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sleepynoons · 3 months ago

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To Hell and Back

Vignettes of mourning and bereavement over a period of two years.

After grieving the loss of your husband for over a decade, is there truly hope for recovery? And if there is, what is the difference between hope and insanity?

ukitake jushiro x f!reader, angst, nsfw?

word count: ~3,600

cw: heavy manga spoilers, death, explicit descriptions of suffering from grief + mental disorders (severe depression, etc.), extreme mental deterioration, alcohol, throwing up + dry-heaving, mention of insomnia, mention of sexual content, allusions to a lack of eating + frail health, hurt/no comfort

notes: lmk if i missed anything in the warnings! first time writing something so heavy, so the warnings + tags may be inadequate.

“UKITAKE-SAMA, YOUR tea is here.” A shinigami you forget the name of places a steaming cup next to you. From a quick glance, you can see a stalk floating vertically in the drink. Jushiro will be pleased to hear about it.

You nod but do not touch the cup. It is rude to drink and eat before your guests, and you are still waiting on them to arrive. Quietly, you watch the snow drift from the overcast sky, flakes clumping together and forming a thick coat over the ground, surrounding roofs, and trees. How many winters has it been?

Around the bend, you hear rapid footsteps. It must be them.

“Ukitake-sama, sincere apologies for our tardiness.”

Turning your gaze to your left, you see Rukia-san and Abarai-san coming to view, noses and ears tinged red. Smiling softly, you beckon them to relax and sit on the engawa with you. They listen obediently and wait with bated breath for your next move.

“No worries at all. I am glad to see the two of you are well.”

Rukia-san smiles cheerfully. “Yes, we are doing very well.”

“And how are you adjusting to your duties as captain?”

“I am not captain yet, Ukitake-sama.”

Abarai-san barks a quick laugh. “She’s already very busy, trust me. The appointment is in a few days, right?”

Rukia-san huffs, and you chuckle. “I am sure the 13th Division will be in good hands.”

A gust of wind passes through the corridor, and you shiver slightly at the biting chill. Jushiro should have reminded you to take a coat with you today.

“Ukitake-sama, please, take this.” Rukia-san removes her shawl and places it over your shoulders. Her hands hover over your frame before she sits back down. “Forgive me for possibly overstepping, but are you eating well, Ukitake-sama?”

What did you eat this lunch? For that matter, did you even eat? How about last night? Hm, for some reason, you cannot recall. You shrug, indifferent. You have always been prone to forgetting your meals without Jushiro reminding you.

A silence falls among the three of you, and the snow picks up. You feel yourself smiling at the downpour of snow. So white, so pure. Jushiro always longed to walk in the snow, but his illness disabled him from spending an extended amount of time outside. While you are sure many of the shinigami are groaning at the weather, you know Jushiro would have found a way to celebrate it.

Abarai-san sighs a deep, hefty breath. “Ukitake-sama, if you’d like, would you join us for dinner? We’re having shabu shabu for the first time this year. I’m sure that’ll warm you up right away.”

It has been a while since the last time you had something so homey. You suppose Jushiro would not mind you spending a dinner with someone else. “I will take on your offer. Thank you for having me, Rukia-san, Abarai-san.”

The two bow before getting up, making their leave. They bid you farewell and several reminders to take care of your health.

Internally, you scoff. You need to be mindful of your health? Please, you are fine and have always been, aside from nasty injuries gained during training and missions. Besides, the one you all should be worried about is Jushiro.

Ah, but there is no need for that either anymore.

–

You wake up late. You only know because the incessant light of the sun is bleeding through the cracks of the shoji screens. You even got the screens filtered to reduce the morning brightness, but nothing can dim the flames of spring.

As usual, you are alone in bed, wrapped and tangled and curled in the giant blankets of your futon. Jushiro should be coming back anytime now, you think. You roll over onto his futon and blindly feel around for the book that he places by his pillow every night. It is always something different because he can never seem to finish one. You wonder what he is reading this time, but nothing is there. In fact, as sleep escapes you, you realize his futon is fully made.

Untouched.

Sobs begin to wrack your body, but you dare not let your tears and snot smear Jushiro’s bedding. You have not washed it once since, and even now, his scent has almost completely, if not already, faded. If you wash it, more traces of his aliveness will disappear and you cannot tolerate that even more.

He was living, breathing, eating, sleeping, training, laughing, loving. He was – is – more than just a stone headpiece sitting underneath a gazebo, and you feel like everyone around you is forgetting that, only speaking of him in the past tense and as a distant, fleeting spark of a memory. And that makes you deeply, profoundly remorseful.

Because you are also only able to recall him now. How did he smell? You only remember it was a combination of tea leaves, anesthesia, and soil, a poor, inadequate description you came up with when he asked you decades ago. How about his hair length? Jushiro kept it long for centuries, but he always had you trim it so that it never extended past his hip. And the sound of his voice? Not even your memories can imitate the way he pronounced your name, bantered with Kyoraku, commandeered his squad.

Moments like these are arguably the hardest. Not only are you overcome with grief, but you are also frustrated and restless, unable to do anything because there is nothing to do. There is no solution to this mourning. You would never kill these feelings for Jushiro, but that means this torment is inescapable, inevitable. You want this sadness to pass, become the silver lining to some cloud, rejoice instead in the legacy he has left behind. But leaving this phase would mean enough time has passed, and with enough time, you would forget much about him.

You should have recorded more of your moments with your late husband. But you can only sigh and harbor more resentment towards yourself in your heart.

By now, the tears have stopped. You are back in your futon, only to bury yourself under the covers.

–

“Class is dismissed!”

The shinigami disperse, heading to grab their belongings lining the walls of the garden. As you have retired from your post in the Gotei 13, you are now a kido instructor for new court guard cadets. The young ones are promising, you think.

Surprisingly, the classes of shinigami are growing. You had thought the war with the Quincies would deter future talent, but the damages and casualties seemed to have only bolstered interest. Interest in learning kido has also increased, no doubt due to Aizen’s influence.

Jushiro was plenty good at kido, too, you think bitterly. He just never had the opportunity to demonstrate his strength.

In fact, your first encounter with your late husband was at a kido training session that he was leading. With gentle encouragement and precise guidance, he taught you how to perform the casts you know by heart, and you continued to seek him out with questions and concerns until his appointment as captain. To say you missed your one-on-ones with him was an extreme understatement. You missed his soft laughs in the face of your snarky remarks and the fleeting touches of his fingertips against your tense arms. You did not think he would forget you, but you were not sure if you would ever be able to get so close to him again. Your doubt quickly dissipated, though, when you were accepted into the Gotei 13. It seemed he had chosen you to be placed into the 13th Division under him.

You are brought back from your reminiscing when you hear an angry cry. “Ukitake-sama is our instructor! How can you say that about her?”

The crowd breaks into waves of murmuring at the outburst. You look towards the right wall, and there you see a red-haired little girl being held back by two of her classmates. Like a cartoon character, she is kicking her feet, trying to wrangle her arms free, spewing insults at two other students who only roll their eyes.

This is nothing new. To be fair, ever since Jushiro’s sacrifice, you have only done the bare minimum to contribute to Soul Society, a stark contrast to the committed soldier you once were who went above and beyond. Many were shocked by your transformation and have begun to bear annoyance towards you for being a deadweight. You still receive many benefits for your many decades of service, and you remain in Jushiro’s old quarters in the 13th Division barracks. You are, for sure, taking up more space than a veteran should. But truly, you could care less to be noble.

You appreciate Ichika-chan’s attempts to save your face, regardless. You should give her some of the candies you store in your sleeves on her way out.

“Enough.” Everyone is now looking at you. You stare directly at the two shinigami who defaced you. What should you do with them?

Or rather, what would Jushiro do with them?

The answer is too obvious. You motion them to come to you, and they trudge over with lowered heads. When they come close enough, you sigh because had you acted purely out of your own volition, you would have reacted much differently.

You point at one of the students. “You are much too weak at defense. Please pay closer attention to our lessons on bakudou, and be sure to apply it during your sparring sessions.” Onto the other. “In order to summon the full force of a hado incantation, you have to call it properly. Polish your articulation, and you will experience a stronger effect.”

With that, you dismiss them again. As soon as they leave, Ichika-chan runs up to you, face blushing red (from the heat? embarrassment? or both?).

“Ukitake-sama, thank you for today’s class!”

You chuckle, adoring the young girl’s energy and brightness, and reach to take her hand in yours. You notice small callouses and blisters blooming on her palms, no doubt from practicing with her sword. Grabbing a fistful of candies, you enclose her fingers around the pile. “For you.”

A wide grin breaks on Ichika-chan’s face and she bows. “Thank you, Ukitake-sama!”

“I shall see you in a week, then.”

When all of the students finally filter out of the garden, you sit in peace. For once, the quiet is not eerie or haunting. Rather, it is much needed, a comforting break in between your classes. You still much prefer the sound of Jushiro’s chattering, but this tranquility may not be so bad either.

–

Underneath the gazebo, you bring the sake cup to your lips and down the liquid. The alcohol stings at the back of your throat, a burning sensation that muddles your brain yet pinches you awake. Across from you, a man also takes a swig, releasing a loud, uncouth exhale.

He holds up a bottle, gesturing towards you with it. “Want more?”

You shake your head. Eyes downcast, you hold onto the cup in your lap with your hands clasped around it, staring into the glossy bottom of the ceramic. You see a faint reflection of your face, but it is too shady underneath the gazebo for there to be a clear outline.

The man downs another large gulp, humming in contentment at the taste. He then sighs and adjusts his large bamboo hat. “Eleven years, huh?”

“Indeed.” You glance up, catching the eye of the Captain General of the Gotei 13. “How are you feeling, Kyoraku?”

“Ha, I should be asking you that.”

“Not a day goes by that I do not think of him.”

Kyoraku says your name gingerly, as if he is testing the mood of a spoiled, unpredictable child. “I understand. But you also need to live your life. That’s what he would want.”

You cannot hold back your voice. Close by, you know some of the other captains and their respective lieutenants are waiting for their turns to pay tribute. You are also aware that Kyoraku means no harm – in fact, he empathizes with you, something no one else can do. But still. “What he wanted was to live longer and be at peace! Do not dare to speak on his behalf! You may have been his best friend, but I was his wife, and I will not stand another shoving words into his mouth! Perhaps he does want me to live a little, be happy again. But…”

Your face feels hot. Feverish from strain, humiliation, shame. You can still hear echoes of your voice ricocheting off the walls of nearby buildings.

“Kyoraku… How are you able to carry on so easily?”

A torrent of jealousy and frustration courses through you, rushing through your veins and welling up nausea at the pit of your stomach. Why are you not able to move on? Why have you been robbed of joy and happiness, never to feel those feelings again? Are you to live such a directionless, empty life for centuries more?

Kyoraku moves from his seat to sit next to you. He pats you on the back at a slow, tempered pace. “Because I have to. Because that’s what he would want from me.”

You crumple into the commander’s side, eyes blurring and body shivering. A gust of wind blows through the gazebo, colder than normal, a sign that fall is arriving soon. Kyoraku wraps his haori over you, doing his best to shield and comfort you.

–

“How is she doing?”

“Much better! She’s been eating more and spending time with others these past two weeks.”

Kyoraku closes his eyes. Is he relieved? Yes. Is it too good to be true? Also yes.

“Commander? Is everything alright?”

Kyoraku puts on the best smile he can manage. “Yes, don’t worry about lil’ ol’ me, Kotetsu-kun. Just keep an eye on her for me, alright?”

“Yes, of course!”

The 4th Division captain bows before leaving the captain general’s office. Kyoraku waits until the doors shut with a resounding thud before he sighs deeply, worriedly. He had just seen you days ago, and it seemed there was much that was plaguing you. The likelihood of you recovering as rapidly as Kotetsu says you are is slim.

He peeks at the stack of files that Nanao-chan handed him this afternoon. But those can really wait, especially when it comes to you. Without you, there will be very few – if not, no one else – who can as vividly and intimately remember Ukitake as he can. He cannot lose the last connecting thread to his best companion. But truly, your state of mind’s very troubling. Stuck in an abyss, you wander, a ghost piloting a frail cadaver, bound to the grounds your late husband frequented when he was live. Often forgetting to eat and bathe and venture beyond your bedroom, you are withering away in real time, little pieces of your soul dying out.

At times, he can understand. Ukitake’s death left a permanent hole in his life as well, bereaving him from anyone he has given himself wholly to. Other times, though, he can’t extend any more empathy or compassion than he already has. How is it possible for you to not have anymore love or care for anything in this world? How can the loss of one person – something everyone experiences at one point in their life – disable you so much so?

But perhaps it’s a privilege that he cannot understand such enduring grief. He still has his niece, friends, and alcohol. Now that he thinks about it, you really don’t have anyone or anything else. Always keeping to yourself, you’ve been razor sharp in words and sight since he first met you; if others hadn’t already avoided you for your intimidating glare, then they were bound to be driven away by your scathing criticism and dry, sarcastic quips. Truth be told, it also took him a while to warm up to you, let alone fathom how you captured the heart of the open-minded, warm-hearted Ukitake. Kyoraku shakes his head. That’s Ukitake for you, he thinks, able to love everyone and everything.

At the end of the day, there’s a singular fundamental difference between you and Kyoraku: he has a reason to keep living, and you don’t.

He rubs at his left eye. He hopes you find one soon.

–

You have been having horrible dreams recently. More specifically, the dreams are so euphoric that they make you want to throw up when you wake up.

Jushiro appears in all of them. Sometimes, it is a recollection of your wedding day, from the ceremony in the morning to the love he made to you that night. There are also flashes of him bedridden, weakened by the intrinsic sickliness of his physicality. Last night, Jushiro and you were in a field, one so vast that you could not see beyond the rolling hills of low-hanging yellow camellia shrubs.

Both of you were stooping to admire the perennial flowers. You plucked one, tucking it behind his ear, and he laughed, doing the same for you. There was no well-trodden road or path, so the two of you meandered about at your own leisure. Strangely, though, neither of you spoke a word, only listening to the summer wind rustling through the field and the worker bees buzzing about. But you did not care at all. You just needed him by your side, just like this.

At one point, you were entranced by a particular shrub that grew taller than the rest, and while you were distracted, Jushiro had wandered far off. When you noticed the lack of his presence, you jolted up to your feet, eyes frantically searching all around, until you spotted him a couple hundred yards away behind you. He was waving his arm, calling out to you in his bright voice. “Come over here!”

Yet, before you were able to tell that you are on your way, you wake up, cold sweat seeping through your yukata.

The experience is truly nauseating, and you have had to experience it every morning for the past half-month. You would much rather become an insomniac at this point.

Regardless, you know the cause behind such dreams: the Konso Reisai ceremony is coming up.

–

The lieutenants are late. As per custom, they are to capture a Hollow in order for the ceremony to proceed. You, along with the division captains, surround Jushiro’s tombstone and wait in silence. You notice Rukia-san, who tries to smile encouragingly at you. You nod, stone-faced, barely able to reciprocate her efforts.

You are sure you look miserable. This morning, you were caught dry-heaving into the toilet by Kotetsu-san, who called Kyoraku over when you refused to leave your bathroom. With much begging and pleading, you let the commander peel you from the toilet bowl and off the floor, carrying you over to your and Jushiro’s futons to get dressed. Without the help of Rukia-san and Kotetsu-san, you would not even be dressed properly for the occasion.

Twelve years, and the grief is no less debilitating. You are depression epitomized, the personification of sadness and anger and surrender mushed into a near-corpse. The saying goes that healing is not linear, but you are sure yours is a straight trend downwards, unrelenting and deterministic in nature, never to plateau.

Suddenly, one of the captains, Soifun-san, gasps. “What is this…?”

There are black dewdrops scattered about, hanging immobilized in the air. You jerk as one appears right in front of you.

You catch a glimpse of Kyoraku unsheathing his sword, slicing a droplet faster than you can see, and then examining the bubbling matter staining the blade. “This is a will-o’-wisp from Hell.”

As he explains the will-o’-wisps and the superstition behind the Konso Reisai ceremony, you feel…

Adrenaline surging through you.

Goosebumps appearing on your arms and back.

Expectation bringing you to a dangerous high.

Hope.

Reishi too potent cannot return to Soul Society? The ceremony is dedicated solely to deceased captains? The only other option is Hell?

Does that mean… Jushiro is in Hell?

Hope.

Kyoraku concludes. “I just realized right now that this superstition might have been true.”

Hope.

You are giddy. Ecstatic. Overjoyed at the news.

For the first time since your husband’s death, you are feeling positively abundant. Hopeful. You never thought you would feel hope again.

At first, only your shoulders shake. But your clothes that hang so loosely on you can only hide so much of your shuddering frame, and the other captains begin to take notice. Your hands reach up to hold your face, one covering your eyes and the other failing to mute your laughs.

You can no longer hold back.

You cackle loudly, hunched over while laughing and giggling incessantly. Someone tells you to shut it, but you simply cannot.

Of course, this is no comedic matter. This is serious – wonderful – news! Because Jushiro’s reishi cannot be deconstructed and digested by Soul Society, it has been sent down to Hell. His soul is still intact, from what you understand. That means, in essence, he is still alive.

A miracle has occurred, you think.

Hysterical. Unrestrained. Deranged.

You can see Jushiro again. You can smell his comforting scent of tea leaves, feel the silkiness of his hair slip between your fingers, taste his lips against yours, imagine him smiling and laughing and existing in one whole piece right in front of you.

It cannot get better than this.

I am on my way, you think. I am coming over right now, Jushiro.

My beloved, I will be right there with you.

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whynotjohnlock · 6 months ago

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Hey, would you mind to (maybe if you have time) write some headcanons or a small fic about how the tenth doctor would react if the reader had a panic attack or an anxiety attack? No pressure though, it’s fine if you don’t want to:) thank you in advance and have a great day

*awkwardly walks away, tripping over their own feet*

look at this man. Look at this silly little time lord who wants nothing more than for you to be and happy.

A/N: I have Anxiety around people too anon, no need to walk away. Also, I tryed to just do a reaction, but I may have gone a bit overboard.

Hedcanons:

At first, he's probably oblivious. He's ranting about the slightest differences in coffee on different countries around Earth and Avantiam 5, and the ways they are worse than tea because apparently the time lords invented that too.

When he turns his head toward you during an adventure and he sees you hyperventilating and anxious hands flailing or just any nervous stimms you have he stops and forgets what he was ranting about immediately.

Whenever you're in a panic, he will walk up to you very slowly to show he means you no harm.

Then he man will ask if you're ok to be held. If you've said yes he will give you a nice hug. "Hey, just listen to my heartbeats, ok?"

If not, he understands and regardless of your answer, is most definitely giving his dark oncoming storm eyes to anything or any anyone that made you feel this stressed. "You don't need to do anything other than breath." "Let's get you to the TARDIS."

If it's a person ridiculeing you for any reason, like weirdness, weight, neurodivergence, height, beliefs, or not raseing your eyebrows correctly on a planet that talks only with facial expressions, he is here for you.

Will definitely use his sonic to scan for embarrassing secrets about the person insulting you. "Looks like someone busted their netocrosis pathalovain tube!" (What that means only the doctor knows, but apparently that was enough to make the Alien back off.)

Sonic won't work for whatever reason? He'll just use psychic paper. "How dare you insult the grand leader of the Draconia-Morphious-Nebula! I could have you filed for high treason!"

If all else fails he is not above being all like, "I am a 900+ year old time lord an you will respect my friend or you will never have the ability to disrespect anyone else."

Once you get away from the thing causing you to have a panic attack, and he's stoped whatever everyday universe ending phonominon was happening that day, he's driving the TARDIS to stationary floating in space to ensure that you're alright.

Is a full blown Mother Hen™ and will get you snacks and blankets so you can snuggle up with warmth. "Are you sure you're ok to go to the next adventure already?" "Doctor, we've been here for like three days!" "I know but humans- I don't want to traumatize every companion I have."

The TARDIS is an infinite dimensional spaceship and you have full access to billions of shows or videogames or VR. Literally, all you have to do is be nice, and you have a world of comfort and distractions to get your mind off of any troubles.

If you're alright with it, he's totally down with cuddles to calm any remaining nerves. When you hold each other, he can rest knowing he's not alone and live in a wonderful moment of contentment.

As you fall asleep in his arms or not, he takes a moment to reflect before going back to tinkering on the TARDIS.

You have stood with the doctor facing down Galactic Empires and Gods, and he is never ashamed of you for having panic attacks. He thinks of you, as he does of his previous companions. Humans only have one life of usually no more than 100 years, and yet they are brave, far braver than most time lords who can live millennia with around 12 lives.

He almost feels silly for being afraid of life ending threats just thinking about it. Him, the doctor, afraid.

The Doctor is amazed. He is in awe of you.

#doctor who #doctor x reader #gender neutral reader #10th doctor #doctor who x male reader #tenth doctor #doctor who x reader #doctor who x you

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teaffrogy · 7 months ago

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Hi! I saw you were looking for ideas so I'm going to submit a couple if that's okay! Feel free to ignore if not lol

First idea is for Gale (he needs more attention in this fandom!!) Tav who's kind but completely oblivious when it comes to flirting getting hit on and just not picking up on it, how would Gale react or not react? Would his reaction be different if he saw it from afar, up close, or just heard about it? Can be pre-relationship or during :)

Second idea can be for any or all companions (personally tho I think it'd be interesting for astarion, halsin, and gale) Their reactions (separate) to Tav realizing there's mutual attraction so they take them aside and nervously confess that they're asexual and would understand if they don't want to be partners after knowing this about them and that they wanted to tell them before things got serious.

Sorry for rambling in your inbox but I hope this was atleast somewhat helpful :D

Omg yes both I love sm omggg okay imma work on one first then the other. And I totally agree! Gale deserves more attention! I adore that man sm😭❤️ also so sorry it took me a while I have been taking care of my cat who got surgery

Oblivious Tav

Gale x Reader(Tav)

I honestly believe Gale immediately Knew Tav was super oblivious to people Flirting on them And he first found out About it when Lae'zel made the first move. Instead of falling for her words, you just gave her a puzzled look. “I'm sorry Lae’zel. I don't want to fight with you.”

The second time he saw it was with Astarion at The tiefling party. Of course he put his Vampiric charms on you but it just flew past you. And Astarion had this look on his face that made Gale burst out laughing. Some of the tieflings gave him a puzzled look.

Another interaction was when a tiefling was flirting with you. She rubbed your hand up and down softly that he himself even felt the shivers. She had tried to tell Tav how gorgeous they are and how even better they would look under her. But that left you confused. “Why do you want me to lay down?”

Like always, he found it funny because what you say and the other is the person's reaction. But Gale wouldn't lie, he had fallen in love with you the day he taught you how to cast spells just so you could feel what he feels, the magic of it. It was just the way your eyes shined as you looked around you. The moment you Two had made him realize how much he wanted you in his life, read a book beside you, be on his balcony, have a cup of tea or coffee, whatever you like to drink! And just read a book with you, watch the sunset, see the boats sail away, watch the waves of the sea. And just be with you. He loves you.

After that, he did try to make some moves.

Gale didn't know if he should feel bad or

embarrassed for you.

No matter how many times he tries to flirt, it simply just flies Over your head. You two were in the shadowlands and he took so much time and dedication to say those words to you that it simply flew past you. Astarion couldn't help but let a Laugh. Shadowheart was holding hers in. He knew you were obviously but not that much!

He tried it again, a small pick up line and you just stared at him and gods he loves you but oh my god he also is embarrassed when you simply don't get it. He had to actually say those three words.

“What I am trying to say is that I am in love with you. I love you.” Gale says and your eyes go wide at those words. “And I have been trying to make you get the hints that I am really in love with you but it just flies by you. I was thinking it was the tadpole wiggling those words out but that's just how you are.” He says and you feel embarrassed. “Oh.” You say and Gale holds your hands. “I'm in love with you Tav.” and he brings your hands close to his lips, kisses each one hand and looks up at you. “I love you too Gale.” You say and he's more than happy to hear those Words come out.

And even now that you two are together, it simply flies by you. From times you do get his little pick up lines, but there are those other times where it flies by.

But Gale loves that about Tav and finds it cute.

#bg3 #bg3 tav #gale of waterdeep #gale x tav #bg3 gale #gale x reader #gale dekarios #gale x you #bulders gate 3 #gale romance

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rose-sophia-isabella-rogers · 9 months ago

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A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XX - An Arrow in the Quiver

Chapter Summary: It's time to face Fjerda. Who will win and who will lose? Will Ravka finally be at peace? And what will you get for everything you've done?

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Alina Starkov/Mal Oretsev, Zoya Nazyalensky/Nikolai Lantsov, Fedyor Kaminsky/Ivan, Genya Safin/David Kostyk

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Nikolai Lantsov, Genya Safin, Alina Starkov, Mal Oretsev, Ivan, Fedyor Kaminsky, Zoya Nazyalensky, David Kostyk, Nina Zenik

Word Count: 4449

A/N: Inspired by prompt: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100611/

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added or removed):

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

Ivan and Tolya return. With a promise of an army. Like Aleksander has predicted, the people of Shu-Han are furious. Their beloved princess is 'dead' because of Fjerda and it has to pay for it. The great battle is about to happen soon.

Everyone is preparing in the ways they can. Including you. Even though you've already did a lot, you still spend days in the workshop, working on your latest project.

This is where one night David finds you. The only reason Kirigan hasn't dragged you from here is because he is at the Grand Palace, busy with another war meeting.

'You've done so much already, [Y/N],' Kostyk says quietly, but still manages to startle you. 'Go and get some rest.'

'I can't,' you huff, combing your hair with your hand. 'Not after what Nina told me about Fjerdans' work on jurda parem.'

'And that is?' David asks, raising his eyebrows. You sigh and remember your conversation with Zenik…

'Jurda parem in gaseous form?' you asked with disbelief. The Heartrender nodded, troubled.

'I wasn't dosed with it in the end, but still…' she said. 'I'm worried our Grisha will be attacked like that during the battle.'

'Everyone is to have a dose of antidote with them, so I wouldn't worry about that,' you said, pensive. 'But you brought up a good point. Gaseous form is more effective. If we had the antidote in that form on the battlefield…'

'We could save Grisha on the Fjerdans' side,' Nina said, her eyes lightning up. You nodded.

'I will think about it,' you promised. Zenik clasped your hands in hers and smiled.

'If anyone can figure it out, it's you,' she said, winking. You stared at her hands, pensive. From all the people, she's been one of the first that seemed to trust you. It puzzled you.

'Thank you,' you said quietly. 'It means a lot.'

'Hey,' the Heartrender said softly. 'I know what you're thinking. But I am the last person who should judge your actions. My lover is a Fjerdan after all.'

She smiled wryly. You thought about Matthias. He was a good man and utterly in love with Nina. But yes. He was a Fjerdan and almost as unpopular as you and Aleksander.

'The heart does what it wants, huh?' you asked, shrugging. Zenik chuckled. She sighed and nodded.

'Oh, yes,' she agreed. 'That's so true.'

'Hm, that is a good idea,' David says, already thinking. You blink, discarding the memory.

'Yeah, but so far it's just that,' you say and huff in frustration. 'I can't believe Fjerdans figured out the gaseous form of parem and I can't do the same with the antidote!'

'Well, they are a little different,' Kostyk points out. 'You're using more raw jurda.'

Instantly, you look at each other. You think of the same.

'That's it,' you say. 'And maybe if we-'

'Instead of-' the Durast says.

'And then-' you add.

'Yes, let's do it,' David says and you two get to work. Some time later, while waiting for your work to cool down, you sit and drink tea.

'I've forgiven you, by the way,' Kostyk says suddenly. 'Your betrayal, lies and manipulation. I get why you did it. Also, I see you were right. Ever since Kirigan has returned, things are finally looking up. We really needed him now. And since three years have passed, some emotions and grudges cooled down. We could put them aside and work together for Ravka.'

'Thank you,' you say after a beat. 'I… I didn't want to betray you. It hurt me. So, your forgiveness means a great deal to me.'

'You are my friend, [Y/N],' the Durast says softly. 'It may take some time, but I'll always forgive you. No matter what you'll do. And I hope this will be the same in your case.'

'I can hardly imagine you doing something so vile you'd need my forgiveness, but of course,' you chuckle. David smiles. You chat for a bit more, then continue your experiment.

When Aleksander walks in later, tired and exasperated with you, you're staring proudly at your work. At first, neither of you even notice his presence.

'We have to test it now,' Kostyk says, pensive. 'But we don't have more affected Grisha.'

'We can always drug someone and then give him an antidote,' you suggest.

'You're thinking about those two Grisha that were ogling Kirigan during the party, aren't you?' David asks. You look at him innocently.

'I'm sure someone will show up soon,' the Darkling speaks up, joining your conversation. 'We still get new Grisha hurt by the parem. So, for now you both can go to sleep.'

'Yes, sir,' Kostyk quickly says and starts cleaning up.

'If no one does, though, can we consider my suggestion?' you ask hopefully. David and Aleksander roll their eyes. You sigh and quickly help Kostyk. Once you're done, the Durast bids you farewell, and leaves. Kirigan takes your hand in his and you go to his chambers.

'So, what was that experiment about?' he asks you.

'We've managed to make the antidote in a gaseous form,' you explain and your lover looks at you, impressed. 'We just have to see if it still works.'

'If it does… it would help immensely in the battle,' the Darkling says and kisses your hand. 'Thank you, milaya. You've already done so much and yet you continue to amaze us all.'

'Well, since I'm not going to be on the battlefield, I want to be useful in another way,' you say. You enter the room, since you've reached it.

'I want to argue about that usefulness, but I'm too exhausted,' Aleksander sighs. You comb his hair with your hand. He closes his eyes, leaning into your touch, relaxing.

'How was the meeting?' you ask.

'Alina and I didn't argue, so that's a success,' he answers. 'Other than that… we still can't agree on the best course of action.'

'Well, you'll get it in the end,' you assure him. 'If not, you can always threaten the generals with me.'

'Hm, I would not like to see you entering a meeting, furious and ready to argue,' Kirigan admits and kisses you softly. 'Thank you, lapushka.'

You beam at him and answer the kiss. It takes a few minutes for you to pull apart.

'You can thank me properly after I give you a massage,' you whisper. The Darkling groans.

'Yes, please, I need it so much,' he asks. You chuckle and push him into the bathroom.

'I'm at your service,' you say teasingly. Aleksander pulls you with him, a mirth in his eyes. A lot of time passes before you finally go to sleep.

Everything is ready. Shu-Han's army has arrived. Your warriors feel up to the task. The antidote in a gaseous form is working and you've produced it enough, or so you hope. All of that means it's time to move out to battle.

In the morning when the armies are to set off, you help Aleksander get ready. The atmosphere is solemn, tense. You don't speak. Both of you are scared to break the silence.

'[Y/N]…' Kirigan starts when he's ready. But he trails off and sighs.

'Come back to me, okay?' you ask him. 'I don't fancy bringing you back to life a second time.'

'I'd say it's not possible now, but I know you'd find a way,' the Darkling says, smiling wryly.

'Obviously,' you huff. Aleksander chuckles. He cups your cheek. You lean into his touch, looking at him sadly. You're scared he's not going to return. He's immortal, yes. But some things still can kill him.

'It's going to be okay,' Kirigan says quietly. 'Thanks to you we're well prepared. We're going to win. And I'm not going to die. I made you a promise, didn't I?'

'You did,' you admit. 'But I… can't help it.'

'I know,' the Darkling says. 'I used to thrive in a battle. Now I despise it, because I know it makes you worried or you could get hurt. I wonder why is that, hm?'

You smile slightly, not at all sorry. Aleksander cups your other cheek and touches your forehead with his.

'I love you so hard that I softened,' he says. 'And I don't mind it one bit. I'm a happier man thanks to it.'

You lift your head and make your lips join. You kiss for a minute or so. Then, you pull away, but only slightly.

'Then go and win this, so I could be a happier woman,' you whisper. Kirigan catches your mouth for a moment longer.

'As my lady commands,' he murmurs. 'But before I go… there's something I want to ask you.'

He takes your hands in his. You look at him quizzically. He seems nervous for some reason.

'When I come back… I'd like to marry you,' he says, stunning you. 'If you'll have me, that is. Since we're both immortal now, I understand I'd be tying you to me forever. If you're not sure, need more time or you-'

You silence him with a finger on his lips. He looks at you, hopeful and scared. But to his relief you smile.

'Yes,' you say. The fearsome Darkling laughs, overjoyed. He kisses you again and again.

'Now you better win quickly,' you say when you finally stop. 'I don't want to wait long.'

'Neither do I,' Aleksander says, grinning. You join hands and leave his chambers. Ivan and Fedyor, who are happily married since last week, follow you. Soon, you're outside with the rest of the army.

'[Y/N], are you sure you're not coming?' Nikolai asks, walking to you. 'You can, if you want.'

'Oh, I'm sure,' you confirm, nodding. 'I don't want to be anywhere near a battle until I learn to control fully my amplified abilities.'

Lantsov nods in understanding. He smiles charmingly at you.

'Then keep an eye on the capital, will you?' he asks.

'Hm, I don't know,' you say playfully. 'Haven't I done enough?'

'You've done,' the King says, suddenly serious. 'You've done so much to help us win this. If we do, I know it's mostly thanks to you.'

He offers you his hand. You stare at it for a moment. Then, you grab it and you shake it.

'Good luck, moi tsar,' you say, bowing your head with respect. He nods back and goes to his horse. You bid farewell to the rest of your friends. Even David goes with others. Suddenly, Alina shows up next to you.

'[Y/N],' she greets you and becomes nervous. 'I… Can we talk?'

'What is it?' you ask, trying not to sound too much hostile.

'I want to apologise,' Starkov says after a beat. You look at her with raised eyebrows. She sighs.

'I hate it, but Aleksander's ideas were mostly spot on,' she starts. 'And he genuinely seems to have changed. I know it's thanks to you. You… were right. About so many things. Maybe even most of them.'

You stare at her. You see your silence makes her even more nervous.

'Good luck, Alina,' you finally say. 'Win this war and come back home. I honestly wish for that for you.'

'Thank you,' the Sun Summoner says quietly. She walks away. Her slumped shoulders tell you the conversation didn't go as she hoped.

'Alina!' you call after her after a moment of hesitation. She turns, a hopeful look in her eyes.

'Maybe one day I'll be able to forgive you,' you say. 'As I hope you'll forgive me. But now… it's still too soon.'

She nods her head in understanding and walks away. You watch her joining Mal. They talk and smile after a moment. You turn your head and look at Nikolai. He meets your gaze and grins.

'Best of luck,' you say.

'I have your antidote, best warriors I could hope for and a perfect equipment,' he says. 'I think we're more than ready to win this.'

'Just don't get too cocky,' you warn him.

'Don't worry, I won't let that happen,' Zoya says, showing up on her horse next to Lantsov. 'You try not to ruin the Little Palace while we're away.'

'What about the Grand Palace?' the King questions. Nazyalensky shrugs.

'I don't care, it's ugly anyway,' she says. Nikolai looks at you pleadingly.

'Look after it as well,' he asks.

'But I don't like it either,' you say. Lantsov sighs and turns to his soldiers.

'Move out!' he orders and the armies slowly head out. You manage to catch the gaze of Aleksander. You smile at each other and nod.

'Good luck,' you whisper. After everyone is gone, you turn and go back to the Little Palace. Now all you can do is wait.

It takes some time to reach the border with Fjerda. But the King's army finally does and a day later the battle starts. It's not pretty. Many people die. But thanks to your antidote, Zoya's excellent training, Kirigan's spot on strategy and some other things, they seem to be winning.

'Nikolai!' Zoya shouts at some point. He quickly turns to her, alarmed. But she doesn't seem to be harmed.

'If we survive this, you can ask me!' she shouts. 'You know, that certain question!'

Lantsov stares at her, stunned. Then, he grins.

'Seriously?' he asks, beaming at her. She barely manages to stop a smile forming on her face.

'Yes,' she says. 'But I want it to be public. I want to see the faces of courtiers when you do it.'

The King chuckles. Then he has to duck, because Zoya suddenly shoots flames in his direction. Behind him someone screams. He looks at his general sheepishly. She sends him an annoyed glare.

'But try to live to that moment, hm?' she asks. He salutes her and returns to the battle.

Some time later, it's over. While at first the numbers on both sides have been even, when Ravkans started using antidote on drugged Grisha on Fjerdan's side, the numbers turned. Because when they were no longer under the effect of parem, Grisha with fury turned on Fjerda. Mostly thanks to that, Ravka and Shu-Han are victorious. Well, Zoya, Aleksander and Alina attacking with enormous power helped as well.

Nikolai walks to one of Fjerdan generals to make him announce the surrender officially. He's lying on the ground, coughing out blood, Kirigan's shoe on his chest. He laughs when he sees the approaching Lantsov.

'You may have won today, false king,' he says. 'But you have nowhere to come back to.'

Dread fills Nikolai. He looks with alarm at the Darkling. His expression is grim as well. And worried.

'I knew there's too little of them,' Mal murmurs. Lantsov turns to Zoya.

'Go,' she says before he can say something. 'Alina and I will make sure it's over here. Ravka needs you to be there. Both of you.'

She looks at Aleksander. He nods at her in gratitude. The King wants to argue. But he knows Nazyalensky is right. So, he barks orders and takes some soldiers with him. Then, they speed up to Os Alta.

Which is under attack. When they first attack, you're in your room, writing a letter to your lover. But sudden commotion interrupts you. You bolt out of the room.

'We're under attack!' a panicked soldier shouts, running to you. 'Fjerda has carried out a sneak attack! They're going to be here within an hour!'

You curse under your breath. You think on your feet.

'Gather everyone we have in the throne room of Grand Palace,' you order. The soldier doesn't even question you. He just nods and rushes out.

Ten minutes later you enter the room full of soldiers and Grisha. But it's still not enough to defeat an army that's coming to get you. Especially, since most of Grisha are still learning. The rest are Durasts and Alkemi. The experienced ones are on the front.

'We're gonna die,' someone whispers.

'No, we're not,' you deny. 'We can't win, but we're not gonna die.'

'What's the difference?' someone asks.

'This Palace has been made to withstand a siege,' you say. 'All we have to do is hold on until the army returns. And I know we can do it.'

'What about people from the capital?' someone asks.

'They're being evacuated as we speak,' you answer. 'So, what do you say?'

'But we're not fighters,' a Durast says shyly.

'No, but we're clever,' you counter. 'Like I said, we don't need to win. We just have to stop them from entering the Grand Palace and Little Palace. We're going to use our talents for this. Anything we can create that can stop them, we're making it. Same goes for the rest of you. It doesn't matter how much you can control your powers at the moment. In fact, let it loose on Fjerdans. As long as we work together, we can hold them out until the return of the King. I'm certain of that. So, who's with me?'

Everyone exchanges a look. When they turn to you, their eyes are filled with determination. They nod. You're going to do it.

By the time Nikolai returns with his part of the army, there's a total chaos everywhere. But the Fjerdans are still not inside any of the palaces. In fact, some Fjerdans try to desert.

'Well, it's better than I feared,' Lantsov comments. 'Come on!'

They attack the enemy. Soon, Aleksander, the King, Fedyor and Ivan are almost at the door to the Little Palace. But suddenly, a Fjerdan shows up out of nowhere and manages to thrust his sword in Kirigan's shoulder.

'Die, Darkling!' he shrieks. The Shadow Summoner grunts in pain.

'That was stupid,' Ivan comments, absolutely calm.

'Very stupid,' Fedyor agrees, nodding, also not bothered. Nikolai opens his mouth to say something, confused, but is interrupted by a vicious battle cry. Then, something falls from the sky (or rather a windowsill but they don't know that) and lands on the enemy's back.

'Die, die, die!' you scream, stabbing (or as you'd say, aggressively poking) the soldier. Lantsov's eyes widen.

'This is why we're more scared of her than him,' Fedyor explains, motioning with his head at Kirigan. A Healer is already by his side, tending to his wound.

'I can understand that,' the King says, nodding, and returns to the battle. When it's won by Ravka, he surveys the battle field. He's surprised to find you still stabbing/aggressively poking the same soldier from before. But now he's dead and lying on his stomach on the ground.

'[Y/N],' Ivan says, walking to you. 'Leave him alone. He's been dead for some time now.'

'I'm. Venting. My. Frustration,' you growl, stabbing the guy with every word. 'You. Have. No. Idea. How. Stressful. That. Was.'

The Heartrender sighs. He wonders what to do, but then Aleksander shows up. He simply takes the dagger out of your hands, picks you up and cradles you in his arms.

'It's alright, milaya,' he murmurs and looks at Nikolai. 'It's over now.'

Fjerdan has been defeated and forced to sign a treaty. Shu-Han has been held responsible for their attacks and also forced to laid down their weapons. They also must stop creating more khergud and stop kidnapping Grisha. Ravka is finally at peace and united.

Nikolai decides to honour everyone that has made it possible. Which means a huge ceremony. You're terribly bored at it and mostly don't listen to the King praising people. Until he gets to Zoya. Then, you watch her joining him with a great interest.

'Zoya Nazyalensky, general of the Second Army,' Lantsov starts. 'My partner and most trusted advisor during the past years. There's no doubt you've played a huge part in our victory. This peace wouldn't be possible without you.'

You swear you can hear her murmuring 'obviously'. You smile.

'I thought you'd serve as my general for many years to come,' Nikolai goes on. 'But recently I realised there's a better position for you. If you agree to take it, Ravka has a chance to become even stronger and prouder.'

You notice her tensing. Lantsov either doesn't see it or ignores it, as he lowers himself on one knee. People start murmuring. You focus only on the couple. The King shows his general a box with a gorgeous ring inside it.

'Zoya Nazyalensky,' he says, 'will you give me the honour of becoming your husband?'

You see her lips twitching in reaction to the phrasing of the question. But she stays silent. Nikolai becomes nervous.

'Come on, Zoya, don't do this to me now,' he murmurs. Nazyalensky almost snorts.

'Yes,' she finally says, offering her hand. Lantsov quickly puts a ring on one of her fingers, before she changes her mind. People cheer and clap. You, Genya and Fedyor are probably the loudest.

Zoya goes back to her place, showing with pride her ring to those around her. The King's eyes land on the Darkling. The latter walks to the former. The room falls silent. You hold your breath.

'Before I start, how should I address you?' Nikolai whispers.

'Aleksander Kirigan,' the Shadow Summoner decides after a beat. Lantsov nods.

'Aleksander Kirigan, the Darkling, the peace advisor,' he says, louder. 'At first, I wasn't sure if this was going to work. But you held your end of the bargain. Without your help, your advice and skills, maybe none of us would be standing here today. We've been at war once. But I think we both learnt that our dreams are actually quite similar, if not the same. You've proven your loyalty to Ravka and helped me keep its people save. Which is why, in thanks for your contributions for our country, I grant you a full pardon for your past crimes. Every one of them. Including creating the Fold that has separated us for centuries.'

People murmur, astonished. You smile with tears in your eyes.

'Your most gracious, moi tsar,' Aleksander says, bowing his head.

'That was our agreement,' the King says and smiles. 'Besides, you've earned it. In fact… your old position is going to be open. Would you care to become the general of the Second Army again, after the present one becomes the Queen of Ravka?'

People gasps. There's more murmuring.

'I'd be honoured, moi-' Kirigan starts.

'Nikolai,' Lantsov interrupts him and two men share a look. After a moment of silence, the King offers his hand to your lover. The Darkling shakes it, smiling. Then, he returns to his place by your side, accompanied by clapping and cheers.

'[Y/N] [L/N],' Nikolai says, silencing everyone. You slowly make your way to him. You can't help but wonder why are you the last. It worries you a bit. But seeing a kind look Lantsov gives you, you calm down.

'Where to begin?' he asks, spreading his arms, and laughs. 'By creating the antidote to jurda parem, you've saved Grisha. All of them. When you created its gaseous form, you helped turned the tide of the battle with Fjerda. Your design of kefta and uniforms saved countless lives. And let's not forget… you've brought back to life the Darkling. Without whom the victory wouldn't be possible.'

There are no murmurs this time. People are quiet. You could hear a pin drop.

'I can't deny, your actions caught us all by surprise,' the King goes on. 'The truth is, we should have seen it all coming. Because you are extraordinary. But you've been overlooked by everyone. Invisible, even. We would have seen it all if we had just bothered to look.'

You clench your teeth. You can feel tears forming in your eyes. You have no idea why he reminds you of the years of isolation you had to endure.

'I can say I didn't know you back when my father was the king,' Nikolai continues. 'But I ignored you as well. Put you in a cell. While your only "crime" was falling in love. For that, I apologise.'

He bows his head to you. You blink, surprised. People murmur, astonished as well. Lantsov looks at you again.

'You had every reason to hate us all, hate this country and not move a finger to save it from collapsing,' he says. 'But instead, for the past years you've done what you could to make sure Ravka can rise strong and powerful. After the Fold was destroyed, you told me I can't stitch it back together on my own. That I needed Kirigan. You were right. You brought him back and you proved us all how wrong we were to ignore you and underestimate you. We can all argue who did the most to save our homeland this time. But in my eyes, there is no doubt… that the person who made it possible for our army to win… is you. [Y/N] [L/N], the Saviour of Ravka.'

You stare at him, stunned, as he falls on his knees in front of you. For you.

'[Y/N] [L/N], the Saviour of Ravka!' Zoya calls and also knees. One by one, your friends and Aleksander do the same. Even Alina and Mal.

'[Y/N] [L/N], the Saviour of Ravka!' the rest of the court shouts and every single one of them falls on their knees. You look around, stunned and with tears in your eyes. You can feel some of them rolling down your face.

No longer invisible. No longer unnoticed and underestimated. Finally seen. Finally appreciated. And… when you look at all the smiles of the people you care about… no longer alone.

You look at Nikolai. He smiles warmly at you.

'Thank you,' you whisper.

'No, [Y/N],' he says, shaking his head. 'Thank you.'

He stands up and everyone follows suit. They look at him. It's clear he's not done.

'When Kirigan will return to being the General, he won't be my peace advisor anymore,' he finally says. 'And since this position's been just created, it would be a shame to dispose of it. Would you be interested to take it?'

'On one condition,' you say. Lantsov freezes. You grin at him.

'Just kidding,' you say. 'I'd be happy to, moi tsar.'

'You'll give me a heart attack one day,' the King sighs. You laugh and bow to him. You return to Aleksander's side, accompanied by cheering and clapping. Kirigan at once takes your hands in his.

'We've done it,' he murmurs into your ear. 'We've brought peace and stability to Ravka.'

'And more importantly, we can finally be together,' you say. The grin on his face tells you that he agrees with that. He presses a kiss to your forehead and you smile. Finally, all is well.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135677767

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unpredictable-probabilities · 5 months ago

Text

At a Blade's End || Chapter 1: The New Target

Summary:

Hob declines an offer from enterprising noble Roderick Burgess to buy his land after finding out the man's selfish mindset about his ambitions.

However, Roderick Burgess is not one to take no for an answer.

Word Count: 2,671

Notes:

For Dreamling Week Day 7: Assassins

[Read on AO3]

---

He perched on the lowest branch deep within the tree’s leaves, allowing him a good view of the road below but keeping himself out of sight.

The moon was shining bright tonight, and he was confident that he would spot the target as soon as it arrived. This was the main road out of the village, and most merchants took it to transport their wares more conveniently.

He did not need to wait long, for merely a handful of minutes later, a familiar carriage turned the corner, pulled along by two horses driven by one man.

The carriage would pass by in front of his tree any moment now.

Three.

Two.

One.

He leapt out of the branch and tackled the man to the ground, sitting up and pinning him down.

The horses, feeling the reigns go slack, became restless and swerved in different directions as they dragged the carriage behind them.

“You…!” The man’s eyes widened in recognition and fear.

He lifted his dagger and sliced through the man’s throat.

The man didn’t say anything more, his eyes still wide and unblinking beneath the moonlight.

He would need to modify the look of that wound later. But for now, he had something else to attend to.

He stood up and turned smoothly on his heel, heading towards the carriage.

***

“Don’t you have that meeting with the Burgess fella?” Louise said as she walked over to Hob behind the bar. “Why’re you still here?”

“I’ve still got a bit of time left,” Hob looked at his pocketwatch. He liked to help out at the tavern even for a short while every day, especially during lunch hours like these when the place tended to be busy.

“You work too hard, boss,” Matthew said, bringing in a tray of empty mugs from the tables.

“Maybe he’s makin’ up for how you’re hardly workin’, Matt,” Louise called after him as he walked into the kitchens.

“Not taking that from you, Lou,” Matthew called back, the door closing behind him.

“Go ahead, boss,” Louise nodded towards the doorway of the tavern. “We can hold down the fort.”

“Alright,” Hob relented. “Wouldn’t do to keep a nobleman waiting.”

“Aren’t you a nobleman, too?” Louise raised an eyebrow.

“I’m much more patient compared to others,” Hob said, only half-joking.

He walked past the tables and went out to his carriage waiting outside the tavern.

“Good afternoon, Abel,” Hob greeted his coachman already waiting for him. “Have you eaten already?”

“Yes, sir,” Abel nodded from his seat behind the horses. “Louise got me a table and served me lunch about a half hour ago.”

Hob nodded. “Very well, then. We best be off to Fawney Rig.”

Abel urged the horses to move with a gentle motion of the reins, and the carriage rolled down the dirt road.

***

“I trust your journey has been peaceful, Sir Gadling?” Roderick Burgess asked after his servants had finished laying out their food on the table.

“Indeed, Sir Burgess. The roads were even, and it is not quite so hot out, which I am grateful for also because it allows us to have this meal in your beautiful garden,” Hob said pleasantly.

“My servants would hold umbrellas for us even if it does get too hot,” Burgess said indifferently. “Heaven knows I pay them enough for such a small task.”

Hob’s smile almost faltered, but he kept up his friendly tone. “So, Sir Burgess, the invitation I received mentioned your interest in my farm?”

“Yes,” Burgess nodded and took a sip of his tea. “Your land is along the main road leading to the church and residential areas. I would like to purchase it.”

Hob’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Oh. I see.” He was under the impression that Burgess wanted some sort of trade agreement, or perhaps to have Hob’s farm be his supplier for another business. “I’m afraid it’s not for sale, Sir Burgess. That land has been within my family for generations, and I am inclined to keep it that way. But perhaps I can recommend other properties? I know a few people who might be more willing to sell their lands.”

Burgess shook his head. “Properties along the main roads are the most profitable. I should like to build an inn or a tavern where your farm currently resides. Name your price, Sir Gadling.”

“I’m not too certain that the main roads would be as good for profit as they once were,” Hob began. “Have you heard of the wolf attack the other night?”

“Nasty business,” Burgess wrinkled his nose. “Not very good table conversation.”

“Yes, of course,” Hob tipped his head politely. “I just meant that perhaps we shouldn’t conduct any new ventures along the main roads until the authorities have set up some security measures.”

“Travellers know the risks. If they go to an inn and get attacked by wild beasts or some other along the way, that is not the responsibility of the inn’s owner, is it? I do not see why the other night’s events should concern me. Besides, only one merchant died, if the servants’ incessant gossip are to be believed. Merchants arrive here by the handful every week. Apparently the horses even got loose from the carriage and were unharmed. You, there!” he turned and roughly called out to one of the servants.

A young woman came rushing to their table with her head bowed.

“Bring us a basket of apples. And be quick about it.”

“Yes, Master Burgess,” the woman dipped her head even lower and scurried away.

“Where was I?” Burgess turned back to Hob. “Ah, yes, the main roads. If you sell me your land, you will not have to worry about any attacks on that area. Whatever happens there would be solely my responsibility.”

Based on the short time he had known him, Hob doubted that Burgess was the type of man who would ever take responsibility for anything. But he saw no use in mentioning that.

“I really am sorry, Sir Burgess, but my farm remains off the market,” Hob said politely. He would have reiterated his suggestion to introduce Burgess to his friends who might be willing to sell, but Hob didn’t actually hate any of his friends to inflict Burgess upon them. “I do wish you the best in your business endeavours, though I doubt you will need any luck or well-wishes given how consistently successful your properties are.”

Burgess snorted. “I did not take you for a flatterer, Sir Gadling. Though I will not contest the accuracy of your statement.”

The servant returned with a bowl of sliced apples, and placed it down carefully on the table before leaving again without a sound.

Burgess picked up an apple slice without so much as a glance to the person who brought the fruit. “Very well. Perhaps I can persuade you to some sort of bargain before this meal ends.”

***

Hob was not persuaded, in the end. Though he did do his best impression of someone who was very interested in what Burgess had to say about astrology and the occult and how it was unlucky to have a farm on such an inauspicious location relative to the sunrise, and how Hob should seriously consider selling to him while the land was still valuable.

Hob thanked him generously for his wisdom after the meal and politely declined Burgess’ offer to have a servant walk him to the gates. He had seen how often and how roughly Burgess ordered the servants around throughout their entire meeting, and he didn’t want any of them to walk with him under the sun which had grown significantly hotter now when he knew perfectly well how to find the exit himself.

He saw a few more servants tending to the garden as he walked; trimming the hedges, watering the plants, harvesting. He thought about his own workers back at his farm, how he had given specific instructions to his foreman for all of them to take more frequent breaks when it was particularly hot, and he wondered if Burgess ever considered things like that.

Lost in his own thoughts and with the sun partially blinding him, Hob didn’t notice the figure turning the corner until they had already collided and a basket of fruit fell at his feet.

“I'm very sorry, sir,” the servant muttered in a low voice and hurriedly crouched down to pick up the blueberries that had spilled on the grass.

“No, no,” Hob crouched down as well and helped, their fingers brushing together as they quickly gathered the fruits. “I wasn't looking where I was going, it was my fault.”

They stood up and returned the blueberries to the basket, Hob carefully letting them roll off his palms.

“Sorry about that, uh… what’s your name?” Hob asked politely.

“My… name, sir?” The servant kept his head down the entire time, and Hob could barely see his face. Christ, did Burgess order his workers to avert their eyes all the time? What sort of man would do that?

“Yes, if you’re comfortable enough to share it?” Hob said encouragingly, not wanting him to feel like he was obligated to give his name.

The servant raised his head and met Hob’s gaze.

And Hob felt his breath catch in his throat.

The man had a fair face and the bluest eyes that Hob had ever seen. The colour of the sea after a storm. Uncut sapphires framed by long dark lashes.

“Morpheus,” came a quiet rumble from rose-pink lips. Then those blue eyes glanced down again. “Sir.”

“Morpheus…” Hob repeated, blinking himself back to his senses.

The man—Morpheus—tipped his head politely. “Pardon me, sir. I must bring these inside.” He walked past Hob and headed into the house.

Hob straightened himself and smoothed down his waistcoat, feeling somewhat disarmed by that interaction, though not necessarily in an unpleasant way.

He walked out of the gates and went back to his carriage.

***

“Morpheus!” Paul appeared in the kitchen doorway just as Morpheus placed down the basket on the tabletop. “I’ll handle that. Thank you again,” the young man said sheepishly, taking the blueberries to wash them.

“You are fortunate that I am the one who saw you with Alex, and not his father,” Morpheus chided lightly. He had come across them in the garden and only just managed to push them behind a topiary as another servant walked by. He had grabbed the basket of blueberries in the process, and used it as an excuse to the older servant as to why he had been standing there.

“Master Burgess never walks outside if it’s hot out,” Paul said, his ears reddening.

“And none of the servants would dare do anything to us,” Alex arrived, standing beside Paul. “I’m still the son of their master.”

“Even so, word could reach your father,” Morpheus reminded him. “And I hope you do not have any delusions that he would react positively to hearing that you two were in each other’s embrace.”

Alex looked down, his cheeks dusted pink. “He only insists on me marrying a noble because he wants me out of this house. Ever since Randall died he has hated me more,” his voice had grown quiet, and Paul put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“Alex,” Morpheus said, softening his voice. Alexander Burgess had been like a little brother to him, his only friend ever since arriving at Fawney Rig many years ago. It pained him to see the boy unhappy. “We are both aware that if your father really wanted you out of this house, you would already be on the streets. Regardless, you two must be cautious. Especially you, Paul.”

They both nodded, Alex taking Paul’s hand and squeezing it.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Alex looked at Morpheus. “Father wants to see you.”

Morpheus instinctively tensed up. A summons from Roderick Burgess shortly after a meeting with someone usually only meant one thing.

He nodded. “Thank you, Alex.”

He went out of the kitchen and took the shortest route along the corridors to reach the highest balcony at the back of the manor overlooking a river. Most of the servants gave him a wide berth; they were not aware of the exact nature of his job, apart from being Lord Burgess’ personal servant, but it was that very uncertainty that unnerved them.

Morpheus paid them no mind. He had no time for such trifles.

He reached the stairs that would lead to the balcony, climbing soundlessly as he had been trained.

“If I can hear you approach, you’ve already disappointed me,” Lord Burgess glared down at him disapprovingly.

“Lord Burgess,” he announced his presence to the man sitting on a high-backed chair facing the river below them.

A hand motioned him forward, its many rings glittering in the sun.

Morpheus moved to stand in front of him, as he had every time he would be summoned here.

“I trust that no complications have arisen with your last assignment?” Lord Burgess asked. “I heard the horses got loose. Why is that?”

Because they were merely doing what they were told, and have neither stakes nor involvement in petty human affairs, Morpheus thought, his facial features remaining impassive.

“They were making too much noise; I did not want to risk drawing the attention of passers-by. And killing both animals would have made it look like a huge pack of wolves had ventured so near residential areas, which could cause a panic and disturb the daily routines that we have so meticulously studied,” Morpheus delivered his prepared explanation.

“Everyone believes it is a wolf attack, then?” Lord Burgess took a sip of wine from his gilded goblet.

“Indeed,” Morpheus confirmed. “I made multiple cuts on the body to mimic the marks of claws and teeth, and damaged the carriage similarly. The patches of wolf fur I placed all over the area have been discovered. The merchant’s death remains unquestioned.”

Lord Burgess nodded, expecting nothing less. “You have a new target.”

Morpheus stood up straighter, already feeling the familiar grip of daggers in his hands.

“The guest I had hosted earlier today. Robert Gadling.”

Morpheus suddenly recalled a pair of brown eyes, warm as the first rays of sun on soft earth. Fingers too callused than what he would have expected of noblemen who never did a day’s labour in their lives.

“Immediately?” Morpheus asked, the phantom daggers in his hands somehow feeling cold and heavy.

Lord Burgess shook his head. “No. That merchant’s death is still too fresh in the people’s minds, and at least a few of them would be aware that he had come here shortly before attempting to leave the village. Another death by someone who had recently stepped foot in my home would be too suspect. First, I want you to find out who would inherit his lands so that I may make the necessary arrangements. Then you can dispose of him. Wolf attack, food that had unfortunately gone bad and poisonous, figure something out,” he waved his hand lazily. “It might take a while longer than your usual assignments, but completing it shouldn’t be a problem, correct?”

Morpheus could still hear Robert Gadling’s voice, the kindest one that had spoken to him in as long as he could remember. He had asked if Morpheus felt comfortable in speaking his name, and Morpheus was so taken aback in his comfort being considered that he had actually looked at the man, despite Lord Burgess’ rule that his servants should never look in the eye those who rank higher than them—Morpheus had earned being the exception when addressing Lord Burgess himself, but he was expected to act as a common servant in the presence of others.

Morpheus tilted his chin up and gripped his phantom daggers more securely. Things like kindness and comfort were not meant for people such as him; he had forfeited his right to them long ago.

“Yes, Lord Burgess. It would not be a problem.”

---

(Chapter 2) ->

(Dreamling Week Masterpost)

(Masterlist)

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fancyfeathers · 4 months ago

Text

The Games We Play of Dust and Ash (Yandere Moriarty the Patriot Masterlist)

Thinking about when the darlings of William and Sherlock finally meet, I think it would happen after one of the murders in Durham, probably after both of them because two murders in such a short period of time is strange.

After class one day a young lady knocks on the door to William’s classroom and asks for a moment of his time. She is a crime reporter and is looking into the murders of Leonard Tomas Dublin and Dudley Bale and wonders if she could ask him about it because he knew both of them. He excuses himself because his brothers and wife are expecting him home for dinner but invites her over for tea tomorrow to conduct a proper interview.

The next day she shows up to the estate and William introduces her to his own darling wife. The three of them sit around the table and she conducts her questions, all pretty basic, William’s relationship with the deceased, who he think killed them, and any clues he may have. She is fairly polite, not pushing too much into his answers.

Then of course the professor has his own questions for her, like what drove her to choose to be a criminal reporter? What her favorite story to cover was? Has she ever been in danger during her field work?

Then there is knock at the front door and Louis, who was just making tea for his own wife is sick, goes to open the door, and into the lounge comes in a messenger boy.

“A telegram for you Miss, from a Mr. Sherlock Holmes.”

“You have to be kidding me! This man- oh sorry, apologies for raising my voice like that, thank you.”

She tips the messenger boy and takes the telegram from him. She is reads it over and sighs, tucking the paper back into her pocket and then William’s darling chimes in with her own question…

“How do you know Mr. Holmes?”

“Well we are partners in a sense, work partners that is, I help him with his investigation of the crime scene and then he gives he his finding from his field work. Because of our little partnership I always am the first to publish… but he is a bit protective, ever since I started working with him he won’t let me take any of my own cases, only covering whatever he is working on, but you can’t blame him, took a nasty bullet to the shoulder one time, took weeks for me to recover… but honestly I would love to become a detective myself.”

“A detective… that sounds amazing.”

She excuses herself since she's he telegram told her how Sherlock needed her help immediately, but as William's darling lays down in their bed that night she realizes how different their lives are...

She is jealous, but she admires her all the same.

The next time they met it was that day on the train back from York to look into the death of the Viscount where Sherlock and William saw each other again. The detective had come and sat himself at their table in the dining car and a few minutes later she comes in running after the detective, scolding him for his childish mood today towards her and John.

"Just because the truth behind the death of Lord Drebber is driving you mad and- oh it's you."

There stands that crime reporter who simply looks like she is working off coffee at this point, she honestly looks exhausted. Sherlock looks at his darling then back at the darling of William.

"You two know each other?"

"Yes we do in fact, after the deaths of Leonard Tomas Dublin and Dudley Bale I was asked by my editor to look into the deaths, thinking they may be linked, but while I was there I was able to interview Professor Moriarty on the cases since he knew both of the deceased. As strange as the deaths were I could not find anything , not a scrap of evidence that could help identify the killer, then I got that telegram from you and I was back down to London.”

“That is true, your lady friend here as quite the eye for a story, after my interview I went to the library and found old stories of hers in the archives, quite impressive work.”

“That’s sounds like my girl.”

The conversation continues and the detective and the reporter seem to be quite good partners, friendly and quite close.

Then the murder happens…

And as William and Sherlock investigate the death, William’s darling notices how Sherlock’s darling keeps on trying to help with the case but the detective keeps on shutting her down.

“Sherlock I found-“

“William and I are handling this case, I am sure you will be able to cover it in the next story of yours when it is solved.”

“Did you think of-“

“Love, there is a murderer on this train and less than an hour to solve this. Go sit down with William’s wife, I don’t want you getting hurt-“

“Sherlock I can handle my own-“

“Last time you said that you got shot in the shoulder, I would rather not you get stabbed, so go sit down!”

She is left in silent shock and goes to sit down next to the wife of Professor Moriarty. Just by watching the two of them when there was a death she could see the change of demeanor between the two of them. The reporter was more than a capable woman, she was indeed a professional but it felt like she was not even allowed to do her job and-

“Your sister in law, married to Lord Albert James Moriarty.”

The sudden words from the reporter caught her off guard, mentioning Albert’s darling who was in an arranged marriage to him.

“Y-yes, what about her?”

“I was hired by her sister to look into the death of their parents a few months ago before I got shot and well I dropped the case for a while.”

“I am sorry I hear that-“

“My client thinks Lord Albert or his brothers to be behind it and after my interview with William awhile back I am thinking the same and I would be a fool to skip such an opportunity to speak to the wives of one of them alone.”

“So irritating Sherlock earlier…”

“Was just to get him to tell me to shut up and sit down, and since he and Mr. William are working together it is only natural that I converse with his wife, yes? Though I will say he does get pissy when I try and look into a case more than he’s like, he is quite scared something will happen to me if something goes wrong.”

“So you wanted to speak to me to see if I know anything about the murder?”

“I never explicitly said it was a murder, ai just said a death, but judging by your expression and voice, you know something don’t you?”

“I-I…”

She looks down at her hands that are resting on the table to see them violently shaking and feels a lump in her throat. In her state of shock she doesn’t notice the reporter coming to rest a hand on her own.

“You can tell me and I promise to do everything in my power to protect you.”

William’s darling looks around the cart to see if anyone is listening or nearby.

“I-I c-can’t, if you know…”

“Please, I am only trying to help.”

A few moments of tense silence pass and…

“The opera house that burned down a few months ago… it-“

“Ah there you are, good to see you two getting along.”

The voice of William interrupts their conversation as he steps through the train carriage door and an panic fills both of them as they realize he has been listening to their conversation from behind the door. He walks over to them, kissing his wife’s head before looking over at the reporter.

“The murderer has been taken into custody, I do hope this makes for a good story for you instead of just some rumor.”

“Yes, I believe it will be… if you would please excuse me, I should go find Sherlock.”

The reporter stands up from the table and as she is about to walk away William grabs her by the hand and she looks back at him to see him smiling at her.

“Do feel welcome to stop by anytime, I am sure my wife would love to have tea with you again.”

“Have a good evening, Professor Moriarty.”

When the detective drops her off at her apartment that night, she immediately goes digging through her old newspapers and articles that she kept, looking for something, the clue she got…

And then she finds it…

A paper from months ago…

“Fire at the Royal Opera House: Three Dead, Ten Casualties.”

Who is the woman that is called William’s wife? But more importantly, what were the Moriarty brothers up to?

Perhaps it is time to end her little deal with the detective and investigate this case alone.

#sherlock holmes x reader #moriarty the patriot x reader #yuukoku no moriarty x reader #yuukoku no moriarty #yandere sherlock holmes x reader #yandere sherlock holmes #yandere moriarty the patriot #yandere yuukoku no moriarty #william moriarty x reader #william james moriarty x reader #yandere william james moriarty

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newtonsheffield · 2 years ago

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Hey Molly,

SMH!! I’m at work thinking about Lavender Haze (OBSESSED, but you knew that already). And I go into the deep dive.

Can we say that pic 1 is the pic Kate sends to Sophie during the “my boyfriend is posher than yours” competition, and pic 2 is the Viscount Daddy heading to the bar to meet up with Kate before his drunken state.

Also, Kate patting herself on the back cause her HOTTT 🥵 boi toy looks sexy no matter what… 🤣

JB 🥵

Yah, That's Viscount Daddy. He dresses in a three-piece suit every single work day, and goes about his business and Kate loves peeling that off him. She loves watching Anthony slowly appear, loves watching him unbutton, literally and figuratively and the body that he's letting her turn into a work of art appears right in front of her. It's sexy as fuck.

And then there's the Anthony who meets her for drinks on a Friday night and goes for tea on Saturdays at her grandparents. The one who's trying to be a bit more casual though she can tell it bothers him that his shirt's untucked and he feels a little out of place. But she loves that he rolls up his sleeves and wraps his arm around her waist and nestles in closer.

Kate loves that within an hour of being at the bar, he's going to have her pressed against the back of the boot and he'll be whispering in her ear all the things he wants to do when they go home before getting steadily drunker, going to the bathroom and clearing his throat when he comes back.

"Sorry, I couldn't help but notice you over here."

Kate blinked up at him, her lips curving in an odd smile, wondering what game they were playing. "I'm glad."

"I was just wondering if you were here with someone."

Kate let her eyes flick to Josie and Edwina across the table a little bemused, "Yeah, I am here with someone."

Anthony's face fell, taking a startled step backwards, his voice cracking, "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have-"

"Anthony,-" Kate chuckled trying to catch his hand

"No, no, it's fine, more than fine actually, I just thought it might have been fate, when I saw you sitting over here but you're with someone and I respect that." Anthony babbled, looking positively heartbroken.

"Anthony, what the fuck happened in the bathroom?" Kate chuckled, while Edwina snickered Jesus he's had three drinks "I'm here with you."

Anthony's mouth fell open in surprise, his hand ruffling his hair, "Are you serious?"

"Yes, sit down, the security guard's going to think I'm harassing you."

He flopped into the seat next to her, his eyes wide. "We're together."

"Yeah, Babe." Kate rolled her eyes, "I'm actually a little disappointed you don't remember the fact we fucked like... 90 minutes ago."

"You said there was traffic." Edwina sighed.

"Two things can be true, Eddie. There was traffic somewhere in London, I'm sure."

"We've had sex?!"

Kate chuckled, "yeah we have."

"How many different ways?!"

"I'll tell you later."

"is it good?"

"I think it's good, you apparently don't even remember it."

"Josie!" Anthony crowed, recognising the girl he'd gone to high school with across the table, "We have sex! It's good!"

"Respectfully, I'm not going to high-five that." Josie rolled her eyes.

"That's fair."

#lavender haze au #kathony #anthony x kate #kate sharma #kate sheffield #anthony bridgerton #molly’s asks and answers

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usmsgutterson · 2 years ago

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Caaaallllllllll 🩷 how have you been, love??? Are you on summer break yet?

I've heard your call for fic requests and I have one for Pin! What if Pin and his dad are family friends/neighbors of an old lady, and Pin has been helping take care of her during the winter since she lives alone. Then Reader, the woman's granddaughter, comes to live with her when her parents die, Pin teaches her how to ride, the fall in love, the whole 9 yards.

Thoughts?

Get Together- Pin Hawthorne x fem! reader

hi! I've not quite hit summer break yet--I've got like, seven and a half weeks left and in that time there's prom, senior skip day, a whole lot of studying, three classes worth of exams, grad rehearsal and then grad itself--but I am literally counting down the days til summer and even though I hate the warm weather I also cant wait for it, honestly.

What about you? How are things on your end? I hope all is well!

Fic type- fluff

Warnings- mentions of death, mentions of car accidents, a mention of making out (referenced as a snog)

"Ah," said a spry older woman as she noticed the sight of a dark blue toyota camry rolling into her driveway. "My grandbaby is here! Edward, do me a favor and help me down the front steps?"

"Of course, Mrs. L/N," Pins father intoned. Pin tried to hide his smile as he leaned back in the rocking chair that the elderly woman kept on her front porch, gently rocking back and forth by gently pushing the back of his foot off the ground.

Pin had been nineteen, would be twenty in February--it was barely the beginning of November, and Pins father had volunteered him to help take care of Mrs. L/N two, nearly three years beforehand--and still, he'd never quite met the person who stepped out of the camry when it was parked.

He watched Mrs. L/N approach you, saw your tired grin and puffy cheeks as you pulled your grandmother into a hug.

"Pin!" She called. "You must come down here this instant! I have someone I want you to meet."

"Grandma," Pin heard you say exasperated. "Don't make him get up! Don't make him do anything. I didn't mean to cause a fuss."

"You haven't," Pin called. "If you're fine to let me stay in my seat I'll gladly do so. My name is Pin Hawthorne."

You grinned at him, watched his tongue dart out to wet his lips before he returned the gesture to you.

"Y/N L/N," Mrs. L/N said proudly. "My granddaughter! She's just transfered to an asynchronous online program through a university in the city, and she'll be living with me until she finishes her degree in about three years time."

"What's your major?" Pins father asked.

"Writing," you said. "Creative writing. I'm minoring in journalism as a back up."

"Pin is currently enrolled at the same uni," Pins father said. "Should be catching up on his coursework before exams in December, but alas, you can't win them all."

Pin laughed easily as you came up the stairs, letting your grandmother hold onto you to keep herself steady.

"What's your major then, Hawthorne?" You asked.

"He's on his way to becoming a farm vet," Pins father intoned. "He'll work for the local horses stables. Only difference is that they'll have to start paying him for his contributions."

"They do well enough."

"Because you rescued them from bankruptcy and they find you terrifying."

You cast a glance at your grandmother. "Are they always like this?"

"Unfortunately, yes," she responded, giving you a reassuring grin. "But Pin is more sarcastic then his father, and Ted here is always the one who gets it started. One look, though, and they'll both shut right up."

"Or a cup of tea," Pin said.

"Biscuits," his father admitted, a guilty expression on his face. "Oh my word, your grandmother makes them wonderfully."

"Yes I do," your grandmother said with a proud grin. "Now, inside! You've flown, taken a train, and you've driven. You must be bloody exhausted. Rest up, we'll have dinner and tea in three hours."

You nodded at your grandmother, turned your gaze to Pin and his father.

"See you two in a bit," you said. "Lovely to meet you both."

Pin and his father both nodded, and when you'd fallen out of his line of sight, Pin turned his gaze to his feet in an attempt to hide the grin that'd spread to his face.

He ignored it when his father lightly elbowed his forearm, offered your grandmother a grin when she tutted at his and his fathers antics.

He offered her an arm. When she took it, he let her lean on him and lead him into the kitchen, his father following closely behind.

The weeks to follow were simple. Pin would come to yours and your grandmothers place to help look after her and to work on his studies.

The two of you often found yourselves in the sitting room on opposite ends of the couch, idly chatting as you typed away at an assignment or reviewed coursework to prep for exams that December.

Eventually, Bright Fields came up. Pin offered to teach you to ride using the horse your parents had kept in the stables before they'd passed, had told you you didn't have to do anything with the horse if you didn't feel comfortable with it yet.

Pin had ended up staying later and later, helping you take care of your grandmother during the day and relaxing with you in your room during the night, laughing and drinking tea that'd gone cold and studying together for the upcoming semester exams.

Without realizing it, you'd opened up to one another, had begun to rely upon the other person. By the end of that January, you'd told Pin about the accident--your survival, your parents deaths--and in turn, Pin had told you some of what happened with his mother.

At the end of that January, you'd finally taken Pin up on his offer to teach you to ride. You'd go to Bright Fields after your grandmother had called it a night, laugh and joke as Pin taught you basics and eventually you were almost better at it then he was.

It was when his father had offered to take his place in looking after your grandmother for a couple of days that he realized his father had known everything the whole time.

"A tip for subtility next time around," his father had said as he passed Pin a mug of tea. "Don't blush every damn time your phone dings with a text from her. Gives you away right quick, it does."

Pin nearly snorted, but managed to keep his composure. "I wasn't trying to be subtle," he said. "I have nothing to be subtle about."

"You're in love with her and you haven't even noticed?" His father asked incredulously. "Goodness, even with my lack of luck in the significant other department, I thought I raised you better. Mrs. L/N thought Y/Ns parents did a decent job too, but it seems she's just as oblivious to it as you are."

"I'm not oblivious," Pin had known he'd fall in love with you quickly from almost the get-go. He'd realized it the very day you met, and it was March. Spring was only two weeks away from donning on the island. "I do know that I'm in love, I just was raised by you. Love confessions really aren't the Hawthorne specialty."

His father laughed. "Fair enough," he said. "Just say something before it's too late. She's got a place at Bright Fields with the usual crew, and I'm sure Marcus has noticed. He'll try to bro-talk it with you, no doubt."

Pin scrunched his lips. He didn't much like the idea of talking his love life with anyone except someone he was in love with, and the idea that Marcus, of all people, might've found it an interesting point of discussion made him want to die.

"Yeah. I'll bring it up with her."

Pins father nodded. "Good lad. Enjoy your tea, I'll go check in next door and see how things are with Y/N and her grandma."

Pin nodded, took his tea up to his room as his father left.

"It's nothing big," Zoe said. "Just something small, to celebrate Spring. A get together!"

The two of you were in the stables, you running a brush along the horse your grandmother had kept in case you'd ever wanted to learn riding like your mother had once. The horse was called Luna, her coat a silvery white color.

"At the Dukes estate," you rebutted. "A get together is not a get together when it involves a butler named Arthur, nor when it involves professional chefs."

"It could be," Zoe said. "A get together is a get together when people get together."

You scoffed. "Get togethers in America are chips, sugary soda, a couple of bags of Sour Patch Kids dumped into a big ass bowl, some shitty lighting and fake laughter amongst people who are regretting agreeing to go within five seconds of their arrival."

"You miss it?"

"Somewhat," you laughed. "Oh, American get togethers were just small parties. I do miss that part, but I do not miss the stale beer or the stench of sweat. College parties were almost worse, though."

"Was it that bad?" Zoe asked. "Oh, you are so going to make me glad I chose to take asynchronous online schooling. I have to wake up at three am for zoom calls in the states sometimes, but if it means I don't attend shitty college parties it will be so much more worth it than I'd thought."

"College parties are glorified high school get togethers with shitty plastic solo cups to indicate relationship status. I used to always pick 'happily coupled' just to avoid being hit on so that I could drink my stale vodka in peace."

Zoe snorted. "Yeah. Feeling blessed. Thank you."

You laughed as you finished brushing Luna, placing the brush on the hook you'd always kept it on.

You turned to the entrance of the stable in time to catch Pins eye, the grin spreading to your face before you could stop it.

"Hi," Pin greeted. "Zoe, would you be all right if I took a minute to talk to Y/N?"

"Go ahead," Zoe said, shooting Pin a look and an eyebrow raise as she grabbed Lunas lead with the intention of passing her to Becky so that she could get some exercise because it had been a busy few days and you hadn't had time to see her at the stables with everything going on.

"Do tell her what a get-together is, though! She's got it wrong!" Zoe called as she walked further away, closing the stable door behind her.

Pin glanced at Zoes back before turning to you, confusion and surprise both present in his gaze.

"What was that?"

"Living on the island for too long has poisoned her," you said nonchalantly. "She thinks a get together is a party with a minimum of fifty people. I think it's like the shit I dealt with in college before my grandmother needed some extra help to look after her and I transferred. I think it's stale vodka, the stench of frat boy sweat, shitty lighting and laughter that makes ones ears hurt."

"Zoes right."

"How dare you?" You asked. "You were supposed to be my ally in this, Hawthorne! How dare?"

Pin shrugged. "Can't help it. She is."

"A get together is not fifty--you know what? You're going to make me sound like a bloody broken record. I am not doing that shit."

Pin laughed, and your heart fluttered for a moment.

"Calling it a get together is how the over twenty-five islander crowd discusses partying," Pin said after a moment. "It's 'we're going to get together, probably get drunk and definitely do something stupid regardless of how sober or not sober we are, but we're not in our early twenties and partying sounds too reckless.'"

"It is not," you said. "Hawthorne, you've found the hill I'm willing to die on. A get together and a party are very different things."

Pin smirked at you, shook his head as though he meant to clear his mind.

"I was wondering if you had a minute to talk," he said. "Not about the debate that we will most definitely be continuing later, but about something different."

"Yeah," you gave a nod, leaning against the stable wall. "Shoot."

"I'm in love with you," he blurted.

You thought on it for a few moments. You'd fallen for him too, across the five months you'd known him. You fell in love quick and hard, and somehow it seemed like it was paying off.

"Ditto," you said.

Pin scoffed. "That was easier than I tho--ditto?"

"Yes, Hawthorne. Ditto. It's very American of me, but if I say that I love you back I might just melt into a clingy puddle and I am not ready for you to see that side of me yet."

He scoffed again, though you couldn't help but notice his grin. "May I kiss you?"

"Please," you responded. He stepped forward, cupped your face in his hands and kissed you. You kissed back, arms moving to rest on either of his shoulders. You felt weightless almost, like nothing mattered more in that moment than the two of you did.

As you pulled away, you heard clapping. Pins arms wrapped around your waist as you pulled him close, not daring to look up and meet the gazes of those you knew were standing outside of the stable doors.

"Finally!" Marcus called. "I've been watching this trainwreck for five months, and finally it happened!"

"We're not a trainwreck!" Pin called back.

"Oh, yes you are! First, you meet at Y/Ns bloody grandmothers house," Mia called.

"Then you fall in love over tea, creative writing essays and fucking biology assignments," Zoe added.

"And now, look at you lot! Having a snog in a bloody stable!" Gabby finished off.

"We were not having a snog," you fired back, ignoring the heat in your cheeks. "It was a kiss--one kiss! Stop being lewd."

Pin let you go as the two of you turned, letting you grab his hand instead, other hand moving to rest on his elbow as your fingers interlaced.

"Did you at least bring up the--" Zoe started, cutting herself off. "The thing, relating to the other thing that's happening at your estate?"

"He's taken your side on the get-together debate."

"I'm taking Y/Ns out of spite from here on," Pin mumbled. "And loyalty."

You snorted where Zoe scoffed. "She's wrong and you know it!"

"I'm loyal!" Pin said in his defense. "Kill me, Zoe. Kill me for my loyalty. How would that look on your resume?"

You leaned up and pressed a kiss to Pins cheekbone, shooting Zoe a pointed look.

"Oh, fuck off! Both of you!" Marcus shouted. "Ah, now they're a couple, it's going to be hell around here."

"Oh no! Two people holding hands, kissing, and taking the other persons side in group arguments! How awful!" You mocked, one part of you wishing you and Pin were at your place, relaxing and trying to do course work, one of your hands idly running through his soft brown hair.

The other part of you wanted to be in the field you and Pin had found a good distance from the beach, leant up against a tree as you drank tea you'd poured into flasks and talked about anything and everything.

Pin gave your hand a squeeze. "All right," he said. "That's enough gawking, you all have work that needs doing."

Marcus gave a mock salute, Zoe and Mia nodded.

Gabby nodded. "Marcus is wrong. You'll be good for each other."

"Thanks," you and Pin said.

You were almost entirely sure that, since the deaths of your parents, since your survival after the accident, those moments were some of the first wherein you felt genuine happiness again.

#pin hawthorne #pin hawthorne x reader #free rein

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presidentkamala · 1 month ago

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Ok im being SO brave and chugging a mug of peppermint tea before i suit up and GO ON A WALK and get my steps in but uhhhh emotional personal word vomit below that is too cringe and immature to share publicly probably lmao

Yesterday things were going really well, i brought my parents some of my muffins and two of the new farmers market apples and part of the brie wheel, and bc its a religious holiday one of my mom's friends invited us to a party in virginia.

But then i found out that my dad didn't plan on going (i also didn't plan on going at ALL and in fact i was going to do something completely separate) and my mom decided that she can't drive at night and she was like inviting me and hoping i would go partly so i could drive. And like we as a family don't have any kind of social life lmao and i also didn't want my mom to have to uber so i was like hey i can drop you off! TRYNGGGGG to do a nice & thoughtful thing to make up for why i wasn't going. And the main reason i wasn't going is bc this auntie LOVES to rub her hugely successful lawyer daughter married to a PARTNER in her firm (interesting if you ask me) with three children in my face and im like not in a place to uhhh recieve that energy rn (like along the lines of "[paragraph about how challenging parenting is and how successful her daughter is], turning to look at me and asking me how i "fill my days" and being intensely patronizing and smug about what a professional and academic failure i am, fake compassion, bringing up her daughter's 250k signing bonus completely out of nowhere, the works).

Well of course when i drop her off my mom's like no it would be rude not to come in and say hi so i do that with as much grace as i can muster and start driving to THE OFFICE on a saturday night because when i said hello this auntie was like no we'll be done with the ritual and dinner in 2 hours max and it wasn't worth it going back to my parents' and then back to auntie's place in under two hours

Except on the way to the office im like wait im in VA why don't i hang out in alexandria? And went down king street which has HUGELY recovered from when i lived there during the pandemic and was full of people and HAPPY COUPLES and FRIENDS ENJOYING DINNER and then Me with my whole foods loaf of brioche so i could get free parking like sitting on a park bench listening to a VERY poor rendition of hotel california

And after a couple hourse of walking along the waterfront, king street, etc, i texted my mom to see if she was ready to go and was met with TOTAL silence for. ANOTHER ENTIRE HOUR AND HALF and at that point i was just. Trapped in alexandria sitting there waiting to be called by my mom to pick her up from an event i was too ashamed to attend, filled with people who spent the last 10 years of my life gleefully asking me why i wasnt getting a masters or a law degree or being hugely devaluing of government jobs &work, who clearly have a different understanding about what's acceptable to prioritize, especially right now, especially in this moment, who i will NEVER be able to impress and who i will NEVER be able to give a reason good enough for them to treat me like a first class citizen

And reader i fucking lost it

Year after year after year i have to humble myself and apologize to everyone for not being this or doing that. Yes I'm still in [Agency] no im not engaged no i don't own a home no i'm not working towards a hugely lucrative shift to consulting. Yes my mom is parading me around like a child with nothing better or more important to do with my time. Yes i still remember every offhand remark and every backhanded compliment and every cutting remark. No i haven't radically moved forward in my life in a way you would respect

And the thing is i DID have plans last night!! And if i was more secure or more successful, i probably would have had no issues cancelling and coming to the function by myself. But im so behind in everything, and im getting old, and slower, and my chances of catching up keep slipping away

It all hit me so deeply - it felt like an attack, it felt like im being punished by my mom and everyone else for continuing to put off these things that are my duty, marriage and family or barring that career success on an astronomical level

It got worse when my mom finally DID say she was ready to go almost 2 hrs after the initial estimate. She immediately launched into transports over another guest who "isn't much older" than me and who was a DIPLOMAT and is now MARRIED TO A FRENCH DIPLOMAT and now they OWN A FARM IN POTOMAC WITH 10 COWS and it was the way she said it, so specific, so insistent about her. I don't know if im just paranoid but it felt like she was rubbing it in, i felt the walls closing in again and kind of shut down and i just said "sorry im struggling to regulate my emotions" bc its unfair to put all this paranoid shame on other people and she just looked so annoyed and disappointed and i felt completely overwhelmed by the need to just get away and be somewhere safe from judgment and disappointment and shame

Im not proud to say i relapsed into some self harming later when that interminable drive was finally over and we came home

And then today one of my OTHER cousins just announced their engagement like im SO.

I keep being made to pay the price for being single and for not being a dr or a lawyer.

It's getting old. Im getting old. There are bigger things happening in the world. Im a data analyst im a fucking unit chief i volunteer and i advocate and i work to see change like im not sitting on my hands doing NOTHING but i will NEVER be treated with respect in this family/community until i do get married or become a billionaire.

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kannymaei · 2 years ago

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The Perfect Girl - Chapter 8 (Kamisato Ayato x Reader)

Author’s Note: All characters are OOC! Please be reminded that this fanfic is Modern! AU and Highschool! AU and none of this are canons to the actual lore of Genshin Impact. I do not own Genshin Impact or the characters in the game!

Synopsis: You were a graduating high school student who somehow got involved in unfortunate events and transferred to Teyvat International School. Due to your “complicated” physical features, you became the main target of the school’s “bully”, Kamisato Ayato! Together with his friends, Diluc Ragnvindr, Tartaglia, and Arataki Itto.

Word Count: 3.7k

Taglist: @frieschan @nejibot

Masterlist

Next -> Chapter 9

"A lot of students got expelled and lost their rights to admit to another school. Some people got a lighter punishment which is they'd be repeating this year and they wouldn't graduate. Sir Dainsleif changed his mind about the punishment when he visited Y/N the other day… but don't tell the other students about this! I only learned it from Yanfei" Albedo stated before biting into the sandwich the servants of the Kamisato Family offered while he was sitting on the couch inside the guest room together with Diluc, Childe, and Lumine, Ayaka, and Ayato.

"What's with you three? You're oddly quiet." Ayaka said while pointing at Diluc, Childe, and Lumine.

"Oh it's nothing, we probably miss Y/N. She's probably here if it weren't for a certain someone!" Lumine glared at Ayato.

"I'm pretty sure he threw off Y/N because he saw Miko. You saw how sad she was when you protected Y/N. Am I wrong Ayato?" Albedo said since it's obvious that he didn't want to hurt you.

"Yes." Ayato calmly said.

"Haha, yeah, Guuji Yae" Childe finally spoke ever since he entered the house to see Ayato after he got suspended two weeks ago.

"Guuji Yae, I… I don't want to see her… anymore." Diluc said the two best friends have been acting oddly, especially when they remember what they saw that night. Well, the three of them agreed not to speak of it.

"I mean, she started this after all and like our dear friend here added fuel to the flame. Though, Ragnvindr. I am curious why you don't want to see Ms. Yae anymore" Albedo gave a confused look to Diluc. The atmosphere of the living room is really tense.

"Oh, we probably have the same reason as you." Diluc and Childe said in unison.

"We?" Ayato put down his cup of tea and crossed his arms and legs.

"Don't worry bro; it's not a big deal, but you know what if; you should always have your eyes on her?" Childe assured him. Ayato thought Childe was teasing him but little does he know that Childe was giving hints about her affair.

"H-how's Y/N?" Ayato suddenly changed the topic, he does not want to talk about Miko right now.

"Oh thank you archons, you finally asked. She's being monitored right now in the ICU. Maybe it's best if you don't see her right now or anymore." Lumine claimed she's still angry about what Ayato did to you.

"Oh come on Lumine. Ayato doesn't want it to happen too" Childe gave Lumine a different look because they all settled that Ayato isn't the person to blame for what happened to you.

"The doctors said they still don't know when she is waking up or if she's still going to wake up. B-but, Y/N is a strong girl! I doubt she'll give up just like that." Albedo said as he tried to convince the group that everything was going to be alright.

"You aren't helping by saying there's a chance she's not going to wake up anymore!" Ayaka harshly replied to Albedo.

"I'm just stating the facts Miss Kamisato" Albedo sighed, he decided to stay quiet since he doesn't want to be scolded again.

"Ayaka, I hope you wouldn't mind. It has come to my attention that during Miko's party you said something that you're suspecting your boyfriend is cheating on you. Are you alright? We're here if you need people to talk with." Lumine stood up and patted her back to comfort her.

"Well…" Ayaka looked away, she doesn't want them to think that she was being paranoid or an overthinker.

"You don't have to tell them if you don't feel comfortable," Ayato said.

"N-no! It's alright… It's just Aether has been distant towards me; he said he's always busy but whenever there's a chance I want to call him it said that this person was… was in another call. When Y/N was set up by Donna, I remember that… he wasn't able to pick me up in school because he was with his sibling doing family matters— a-and then!" Ayaka looks like she doesn't want to relive those memories because it's coming back to her that Aether was lying but she puts on a mask that none of it was true.

"Ayaka… I'm not with him during the Donna incident. I'm not hiding anything from you since you can go ask Ms. Ei about it because I was with her the whole time I was the one who made sure Donna received the punishment she deserves. However, when I got outside, I saw his car. It was a different car, it's not the car that he uses whenever he goes to school. It's like a solid 10 to 20 minutes before he takes off. I-I'm sorry, I wished that I was with him too. I don't want you to think more about this; it's hurting you." Lumine shakingly said, she realized that her brother had been cheating on her a long time ago, it wasn't recent. Diluc and Childe caught on with her realization.

"How about you Ayato? What if, let's say you and Miko are together now, what would you do if you find yourself in the same position as your sister." Diluc asked.

"Of course, I'll find some evidence that proves my suspicion before I ask her since finding some things first for yourself gives you some assurance right? It's hard to look for something in the dark and you don't have any light. Besides, I doubt Miko would do anything to hurt me, she's my promised wife." Ayato chuckled as he daydreams about Guuji Yae seeing her walking towards the altar before they get married.

"Lord Ayato, the lady of the Yae Family has arrived together with the sibling of Lady Lumine," Koharu said behind the door, this made Diluc choke on his drink while he was making an excuse about how the flavor got a little weird when combining it with certain food.

"Hey, babygirl" Aether ran towards Ayaka and hugged her, his eyes wandered to see the people around.

"What brings you here Lumine?" Aether softly said.

"Well Diluc and Childe wanted to visit Ayato, so I decided to come with them." She said not even taking a second to look at her brother.

"Why is Miss Yae here? I don't think Ayato asked her to come here—" Ayaka said but she was stopped by Aether.

"I saw Miss Yae outside the shop on the way here so I picked her up. I mean, it's a win-win right, Ayato would want her too to be here" He said while brushing Ayaka's hair with his fingers.

"Lumine, Lumine, I have a joke for you. I don't think following these two handsome boys would make them want you, I'm surprised Diluc still befriended you even after what happened between you and Jean three years ago." Miko was the only one who laughed while the rest remained silent.

"Come on guys, she was just joking." Aether laughed a little.

"It's a bad joke," Ayaka said and faked her laugh.

"Jokes aside, you two looked like someone already caught your eyes~ would you mind telling us who are these lucky girls that captured the heart of Diluc Ragnvindr and Tartaglia?" Miko said before she sat beside Ayato while he wrapped his arm around her to keep her close.

The redhead and ginger looked away suddenly with embarrassment when they thought of your smile, sweetness, and kindness. Childe gave Diluc a face whereas how Miko is like a bomb waiting to explode in the room and he agreed to it.

"Is it Lumine?" Miko smirked.

"W-what?"

"Miko, stop asking if it's Lumine."

"No," Diluc answered, which made Miko laugh because her goal was to make fun of her in the beginning. After all, Lumine is your best friend. When you go down, she should too.

Lumine recalled the hurtful events of how Jean betrayed her and how Diluc wasn't able to reciprocate her feelings from 3 years ago.

—

"I like you Diluc." Ninth-grade Lumine handed over a box of sparkling wine grape macarons to him.

"You gotta be joking? I mean, platonically right?" Diluc laughed while opening the box of cookies and ate one.

"N-no! I like you romantically…" Lumine looked away.

"I'm sorry, Lumine but I can't return those feelings." When Diluc said those words it was like she was in the middle of heaven and earth clashing. She can't do anything but accept but she's angry about the mixed signals that Diluc was giving her. There are days that he was flirty with him as if some people thought that they were together but they weren't.

She wanted to ask Diluc about his mixed signals but it took her a couple of months to move on from him until she forgot about how she needed to know about his mixed signals.

Those were the same months that she felt betrayed because Jean and Diluc met because of her, little did she know that those two were having their own little thing but Diluc didn't want to hurt Lumine's feelings that's why he hid from her that he likes her best friend during that time.

The moment Lumine found out that her best friend and her crush's secret. Jean suddenly turned bitter toward her, telling her how she wasn't enough and why Diluc didn't choose her.

Diluc parted ways with Lumine during that year, she became a loner with no friends and was getting bullied by Jean the same way you were getting bullied but it didn't get to the point where she was hurt physically just like how you were put into a coma because Diluc ordered his friends that no one should be involved with their dysfunctional friendship.

Not for long, 6 months later. Diluc found out that Jean was cheating on him with another student from another school. At first, he didn't want to believe it but it became more believable as time went by, and decided to break it off by ghosting Jean, no closures were done. That was the reason why Jean doesn't like Lumine because she thinks that Lumine might have done something that changed Diluc but none of that was true since she didn't want to admit her mistakes.

Diluc apologized to Lumine about Jean's action with her but it wasn't the same anymore even if right now they're close.

—

"I'll be straightforward to you Miss Yae. This girl I like is nowhere near your friend and she is 101% better than anyone you could think of… even yourself" Diluc said with an indifferent glare but Lumine and Ayato were more curious about who this girl is.

"Whatever Ragnvindr~" She crossed her arms and faked a laugh.

"I'll head to my room." Ayato stood up and went upstairs.

"I'll prepare more snacks!" Ayaka followed her brother outside the room. The rest went to their own business, Childe and Diluc went playing basketball in the court of the Kamisato residence while Albedo admired the paintings and antique figures around their house while Lumine doesn't know where would she go if she was going to watch Diluc and Childe play or help Ayaka with her cooking.

"I guess it's just the two of us left here…" Miko shyly said to Aether.

"Yeah… you shouldn't have said that to Lumine. You're hurting my sister." Aether said to her that changed her mood from shy to annoyed.

"I don't like her after what happened. Sorry Aether" Miko rolled her eyes and sighed.

"You're cute whenever you do that" Aether leaned to her ear and whispered it making Miko giggle a little bit.

"Oh stop it~" Miko covered her mouth with her hand so she wouldn't make a loud noise.

The two were entirely unaware of how Kamisato Ayato was hiding behind the door but Aether's voice was too low for Ayato to overhear the last part he said.

(Since when did they become so close to each other?) Ayato thought to himself, he was sure that Miko's birthday and the Movie day weren't enough for them to become that close.

(Not unless… They have been meeting each other in secret. Aether belongs to the other building and you wouldn't be able to meet the students at the other until dismissal time. But Miko has always been with Sara, sometimes with Jean or Eula.) He added to his thoughts, he shook his head that maybe he was just overthinking things and walked upstairs, or maybe… he did not. He made sure no one would be able to see him… go out of the house.

—

You remain unconscious in the ICU. These days all you know is that you were in a dream. You may have heard a familiar voice talking about Childe but it was distorted, you couldn't identify what Childe did or something.

One thing is for sure, the dreams you were having were about the man who caused all of the pain you're feeling, Kamisato Ayato.

You do not remember these dreams happening to you but your heart has been feeling warm whenever you see yourself playing house with him or you attempting to taste his terrible attempts at cooking.

"Your face says it all my lady! You don't like it!" Ayato said after you ate the Katsu Sandwich he made but it looked suspicious.

"I-It's good- A-Ayato!" You slowly smiled because the sandwich was terrible but you don't want him to feel bad about himself.

"B-brother… you're going to make Y/N have tummy aches again!" A small Ayaka appeared at the kitchen door, she was only peeking to be specific.

"N-no I'm not! I would never hurt my lady!" He said to his little sister.

From afar in the kitchen is a jealous Guuji Yae who was getting scolded by some of the maids for not doing her job properly while taking care of the household.

If all these memories were taken away from you, then these are all true. You wondered why it hasn't come back to you for a very long time but now you understand why Guuji Yae hates you a lot because she wanted to feel like a child. You knew it all that she wanted Ayato for a very long time but Ayato doesn't want her even a little. He doesn't even look at her back then.

(What happened throughout the years? Why did it feel like Ayato was forcibly erased from my life and it was the same to him.)

"Lady Y/N, the heir of the Kamisato Family has come to visit you," One of the maids said on the other side of the door in your bedroom.

"My lady!!!!!" Ayato happily runs upstairs to your room. He brought a bunch of things in his bag.

"Young master, please mind your steps." One of his servants said.

"They'll become a cute couple~," The servant said to himself.

"Ayato, you have a bandaid on your leg. What happened to you this time?" You said putting down the pen to your table while you looked at him from top to bottom.

"O-oh! I picked these flowers… I remembered my lady loves flowers so I went outside earlier! B-but I tripped and hurt myself" He embarrassingly looked away while handing you the flowers. You wholeheartedly accepted it and placed it in the nearest vase on your table.

"How about you, my lady? What are you writing?" He said trying to peek from your notebook

You tried to hide it from him but his hands were stronger than you.

"Things I like about Ayato:" He said, your face turned red already before he could even read it.

He was quietly reading the things you wrote about him.

Things I like about Ayato:

He is funny

His cooking is terrible but I low every bit of effort he shows me

He likes flowers

He loves playing house with me and pretending that he was my husband

He loves sending me gifts

He is cute

He likes me

"S-Stop!" You snatched the paper from him.

"You like me because I like you?" He said and turned his face to you. All you could see was his lilac eyes shining brightly starting directly to your soul. Your heart was beating so fast because your face is close to each other as if he is about to kiss you.

"Y-yes! I… I like you! Is that a big deal?!" You didn't move a thing, the two of you are still very close to each other.

"Y-Y/N likes me…" He moved away and said it over and over again which made you laugh because he can't believe that the feeling was reciprocal.

—

Ayato managed to escape his home and drove to the hospital. He wasn't drunk, it was truly Ayato visiting you. He asked for permission to visit you in the ICU whereas the nurse assisted him to wear his protective gown before entering.

He slowly marched to your body lying peacefully in bed. Tears were starting to form in his eyes seeing what he has done to you.

He sat beside your bed and held your hand while he admired your face, you looked like you were having a good dream. He never had the chance to conclude that you were beautiful, he thought to himself that your future husband would be lucky to have someone like you. He smiled before he began to speak.

You were happily seeing these memories until everything turned black again but this time you heard someone's voice. It was a different person this time however, this voice is something you won't forget.

"Y/N I'm so sorry," Ayato said, putting his lips to your hand and clenching it with his.

"I don't even know if you would hear me."

"I'm sorry for throwing you to the floor"

"I'm sorry for cutting your hair short."

"I'm sorry Y/N!" He cried out.

He went apologizing for the things he did to you even if you're not answering him back until he rested his head next to your hand. While he was asleep, you weren't aware that your right hand strongly held against his but it wasn't enough to wake him up.

—

In the Kamisato Residence everyone was wondering where Ayato ran off.

"He wasn't with us playing"

"He wasn't outside in the garden"

"He wasn't in the balcony"

"He wasn't in the kitchen"

"I thought you grounded him?"

"I did but how did the guards not notice him leaving? His car wasn't even here."

"That's it, We'll find him."

"I can't contact him either"

"Me too"

"Brother, where did you go?"

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votestaynight · 2 years ago

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8th day "Sword and Magic II" (scene 2)

…Why does she desire battle so much?

I might be able to understand Saber's mindset if I can find out why she seeks the Holy Grail, the reward of the Holy Grail War.

But, is that really something I can ask her?

"…Saber. Can I ask you a question?"

"Yes. What is it, Shirou?"

"The reason I seek the Holy Grail? Can it not be because I desire it? The Holy Grail is an almighty vessel. There is no wish that cannot be granted if one possesses it. One needs no reason to seek such a thing."

"Um, it's something I forgot to ask.

You're lending me your power because you also want the Holy Grail, right?

So――what do you want from the Holy Grail?"

"――No. That's not what I'm asking.

Saber, you're trying not to answer my question, right?"

"Oh――Shirou, that's…"

"I don't want to know the reason you seek it. I want to know what the wish you want granted is.

…But if you don't want to say, that's fine. My wishes aren't things I can talk about either."

"―――――"

Saber closes her mouth awkwardly.

…Well, it's only natural.

Saber didn't form the contract to help me personally.

Since the only ones who can obtain the Holy Grail are the Masters, she is only helping me to take share in the reward.

That is why she must be hesitating to tell her wish, and most of all――I myself don't want to hear Saber describe a selfish wish.

…So I shouldn't have asked.

After all, it's rude for a person without a clear wish to ask other people's wishes.

"――Shirou. Is that a command as a Master?"

Suddenly.

Saber asks the question with a serious expression.

"Eh… no, it's not. I didn't intend that.

I was just curious about you. Sorry for asking you about it."

"…No. As a Servant, I certainly must tell my Master my wish.

Shirou, I seek the Holy Grail to fulfill an obligation. I want the power of the Holy Grail to accomplish a duty I could not accomplish during my lifetime."

Directly.

With honest eyes, she says so.

"…Accomplish a duty…? During your lifetime… you mean, before you became a Servant…?"

"…Yes. But I do not know my true intentions myself.

Perhaps I only desire to redo things again."

Saber looks down quietly.

For a moment.

She looks like a repentant lost child.

"…Fufu. Rin would be mad if she heard that. She is not someone who would say such a thing. She would use the Holy Grail purely for her own benefit, but it would not be something that would bring chaos to the world."

"――I-I see. Anyways, I'm relieved.

I was worried what I should do if you said something like Tohsaka, like your dream is to take over the world."

"Really? I think we should never let her have the Holy Grail for a completely different reason."

I nod to myself.

Saber is watching me with a gentle expression.

That's the end of the conversation.

It was a subject I should have kept away from.

The atmosphere is softened by talk of Tohsaka, so let's end this conversation right here.

"―――――"

But a small pain remains in my chest.

Even though I'm relieved that Saber's wish isn't a vulgar one, I think there's something wrong with that wish of hers.

Before I realize it, it's noon.

"It is lunchtime, Shirou."

"Yeah, it's lunchtime."

We confirm this to each other as both our stomachs growl.

"――Let's eat. Is there something you'd like, Saber?"

"Nothing in particular. I am mostly satisfied with the food you prepare."

Saber's expression is a bit strange.

…Well, it helps that she's not nagging like Tohsaka.

"Then I'll go to get some groceries. I'll come home around the same time as yesterday, so go on ahead to the living room."

"Yes. I'll be waiting, Shirou."

I decide to try making shrimp dumpling, which I have wanted to try making for a while.

It's a dish that's a bit larger than takoyaki, and it's really hot and tasty.

"…I bought some mustard, and also the snacks for the three o'clock tea…."

I put the groceries into the bicycle cart.

――Oh yeah.

I met Ilya here yesterday.

"――She's not here."

No, it would be a problem if she was here everyday, but not having her here is rather disappointing.

…I haven't told Saber or Tohsaka that I met Ilya yesterday.

Because Ilya didn't seem like an enemy, I was hesitant to tell them about her.

"…No way. Just because she was here yesterday doesn't mean she'll be here today."

So, I get on the bike and――

#votestaynight #fate #fate stay/night #fate route

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blackink-onpaper · 1 year ago

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The Descend and the Resurface

Damian Hart (Beyblade) x OC

Summary: OC comes from a complex background, and in the midst of trying to save it all and help her family she enters a strange arrangement, which will change her life forever.

Masterlist 🖤

Tags: Beyblade, Beyblade Metal Masters, Julian Konzern, Jack, Damian, OC, Gingka Hagane, team Starbreaker, team Excalibur, dr. Ziggurat, Hades Inc.

A/N: Hope you enjoy!

Also, please let me know what you think so far! It means a lot to me!

@beyblade-oc-week @masterofdemise @lady-lazagna 🖤

Chapter 11

Dr. Carlisle walked me to his office, which was a taupe windowless room with two lush plants in the corners, a beige armchair facing a beige chaise sofa of the same design, and a warm soft light coming from the ceiling. The wall behind the armchair had a large canvas with calming, muted colours that were flowing into each other without pattern. The entire room gave a serene atmosphere, and judging by its design and layout I realised Dr. Carlisle was a psychiatrist.

“Take a seat, please make yourself comfortable” Carlisle said in a very calming way: “would you like some tea?”

“Depends on how long I’m going to be here” I smiled at him, taking a seat on the sofa that was so comfortable I was contemplating asking him where he got it from. He handed me a cup of some fresh herbal tea that smelled relaxing and reinvigorating, before he sat down in his armchair holding his own cup:

“Well Camila, I know we’ve been formally introduced, but I would also like to introduce myself to you. I’m dr. Vincent Carlisle, and I’m the psychologist taking care of team Starbreaker.” I took a sip of the delicious tea, listening to him carefully.

“I brought you here because this room has no monitoring system whatsoever, and is completely sound-proof for maximum privacy.” He cleared his throat: “I wanted to talk about what happened just now at the demonstration.”

“Okay” I nodded, genuinely interested in which direction this conversation was going to continue.

“I hope you don’t mind, and I apologise if I was breaching your privacy with this, but I was observing you during the demonstrations. I believe there is something you should know about Damian, especially after what happened today.”

Leaning back into the plush sofa, I wondered what this was all about: “yes doctor?”

“Damian has been in my care almost his entire life, and is a very particular case. Perhaps even the most complex one I’ve had in my career.” I frowned, wondering why was he in psychotherapy since he was a child, but I did not want to interrupt. “He has changed drastically since then, and this is definitely a result of the Arrangement system administered to the Starbreaker members. All three of them have shown large differences in behaviour and thinking patterns since beginning with the treatment, but Damian remains an isolated case because of how long he’s been taking it.”

“But, why do they do it then?” I knew asking this probably sounded daft, but I was none the wiser in this situation without asking.

“Dr. Ziggurat ruled out the mental side effects as circumstancial, as things in psychology often can be, because he doesn’t want his project compromised.” He paused to take a sip of his tea: “But what we saw today may be proof that the effects of the arrangement may not be completely irreversable in long-term users, such as Damian.”

“How long has he been taking it?”

“10 or 11 years, I believe.”

To say I was shocked was an understatement of massive proportions. I am by no means an expert on the topic, but from what I was told in these two days this Arrangement system seemed to be very dangerous: “How is that even possible?”

“I’m afraid that I both don’t know, and that the information is highly classified. Damian seems to be completely compatible with the arrangement system, and I came onboard around the time he began the treatment to monitor his mental state over the years. I don’t know if you’ve read the news, but countless other Hades Academy Bladers lost their minds after the Arraangement, many with permanent physical damage as well.” He paused again to sigh, this was a difficult topic: “That’s why finding candidates that are suitable with the system is so difficult.”

“Is that why Ziggurat keeps Zeo in the team even though he is suffering from the side effects?”

“Kind of” Carlisle nodded his head: “they have a separate deal that I’m not allowed to discuss with you, but because Zeo is mostly compatible he was chosen to complete the team for the tournament.”

There was another silence, but then the doctor put down his cup on a small side table next to the armchair: “What I’m trying to say is: Damian has gone through physical and mental changes that are definitely not normal, and I believe he is also suffering from trauma and effects of being manipulated and lied to for most of his life. I won’t lie to you, Ziggurat and I brought you here for two separate reasons, but mine is the wellbeing of the boys. Today I saw there may be hope in recovery, and all I’m asking is that you help me in my endeavour.”

“How?”

“Tell me anything you believe will be useful for my part of the reseach, and you yourself can speak to me anytime.” He gave me a reassuring smile: “And if anyone asks, you never heard any of this; we spoke about your adjustment into Hades today.”

“Of course.” I smiled back. He walked me to the door, and we both saw Zeo waiting for his appointment. He was completely surprised to see me leaving the room, but said hi nonetheless. Something else seemed to be on his mind again. In the corridor, I was waiting for the elevator when I noticed it was 10:45AM and that I had nothing to do. I didn’t even know where the boys were. When the elevator came, I chose to go to the common room just in case Jack was there. When the door slid open, I saw the room was empty. For a moment, I considered going to my own room, but then I realised checking in on Damian might also be a good idea. He seemed quite upset earlier.

The door to his room slid open, revealing Damian sitting on his bed without his cape, with Kerbecks on the sheets and a remote control in his other hand, which he probably opened the elevator door with:

“I came to see how you are” I felt kind of awkward, considering his face didn’t even have that mishevious flare I am used to seeing, but a dissatisfied frown. His room was spacious, perhaps even bigger than Jack’s, but a complete opposite in terms of interior. Damian’s room was white, minimalistic and clean, with lights surrounding the plush, white, cloud-like bed. There was an empty desk closer to the elevator, and a large thin TV on the wall facing the bed. His room also had a floor-to-ceiling window wall, with semi-transparent white blinds diffusing the incoming sunlight. Unlike the common room or the hallway, the air in Damian’s room was much cooler and had an almost hospital-like scent:

“Look” he broke my train of thought: “I don’t know where all of you guys get this ‘mercy’ nonsense, but I am here to win” he got up and walked over, suddenly standing right in front of me: “And I will destroy whoever is in my way.”

“I’m sorry if I got you into trouble.”

“Trouble?” He laughed: “I am the Chosen One. The prodigy of the Arrangement System - the guardian of Hades.” He paused, I was looking at the floor: “And my power will not be made smaller or humbled just so a bunch of weak twigs can feel better about themselves!”

“Damian, your strength does not make other people weak.” I tried using some Excalibur philosophy on him.

“Lemme ask you something, Camila” he came up close to my face with a grin. I noticed his eyes were more feline than I’d originally thought, and I was kind of speechless staring into his sterling grey irises, he was actually quite attractive: “Were you ever good at something?”

“I-“ I begun, but he interrupted me:

“No, you weren’t.” He smirked: “Because if you were you wouldn’t be whimpering around here with nothing to do, and so much to say.” I just stood there speechless, absolutely lost for words. The satisfaction on his face was immesurable, perhaps even comprable to when he humiliated Julian in front of an entire stadium and live cameras.

“You’re right.” I stared at him, taking in every detail in his face, trying to remember what Carlisle told me: “But you don’t have to be so cruel just because someone was cruel to you.”

He scrunched his nose, changing his grin into a snarl: “And what do you know? You dumped your loser team as soon as Ziggurat waved some cash at you. What was that if not cruel?”

He was right. I couldn’t argue with him: he was completely right. I just stood there, embarassed to even be alive, regretting I even came into this pristine white cave to face the truth I didn’t want - or need - to hear.

“You’re right.” I straightened my back and looking him straight in the eyes, trying to hide my shame: “You chose to win; I chose to survive.”

He scoffed, rolling his eyes: “What a pathetic line.” Then he came closer to me, looking at me with a provoking grin, bordering with ridicule: “I think Julian dumping you was the best thing that ever happened in your lame life.”

#beyblade #beyblade fanfiction #damian hart #oc #damian hart x reader #beyblade metal masters #beyblade jack #zeo abyss #anime #meyblade #beyblade zeo #beyblade metal fury #beyblade metal fight #hades inc #julian konzern #team excalibur #beyblade smut

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lunastyrs · 1 year ago

Text

Yuuise Trein

Can be read separately: [Part 1]

Louise Yuuise was brought through the dark mirror 40 years ago Mozus Trein’s 2nd wife. They met when they were young. While time kept them apart for a bit, they met again and from there love grew. She was the one to give him Lucius, after all.

My name is Louise

Not here

Small pitiful meows come from one of the bushes. Yuu, ever the gentle soul, pick up the cold wet kitten and bundled it in her jacket.

Unable to keep the kitten at ramshackle her current residence she wandered over to Heartslabyul her neighbor's house. Mozus answered the door.

You’re changing what happened.

Oh, but my dear, this is what happened. This is the story everyone hears. And once all the participants have passed on, no one can say otherwise. This is the story that will be remembered.

“Hi Mozus, I found a kitten. Would you mind taking care of him? I know you always wanted a cat, and I found one. Couldn’t leave the poor thing outside…”

Mozus’s ever-proper face softened at Yuu’s rambling.

“Yes, Miss Yuuise, I would be delighted to take care of this cat for you.” Mozus picked up the kitten and rubbed its fluffy head, “Have you named him?”

“I have been calling him Lucius, named after my brother. However, he is yours now. You can change it.”

“Lucius, a perfect name for my gift from the perfect Yuuise. Would you like to come and have some tea?”

“Yes, please.”

After graduating from Night Raven College As time went on, they went their separate ways, trading the occasional letter.

Mozus received his degree in history and eventually went on to get married and have two little girls. Drusilla, whose hair matched his own and whose eyes sparked like rich dark honey. Anastace, whose eyes matched his own and hair as red as the deepest wines.

Louise Yuuise, not possessing magic herself, went on to study and develop magical transport. And while she didn’t marry during this time, she had a daughter. Estella, a little mini-me but with sharp smoky eyes.

Just like the one I thought got away

Yuu, didn’t you get pregnant at the school reunion?

That is not important. And It is Louise

Then Mozus's wife died, leaving him with two toddlers. He reached out for help. Not in grief he did only marry because he got her pregnant. Yuu answered the call. In a house full of three young children, Love blossomed.

A year later they got married.

For 6 years they have been a happy family. Raising the girls, Yuuise’s research, and Mozus working part-time at Night Raven College.

Then there was an accident while researching interplanar transport. As a result, Yuu became very sick.

That was your fault

Yes, but all you had to do was stop researching the transport and you would’ve gotten better

Yuu got sicker and sicker as the year went on, but she never did stop her research.

I was not the first one brought here. Not by a long shot. How could I let others be stuck here?

That, my dear, was the problem

Then doctors gave the horrible news. Louise Yuuise had two months to live.

I know how the story went, and wanted different for my family

Yuu on her deathbed, as her days counted down, she crafted the final story.

“I almost didn’t keep Ella, then she came out with the same smoky eyes as you. The one I thought got away. And decided I wanted to keep her as a reminder of the good times I’ve had in this twisted wonderland and create even more with her.”

“Don’t give me that look. I noticed that you did the same. Drusilla, while has your hair, her eyes are the same shade as mine. And I know you're disappointed that Anastace doesn’t have a mimic of my hair, instead got a red like your grandmother. However, her shade of red is that of my own mother’s. The deep red of the richest wines. Matched with the same shade eyes as Ella’s and your own.”

My, My; that’s very manipulative of you.

I was sent to Night Raven College. You do learn a thing or two there.

“Mozus, you take care of our girls. All three of them have different needs that must be met. Oh, I don’t know why I am concerned, you were a house warden for the largest dorm at Night Raven.”

Mozus cradles his wife’s hand against his cheek.

“My Perfect Yuuise, you have always worried about us. Even at Night Raven“

When Yuu finally passed peacefully in her sleep; her words did stick with her husband. Mozus raised all three of the girls as a strict and fair father.

-Yuu’s are picked to keep people from becoming villains-

Yuuise’s research and innovation in magical travel brought in more than enough money for the family to live comfortably. Mozus only began teaching full-time at Night Raven once his daughters were all off to college.

If her secret interplanar travel research was mixed in with the fire kinling? Well, accidents do happen.

It’s not fair. I just wanted to see my parents and brothers again.

Louise Yuuise made great leaps and bounds in the magical transport in the short life she was given in this world.

You wanted to leave and that just wouldn’t do

However, Yuu did arrive in this world by a coffin.

And all stories must end.

#paternity tests came out when the girls were in university #Trein did a paternity test on Ella #he wanted to find out who sired her so that he could take revenge on the man #laughed when the result showed it was him #twisted wonderland #twst #twst fanfic #twst professor trein #writting is hard for me #not beta'd #twst yuu

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femuirdris · 1 year ago

Text

A Feeling of Kinship

Fire Emblem: Heroes / Awakening / Three Houses | Rating: G | Character Focus: Seteth, Frederick

Two grown men have a tea party.

[Read on AO3!]

Seteth investigated his mirror image, smoothing down singular hairs out of place and pinching his eyebrows to align the same direction. He combed his beard and adjusted his circlet, fidgeting until he was finally satisfied with his appearance.

After all, it was not every day he personally had tea with a lord’s retainer from another world, let alone someone as like-minded as himself.

Of course, he interacted with many different heroes on a daily basis, from training to arena matches to simply standing guard in the castle, but he wouldn’t call most of them friends. He tended to dote on Flayn and spend the rest of his time with his companions from Fódlan—though, with the varying timelines that the heroes hailed from, determining whether a comrade saw him as friend or foe was nigh impossible.

After one more fiddle with his cuffs, cape, and belts, he nodded at himself with a contented little smile, and departed towards the gazebo.

As he approached, he was surprised to find, rather than a man in a hefty silver and cerulean suit of armor, seated at the table was a man in a dapper brown vest buttoned over a neatly pressed white dress shirt, black slacks, and dress shoes. Around his neck was a neatly tied bow. But, his messy brown hair and untamable cowlick gave him away; this was certainly the same man Seteth had met clearing rocks from the roadside.

Seteth took a few moments longer to observe the man meticulously fine-tuning the table setting. The small round table was covered with a white and gold tablecloth, reminiscent of the banners that adorned the castle halls. Upon the table was a three-tiered display of assorted pastries, along with a gorgeous ceramic tea set.

He sucked in a breath before greeting his new friend. “Good afternoon, Sir Frederick!” His voice nearly cracked in his excitement. How unbecoming.

“Ah, Lord Seteth!” Frederick replied, and in one smooth motion he was on his feet, offering the unclaimed chair to Seteth. “Please, have a seat!”

“Thank you, my good sir,” Seteth accepted with a smile and a polite nod as he seated himself. When Frederick joined him again, he continued, “However, I cannot accept the title of lord, as I am only the advisor to the archbishop, Lady Rhea. You may simply address me as Seteth.”

“Ah, yes, Lo—er, Seteth. As you wish,” Frederick agreed. “Shall I pour you a cup?”

“Your chivalry knows no bounds. I would be delighted.” As Frederick poured the tea, the familiar scent of ginger filled his nostrils. “It seems we must have similar tastes! Are you a fan of ginger root, as well?”

Frederick’s lips curled into a small, but delighted smile. “Actually, I consider myself something of a connoisseur of all teas, depending on the occasion. Black teas make for an excellent energy boost during sleepless days. Ginger and peppermint are energizing, different herbal blends are excellent for relaxation and healing. I quite enjoy licorice root as a dessert; the natural sweetness shines through,” he explained. “However, I must say I did choose ginger with you in mind. I took it upon myself to ask your sister your preference. As I was not sure what the Askrian equivalent of ‘four-spice blend’ would be, I opted for ginger.”

Seteth’s eyebrows raised to touch his circlet. “You researched and procured my favorite tea for this occasion! I am most surprised. The only other person who has ever been so aggressively thoughtful is the professor. I appreciate your consideration!”

“You are one of the few who seem to appreciate my devotion. Lady Sumia of Ylisse, Sir Jakob of Nohr, and Sir Seth of Renais are the others. I am often criticized for my purported excess of zeal…” Frederick prattled, taking a sip of tea.

“I, too, am often criticized. My sister has called me ‘intrusive’ and ‘overbearing’ for my concern with her relationship with the other students in the Officers Academy.” He paused to inhale a whiff of the ginger as he took a sip. “Even Professor Byleth believed me to be a disgruntled and mistrusting nuisance for her first few months of instruction. I was only trying to protect Flayn from a woman I considered to be a stranger, regardless of Lady Rhea’s fondness for her.”

Frederick’s eyes lit up. “You truly do understand! Milord Chrom decided nearly immediately that the stranger we found sleeping on the roadside would become our chief tactician! He and Lady Robin were practically honeymooning from the moment he took her hand. She failed to even remember her own name and from where she hailed! I took it upon myself to be extraordinarily vigilant of her behavior to ensure milord’s safety.”

Seteth shook his head in shared disbelief. “Incredible coincidence. You know, the professor’s father, Jeralt Eisner, failed to let her know her own birthday! And she ended up blessed by the power of the goddess… this is why three of the professors share the mint green hair color, you see.”

His new friend chuckled. “Your mysterious professor was blessed by your goddess. My mysterious tactician was cursed to inhabit the Fell Dragon’s consciousness. Hence, the numerous Robins who claim to be the Fell Dragon Grima.”

“Ah, such as the gentleman whose garb disintegrated in battle!” Seteth recalled, Frederick eying him with a quizzical brow. “Yes, I am somewhat familiar. A shame—was the evil expelled?”

“In my timeline, Lady Robin sacrificed herself to rid the world of the Fell Dragon for good, yes. Er… she defeated her future self, that is? Time travel shenanigans, you see. It is all quite complex, I’m afraid…” Frederick explained, his brow furrowed.

“Ah, well, at the very least you can mostly discern which Robins are friend or foe,” Seteth uttered, a twinge of both jealousy and sadness in his voice. “Apparently there are… approximately ten significant ways in which my world’s timeline splits, depending on where the professor’s loyalty or the mercenary Shez’s loyalty lies. For instance, one of the Byleths despises me, for she sided with Edelgard in the war…” His voice trailed off.

“Askr is a curious melding of worlds, indeed. I am astounded with the possibilities—and how much the decisions of one person in each of our worlds can impact the lives of everyone in that world. It seems the Robins, Byleths, and even the Shezes share that in common,” Frederick pondered, his eyes following the delicate movement of the tea remaining in his cup.

Seteth hadn’t considered just how similar the experiences in the other worlds were to his own. His mind was a storm trying to wrap his mind around just how many alternate realities were possible, silence falling between the two men.

“However, existentialism is not the reason you intrigued me so, my good knight,” Seteth said with a smile, changing the subject. “You go so far as to remove rocks from the roadside so your liege does not trip?”

“Indeed! I must do whatever I can to keep milord safe. Whether it be taking a blow for him in battle or simply removing potential allergens by dusting, no task is too great or too small so long as it protects his wellbeing,” Frederick explained with a proud grin. As he deserves to be, Seteth thought with a mild envy. Flayn would chastise him for being so intrusive.

“How noble! I am ashamed to say I cannot compare. I protect my dear sister from miscreants who have potentially ill intentions, giving them stern talking-tos, and also watch over her in battle, but I fear my worry never dissipates…” He paused a moment, racking his brain for other unique instances of doting on Flayn. “Ah! When Flayn was young, I did write her fables—tales of ancient Fódlan, of the goddess and the saints, of morals and justice. I should think instilling great values in a loved one is a form of protection!”

“I would agree wholeheartedly! Providing a moral compass is extraordinarily important!” Frederick nodded sipping more tea. “You write?”

This time it was Seteth’s turn to beam. “I do. Writing fables continues to be a delightful outlet. In fact, I am a published author here in Askr! Commander Anna and I donate the profits from my work to support the less fortunate children in the realm.”

“Most impressive!”

“My thanks.” Seteth smiled into his cup. Convincing the commander to donate the profits took quite the effort, and he enjoyed the rare opportunity to discuss his works. “Do you indulge in any creative work for leisure?”

“I do not… particularly consider it leisure,” Frederick grimaced at the word. “However, I do enjoy knitting and embroidery—whether it be scarves or blankets to keep milord warm in the cold months, or a ‘Daddy’s Little Princess’ shirt for little Lucina, or a floral patterned dress for my wife.”

He didn’t take Frederick to be a married man, perhaps due to his everlasting devotion to the prince of Ylisse.

“You’ve a wife!” he exclaimed, finally noticing the ring on his finger.

“Indeed, as well as a child from the dark, alternate future, too. We’ve yet to have said child in my own timeline though.”

Seteth stared blankly. He knew of the Divine Pulse the goddess Sothis once wielded, but time travel from alternate futures? Earlier Frederick had alluded to it in their discussion of the Fell Dragon, but he figured the time travel was related to the dragon’s own powers. Human children, too?

“…Er, come again?”

“Ah—yes, all of the married couples of my time have had their children travel through the flow of time to change fate. Again, though, it’s curious that so many of the heroes here hail from different timelines. Apparently the Lissa of this world is married to a Frederick of hers, and their son is Owain? But I am married to Lady Sumia and our daughter is Cynthia… and I’m told one of the Chroms has married Sumia in his timeline, and their Cynthia has deep midnight blue hair like her father. It is… mind boggling, to say the least…” Frederick must have realized he was once again caught in the confusing web of alternate realities and timelines, and shook his head. “I apologize for my ramblings. Tell me, are you married? Do you have children of your own?”

A brief panic washed over Seteth, his eyes wide and his pointed ears pulling back. He gripped his cup tightly, his knuckles turning white.

Frederick hesitated, “M-my apologies if I struck a nerve—”

Seteth took a deep breath to regain his composure, and replied, “I have been married twice, actually. My late wife passed away in wartime long ago, and I found new love in the professor.” He sighed, the thought of his Byleth easing his nerves. He hesitated a moment, choosing his next words carefully. “We—do not have children at this time. My sister Flayn is the closest thing to a daughter, having raised her since her infancy.”

It was not necessarily a complete lie. Perhaps one day his new friend would know the truth, but even this realm with no bearing on his own, he couldn’t take the risk. Fortunately, Frederick did not see through his façade, and if he did, he was polite enough not to mention it.

“Ahh, I am relieved you were able to find love again; I could not imagine. From all that I know about you so far, you are deserving of the utmost happiness,” Frederick said, his smile returning.

“As are you, sir! Why, you must be the most steadfast, dedicated retainer I have ever known!” Seteth exclaimed with gusto. “I am delighted to call you a friend.”

“As am I!”

#seteth #frederick #fire emblem heroes #fire emblem awakening #fire emblem three houses #feh #fe13 #fe3h #my fanfics

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