#you tell Julian “oh you won't do X” and he is absolutely going to do X

[youngpettyqueen]

I understand why they didnt do this but Julian's response to being told by Sloan that he won't scream for help because it'd be too undignified would be to just start hollering at the top of his lungs cause he is absolutely that petty, ESPECIALLY when it comes to authority he doesn't like

[beanswrites]

"Negotiating With Death" Asra x MC, from The Arcana

Hey guys!! Here's the long-awaited awesome idea for the The Arcana/Greek Mythology crossover! Requested by @bluhame!!

Also, quick thought before we start: Hades here is written as a villain, just for the purpose of this story. DO NOT get me wrong, Hades is my favorite Greek god, an absolute king and we stan him all the way on this blog. Just to prove that, I will do a story of the Greek Gods!! Especially I'm a big fan of Hades x Persephone!!

Oh, and this is the first story I did from 1. person perspective (meaning MC tells the story)! Not all stories will be like this from now on, I just felt like it fit this one! Tell me what you think!!

Anywho, this is (as requested) a tinsy tiny bit angstier, but it has a happy ending. Sorry, couldn't resist a happy ever after :)

Requests are open! Check out my rules for requesting before placing your request, or just pick something from my prompts list!!

Enjoy!!

Also available on AO3!!

masterlist | rules for requesting | prompts list

Word count: 2205 words

Trope: Angst with a happy ending, Adventure, Comfort

Pairing: Asra Alnazar x gn! MC

AU: The Arcana/Greek Mythology crossover

Warnings: death, mentions of blood

Picture from Pinterest!

It has been two weeks, three days, and four hours since Asra's death. 

I didn't know what to do the first week. Maybe I just couldn't process the fact that he is gone. I've spent so much time with him, both as his apprentice and his partner, that I just couldn't imagine a life without him. Maybe I have even forgotten that such a powerful magician could even die. 

For those two weeks, I've tried everything to bring him back. Asking The Arcana for help was an option, but I couldn't do it. My magic is not strong enough, at least not without Asra's help. Plus, as The Fool, I have already made my wish. No one from this or the other world could have saved the day.

However, every problem must have its' solution. Once I announced my plan to Nadia six days ago, she almost begged me not to do it. It was dangerous, maybe even not thought through, but I will take any chance to even see Asra again. That is why no one, not even the gods, will stop me from going to the Underworld to save Asra's soul.

I made that decision some time ago, and now it's time to start my journey. I started packing my bag at sundown, ready to leave in the darkest hours. Even though I wanted to be as secretive as possible, I had to tell Julian when I was leaving. Just in case I didn't make it back.

Once the clock struck midnight, I locked the shop's doors, feeling like it would be a long time before I open them again.

'Maybe there won't be another time' The thought circled in my head.

I wasn't scared. How could I be? I have nothing to lose, only to retrieve. I wouldn't mind dying while trying to save Asra. More positive thoughts of the white-haired magician and me returning to our shop together appeared as I made my way through the night.

The road out of Vesuvia was calm, lifeless. Not a soul dared pass at such hours, so the only ones left were me and the stars. The Lyre constellation was right above my head, reminding me that the gods are always watching. Maybe it was a sign or a signal of hope - a reminder of Orpheus, the one who began this journey long before me. However, it could also be a warning of his fate - to always remember that he never returned.

The sun was rising from the rusty mountains when I passed Vesuvia's borders. The entrance to the Underworld was near. I could feel it. They say that the river Styx flows wherever it is needed.

Around lunchtime, I was passing through a small village. It looked like a regular place - the kids were playing, and the elders talking. I approached a young man who was doing harvesting work to gather some information.

"You are looking to find the river Styx? I'm sorry, but I can't help you. None of us locals talk about it. There were way too many mortals who tried to access the Underworld. It's a suicide act!"

He was ready to leave, but I pleaded for an answer.

"Please, there must be someone who knows! Anyone! I need to go! I need to see him!"

The man debated with himself whether he should tell me or not. Finally, he gave in:

"Look, none of the younger folk know where it is. However, if you ask Mama Eucarpia, she might be able to help you. The people say she's as old as the gods!"

I went in search of this woman, hoping she has some answers. However, whoever I asked in the streets either didn't know who she was or said that she had long passed. Just as I was about to give up, a raspy voice called out to me:

"Come, child. You must be starving."

A grandma called out to me from her wooden porch. I obeyed, sitting on the wooden stool she used as a dining chair. She handed me a piece of bread and sat on the stool next to mine. I was hesitant to take a bite, which she noticed.

"Eat, eat. You must be exhausted from the long journey you had"

"How can you tell that I'm a traveler?" I asked, my mouth full of the delicious pita.

She smiled, but her face was still invisible through the shall she had wrapped around her head.

"I can see it in your eyes. The ends of your cloak are smudged with dirt, and the only things you have in your bag are a couple of slices of pumpkin bread and a water supply. I know travelers, child. Many of them passed through these lands, and I watched them all leave, but none came back. Tell me, what pulls your heart to travel to these parts?"

Many things she said were strange to me. How did she know what I was carrying in my bag? Was she hinting about the Underworld?

"I'm looking for someone," I say, testing her wisdom.

She smirks again, leaning back into her chair.

"And this someone, they must be very important to you, yes? No one would travel all the way from Vesuvia to look for an acquaintance."

I nod, still suspicious of how she knew where I came from. But there isn't a way that she could have known where I was going, right?

"Don't worry child, I can feel your doubts. There's still time, Asra is still waiting for you."

I dropped my pita in shock. How did she...?

"You're Mama Eucarpia!" I almost yell out in surprise and relief.

The older woman gives me a small nod. Her vail moves with the gentle breeze of the wind, exposing one of her piercing blue eyes.

"I go by many names, child. I heard you were looking for the way to the Underworld? Well, only walking by the beach of the river Styx will get you there.."

Nodding enthusiastically, I asked her where to find the river.

"It appears not before those who look but before those seeking to find. You have a reason to find, child. Follow it, and you will find your way.." 

Mama Eucarpia entered her house but didn't come out. Once I went inside to look for her, to ask more questions, no one was there. Perhaps she truly is some godly creature.

Her words haunted me for the next couple of days. With each step I took, I tried to solve her riddle. 

'Don't look, don't look, don't look!' I repeated to myself over and over.

On the brink of my sanity, I was going to give up. In the middle of the night, just a day before I planned to leave and search somewhere else, Asra's voice pulled me out of a dream.

"MC..."

Their voice was quiet as a whisper, but stern and sure. I got up, following it outside of my tent. I followed it further and further until it completely disappeared. However, his voice brought me to a spring, where a small stream was flowing.

The river Styx. 

Not as big and majestic as it once was, but it didn't need to be. The souls it carried spoke enough about its' power. 

I followed the river up to a dark, ominous cave. The Underworld is inside, I knew. Finally, I will face Hades and ask for Asra.

As I am walking on the shore of the river through the cave, many screeches and faint whispers are echoing around me. Final, last words of the souls are said for the last time.

I walk through the gates of hell that appear before me. Surprisingly, Cerberus, the gatekeeper, is nothing like the stories say. He's not vicious or blood-thirsty, he's too busy for that. He's got very important business with his chewing toys.

The Underworld is unsettling and creepy, but - just like Cerberus - nothing like the myths described. In the legends, The Underworld was a place of death and sorrow, blood and sickness. In reality, it just looked like an endless void - grey and dark.

Hades was the same as his home. As I approached the god, he stood on his throne, tall, dark, and mysterious.

"Why are you here, mortal?"

His deep voice ringed through The Underworld. I wanted to speak, to even mutter out anything - but I couldn't. My throat closed, and it was getting harder and harder to breathe.

"Well? Not many come here without a reason."

Finally, I managed to find my words.

"I'm... I'm looking for someone."

He flashed a grin at me. It looked sinister, evil almost.

"Hah! It's funny how you humans are convinced that you can waltz in here, trying to find a soul! Even if you did manage to find the soul of your loved one in the never-ending sea of souls, what makes you think I would let you leave so easily?"

I swallowed hard, suppressing my tears of frustration. Did I come all this way for nothing?

"I'd do anything to get him back. I'm prepared to give my life."

The god laughed in my face. This was way too cruel, way too crushing! I couldn't stop the hot, desperate tears which glided from my cheeks to my lips.

"I already know of you and your lover! You've been here before, remember? Once that plague finished you, that magician came to beg for your life too, but I didn't allow him. It was against the rules! I advised him to go home, while he still could, to not ruin this! But he didn't listen... That little thief! He stole your soul from me! He used the forbidden power of The Arcana! And now, I have you here, in the palm of my hands... Maybe the right punishment for the both of you is for you to see him die..."

Once he finished his speech, he snapped his fingers, and suddenly, I was in a different place. It was empty, just space everywhere. Maybe eternal punishment was actually to be alone with me forever? 

Unexpectedly, I noticed Asra in the same place I was, about 100 feet away from me. He was bleeding out and needed help.

"ASRA!" I screamed, half in desperation, half in relief, and ran towards him. However, with each step I took, they seemed further and further away. Then it hit me - it wasn't Asra. It was an illusion.

Then, the space around me shattered into pieces, and I was now in a much smaller space. It was a small room, with mirrors all around. But not the kind of mirrors you could see yourself in. The kind of mirrors that reflected the worst moments of your past.

In the mirrors, I saw Asra on his deathbed. They were weak, pale, and coughing up blood. He looked in such pain I haven't even imagined, let alone experienced. The worst part was, I couldn't help. I cried out in desperation, sliding down on one of the mirrors.

"Asra... Oh, Asra... I'm so sorry... I couldn't save you, I couldn't, I'm so sorry... Oh, I wish I could just hold you once more... Just to kiss you again... Oh, Asra, please, forgive me!"

My sobs and pleads for forgiveness were never-ending. Once everything else quieted down, I once again heard their beautiful voice calling out to me this time much louder than a whisper.

"MC..?"

It was gentle, the way they called out my name. But with each time they repeated it, it got louder and sterner. 

"MC?"

The final time they called out to me was like a yell. Worried and scared.

"MC! MC, wake up!"

I half-opened my eyes, and The Underworld was gone. I wasn't in the dark mirror room, nor the empty void, nor Hades' castle. I was in a colorful, warm room that smelt of lavender and rosemary, on some soft covers.

My room! This is my room!

Someone shuffled on the bed next to me. I could feel their warm arms on my shoulders, lightly shaking me.

"MC, my love, are you okay?"

I turned to him. There he was, gorgeous and cute like always, with one of his white curls slipping from his forehead. His eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes focused, I could tell that he was worried for me.

"Asra..? Is that you?"

They nodded, taking both of my hands in theirs.

"Yes, my star, it's me... But are you alright?"

In excitement, I jumped into his arms. 

"ASRA!!"

As soon as I hooked my arms around their neck, they pulled me closer, bringing me in their lap. Out of relief, I started bawling my eyes out on their shoulder.

"Shhh, my love, it's okay... I'm here.. What's wrong? I heard you calling out my name.. Were you having a nightmare, baby?"

I nod shyly, finally starting to feel relaxed and comfortable. His comforting words, and his presence in general, were the best way to recover from this. 

"What was it about..?"

I chuckled through my tears as they kissed my cheeks and my jaw.

"Well, let's just say that I was negotiating with death..."

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

When I Found You (Pt. 08 of 19)

Pairing: Daryl Dixon X Reader | Negan X daughter! Reader

Word count: 2.5 K

Summary: You saw Negan build his empire, saw your father become a monster, a murderer, and never had the courage to stand your ground. So everything you do it help as much people as you can, carrying the guilt of being part of it. But one day, your world is shaken when you find him, the man with blue eyes locked up inside a cage. You decide to help him, to keep his community safe. And for that, you'll have to pretend you and Daryl are in love... But how long until the lie becomes the truth?

Warnings: Some sensitive topics such as mentions and light descriptions of self-harm. (I kept it light, so don't worry about graphic descriptions.)

<- Previous part (07)

Next part (09) ->

{The Walking Dead Masterlist}

A/N: I wanna thank (and give a lot of credit) to to absolutely awesome friend @multific, who helped me with a lot of ideas, and also with the final editing of the text. Love you, girl!!

×

On His Lips

“I'm telling you, Gregory won't be ruling Hilltop for too long. The man is a prick. He sides with the Saviors and–” Colorful flying things get your attention, and when you look to your right, you see a bunch of balloons. “What is that?” Giving Daryl a look, you rush down the stairs into the open area, walking to where a small group of people stands. “Hey. What are you doing?”

“Hey, princess,” Laura says, and everyone quickly kneels. “We found some Helium and decided to make a competition.”

“What kind of competition?”

A silenced shot gets your attention and a balloon exploded midair. “We have to shoot the balloons. The higher we let them get before trying, the more points we get. I have thirty-five.”

“Doesn't sound like your thing Laura.”

“Winner gets a peanut jar.”

“Mmm.” Looking at Daryl, who stopped some feet away, you smile. “Do you like a peanut?”

“Yeah.” He nods, glancing at the others.

“Then I'm in.” Smiling, you take the gun they're using and tell Jared, the guy near the ballons to let one of them go. He releases a blue one, and you let it float away, the wind moving it a bit too far. You let it go as much as you can before shooting and successfully hitting it. “Bang!”

“And that makes... Twelve points.” Julian says from his place by the fence. There aren't many walkers here, so there's no problem.

“My turn,” Jared says and Anne takes his place.

The silly game goes on for a while, and you and Laura are the ones with the highest points. You do ask if Daryl wants to join, but he just said he trusts you to get that peanut jar. You understand him. Why would he even consider doing that with the people who wouldn't think twice before killing his family? But you have to participate. You have to laugh and make heart eyes at Daryl... But the thing is the heart eyes aren't even fake anymore.

“Oh, shit.” The exclamation gets your attention, and you almost miss the ballon.

Looking at Jim, you shrug your shoulders. “What? The game wasn't my idea. Go piss off whoever invented it.”

“So defensive.” He chuckles, nodding at Daryl when he walks past him. “But that's not what I meant.” Jim gestures at your legs, and you look down, taking in the simple dark jeans.

“Your statement will require further explanation.” Giving Anne the gun, you cross your arms. “What's wrong with it?”

“Nothing. It's just that... Uhm... It's tight. You never wear anything that tight.”

“Oh...” Giving Daryl a look, you get a small, quick smile that crosses his lips. It's been around a month since the last time you hurt yourself, and the wounds are finally closing. Once and for all, said Daryl, and wearing your jeans doesn't hurt anymore. “I decided to change a bit. And they're super comfortable so...”

“Hey,” Daryl calls, and everyone looks at him at the same time. “Stop lookin'.” He says in a lower voice and for some reason, your cheeks warm up.

“Sorry...” Jim whispers, and you don't think you were supposed to hear it. “Anyways. I wanna try that. Tell me how it works.”

And after this embarrassing episode, Jim joins the small party and you shoot balloons until they're over. Laura won because Jim distracted you a couple of times, but she wanted to give you the jar. You didn't accept though. She won it fairly, and you're not Negan.

You've been keeping it in your mind, repeating it to yourself. You're not Negan.

After the morning walk and having lunch with your father, you have nothing else to do. So you have to talk to Daryl about the thing. The thing. You've been avoiding it because you're getting confused towards him. And you kinda have the feeling he's getting confused too. Not everything feels like a game anymore. And more than once you caught yourself holding his hand even when walking through empty halls.

But you need to see past all that because a lot depends on it. So, taking a deep breath and trying to keep it professional, you knock on his door. You still wear the key around your neck, but you decided to knock first. Daryl is not a prisoner anymore.

“Hey.” You mutter, stepping inside. “Hope you're not busy. We need to talk about our plan.”

“Ain't ever busy when it's about keepin’ Alexandria safe,” Daryl says, following you to the couch. “Did somethin’ happen?”

“Nope. We just need to work on the next levels...”

“As in gettin' the hell out of this hellhole?” He asks and you giggle. Daryl did keep the promise. He intends on taking you to live in Alexandria, and as much as you think this won't work easily, you have this fantasy of having a good, calm life away from the Saviours.

“Not yet...”

“What then?”

“Negan has been... Accepting the fact that we're together. It doesn't mean he's not angry about it and it doesn't mean he won't crush Alexandria the moment we break apart. But we need to be more... Public about our relationship before I can ask him to give me Alexandria.” Making way too many pauses, you try not to blush. But you're certain you're failing.

“I don't get it. We walk around, holding hands, huggin’. How can it be more public than that?” Furrowing his eyebrows, Daryl tilts his head to the side.

You were expecting him to get it, so you wouldn't have to say it. “I know but... I know Negan, and he has to be one hundred percent convinced, so... We should...” Damn it. Getting up to your feet, you pace around. You're an adult with a good plan. Just spit it out. “We need to be seen kissing. And not just a peck in the lips. A real kiss. And we have to make sure the word will get to Negan and we have to do it in front of Negan.”

Then, silence. Of course, there would be silence. You're growing to know Daryl and you know he's not all that comfortable with certain proximities.

“Fine.” He simply says after almost a whole minute.

“Fine?”

“Yeah. I told ya I'd do anythin’ ta’ keep my family safe. Kissin’ ya won't even be a great sacrifice. Just tell me when and we'll do it.”

“No, no. If you act weird, it can be misunderstood. We need to... We need to act as if we've been doing it for quite a while so...”

“I don't get it.”

Sighing, you clear your throat. “We need to train.”

“Train?”

“Mhmm.” Nodding, you sit down next to him again. “It has to look natural, mostly in front of Negan. He's great at reading people and if he finds anything odd, he'll push me against the wall and it'll only force us to remain here longer.” Looking down at your hands, you shrug your shoulders. “I'm sorry you have to do this. I'm just trying to make it right so we can leave.”

“Fine.” He repeats, in a much lower and softer voice.

“Fine...” You mutter, slowly raising your eyes to look at Daryl. “I-I was thinking we could start now... I-if that's alright with you.”

Daryl nods, blue eyes looking intensely at you.

“So... When was the last time you kissed someone?” The question only comes because you don't know what to do. So talking will at least fill the silence.

“Two years before the outbreak, I think. Some hooker Merle set me up with.” Daryl looks down, a sad chuckle leaving his lips. “The asshole paid her to pretend she liked me.”

“I'm sorry your brother was a jerk.” You say, touching his forearm.

“How about ya? Have ya ever kissed Jimmy-boy?”

“No, never.” Smiling, you fold a leg under yourself. “For me, it was a high school crush. But after that nobody seemed worth kissing.”

“Sorry, yer being forced to kiss me. I'm not worth kissing either.”

“From all the men I met after the world went to shit, you're the only one who really deserves to be kissed, Daryl Dixon.” Saying this changes things. It makes them complicated and turns this into more than just a meaningless kiss. But that's something you need him to know. “Mmm... Let's just do it then.”

“Alright.”

“Alright...” You repeat, hoping he can't notice how your cheeks are probably as red as a tomato now. But knowing Daryl, you know nothing goes past him. “Let's do this and see how we feel.” Clearing your throat, you move closer to him, hands on his shoulders. “Okay...” Your heart is beating so fast you wonder if he can actually hear it.

Kissing Daryl shouldn't be this hard. If this is just something you have to do, like a job, to keep people safe, it shouldn't be this hard. But right now, being so close, looking into his eyes, you can't have this as only a plan.

Daryl was the first one you allowed in. The first one to understand how you feel about this place... The one who knows about your self-harm and who's helping you not to do that anymore.

So he's a lot more than just a plan.

Daryl is a good man. A handsome, amazing man, and you just noticed you want to kiss him. And not just because you'll have to act up before Negan.

“Are we goin’ to do this or have ya changed yer mind?” Daryl speaks suddenly, and you notice you've been frozen for a while.

“Yeah, I just... Don't wanna make you feel uncomfortable. So we should just start slow and... See how it goes.”

“Alright.” He reluctantly nods, and you know that he won't make the first move.

So you decide to just do it.

Ending the small distance between you, eyes closed, you finally connect your lips to his on a simple kiss. It doesn't really feel like a kiss since he didn't do anything. But you gotta make it work, it doesn't matter how you feel, or how he feels. This is bigger than both of you.

Taking his hands, you place one on your waist and the other on your cheek, but he barely touches you. It's a beginning though. And you kiss him again, a little harder, moving to sit on his lap for better proximity. Then, he finally moves. Slowly, his lips start moving with yours, and you swear to God you feel a little dizzy, like the world stopped spinning.

This is good, you think. It's working and that's definitely something you can get used to. But then, unexpectedly, both of Daryl's hands come to your waist, holding and pulling you closer, until your body collapses to his chest. Neither of you breaks the kiss, instead, it only grows, more intense, with more need. You don't know what's going on, but you don't care. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you part your lips more, allowing him in, deepening the kiss. All other thoughts are gone, there's nothing else than Daryl's lips. And he tastes amazing, he feels amazing, holding you like that.

But eventually, you're out of breath, so you have no choice but to break the kiss. But even when you're apart, neither of you move away. You just stay there, catching your breaths.

“Good... That's good... If we recreate this in front of Negan he won't ever doubt us.” You whisper, your forehead on his. “We just have to... Keep doing this until it becomes natural...”

“I agree,” Daryl mutters right before kissing you again. But this time, he moves differently, and when you notice he's pushing you, lying you down on the couch, you don't even resist.

The next thing you know is that Daryl is on top of you, and you've been making out as if this was real. As if you were truly in love.

The whole world is silent as Daryl stares at the ceiling. His mind, unlike everything else, is very loud. What was supposed to be some kind of preparation for Negan to see, became a habit. It's been a little more than a week since Daryl kissed the angel-like girl for the first time, and he doesn't think he can go a day without doing that.

She tastes like heaven, like candy, and things he never thought he'd taste again. And he has become addicted to it, to her, because there isn't a moment he's not thinking about her.

And it seems like she enjoys his presence too, or else she wouldn't be sleeping on his bed right now, curled up to his chest.

(Y/N) doesn't know, but he likes to watch her sleep. Her beauty is captivating as always, and she looks peaceful. She barely moves now, unlike before, since she told Daryl her sleep was restless. But it changed, along with many things. She doesn't hurt herself anymore, and the wounds are closed, never to be reopened. Because he'll never let her do that again.

“Daryl...” She mutters, voice barely a whisper, getting his attention.

“Huh?” He grunts, a hand softly caressing her cheek.

“You're warm.” (Y/N) says, fingers blindly finding his chin and a small, tired smile forming on her lips.

Daryl is a loss of words when it comes to (Y/N). A loss of feelings, a loss of thoughts. But he decided not to think too much. Daryl has always been a thinker, and he goes through things over and over again. But with her, he decided to just act. The future is still a big question mark, but somehow, he doesn't know how yet, he found something good here. In this shitty place, filled with evil people. He found a ray of sunshine. A light inside the warm girl lying next to him.

Daryl never thought he knew what love is. And maybe he doesn't know yet, but he's sure the feelings (Y/N) provokes are part of it. So he'll keep her close, he'll protect her, and, when this is over, if she's fine and wants a distance, he'll stay away.

But right now, he can hold her. And so he will.

×

@riverscyberwife @spenciepoo338 @beatitlikeabongodrum @amberritonicole @totheonethatloveshernext @the-artistic-animal @shatteredlovesick @cole22ann @thecraziestcrayon @cloud-laufeyson @arthurdeservedbetterrip

[daisy-devorak]

Rowdy nights

Julian x GN reader

fandom: the arcana

summary: Things get a little spicy after a night out at The Rowdy Raven.

note: Got a little comfortable to write something a bit more spicy! It's not heavy or anything but I would still recommend minors to DNI.

✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

You could feel your heartbeat everywhere in your body, the adrenaline running through your veins made you feel like you're floating. The Rowdy Raven was full tonight, and the musicians were playing like their lives depended on it.

There was a thin layer of sweat covering you and Julian. You were feeling a little down, so he suggested you both went out to enjoy the night and all that it could offer. You've been dancing for the past hour and none of you gave any sign of stoping.

-Julian, I'm pretty sure I won't be feeling my legs tomorrow! - you tell him, trying to sound louder than the music.

-Well, my love, that's how you know you had a good night out! - you both laugh, drunk on the joy of going out and on the many drinks you had before.

Something about the way Julian looked in that moment awakened something in you. You brought him closer to you, wrapping your arms around his neck.

-What do you think of taking this party somewhere else? - you whisper softly in his ear.

He blushes but quickly recovers, cuping your face on his hands and kissing you passionately, giving you bedroom eyes when you part.

-Oh, I would absolutely love that, darling.

He grabbed your hand and you ran back to the store with him. You got up to your shared room, still breathing heavily from the excitement you were feeling. Julian took of his cloak and his shirt, throwing it aside while you quickly got rid of some of your clothes too.

The distance was already feeling impossible to bear, and you both came back to each other's arms. You leave a trail of kisses from Julian's mouth to his collarbones and he whimpers at the contact. You were feeling more and more aroused, your body aching with need. You got rid of any clothes Julian still had and he helped you get rid of yours too. He laid on the bed and you got on top of him.

-I love you, Julian.

-I love you too. Very, very much.

You kissed him once again, the night ahead of you waiting to be enjoyed to its fullest.

[valatheapprentice]

Magick to medicine

Vala x Julian (first meeting before death)

(This is Arthur)

The slamming of the door echoes in memory in my head, bouncing off the walls of my aching chest. Asra left. Of course he left. I yelled at him to go. I dry swallow my growing guilt as my legs give from under me. Falling onto the textured floor beneath me, I rake my hands through my hair as my thoughts are pushed around between hating myself and my anger towards him. Tears stain my burning skin as I sink into my knees as my nails drag across my scalp.

Its not long before Arthur's pawing at my leg. With a wet sniff, I reach towards his soft fur. Letting my leg fall flush to the wooden floor, he climbs on and clings to the drape of my dress. His resting panic expression is replaced by confusion and sadness. "I dont know." I whispered. "This isn't like before, baby boy. Things went really far this time. I just... No. No. You know what? Fuck him. Im going to do something to help around here and then... and..." my voice breaks at my pitiful attempt. He climbs further up my chest just as my eye start to burn.

I reach for my necklace to find nothing on my chest. Next to me, a gold clasp lays on the dull floor, all thats left of it since he left. The colorless gravity of the fight, of my words, crashes around me. I cling to my familiar for dear life. For hours, I weep as my voice echoes in the stale air around us. Though Arthur helps sooth my soul, it still breaks like a rock to a window.

My eyes eventually dry. A buzzing ache pounds behind the skin of my face. An itch forms inside of me, small but vocal. I take a few less shakey breaths before scooping him in my arms as I rise to my feet. I groan as my back finally straightens out. "I'm sorry baby boy." I stretch the muscles of my legs. "But I cant stay here any longer. I need to get out. Maybe get a drink." A purring of disapprove vibrates in my arms as I pick my bag up from the table. "I'm sorry.. I just... can't take another second like this..." He wiggles in my arms before jumping out and scurries to his bed. With a sigh, I tie my bag to my belt and walk out of the door.

I walk through the moon lit streets, through the night time patrons shopping and drinking in their own jovial light. The smiles and laughter of my neighbors feel a world away. My feet move, my hands wrap around my stomach, but I do not feel in control of my movements. I make my way through Vesuvia with a numbing haze surrounding my brain. Its not until I walk into a man do I snap out of my daze. I apologize and look around. I couldn't tell you where I am but this street feels strangely familiar. To my left, the sound of yelling and laughter permeates the crowd around me. I look over to the sign above it. The Rowdy Raven. It sounds as good of a place as any. With a deep breath I make my way inside.

Once I walk through the flimsy door, the pungent aroma of liquor and body odor meets my nose. I have to laugh to myself. Its been years since I've been in a bar like this. I squeeze and shuffle through the ruffians until I finally rest myself on a stool. I prop myself against the too as the bar keep walks up to me. "What can I do ya for?" He asked.

"Um." I look around at the other patrons. "I'm not sure. Whats good around here?"

A laugh comes from beside me. I turn my head to the tall, lanky man beside me. He meets my gaze with a crooked smile. "Get the girl a salty bitter, my good man."

I raise my eyebrow at him. "That sounds absolutely horrible."

"Oh it is." He takes a large gulp of his dwindling drink. "Won't be able to stop drinking it."

And soon a large pint of the beverage is placed in front of me before another is given to the man. I raise it and toast him. "To our livers." He chuckles and clinks his glass against mine. I raise it to my lips. After a moment of mild saltiness, im aggressively greeted with a gross, bitter flavor that swells in my mouth, lingering on my tongue as my face pinches together. "Good gods! Why the hell would you-" I yell, calling for the laughter of the man. It doesn't register at first that I'm reaching for another sip. "Why the fuck do I like this?"

He shrugs into his drink. "No one knows. Nothing short of black magick, I'd reckon."

I let out a laugh. "Yeah. I can see that."

I suffer through another sip before he faces me again. "Julian."

I turn my head to meet his gaze. "Vala. Pleasure to meet you."

"Oh trust me, the pleasure is all mine." He eyes me once over before grinning wider. "So what is a pretty think like you doing in a place like this?"

I shake my head, a smile planted firm on my lips. I turn my body towards him. I scan from his chest to his face. Bags weigh around his eyes that compliment the mismatched smile he flashes. I take in his disposition, surprisingly very drawn to him. He couldn't have picked a worse night for this. I sigh and reach for my glass. "Fight with my boyfriend. Pretty bad one..."

A wave of disappointment fades in and out before returning to a small smile. "What better place to talk about it than woth a stranger you'll never see again?"

I hesitate for a moment. I really do not want to think about it. My chest still weighs heavy with the words we spat out before. But something about him is just... welcoming. Troubled? Maybe. But misery loves company. "He wanted to leave. The plague is just... getting so much worse. He wanted to take me and leave Vesuvia. But like... this is my home. These are my people. I cant leave if there's something I can do to help. I'm just not sure how. It got heated. I said things I wouldn't have. I threw a necklace he got me at him and told him to leave and not come back..." I rush to finish as my voice begins to crack.

I finish my drink and signal for another. Through the side of my vision I see him do the same as one of his hands comb and pull at his hair. "Yeah. Just when I think it can't get worse, they do. Gods if only I could..." he says in a low, pained voice.

I look at him, his energy growing more and more tense. I reach out and rest my hand on his shoulder. "You seem like you need to talk too."

"Yeah." He huffs. "I just happen to be one of the doctors working on a cure. Its bad enough we are no closer to finding a cure, but, and of course!" He throws his hand up and let's it fall back on to the bar top. "I lost yet another apprentice. Im just... I'm sorry. Its just been a lot."

My heart twists just trying to imagine what he's had to go through. What he's seen. I gently rub my hand in a circle around his shoulder. "Well. Maybe we could use each other." He looks pointedly at me. "I need to help in some way. You need an apprentice-"

"Oh no." He shakes his head. "No way I'm pulling someone in on a whim. Thats just reckless. Even for me."

"Most things I do are on a whim." I press the bitter to my lips. "Besides. Id have someone who knows what their doing making sure I don't do anything stupid."

He looks at me like a toddler who's been too quiet. "As desperate as we are, I cant just say yes. Its too much of a gamble." His words just barely start to slur.

I feel my heart sink as I look around the bar. Off in a corner is a knife stuck in a hanging peice of wood. "Do you believe in fate, doctor?"

I look back to him to meet a puzzled expression. "I hardly think this is the time to get philosophical."

I point behind me. "What do you say? 3 good throws and you got yourself a new apprentice."

"Are you actually insane?" He laughs. "Thats not... do you even know how to throw a knife?"

I shake my head. "Not at all. Wouldn't be the most dangerous thing I've done though."

He looks at me, unsure of how to respond. He stares for a brief moment. "So you really want to gamble with your life twice in one night?"

"Better than sitting at home doing nothing." I say. "Besides, id have a very skilled and very handsome doctor to look after me." My fingers tip around his arm. By the way his cheeks flush further, surely he's drank enough to convince.

He laughs softly. "Taking advantage of this, huh?" He tips back the rest of his drink and looks off into space for a few seconds. "I cant believe I'm far enough gone to consider this."

With out warning, I grab his hand and lead him through the staggering crowd to the spot. I pull the knife from the wall as he scratches the back of his neck. I step back a few paces and stare at the board. "Alright. I get these, and I get to help find a cure."

"Fine." He sighs, though amusement shine through on his face. "And if you don't?"

"I dont know." I look back to his long and pale sillihoette. He's brushed his hair from his tired face. Completely different from Asra. Maybe thats why I feel so drawn to him, though I cant be sure. All I know is I need something . "I'll let you choose."

I wink at his reddening face. I look back to the board and take aim.