched (they were, she just knew it, could feel eyes on her, had been able to since they had stepped into the Underworld).

Waiting for such a length of time is not beneficial to Emma’s nerves. Ever since Snow’s death, David – and Emma by extension – hadn’t stopped moving and acting. Emma knows that for her brother, this is a way to avoid confronting the memory of his bride ( wife , she can hear David’s voice insist in her mind) dying in his arms during their wedding ceremony. Grooms traditionally give an apple to their bride to symbolize their ability to provide for their future household, and the bride’s eating of the apple signifies her acceptance of her husband, the final act of the wedding ceremony (well, before the very last act of consummation of course, but that was not something done in public, nor something Emma wants to think about in relation with her brother. Ever). Except that this time, the apple had been poisoned by Snow’s witch of a stepmother in an unthinkable desecration of the wedding ritual and a blasphemy against Hera, and only a single bite had been enough to kill Snow in mere seconds.

The witch had been immediately smote, her heart giving out even before Snow had taken her last breath. Her corpse had been found on the steps of Eris’ temple, where she had probably been trying to seek refuge. Seems like not even the goddess of revenge can protect you from Hera’s wrath. She’d probably gotten a straight ticket to Tartarus, Emma thinks grimly.

Good riddance.

But David hadn’t let misery take hold of him, and had instead gone straight into anger, arguing that Snow should have been protected by the goddess of marriage during her own wedding, that it wasn’t fair, and that the gods help him (or not, Emma couldn’t help but think), he was going to find his wife and bring her back. Emma had followed him, mostly so he wouldn’t end up dead too, but also because Snow was her friend. She could still see her collapse into David’s arms every time she closed her eyes.

The young priestess’ thoughts are interrupted by the door opening and a mousy little man wearing a red Phrygian hat comes in, looking surprisingly… ordinary. David stops pacing too, coming to stand next to his sister as they watch the man approach them, followed by a tall helmed guard.

“Good evening, Emma and David, my name is Smee. I was told you’d like to speak to his Highness?” the little man says, looking at them expectantly.

Emma blinks, jarred. The man – Smee – looks so out of place, with his colorful hat and affable manners, stepping into this dark stone room in the heart of a hill which is itself in the heart of the Underworld. The siblings have both been gearing themselves to meet with opposition and hostility, not… politeness.

“Er,” she says eloquently, looking at David, who looks as flabbergasted as she feels.

“This way?” Smee continues as if nothing is amiss, gesturing towards the door before exiting into the hall.

David leads the way out of the door, before slowing down to let Emma step up beside him as they walk down the corridor, sandwiched between Smee and the guard. David steps closer to her, allowing the folds of their chitons to conceal the frantic way he grabs Emma’s hand, the strength of his grip betraying his anxiety at the meeting to come. Emma doesn’t mind, as she’s grabbing onto her brother’s hand as tightly as he is, although perhaps not for the same reasons. David’s only goal is to get Snow back; he isn’t thinking about anything else. Emma can see the bigger picture, and that bigger picture is that they’re going to be face to face with the freaking God of the Dead .

Very little is known about the God of the Underworld. Emma knows he is the brother of Liam, God of the Seas and of Arthur, God of Thunder and King of Mount Olympus, that he was given the Realm of the Dead to govern, and that he rarely leaves his kingdom. So little is known about him that mortals don’t even know his name, forcing them to use one of several monikers when referring to him such as King of the Underworld, Lord of the Dead, or even simply Hades, as if the god were equal to the realm he rules. Despite all these names, the god is rarely mentioned in the mortal world. His very role of Agesander , the soul carrier, makes him the most terrifying figure in the Pantheon to most people.

Emma can still feel eyes on her, even more intensely than before. Her shoulder blades itch from the uncanny sensation of being watched, but she refrains from squirming, not wanting to show any discomfort to their escorts. She has to stay strong, she repeats to herself as a mantra. David’s sanity and Snow’s life (and their own, too, she guesses) are at stake here.

What feels like hours later, but is probably only minutes (five flights of stairs, though; she had no idea coming to the Underworld would be so physical), they arrive in another, more airy part of the palace. There are actually windows here, and she can feel a breeze ruffling her hair and the edges of her clothes. While made of dark stone, the palace didn’t seem as gloomy as she had expected, Emma notes with some surprise. Light streams into the halls, making the floors gleam, and a glimpse out of the window affords her a view of what seems to be an orchard and rolling fields beyond that.

Soon after they enter the hall, their guides stop in front of two massive basalt doors. The portal opens soundlessly in front of them, revealing a grand throne room beyond. Smee and the guard in front step in, heading towards the throne at the other end of the room, and David and Emma follow, taking a deep breath to center themselves.

A man – no, a god – sits on a high-backed throne on a grand dais, seemingly bored, if his slumped position can be believed. His lavish black clothes and spiky crown clearly designate him as the ruler of this place yet something feels… odd. Emma frowns but says nothing as she approaches with David. After all, it’s not like she has anything to compare the situation with. While becoming a priestess of Hecate has afforded her easier contact with her goddess, she hasn’t met her. Not even Elsa has had that privilege, and she is the High Priestess of their temple. Still… this doesn’t feel right .

“So, you dare trespass on my kingdom?” the god’s voice booms in the cavernous hall as soon as they are in speaking distance.

David steps forward, dropping on one knee at the foot of the dais and bowing his head in deference, Emma demurely following his lead.

“We’re sorry, my Lord,” David begins, his eyes still lowered to the floor. “I merely wished for an audience to beg a request of you.”

“A favor, eh? I have temples for that, why didn’t you use the traditional method?”

“Because you must get these kinds of prayers every day, and I wanted to be sure you’d listen to mine. My bride – my wife was killed during our wedding, and I’m here to beg you to let her come back home.”

“You’re right, I do get prayers every day. What gives you the idea that you are any different from all of these people?”

Emma frowns as David tries to justify his plea. Hecate has gifted her with the ability to detect lies, and that is what she feels coming from the god right now. Can her power even work on a deity? Is it a blasphemy to even presume it can? And yet… something’ s not right. Keeping her eyes downcast, Emma nonetheless focuses all her senses on what the seated god is saying. The feeling doesn’t go away; on the contrary, it amplifies as he goes on. What’s going on?

“Please, my Lord,” David is pleading, desperate to sway the being in front of him. “I’d do anything to get her back.”

“I can’t give you your bride back,” the god says. True . “Can you imagine what would happen if people heard that the Lord of Hades lets people go? The kingdom would be swamped with people wanting their lovers, children, or evencats back.”

Emma decides to intervene, seeing her brother flounder in his desperation, and wanting to test a theory.

“The only way we were able to get to you, your Highness, was because Hecate helped us. I feel that if she deigned to assist us, it’s because she feels our quest is justified.”

“Help from Hecate?” the god asks suddenly, straightening on his throne, a move echoed by Smee and the guard still standing behind Emma. “What are you talking about, mortal?”

“The goddess gifted us with these boughs to pay the ferryman,” Emma answers, prompting David to open his satchel to show the glimmering branches. “And she gave me… instructions,” she finishes a little lamely, not knowing how to explain her dreams.

The god is silent, gazing over Emma’s shoulder, seemingly lost in his thoughts. Emma watches him, waiting for his decision.

Which is not the one she hoped for.

“Nonetheless,” he says, slouching back onto his throne, “a death is a death. I might be the Lord of the Underworld, but there are certain lengths I won’t go to, and this is one of them.”

Lie . A big, fat, blaring lie that sets all of Emma’s senses aflame as she takes a surprised breath.

“No, you’re not,” she blurts out, staring at him incredulously now. What’s going on? Who is this man – no, not a man, divinity definitely oozes from him, he is a god… but not the god of this place.

“What did you just say.” the god rumbles, David’s hissed “ Emma!” drowned by the sound echoing all around them. Everything is still in the room – deathly so, she thinks a little hysterically as she realizes she has become the center of attention. The stares from the men in the room, as well as the invisible eyes which have been following her every move, weigh on her like so many lead weights. And yet…

“You may be a God, my Lord, but you are not the ruler of this place,” she repeats a little more assuredly, ignoring David’s attempts to shush her. The more she thinks about it, the more Emma’s sure of herself. And the angrier she grows. They’re here to beg for Snow’s life; David is slowly going mad with pain, she’s grieving for her friend as well, and these gods (because the Lord Hades has to be part of this masquerade, he has to) are playing games with them.

“Quite presumptuous of you to make such a claim.”

“I know when someone is lying. And you are,” Emma answers calmly, knowing there’s a chance those could be her last words.

“You have some gall, mortal. I like it. Well, this was fun while it lasted,” the god says as he rises, his solemn demeanor dissolving into nonchalance as he descends from the dais, walking towards them. “They’re all yours, pal, have fun with them,” he says as he passes them without stopping, clapping the guard behind Emma on the shoulder before sauntering out of the room.

Emma and David turn as one man towards the guard, both having the same thought. Had the actual God of the Underworld been with them the whole time? How had they not noticed ? Because now that they look at him, the same powerful aura that had emanated from the pseudo-Hades also seeps from the guard’s skin, clearly betraying his divine nature.

The guard sighs, looking to the ceiling, before he unclasps his helmet and takes it off, looking at the siblings exasperatedly. Stepping in front of them, he throws the helmet to Smee before crossing his arms, his clothes changing right in front of their eyes from a soldier’s garb to a black himation revealing one of his strong shoulders as well as part of his chest.

“Cat’s out of the bag, then.”

Emma tries to keep her cool. It would serve no purpose at all for her to berate a god.

David has no such qualms, however, his temper getting the best of him. “You… you mean all of this was just a joke? Who was that?”

“That, as you so eloquently put it, mortal, was Hermes, messenger of the gods. Before you put voice to the thoughts I can so clearly see on your face, may I remind you that he is my nephew, and you are in my domain?”

David swallows nervously before chancing a look at Emma, who surreptitiously nods. All true, even the threat. Especially the threat. Hermes had been all talk; his uncle will not hesitate to put action to word.

“No, your Highness,” David mutters apologetically.

“Good. Now, let’s be quick about this: I cannot help you on your quest. Your fiancée has died, and dead she shall remain.”

David’s face crumples as he hears the god deal his judgement in such a final tone, before he steels himself once more, straightening his spine and raising his head.

“But it’s not fair! She was killed during our wedding ceremony! She should have been protected by Hera!”

At this, the god perks up, looking more closely at David. “Your fiancée is Snow Leukḗ?”

“Yes!” David exclaims, his hope renewing at the god’s recognition. “You’ve heard of her?”

“I’ve heard of her killer,” the god corrects, sneaking a glance at Emma. “It’s not often we get new guests in Tartarus.”

So Regina had been sent to Tartarus to endure eternal torment, then. Emma doesn’t feel as satisfied as she had been earlier, but she can’t feel any pity for the woman either. She had gotten what was coming to her. Taking a look at her brother, Emma is surprised not to see a smile on his face at the news. The gods know he had ranted and raved about what he’d do to Regina since Snow had died and they had embarked on their quest, but now that he knows she’s suffering far worse than anything he could have come up with, he just looks… grimly resigned. Which shouldn’t really surprise Emma anyway; her brother is a just and fair man who would never do ill on any other soul, despite his words.

“So you agree that Snow’s death was unfair, then?” David tries to press his advantage.

“My role is to care for dead souls, not to pass judgement on their lives or deaths,” the god answers shortly, clearly growing tired of this conversation. “Now, I’ll kindly ask you to leave my kingdom, unless you want to be made permanent residents of it sooner than you expected.”

David isn’t budging. “But, the goddess Hecate – “

“Hecate gave you two trinkets and a dream and what, I should indulge your desires? You think you’re the only one who’s ever gotten a god’s favor to come down here? Orpheus did, and Orpheus failed. This is my kingdom, my realm, and I will rule it as I see fit, whether or not it pleases you, your sister, or bloody Hecate!” the god shouts in anger, getting closer and closer to David until their noses are practically touching.

Emma watches all of this, thinking furiously. When put in this light, Hecate’s gifts did help them get here, but now if looks like they’re on their own. Are they, though? Every step of their quest, every difficulty had been thwarted by a hint or a boon from the goddess. Why not this one too? Emma thinks about her dream. She doesn’t see how pomegranates could help her in this situation, which leaves her with…

“Killian,” she says, looking up at the god, who freezes as soon as the three syllables pass her lips before whirling to look at her, completely ignoring David and an agape Smee.

“What did you just say?” he growls, stalking towards her, his blue eyes flashing.

This is the first time she has the full attention of the god, and it is… intense. It feels like being under a hundred gazes at the same time, watching her from all angles. Actually, she has felt like that several times since arriving in the Underworld, even though the feeling hadn’t been that strong then. Was that the god’s eyes she had felt? Had he been watching them since the gates? If he had known about them, then why hadn’t he come to them earlier?

“I said ‘Killian,’ your Highness... That’s your name, isn’t it?” she realizes, seeing him react once more to the word.

“Who told you?” he demands, now towering over her and ignoring her question.

“I– it was in my dream?” Her answer sounds more like a question, the god’s proximity and the fire in his eyes rattling her and making her lose control of her voice. “I told you, Hecate sent me a dream, and that was– “

“Yes yes, that was part of it, right,” the god – Killian – interrupts as he once again whirls around, pacing agitatedly in front of the two siblings. In the distance, a dog barks (there are dogs in the Underworld? Are there other animals?) and the god stops walking, his back to them. Dragging his hand heavily over his face, he sigh   s as he goes to slouch on his throne , mutters of “bloody meddling hag ” reaching Emma and David before the god speaks up, sounding as if each word is a chore to utter.

“Very well. I agree to give you a chance to reclaim your fiancée. But!” he hurries to say, before David and Emma can get their hopes up too much, “in order to be allowed to leave the Underworld with her alive, you must accomplish three tasks for me to prove your worth and devotion. If you can complete them, then I’ll give Snow Leukḗ back to you, and the three of you will be able to leave freely. If you fail one of those… you’ll be taken out of the realm, and only allowed back in after your death. Are we clear on this?”

David seems about to burst with joy and hope, barely daring to believe this reversal of fortune. Overcome with emotion, he nods enthusiastically before thanking the god profusely. Emma too feels fit to burst with relief, bowing to the god before looking up, catching his eyes scrutinizing her before he turns away, his himation swinging about his legs as he walks towards his throne.

Emma has no idea what pushed the god to change his mind so suddenly, but she knows it has something to do with his name. No one knows his name in the living world, so she understands that it has at least some importance that Hecate chose to reveal it to her. But why did Had– Killian fold so quickly?

Three tasks to get Snow back. Seemed reasonable. If Herakles could manage twelve, Emma and David could manage a quarter of that, right?

Right? Tag list (tell me if you want to be added or removed!): @hollyethecurious, @shireness-says, @gingerchangeling, @slow-smiles, @wingedlioness, @branlovesouat, @snowbellewells, @kmomof4