#//behave while you’re outside and drop the polite front once you get home

[mechahero]

@demonsfate​ asked- What’s the most obvious difference between their behavior at home, at work, at school, with friends, and when they’re alone?

weirdly specific character building questions

Well, the most obvious difference between outdoors Lambda and indoors Lambda is that Lambda puts on a front when he’s in public. He behaves himself when in the public eye, keeping quiet and to himself, using his manners. So on and so forth. (For most part anyway, occasional getting into fights with randos that he sometimes didn’t start to begin with.) 

This self-regulating even applies to when he’s around friends, though with them, he’s willing to loosen up a bit around them. He lets a bit of his actual self bleed out into his public persona, even if he spends the whole time worrying and wondering when he might say something that another person could perceive as wrong and having to deal with the possibility of them being upset at him.

He only really lets loose when he’s at home since it’s home and he doesn’t need to worry about maintaining politeness! Manners go out the window and he can really just let himself go and chill.

#//this took a couple of days to get to my bad #//it’s a little hard to explain but he’s nice when in public and acts like he normally acts at home #//which I guess it’s an obvious no duh thing but there’s a huge difference #//and it’s definitely something he’d picked up from his family #//behave while you’re outside and drop the polite front once you get home #//and with the friend thing he does show off parts of his genuine self but he’s also afraid of doing so #//it’s like how much of me is too much for them? #//will I say something wrong and make them angry even know I don’t know what i SHOULD say because I don’t know HOW to talk to people? #//stuff like that you know? #//he spends a lot of his time worrying about upsetting people he likes to hang around with and wondering if he’s missed social cues #//-that he doesn’t know about #//he’s kind of a wreck tbh??? #//gfgfghdgsjs #why are you botherin' me? {answered memes} #hidden depths: {info} #demonsfate

[after-witch]

The Pain Sweeps Through [Yandere Jareth x Reader]

Title: The Pain Sweeps Through [Yandere Jareth x Reader]

Synopsis: 

You’re not the first one he’s brought into the Goblin King’s Labyrinth. You’re not the first one to best him, to get to the center and beat him at his own game. But you are the first one to beat him and give in: “Fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave.” What happens when the magic fades, and you’re left with is the muddled consequences of your decision? 

Word Count: 2550

Notes: yandere, kidnapped, drugging, mentions of noncon

You hate the ballroom. You hate the gowns and the glitter and the music. You hate all of it. 

How long have you been here? Time is fuzzy and of no consequence here, and the clock--you���ve planted yourself in front of it, staring--never behaves as it should. The novelty of the whites and golds and pinks of the ballroom, of the swirling dancers and their impossibly endless stamina, has long worn off. Well before this particular peach, well before this particular ball, spinning and swirling together like rainwater down a drain.

The gown that you once admired, that once had you blushing and twirling in its beauty and delicacy and shimmering glitter, weighs your shoulders down. The delicate glass-like heels refuse to budge from your feet, though no one will ever dance with you--a grin and a laugh is all you got, when you dared to ask--but they still feel sore from your wandering, your half-hearted spinning and attempts to lose yourself in the dream, all the same.  

Everything, everything is sore. Your body and your head and your heart. The room feels fuzzy, not unlike the skin of a peach. Fuzzy and unreal and disorienting. And you’re so, so lonely. 

The people here are dreamlike and blurry, talking amongst each other in giggling whispers, which is the most you’ve gotten out of them. Laughter. Do they mock you? Or are they trapped in some fugue-like state, unable to do anything but drink and dance and laugh?

Perhaps you’re not the only one here who has bitten peaches.

The clock in the corner strikes, but when you glance at it, its hands are winding aimlessly. There Is no hour and you’ve been here forever, it seems, and you might be here forever still.

All you can do is wander, your glass heels clicking against the ballroom floor, dodging the dancers who swirl or gather to sip champagne that flows freely. Wander and think, because getting lost in the haze makes you terrified that you might become one of them, unable to do anything but laugh and dance and your feet will be even more sore.

Which is more sore, you wonder--your body or your heart?

It doesn’t hurt much, anymore, to try to think about your friends and family only to realize that their faces and voices and actions are foggy and lost. They are loose memories that you can never grasp tightly onto.

But the loneliness is something you can grasp, and often do, feeling it keenly and sharp in your stomach. You feel his absence keenly, too, in the wake of no better company--here or there or anywhere. When you’re in the castle or in this ballroom or trapped in another fantasy.

When you’re in the castle (you admit, you miss its stone walls and the open windows of his throne room and even your room, oppressive though it was) you are often left to your own devices while Jareth does what he does. The goblins are stupid, and only want to roughhouse with each other.  You aren’t allowed outside of the castle, so any entertainment or companionship you might obtain with others--assuming they didn’t hate you, assuming Jareth hadn’t killed them or tossed them into some oubliette to rot forever after assisting you into the center--is impossible.

And so Jareth is the only one you can have a conversation with; the only one who isn’t half-there.

Not that you openly pine for his companionship, either.

What started out as a nervous acceptance of his offer, a buzzing in your head and body that reminded you of your first sips of champagne, had dulled down too swiftly. You were his queen, yes. He was your slave, perhaps. But to a point--to a point.

You remember the first time he led you to your chambers, a near replica of your bedroom at home, albeit with a few twists: such as a closet stuffed with the most sumptuous clothing you’d ever imagined, some of them literal recreations of gowns you’d drawn in your notebooks or pinned to your wall.

It was beautiful and too much and all for you. And then he’d kissed you goodnight so gallantly and you’d sat nervously on the end of your bed. But when you tried to leave, the door wouldn’t budge. It was stuck, fast. You knocked. No one answered. You walked backwards to your bed and crawled under the covers and thought, maybe, this was a dream, and when I wake up I will be at home.

You woke up in your room, with the sequins of ballgowns winking at you from the closet.

When the door swung open and he stood there, dressed more modestly than you’d seen him before, you inquired about the door; ever so quietly, politely, unsure, nervous and realizing with the clarity of sleep that he was a goblin king and you were just some nobody who had agreed to give up the world and family and friends and your sister, safe at home he said, but did he tell you the truth? And he threw his head back and laughed ignored your question. 

He told you to pick a gown for breakfast. A gown at breakfast seemed an impossible choice and perhaps he read your mind because he took one out for you, a pale green gown with sparkling puffy sleeves, and you hoped you wouldn’t get food on them. Did it matter if you did? The realization of who you were and where you were seemed to hit you again and again. 

But as you dressed and as he adorned your neck with an emerald necklace, you were feeling better, a little less nervous, a little more excited. Your dreams--here they were, laid out in front of you like a feast. You were in a castle, you had anything you wanted apparently at your fingertips. And a king to hand it to you, his touch both gentle and firm as he took your arm like a gentlemen and led you into the hall.

As your own door shut behind you, you caught sight of it: a heavy, gilded padlock on the outside of your door, the padlock that had kept you from budging it the night before. Your stomach dropped.

“Why is that there?” You’d asked, looking up at him. He smiled, and it was not exactly a nice smile, you realized. 

“To keep my queen inside her chambers. What else are locks in castles for?”

Your cheeks felt heated, and you’d blurted out--oh the memory of it makes you feel stupid, now--”If I’m your queen, you can’t just lock me up in my room.”

He stopped. His arm around you tensed and it made your heart speed up.

“Can’t I?” It was all he said, practically murmuring as he looked down at you. Then he’d continued, and you stumbled for a moment before following him in silence.

You had no words to answer him.

Fear him, love him, obey him; the words on loop echoed in your head as he led you to a dining chamber, bustling with goblins who tripped over themselves carrying trays and goblets to and fro. You barely remember sitting at the ornate, carved chairs in front of a haphazard meal--how well could goblins cook?--or the way Jareth insisted on giving you cup after cup of wine. 

You barely remember the way the day seemed to jump by, and after dinner your head felt heavy and then there was a bed underneath you, his bed, large and sumptuous. The smell of peaches was in the air and your dinner gown, pink and velvet and scented like roses, bunched up underneath you as he was above you.

The days after that were often blurry. You asked to take it back, you asked to go home. He refused and locked you in your room. You asked to just be let outside the castle, at least, and inquired about the friends you’d made in the labyrinth. He refused and locked you in your room. He fed you peaches. He sat by your bed, petting your hair as your head swum in dreams, waiting to pull you out whenever he deemed it suitable.

Ah.

You’re lost again, lost in memories, when you’re suddenly in someone's grip and spinning,  your back instinctively leaning as you twirl.

“Did you miss me?”

It’s Jareth, of course. No one else would touch you. He’s wearing a suit made of embroidered purple velvet, and when you glance up you see that he’s chosen makeup to match. And glitter, of course, always glitter. You swear you can see it flying off him as you dance, as he sparkles as much as anything else in the room.

His grip on you is familiar and firm, and when he spins you around the weight of this dream-like room seems to lessen. Your shoulders feel lighter and the glass around your feet doesn’t feel like it might break and shatter into a million pieces.

Your mind aches to talk to him. To have a conversation with a person, not a laughing caricature. To hear him ask about your favorite books, ones you didn’t own, so he could procure them. To listen to him tell you about those who didn’t make it through the labyrinth--though you hated these stories, grim as they were, and he stopped telling them. To cross your arms nervously and murmur out your fantasies at his behest, things you’d always wanted to see or do; unicorns and fairies (though you’d seen them before the castle, and they bit you) and jousts (not quite as gallant, with goblins as the knights) and anything else your heart desired.

You might tell him this. You might tell him that you did miss him, because without him you’re a heavy, aimless dancer stuck in this room that you hate with people that don’t view you as human and are they people at all? You might tell him that you do appreciate what he’s done for you, the gifts and gowns and dreams, but that you wish he wasn’t so commanding towards you, wasn’t so demanding of you. You might tell him that his passion confused you and his kisses were too intense and you don’t understand why he wants you, why anyone wants you.

You might tell him, yes, I missed you, please take me out of here and take me with you.

You might tell him this.

Stubbornness wins out.

“No,” you say, ignoring the ache in your feet. “I was just bored.”

He chuckles, but he’s not amused.

“And here I thought you wanted to join me in the castle.” He releases you from his grip with a final flourish, and the endless dancers around you begin to push in, separating you two in their increasing mania.

“Well, if you didn’t miss me, I’ll let you get back to your ball.”

The music swells with his words, as he backs way, disappearing among the nameless throng of guests.

It might be weeks before he shows up again, and instantly, stubbornness loses.

“Wait!” You push against the moving wall of people, their tulles and sequins scratching your arm, their heels stepping on your toes. Someone laughs, a barking, harsh laugh.

Through sheer force of will, you reach him, grabbing the end of a velvet sleeve and gripping it tightly with your fingers.

“Please,” you beg. “Don’t leave me.”

You see the glimmer in his eyes, a ghost of a smile. You bite your lip. Words are important here. Words are contracts and wishes and pitfalls all in one. “No, wait. I mean. Take me with you.”

He dips low then, taking your hand and pressing it with a gentle kiss. Someone in the crowd lets out a saccharine sigh.

“Whatever you desire.”

When his lips meet your skin, the ballroom collapses and inverts and you wake up in your bed with a slamming force that has you sitting so quickly that your head swims. You reach out and grasp the headboard and wait for the world to stop falling, wait for the pain of gowns and glass slippers to stop sweeping through your bones.

When you stand, slowly and gently, a discarded peach rolls onto the floor.

Your stomach curls when you remember biting into it. What can you do, when you’re locked up in your room with nothing to eat but what shows up on a golden tray in the morning? You’re stubborn and disobey him, and he locks you up in a room. In your room, you can only eat what he sends you. And he sends a peach, so you must eat.

And his peach sends you to the worlds of your dreams, worlds of ballgowns and princesses, glitter and lace, soft music and oh-so-much-prettiness. You scoff at the you that you used to be. The you that accepted the invitation into the labyrinth and in the end, capsized under the temptation of fantasy being reality. Of being his queen.

Though it’s hard to feel like any queen, even the queen of goblins and labyrinths and bogs of eternal stench, locked in your room, still dizzy from a peach.

When the door opens, he’s wearing something new. A costume change, because as long as you’ve known him (how long? He refuses to say, and time of course, no longer has meaning) he can never resist wearing something new.

It’s a gold suit this time, glimmering and shining. The gold glitter above his eyes seems to dance as his hands open and a large golden gown drops onto your bed. You look down at it and your heart aches. How you would have loved such a gown, before. How you do still love it, and you can’t hide the way your fingers slide over the fabric, earning a pleased chuckle from Jareth.

“What’s the occasion?” You murmur, fingering the delicate golden lace at the fringe of the sleeves.

He lifts you up and tugs at your night gown, and you obediently raise your hands this time as he undresses you. Layers and layers first, then the shimmering gown. He pulls matching shoes out of nowhere and you slip them on, sighing a bit when they’re comfortable and soft and not made out of glass.

“I’ve ordered our subjects to put on a performance.” He smiles, and if it’s not a nice smile, you push the bitterness down. “To celebrate the return of their queen.”

You allow him to take you by the arm, and you keep your eyes straight ahead this time. The door shuts behind you and you refuse to look back at the padlock.

“I trust you will behave,” he tells you, not stopping in your progress down the hall.

You nod and grip his arm tighter. At least he’s real. At least he speaks to you. At least you’re in the castle.

Tonight, you hope, his bed chamber won’t smell like peaches.

#yandere jareth #jareth x reader #jareth goblin king #labyrinth #afterwitch writes

[jordanstrophe]

Going Once, Going Twice, part 9

Prison Party, part 1

Masterlist

CW: Pet Whump, panic attacks, manhandling, separation anxiety, collared whumpee, implied abuse, scars, Whumpee offering themselves for punishment, begging, 

Peter really wanted to make pizza from scratch for dinner. Robert assured him it was okay to just order some, but he was determined. Master shouldn’t have to buy food, when he could make some for him! He pulled up a chair and sat for hours, watching the dough rise, only to burn the whole thing in the oven.  As Robert would try and throw it out, Peter would desperately try and salvage it. “No! It’s fine! You just have to get a butter knife and scrape the charcoal off!” He cried. “The whole thing is charcoal, hon.” Robert sighed. “No no! You have to dig in, like... Like mining gold!” He waved his butter knife around. “How is burned charcoal gold to you? You act like I don’t feed you decent food, child!” Robert complained, laughing. He pouted as he mercilessly dumped the burned pizza in the trash. “Trust me, it's not even healthy to eat it in that state. It’s okay, you can try again.” He encouraged, which he proceeded to do.

“Hey honey! Come sit down, I need to talk to you.” He smiled. Peter’s face froze, going visibly pale as he nervously held his hands to his chest. “I didn’t burn the forth one.” He muttered defensive.

“I know! It was perfect. You’re not in any trouble, come on now.” He coaxed him over. He trying to make himself look as small and innocent as possible. “I’m going out for the night, I may be awhile, but I’m going to have Luke come over to give you company, is that okay?” He asked. He hoped that would put his mind at ease, but he didn’t look any more comfortable than he did before, if anything, he looked even more distraught. 

“It's Just for a little while! Couple of hours.” He added. He could almost see Peter’s thoughts jostling his mind, his eyes darting back and forth, trembling slightly. “Can I go?” He asked, tilting his head to the side. Robert let out a small sigh, he looked so sweet and distraught, it was going to be hard to say no to those eyes. “No sweetheart, you don’t want to go where I’m going, I need you to stay here.” He smiled. 

Peter’s breathing spiked, he clutched the table tightly with both hands. “Why can’t I go? I’ll behave, I promise! You won’t hear a word from me, you won’t even know I’m there!” He pleaded. He was so scared of master leaving the house again.

“I know you would, but I don’t want to take you out like that. I want you to have fun and engage in something.” He sighed. Luke was already at the door knocking, as the panic was sealed. Before Robert could open the door, Peter grabbed his wrists, trying to pull him back. He knew he was being a terrible, disrespectful Pet, part of him wanted to be punished just so he at least knew right from wrong. 

“Please! Please don’t go! I’ll do whatever you want!” He pleaded. Robert took his wrist firmly, “Peter, I’ve already told you, you have to stay here. This is for your own good.” He said, putting just a slight tone of a command in his voice. He opened the door for Lukar, who greeted them with a smile. 

Peter looked at the ground sadly, his brow furrowed, before burying himself under Robert’s arm. “Peter, be nice, Luke is putting his own time aside for you.” He gave him a pat on the head, he felt pretty bad having to put his authorities tone in, but he had to learn soon, rather later. "I brought a board game!" Lukar cheered. "See? He brought a board game." Robert cheered, trying to make it sound really exciting. 

“Stay safe out there, okay?” Lukar said, he couldn’t help but to let concern leak into his tone. “Yeah, I will.” He smiled, unlatching Peter from his arm. “Be good.” He mouthed, before closing the door behind him. The house fell deathly silent, Peter looked from the door, to Lukar. “Where is he going?” He muttered. “He just has to pick something up, he’ll be fine.” He smiled. He tried to coax him to the table, but he wouldn’t budge. 

“He’s going to that party, isn’t he?” He asked, not peeling his eyes from the door. “How did y-... Don’t worry about it!” He tried to catch himself from conforming his suspicions, but it was already too late. He had pieced it together, and was now desperately trying to rip the door open. 

“Peter! Wait wait wait stop!” He cried, trying to pry him away from the locked door, but he caught on quickly how the latch worked and was able to unlock it. He squirmed out of Lukar’s grasp and bolted out of the house.

Robert had already started driving down the road, glancing in his side mirror, only to see Lukar and Peter outside in the yard, Luke trying to wrestle him to the ground before he ran out into the street. He slammed down on the breaks, ripping the car into reverse. Lukar had a hold on his arm as Peter surprisingly had some strength in his adrenal state.

Robert jumped out of the car, grabbing Peter off the ground and held him still. He was hyperventilating, trying to worm his way out of their grasp, desperately crying out. Robert pinned both arms to his side, holding him on the ground until he tired himself out. It took him a second to realize the person holding him was Robert, as he gasped, shoving his head into the crook of his neck and sobbed. 

“P-please d-don’t go th-there!” He sobbed, as Robert loosened his grip, pulling him into a gentle hug. He could feel his whole body shaking and trembling uncontrollably in his arms, as he carried him into the house. 

Robert sat him on the couch, cleaning his face from the dirt and tears with a tissue, gently rubbing his thumb up and down on his cheek as he cried and sobbed his heart out. He quieted down to soft whimpers and single tears. 

“Peter.” Robert said with a disappointed tone. He fell silent, as he shamefully looked up at him. “What you did was so dangerous and reckless, you could have gotten hurt, or killed. Not only did you disobey Luke, you disobeyed me.” He said. Peter lowered his, he slowly slunk off the couch onto his knees, Robert wasn’t sure what he was doing, until he offered his wrists up to him. He could see his wrists were covered in old scars, littering his palms. 

“I know... I’m sorry I just... I knew where you were going.” He whispered, pressing his forehead against Robert’s knee. “I was scared. What if you didn’t come home?!” He cried out, his arms were already exhausted, as he dropped them to cling to Robert's leg, who quickly scooped him up off the floor and sat next to him on the couch. He pulled him into a hug resting his chin on his head. “Luke, thank you for coming, you can head home now.” Robert motioned. He was a bit confused, but he nodded, slipping out the door. 

Robert took his chin, tilting his head up. “I appreciate that sweetheart, but I need to be able to not worry about you when I go out. “I’m not going to punish you, I’m not going to hurt you, but this can never happen again, do you understand?” He asked. He hoped he would get through to him now, if he did try something like this again, he wasn’t sure what he would actually do about it, maybe ground him in his room or something...

Peter nodded his head quickly, he was still burning with shame, but he wasn’t about to lose the only master he ever cared about. “Okay listen... You can come, but only-” “-THANK YOU! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!” He cried out. “But! You have to listen to me at all times, if I say stay by me, you stay by me. If I say to go to the car, you go straight to the car, do you understand?” Peter nodded his head enthusiastically. 

Robert took him to the sink to properly clean him up, gently washing his face off with a warm cloth, he seemed to enjoy it. He hadn’t really been outside since the first day, aside from just being tackled by Lukar. He nervously held onto Roberts arm, expecting to be put in the back of the car like last time, but he opened the front door for him. “Go on, it’s alright.” Robert smiled, taking his hand and helping him up.

The front seat was much more comfortable, it felt nice to have the whole to himself. “Alright kid.” Robert muttered, second attempt at getting out of the driveway. “Stay close to me at all times, If someone tries to talk to you, be polite, but I’m going to try and keep anyone off you.” Said Robert. “Yes Master.” He responded, curling up under the coat. The car fell silent, Robert too awkward to try and spike a conversation, Peter too shy and embarrassed to say anything.

“What’s you’re uhhh... Favorite color?” He asked. Peter perked up uncomfortably. “I... It’s, whatever you like, Master.” He muttered. He knew at least how this worked. He was whoever his master wanted him to be. “No no, I want your favorite color.” He chuckled. “I get one?” He asked. “Yes, you get a favorite color.” He thought for a hard moment, remembering all the paint colors he was given. He covered his mouth with the coat and whispered something inaudible. “What was that?” Robert asked.

“I like the blue one!” He slightly raised his voice, just enough to maybe be heard. He smiled, reaching over to ruffle his hair. The whole rest of the drive he quizzed him on his favorite things, making the ride a bit more tolerable. As surprisingly fun as it was, both men had a deep dark feeling, knowing their destination was a dark one. 

They pulled up to a massive gate to a mansion. Dozens of expensive cars all parked to the side, there was a small line at the house entrance of people trying to get in. “Remember..” Robert muttered. “Stay close to you, be polite.” Peter recited. “Good boy.” He smiled, helping him from the car. Peter huddled under his arm as they walked up the stairs in line. Most people were all paying attention to only themselves, doing last second touches to their pets either standing next to them, or kneeling. They were brushing their hair, straightening their close, some even putting makeup on theirs to cover their bruises. Robert was disgusted, only trying to block Peter’s vision from them as much as he could. 

They stepped up to the top step, there was a tall muscular man guarding the door, “Name.” He muttered, not bothering to look up. “Robert. Robert McAllen.” He said. The man glanced up awkwardly. “Mcallen?” He muttered to himself, he flipped through the clipboard. “I’m uh, I’m family.” He said. “I see that, you got a Pet?” He asked, glancing down at Peter, who had to force his every muscle to stay still and not hide. “Uh, yeah. I do,” He admitted. It felt wrong to call him that. “Look up at me.” The man snapped his fingers at Peter, as he jolted, immediately obeying. The man tsked, “He needs a collar.” He grumbled. “What? Why?” He asked, annoyed. “Why? Because he’s a Pet. It’s Pet owners 101. No collar, no entry.” He sighed. “I don’t have a collar...” Robert admitted. “That’s too bad. Next!” He called. “Wait! Wait... Come on man, I’m a McAllen, Nina and I are... This close.” He completely lied between his teeth, holding up a smidge with his fingers.

The man glanced around, before making eye contact with another guard, waving him over. “We got any spare collars?” He asked. The man nodded, before disappearing. '‘Wait, is that really necessary? He won’t leave my side the whole time.” He complained. “It’s mandatory.” He grumped. The other man returned with a small black collar, handing it to Robert. “This is ridiculous, I’ll be in and out in no time.” He protested. “Sir there are people waiting behind you, leash your Pet or leave.” He yelled. Robert was about to give him a real piece of his mind before Peter stopped him. “Master it’s okay! I’m used to it!” He admitted. 

That was true, he had a collar for the entirety with his old master, until he cut it off one day to sell him to the auction. It was an odd feeling, but he assumed master had just forgotten to give him one. He was enjoying not having one, no breathing restrictions, open and free, he tried not to mention it in case he only reminded master to get him one. “Are you sure?” Robert asked, as he nodded his head. He shakily took the collar from the man, Peter lifted his chin so he could easily fit it on. He clipped it as loosely as possible, several inches still slack as it set low on his collarbone. 

The man shrugged, stepping aside for them. “Try not to take it off.” He reminded, as they walked past. They came into a bright open room, dozens of people crowded around, tiled floors, waiters, everyone was dressed to impress, far over the top. 

Robert protectively held Peter close, glancing around trying to find Nina. But he knew even that was a challenge in itself. 

To be continued...

Tag list: @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @moose-teeth @ill-eat-you-if-you-cross-me @yet-another-heathen @sillypizzazineoperator @freefallingup13 @alien-octopus @unicornscotty @whumpzone  @penny-for-your-whump @girlwithnoballons242 @whumpingredroses  @rippedjeansandfadeddreams  @cupcakes-and-pain @thinkingofausername

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ Thank you for reading!

#whump #pet whump #whumpee #protective caretaker #parental caretaker

[queenxxxsupreme]

Okay but like a fluffy eskel bit/one shot about a sweet and gentle hearth witch reader who lives in the valleys just south of Kaer Morhen who eskel visits with going to and from Mountain Pass. He brings her books and trinkets from his travels. She restocks his potions and tends to physical and emotional wounds.

Lil Bleater loves her obviously and they joke about her being their “kid” (lol goat humor).

The first time he says he loves her and it’s super sweet and emotional. And maybe he brings her a piece of jewelry that’s super sentimental. Idk I’m just in an Eskel loving mood, you know?

Pleeeeease? 🥺❤️

A/N: Babe you hit me right in my feels with this one. I hope you liked this!!

***

There was a knock at the front door that brought you out of the book in your hand. 

You lifted your head, eyes finding the door to your home. You listened for a few moments, wanting to see if you could hear who it was. 

Lil Bleater loudly bleated and butted her head against the side of your chair.

“I know. I’m going to get it.” You patted her head then stood to your feet. 

You pulled the door open, smiling at the sight of a familiar dark haired witcher. 

“Hi, doll.” Eskel smiled softly at you, though it didn’t reach his eyes. He was exhausted, dark circles made their home beneath his honey eyes. 

“Hello, love.” You held your hand out. “I wasn’t expecting you for another month or so. It’s still fairly warm outside.”

“I hope that isn’t inconvenient for you.” He placed his hand in yours, brushing his thumb across your knuckles, and stepped into your home. 

“You’re never inconvenient to me.” You assured him, squeezing his hand. 

Before he had a chance to put down the two bags he carried, Lil Bleater was eagerly ramming into Eskel’s shins, bleating and demanding attention. 

“Your daughter missed you.” You sighed, smiling softly at how her little tail flickered back and forth so quickly. 

“And I missed her.” Eskel put his bags aside and knelt down to greet the goat. He rubbed her head and then down her back. “Hi, girl. Did you behave?”

“As behaved as she usually is.” You answered, moving to the kettle that hung over the fire. “She hasn’t torn apart any of my dresses when I hang them up on the line outside to dry, so that’s good.”

“Yeah.” Eskel nodded, standing back to his full height. “I still owe you for that.” He thought out loud, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Oh, no worries.” You shook your head, peeking up at him through your lashes. “I’m sure I can think of other ways you could repay me.”

His neck and ears flushed red. 

“Let me get this tea started and then I will properly greet you.” You poured the steaming hot water into two mugs and then added the tea leaves. 

You rubbed your hands together and moved around the table. 

Eskel embraced you tightly, arms wrapping around you and pulling you into his body. He tucked his nose into your hair, freezing as he relished in your warm touch. 

“I missed you.” You told him, your hand rubbing his side. 

“Missed you too.” He exhaled steadily, then kissed the top of your head as he released you. You lifted your head from his chest so that you could look at him. His hand cupped the side of your face, the rough pad of his thumb brushing across your cheek. “I decided to come this way early. Wanted to spend a little extra time with you this time. One week isn’t enough.”

“I’m more than happy to have you.” You turned your head to kiss his palm. “Why don’t you go to the creek around back? Clean up a little and get out of this armor?”

“Are you saying I smell?” He grinned a little. 

“No.” You laughed softly. “I just won’t make good company while I’m trying to get dinner ready for us. And you don’t need to be in this armor any longer.”

He nodded, looking down at Lil Bleater, who was curiously nosing through one of his bags. 

“I’ll put my bags in the other room.” Eskel dipped his head down to kiss your nose. “Don’t want either of you taking a peek at the things I’ve got for you.”

“I would never.” You shook your head, though the grin on your lips gave away that you were lying. 

Though you insisted that Eskel didn’t need to bring you anything back from his journey across the Continent during the warm months of the year, he still did. It had always been that way since you first met. You were always excited to see what he brought for you. Last year, it had been a few books on herbalism and alchemy and a few gemstones. 

“Yeah, I’ve heard that one before.” He chuckled. He moved away from you to pick up his bags and take them into your bedroom. 

Lil Bleater followed him, her hooves beating against the wooden floorboards as she demanded attention. 

“I’ll take her with me.” Eskel told you as he headed for the front door. Tucked underneath one arm were a few articles of clothing, something more comfortable than his armor, no doubt. 

“Please do. She’ll tear my door down trying to get to you.” You moved into the kitchen to prepare dinner. 

You watched Eskel and Lil Bleater leave, a little smile coming to your lips. 

To say you were happy would be an understatement. You were overjoyed, thrilled even. Usually, Eskel only spent two weeks with you a year. Once at the beginning of spring just as he left Kaer Morhen. It was then that he would drop Lil Bleater off to you for you to watch her while he was on the Path, and you would refill his potions. And once again at the end of the warm season before he retired to the keep for the winter. He’d leave you a list of the potions and elixirs he needed that way you’d have all winter to ensure they were refilled correctly. He always insisted you didn’t have to do it, but you were more stubborn than him. You wanted to help him and you refused to take his coin when he tried to pay you. Sometimes, he’d sneak down from Kaer Morhen during the winter to see you. You’d known him for what felt like centuries, but it had only been six years. The relationship you had with him shouldn’t have been so strong. 

You knew it was silly to wait so eagerly for a man. However, you were willing to wait for him no matter how long he would be gone. You adored the witcher and admired him. He was a gentle soul scarred by a harsh lifestyle he had no say in. 

You knew neither of your lifestyles would allow for the ‘perfect’ life with a family. 

You had been a mage at one point in time, advisor to the Temerian royal family. You’d given up the political life a century ago to move to Kaedwen. You settled in the valley beneath the Blue Mountains which Kaer Morhen was nestled into. There, you became known to a village an hour or so away. The humans who lived there would travel to you seeking herbal remedies when one of their own were sick or when their village seemed to be plagued by famine or drought.

And Eskel was a witcher. With his lifestyle alone, a family wouldn’t be possible. He was meant to be in one place for too long. 

The way things worked between you two now would be the only way you could be together. You couldn’t abandon your home to follow Eskel around the Continent, and he wouldn’t want you to. 

You were content with the life you had. 

You were pulled from your thoughts when the front door opened. 

Eskel walked in, now in a pair of black trousers and a dark red tunic that wasn’t laced up all the way at the chest. 

He smiled at you and you returned the gesture. 

“Have I ever told you how much I love that color on you?” You asked him, returning your gaze to the bread you were kneading. 

“I think you’ve mentioned it about every time I wear this.” He nodded his head. 

Your eyes flickered up briefly to catch sight of him. There was a dark spot you hadn’t noticed before, a bruise on his chest no longer covered by armor. It was where the material dipped down into a V and the laces weren’t pulled together. 

“Eskel, what’s that?” You asked him, stepping away from the bread and wiping your hands off. 

His eyes followed your gaze.

“Oh. Just a bruise.”

“It looks terrible, Eskel.” You pushed the material of his shirt to the side so you could get a better look. “Eskel.” You murmured his name. 

The bruise was dark blue and angry, more than likely fresh since it had yet to turn yellow and heal. 

“When did this happen?”

“Early this morning. There was a fiend.” He took your hand from his chest. “It’ll be okay.”

“Shouldn’t it start healing by now?” You furrowed your brows together, looking up at him. 

“It kicked me pretty hard, but it’ll be okay. Should be gone by tomorrow night.”

You frowned, looking back down at the mark. 

Eskel wouldn’t let you linger on his injury. He took ahold of your chin and tilted your head up, leaning down to steal a kiss from you. 

“Don’t worry about it.”

“It’s hard not to worry.” You sighed, leaning into him for a few heartbeats. “I never know where you’re at or what’s happening to you.”

“I’m sorry.” He apologized quietly, dipping his head down to rest his lips on your forehead. 

***

He stayed in the kitchen while you made dinner, keeping you company and telling you little stories from his time on the Path this year. 

After you both ate, he helped you clean up the kitchen so that he could give you the gifts he brought this time. 

He carried a couple different sachets and sat down next to you at the table. 

“I got these from Vengerberg.” He passed you a little dark red sachet. “There’s a little shop there that sells a lot of cute little stones and rocks. These ones made me think of you.”

You opened the sachet and carefully poured the contents out onto the table. There was a bright yellow and orange tumbled stone, a deep blue raw stone, and a light purple raw stone. 

“Eskel, they’re beautiful.” You picked them up to hold them in your hands. 

“Do you want to know why I picked those ones?” He smiled, happy that you liked your gift. 

“Yes! Tell me.”

“Purple is your favorite color, isn’t it?” 

You nodded, looking up at him to watch him while he spoke. 

“The orange and yellow one reminded me of when the leaves turn. That’s when I finally get to come see you.” His voice lowered to a quiet murmur. “And when I first met you, you wore a dark blue dress. It was my favorite dress on you.”

“Eskel, that’s so sweet.” You leaned forward to hug him tightly, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. “Thank you.” 

He hugged you back, squeezing you tightly, and then leaned back in his chair as you examined the stones in your hand. 

“There’s something else.” Eskel picked up the second sachet made of dark blue velvet. 

You put the stones back into the red sachet and took the blue one from him. You opened it up and poured what was inside on to your hand. 

It was a thin gold chain with a little rose quartz pendant. 

“Oh, Eskel. It’s beautiful!” You brushed your thumb along the stone. 

“It’s a rose quartz. But you-I’m sure you knew that.” He chuckled nervously, rubbing his hands along the tops of his thighs. “Rose quartz is the stone of love.”

Your eyes met his, lips parting as your breath caught in your throat. 

“Because I-I love you, Y/N.” He whispered, bringing his eyes down to his hands. “I just…. I needed to tell you that. I need you to know.”

“Eskel.” You smiled at him, putting the necklace down for a second so you could hold his hands. “My love, I’ve known it for a while. You show it with your actions, with returning to me when you can. When you smile at me. And your eyes, they’re so soft and gentle. You don’t need to be so nervous about it.”

“I just…. I wasn’t sure how you’d react. Didn’t want to scare you away.”

“You could never scare me away.” You stood up. He did the same after you tugged gently on his hands. “I love you.”

You wrapped your arms over his shoulders, pulling him down to you. His arms slipped around your waist. He tucked his nose into your shoulder, letting out a soft breath. 

“I love you.” He whispered, turning his head to kiss your neck. 

“I love you.” You repeated, your hand coming up to the back of his head. 

Taglist: @pressedinthepages @mishafaye @whitewolfandthefox @wolfyland07 @belalugosisdead @persephonehemingway @keira-hulmaster @dinonuggs69 @greatestauthorofmygeneration @shadow-hunters-lover @dancingwith-thesunflowers @tedi-fach-las @thecomfortofoldstorries @raspberrydreamclouds @natkowaa @disasteren @weathervanes-my-oneandlonely @onlyhenrys @wackylurker @criminaly-supernatural @magpie343 @permanently-exhausted-witcher @hina-chans-stuff @the-space-between-heartbeats @havenoffandoms @carriebee1 @ger-bearofrivia @naominami @writingawaymylife @reaganjenelle @theawkwardpedestrian @scarlettwitcher @badassspaceprincess @just-a-sad-donut @summersong69 @an--actual--human--disaster @rubyqueen819 @omgkatinka @c-a-v-a-l-r-y @vonxcon @mazakeen @bravelittlesunflower @thereagles @awkward-turtles-world @menalliha @cotton_mo @maan24 @she-wolfoftheinquisition @titaniafire

#Eskel x reader fluff #Eskel fluff #the witcher #eskel x reader #Eskel fic #1200 followers celebration #kacey answers

[hsinliu]

talk to me (ichirou moriyama)

there was a loud screeching sound, a tire nearly burning against asphalt, the car, a matte black expensive sport style one, abruptly stopped at the front of the building. ichirou, the current lord moriyama, walked out of the drivers seat and tossed the keys to the valet parking muttering a comand in rapid japanese, the valet parking bowed his head and held the keys close to his chest before hurrying to park the car.

ichirou was wearing his usual attire, a black fitted suit from some fancy designer which now had a fresh blood stain on the right cuff of the dress shirt, the thought of it irritated him, he walked to the elevator in long strides not making eye contact with anyone but everyone stopped walking as soon as they saw him and bowed his head. ichirou swiped the key card to his room, punched a code, did a retina scan and only then the door swung open with a beep.

the penthouse was illuminated briefly as a lighting struck outside and some seconds after the thunder coated ichirou's ears. ichirou rubbed between his eyebrows and changed his clothes into something more comfortable, not that he dislikes wearing suits but tonight he wanted to relax and didn't feel like dealing with curious eyes. ichirou walked out once he was ready.

"oyabun, where are you going? do you need to be scorted?" one of the guards outside his room asked, using the honorific freely as the building was secured.

"no, i'm just going to the convenience store. you can rest." this time ichirou made eye contact with the kobun, dismissing them with a slight hand movement.

now ichirou was wearing a dark blue baggy tracksuit. despite having his face half covered with the hood everyone bowed his head as he walked out, again.

next to the moriyama building there was a convenience store from a japanese chain since everything from american chains tasted like cardboard. ichirou crossed the door and the employee greeted him in japanese. walking down the aisles he picked some items to have dinner, he picked a potato and egg salad sandwich, yakisoba noodles, a cup of microwaveable rice, strawberry mochi for dessert and ice americano, he walked a bit more wondering what else he needed for the night and lastly picked a face mask that claimed contains colagen.

he dropped the items for the cashier to scan them. "i will take them." the cashier said, he was a young man, couldn't be older than 23 "it's 22.8 dollars."

"you're good looking." ichirou said looking directly at him.

"excuse me?" the boy asked, his cheeks blushing.

"do you take yens? i didn't bring any dollars." ichirou took out his wallet and then continued the previous conversation "like an idol, are you one of these?"

the boy's cheek were now an angry red, his eyes open wide in surprise. "huh? yeah we take yens, it's two hundred-" ichirou put a few five hundred yen bills on the counter before he finished the sentence and the boy hurried to give the change.

"keep the change." ichirou interrumpted his action and train of thought.

"it's too much, i can't-".

"keep the change, don't make me repeat myself again." ichirou said with a more serious tone but polite eyes who did not help the boy's blush.

grateful the boy bowed his head "thank you, lord-".

"don't. just call me ichirou." ichirou took the bag with his items "come sit with me " he suggested with a head tilt before walking to the sitting area, he dropped the things on a table and microwaved the rice, then he muttered 'thanks for the food' to no one in particular and finally began eating.

"am i in trouble, lord-" ichirou gave him an accusatory look "am i in trouble, ichirou?" he corrected himself.

ichirou spoke after a few mouthfuls of rice "what makes you believe that? and how did you know it was me?" the tone was friendly but the boy didn't feel any more comfortable.

"the- the tattoos." the cashier pointed to his own chest and ichirou looked down on himself, he then noticed the zipper was a little too low so his chest and a glimpse of his tattoos were visible. "i wasn't- i wasn't staring." but he was. "and i see you everyday, i mean, you always come back around this time, i always have the night shift."

ichirou zipped up the hoodie with a slight smile "ah, that makes sense. you didn't reply my other questions, tough." now he was mixing the yakisoba noodles with his chopsticks.

the boy gulped, his mouth dry. "i'm not an idol, i'm a college student. i thought i was in trouble since you requested me to come sit with you."

after eating half the noodles ichirou spoke "really? what college? maybe we're on the same campus. and no you are not in trouble i just wanted to have your company, you could have refused." ichirou spoke in a calm voice, pronouncing each word with delicacy.

"why are you asking so many questions about myself? i'm just an employee in this convenience store." the boy was fidgeting with a strand on his clothes.

"to answer your question, it's just as i told you you're good looking, isn't that reason enough to want to have your company? i like to be around beautiful people." ichirou took a sip of the ice americano and then bit the mochi "would you rather ask questions about myself instaed? we can do that, i know the surveillance of the store doesn't have audio, you can ask whatever you want." the boy didn't immediately speak and kept fidgeting not quite making eye contact "hey, look at me" ichirou said with a gentle voice touching the boy's chin with his index and middle finger so he would look up "i know i'm intimidating, i would feel insulted if you didn't think i am. i can stop talking if that's what you want, i'm just going to finish this" he pointed to his food "and then i'm going to walk out that door. if that's what you want." ichirou repeated, in hopes the boy didn't want that.

a few minutes passed and ichirou was almost finished with his food, he was on his last sip of ice americano when the boy finally spoke again "i'm going to OOO university by the way, and mmh i wanted to ask, why were you angry today?"

ichirou was both pleased and surprised by the question "oh, you noticed? well i was angry because a certain business didn't go as planed and because i don't like this weather." he flexed his right hand remembering the way he had broke someone's nose just a few hours ago.

the boy wanted to ask if he got into fights frequently or what kind of business was he refering to but instaed asked "what kind of weather do you like better? i like when it's cloudy but only when i get to stay home and watch movies." now he was more relaxed, he rested his elbows on the table and put his hand against his cheek, enhancing his boyish looks.

ichirou let out a laugh "yeah, this kind of weather is for people who can allow themselves to spend the whole day at home, it's not good for going to work, i like when it's sunny with a clear sky."

the cashier got a mental image of ichirou on a park or a garden enjoying the weather but then remembered something "i've seen a little girl around the moriyama building, is she your sister?"

"i don't have siblings." ichirou replied with a polite smile.

"oh? she looks like you, i was sure she was somehow related to you." the boy elaborated, not giving up on his theory.

"that is because she's my daughter." at this confesion the boy's eyes widened "she isn't usually in the country, you know for safety reasons, but she has been behaving like a brat lately so she comes back almost every weekend, the other kobuns say i spoil her too much but she's just a little girl, am i supposed to tell her no?, she can learn about the family business when she grows up there's no need for me to be rough with her from the start."

"she's going into the... business too?" the boy asked carefully, it sounded like ichirou is fond of her daughter so he wondered why he would want that for her.

ichirou removed his hoodie and ran a hand through his hair before putting it back on "i had her out of... tradition, i needed a successor and i ended up loving her, that's not how it should have been, that certainly didn't happen to me and my predecessor. but yes she's going into the business, i hope she doesn't hate me for it."

"did you? hate your- your predecessor for it?"

ichirou let out a humorless laugh "of course i did, i was ripped out of any normalness i could achieve before i even had it. maybe i'm doing it wrong, maybe giving her a normal life and then taking it off of her is going to do more harm than good. mmh? don't you think?"

the boy was startled by the sudden question. he didn't expect to be questioned on his opinion on ichirou's decisions on how to raise his daughter. he gulped and then spoke "i don't know what to tell you, i've never been in that kind of situation."

ichirou sighed loudly, finished his drink and threw it on a trash can "yeah, that was a weird thing to ask, sorry." he glanced sidelong at the cashier and smiled. "do you think it's pathetic that i came to some convenience store seeking for a friend?"

the cashier dropped his gaze fidgeted with the hem of his uniform and quietly said "i think you are... sad."

ichirou got up from his seat "i think it's time for me to go."

"we can be friends, if you need one." the boy got up too.

"i think it's best if we don't."

ichirou walked to the door and when he was about to walk out the boy spoke "you're so weird, did you know that? you literally said you were looking for a friend and when i suggest it you act like it's me the one pushing it."

"you are right but i really have to go now. i'm sorry."

the boy stood there for a while, then a group of teenagers entered the store making a fuss about what kind of food to buy. after they were gone the cashier refilled some aisles and finally sat behind the counter "did i accidentaly fall asleep at work and had a dream about having a conversation with the head of the moriyama family? i think so."

#ichirou moriyama #all for the game #the foxhole court #idk i missed ichirou so i wrote this #don't ask me what this is about i have no idea ! #txt #aftg fic #aftg fanfic #tfc fic #tfc fanfic

[velvetthunder1999]

All the time on Earth

Part 13 - New Home

Summary: George and Fred rescue you from your abusive parents and take you home to The Burrow where they welcome you into the family

Warnings: Angst, Swearing, Abuse, Blood (!)

Word count: 3.9K

George Weasley x Reader

Masterlist

You let the window open as you left the room; you had sent Peanut off with a letter to George yesterday and you were still waiting for the answer.

You didn’t like leaving your room much, but today was a very special day, as your father had said. A few of his and mother’s friends were coming over, to see the daughter of their dear friends, the daughter who, according to his parents, has been studying abroad all year and now came home to visit for the summer holiday.

You clenched your jaw at the thought of what’s coming tonight. Your parents had kept up the appearance of your well-functioning family over the years. They would probably die of shame if their friends realized what you were. So tonight, you had to act accordingly, otherwise, as your father had said, you will not have a roof over your head anymore.

The problem was that you were still a few months away from being seventeen. You still had to rely on your parents for the summer, as you couldn’t use magic to make your life easier just yet. Of course, your parents still didn’t know about this. This lie had been your only way of surviving this hell.

You let out a huge sigh as you walked down the stairs and made your way into the kitchen. On the table the ‘good set’ of plates and silverware were waiting for the guests to arrive. You counted twelve seats at the table and moaned in pain, realizing how many idiotic people will be asking you about your foreign school which you had apparently been attendending for five years now.

“Girl,” your father’s snarky voice made you look up. “In here.”

You walked over to the living room, where your mother was preparing drinks on the coffee table, clearly making an effort not to look at you. You didn’t even care about it at this point.

Your father was adjusting his tie in the mirror when he looked at your clothes. He grunted, a look of superiority on his face.

“You have twenty minutes to get dressed into something appropriate. You might as well burn those jeans in the fireplace. You will not bring shame on us in those clothes.”

You looked down at your jeans which had a whole in them at both knees, just like every second pair of jeans in every store.

“Am I not allowed to wear jeans like normal people?”

“And you can loose the attitude as well. When at the table, you answer politely, convincingly, and you will smile at everyone. I don’t want to hear anything about your — thing, and how your ungodly behaviour works. Anything to add?” he asked, seeing your angry eyes. “No? Great. You will only speak when your spoken to. And if I see anything, and I mean anything out of ordinary, you will regret the day you were born.”

“Sounds fun,” you muttered.

“Another word…” he raised his finger, warning you. “Go and change.”

“What if I say no?” you started. You wanted to transfer some of your anger into him. “What if I don’t change my clothes?”

“Then I will kick you out of this house!”

“Oh, but what if you won’t?” you said, forcing yourself to smile. “What if I get my wand, and use it? What if I tell all your guests about the actual school I’m attending? What if I start floating your teacups around?”

“Listen here, you ungrateful little —”

The doorbell rang. He looked at his watch, then at the door.

“They’re early. Go up, girl! I don’t wanna see you down here until you change! You have five minutes! Go!”

You grimaced and headed to the stairs through the hall. You didn’t wanna be seen for as long as possible. Your father in the meantime went to open the door, quickly adjusting his tie again. The door creaked.

“Good ev —”

He fell silent and you stopped in the middle of the stairs to listen. An unfamiliar voice came from outside.

“Good evening, I am looking for Y/N. Is this the right place?”

“There is no one here called Y/N!” answered your father with a grunt.

“Oh, we might have been misinformed, haven’t we Fred?” said a second, very familiar, cheeky voice. “Isn’t this the house with two muggles and their daughter who just came home for the holidays?”

You ran down the stairs and hurried towards the front door. Next to your father’s shoulder you saw a face, a face that made you grin like crazy.

“Oy, Y/N!” said Fred, looking at you. “How you doing?”

Your father jerked his head to look at you.

“How dare you invite these people —”

“Hey,” you said, ignoring the man completely. “What are you doing here? Come in!”

Your father was slightly pushed aside by Fred who entered the house like it was his own. He gave you a quick hug, then he was followed by George and an other man, who was supposed to be their dad.

“Y/N” he said, shaking your hand with a smile. “Arthur Weasley. So nice to meet you.”

“I thought… It’s only been a few days…”

“We cannot wait any longer, but we’ll explain everything when we’re home,” said the man. “Now… I’m guessing George would be kind enough to help you with your luggage. In the meantime Fred and I will keep your parents company.” He said this with a pleasant smile, while looking at your father, and mother who came to see what’s happening. You nodded, took George’s hand and said,

“This way.”

You lead him up the stairs in silence. You took a turn to the left and stepped inside your quite messy room. You waited until George followed you, shut the door and faced the boy who you haven’t seen in nine days.

“Hi,” you said, grinning.

“Hi,” he said, with his usual mischievous smile.

And then he was kissing you with so much passion you thought you’re gonna faint. You reached for his face, caressing his cheeks, then wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him closer and closer…

When letting go in serious need of air, you brushed your lips against his as you spoke.

“I missed you so much.”

“I missed you, too, witty.”

“I like the hair,” you said, brushing his short locks on his head. He laughed.

“Mum had enough. She literally attacked Fred and I the first minute we got home.”

“Well… she was right,” you said, pecking his lips. “You’re really hadsome.”

He laughed and kissed you again before letting go.

“Well, thank you, love. Let’s see…” he looked around the room, seeing your stuff everywhere but in your suitcase. He smirked. “I can help you with that. You know, since I’m seventeen and everything.”

“Show off,” you shook your head, smiling.

“I passed the apparation exam as well,” he said. “Fred, too.”

“Really?!” your jaw dropped. “Why didn’t you write it in your letter?”

“I wanted to tell you in person,” he said, still grinning. “How about that?”

“I’m so proud of you! George, really!

He looked at you with shimmering eyes.

“Thank you. Now, let’s — What’s that?”

He looked at your bed, amused. Next to your pillow was his quidditch jumper that he had given to you a few weeks ago.

“Are you sleeping with that?” he said. You felt yourself blushing.

“Yeah…? D’you have a problem with that?”

“No,” he said in a very pleasant tone. He pressed a kiss on your temple. “It’s really flattering. You should give me something to sleep with, too.”

You snorted.

“How about me? When we finally leave this shithole?”

“Sounds good to me.”

He raised his wand and all your clothes flew into the suitcase. Then you took Peanut’s cage, checked your wand in your pocket and lead the way down to the kitchen, where the tension was  already over the top.

All four of them were sitting at the table; Mr Weasley was talking about something with an eager expression, while Fred was leaning back on the chair with a smug smile, looking at your father, who had his usual statue-like face.

Your mother was sitting next to him, her hands in her lap, her back straight as a picket fence.

You stepped into the kitchen, awkwardly looking at Mr Weasley. You wanted to leave as soon as possible.

“Well… I’m ready.”

“Wonderful,” nodded Mr Weasley, and stood up. He turned back to your father once more. “So, as I said, we are happy to keep her for the whole summer vacation. However, next year, if you’d like…”

“You can leave now, if you will,” said your father sharply, interrupting Mr Weasley. “Before somebody sees you.”

You took a deep breath. You couldn’t have felt more uncomfortable.

“Right, then. Let’s go.”

“Wait a minute,” Mr Weasley were looking back and forth between you and your father in disbelief. “Are you sending her away just like that? Like an unpleasant guest?”

“I was always just an unpleasant guest,” you muttered, rolling your eyes.

“Is he kicking you out?” said Fred, astonished.

“Believe me, I don’t wanna stay here either…” you made your way towards the door, but Mr Weasley’s hand on your shoulder stopped you.

“I don’t understand… You daughter hasn’t been home for a year, you must —”

“What I must and mustn’t do in my own house is up to me and no one else!” your father stood up as anger overcame him. You felt danger was coming.

“Now, leave before I’m calling the authorities!”

Mr Weasley’s expression switched from confusion to disbelief.

“There is no reason to behave like this, I say,” he said. “A parent —”

“We are no longer parents!” your mother snarled suddenly, out of nowhere. She stood up, clutching her fist. “You go and leave us, girl!”

You turned to her in shock. Her voice shot through the kitchen like a bullet. She waved lazily at the twins, but didn’t take her eyes off you.

“And don’t expect to come back next year! Leave now, and take the scum with you.”

You stopped dead. The twins stepped forward. Mr Weasley was now raising his voice.

“Now, you’re talking about —”

“What did you just say?”

The whole kitchen fell silent as you stepped closer to your mother. She was taking aback, glancing at the wand in your pocket. You were shaking in anger. Your voice was almost a whisper as you spoke.

“What — did you — just say?”

You were waiting for an answer. When it didn’t come, you didn’t hold back.

“Let’s see… You pretended I didn’t exist… You haven’t talked to me for five years… and then when you decide to speak again… the first thing you do is insult my friends?”

You took a shaky breath. And then you started shouting.

“How dare you insult these people?! How dare you talk to them that way?! How dare you even look at them without being ashamed of yourself?!”

Your mother stepped closer to you. Her eyes were burning with disgust.

“Ashamed of myself? You’re the one to talk! For years we have been living in fear, not knowing what that twisted mind of yours is going to do to us! Knowing that it would be the end of us if anyone found out what you are — what all these people are! You stopped existing for me when you decided to embrace your abnormality —!”

“Oh, my abnormality, you say?”

You pulled your wand out of your pocket, waving it around. You saw from the corner of your eyes that the three Weasleys were shifting nervously. Your father grabbed your mother’s shoulder. You were shouting.

“You mean this? I think it’s the perfect time to tell you now, that our law forbids me to use this stupid stick at home!”

“What?” your mother gasped. “But you told us —”

“I can’t use magic outside school,” you said, with the sweet taste of satisfaction in your mouth. “I lied to you and you believed me, I played both of you like the fools you are —”

The slap took you by surprise. She hit you so hard you fell on the floor, feeling immense pain on your cheek where her ring had cut a long, deep wound. You felt dizzy as you were trying to get back up, reaching out for the hand that was helping you. Around you were voices, shouting.

You looked around, barely able to see from the pain. George was holding you close, one hand on your cheeks. Fred was pointing his wand towards your parents, his face pure rage. His curse had crushed the table and broke it in half as it was dodged by Mr Weasley, who was now using a shield charm. You and the twins were standing on one side, while he and your parents on the other. Even though he was protecting the muggles, Mr Weasley seemed extremely furious with them.

“Fred, George, take Y/N outside!” his voice was shaking with wrath. “Take the luggage, too. I’ll be there in a minute!”

“Dad…”

“GO. OUT!”

The three of you left the kitchen and stepped outside into the fresh evening air. You broke free of George’s grip and walked before the twins, still panting, still barely seeing, still feeling something warm on your cheek…

“FUCK!!!” you stopped and screamed from the bottom of your lungs. “FUCK!!!” You burried your face into your hands but winced as you touched the open wound. You saw your hands getting dirty with blood.

“Y/N?” George’s careful voice came from behind you. You turned around, looking at the twins; they had the same mixture of anger and pity on their faces.

Fred was still holding his wand.

“What did you wanna do?” you asked, pointing at it.

“You don’t wanna know.”

You nodded.

“Are you alright?” asked George, looking concerned. You didn’t answer.

“I’m never coming back here,” you said, shaking your head.

“I’ve never seen dad so angry like this,” said Fred. “Never. Not even when we almost killed Ron when we told him to fly without a broom when he was six.”

“I reckon he’s gonna talk with them…” said George.

“Oh, he’s gonna talk with them, all right,” said Fred, looking at the house then back at you. “Are you all right, Y/N?”

You turned away from them. You didn’t know how to answer. No, you were not all right, but also, you were not surprised this had happened. It was just a matter of time.

You felt George’s hand on your shoulder. You knew it was him. You just knew.

“Come here,” he said and gently raised your head. He carefully started cleaning your cheek, leaving bloodmarks on the tissue he was using. His hands were shaking from the repressed anger. “Does it hurt a lot?”

“Yeah,” you said, slightly louder than a whisper.

“He’s coming,” said Fred, looking at the approaching Mr Weasley.

Indeed, he was leaving the house without looking back, putting his wand back into his pocket. He seemed extremely furious, but when he looked at you, his face relaxed a little.

“Y/N, I am so sorry about what happened. I would’ve never thought… Don’t worry, Molly can patch you up in a minute. I am really, really sorry.”

“It’s all right, really,” you said. “Don’t worry about it.”

“What did you do, dad?” asked Fred eagerly.

“I talked with them,” said Mr Weasley shortly.

“No —,” said George. “— what did you do?”

Mr Weasley looked back at the house, screwing his face. Then he looked at you again.

“Y/N, you are welcome to come back next year if you wish, but you don’t have to. The choice is yours, I reckon you’ll have plenty of time thinking about it in this year. I just want to say… However you decide…Molly and I are going to make sure you’re all right.”

Your throat felt dry as you were nodding. You couldn’t say anything, no words could express the gratitude you felt. You whispered a low ‘thank you’ but Mr Weasley seemed to understand.

“I say, let’s leave now,” he said, in a lighter tone. “Molly’s cooking a wonderful dinner. Fred, take the cage. I take the trunk. George, you take Y/N. Have you ever apparated, Y/N?”

“No,” you shook your head.

“All right. Then grab onto George and let him lead you. One… two…

“I stand back in case you throw up,” said George, grinning.

“What?!”

“…three!”

You felt like a rug was pulled from under your feet and your body started twisting into itself. You couldn’t breath, but before you could have started panicking, your shoes touched the ground and you arrived in a big yard surrounded by nothing but trees, bushes and a small lake.

“Welcome home,” said George.

You looked at the house and your jaw dropped before you started grinning.

“Come on in,” said Mr Weasley. “Everyone’s inside.”

You couldn’t stop looking around. Everything was so interesting, so perfect, so…Weasley.

Mr Weasley sat down your luggage next to the table as you went into the kitchen. He called out for the others and turned to you.

“Tea?”

Before you could answer, you heard steps and Mrs Weasley stepped into the kitchen.

“Oh, finally, I wondered what took you so long! Y/N, my dear… Dear God, what happened?”

Her eyes widened in shock as she looked at your face. You realized again how badly your scar hurt. Mr Weasley stepped out of the way so that his wife could come closer.

“There was an… accident, Molly,” said Mr Weasley quietly. “Can you patch it up?”

“Oh, my sweet girl,” Mrs Weasley lead you to a chair and you sat down. She gently held your face up to the light. “What happened? Did you two did something?”

She looked suspiciously at the twins. They both spoke in indignation.

“Mum, are you serious —?!”

“You think we’d ever —?!”

“It wasn’t them, Mrs Weasley,” you said. You started to feel more and more embarrassed by this whole situation. “Can you help me? It really hurts.”

“I can, darling but it won’t heal immediately. The scar will need another day or so to disappear completely…”

“It’s okay,” you nodded. She took her wand.

“All right, Fred, George, take up Y/N’s luggage to Ginny’s room. Arthur, could you set the table until I’m working here?”

They all left and she started doing some spells with a weird, twitching movement of her wand.

“Don’t move now, my darling, it’s very important.”

You tried to be as still as possible. You felt a weird tingling under your eye, then Mrs Weasley smiled at you warmly.

“There you go. It’s barely visible. Here — take this,” she gave you a wet rug and you cleaned the rest of the blood from your face. “Are you sure you’re…”

“Y/N!” Ginny ran into the kitchen, squeezing you in a big hug. “I thought you only come later this week!”

“Yeah, me too,” you said, beaming at the returning twins. George scowled at Ginny.

“Let her breathe, for Merlin’s sake, she’s just arrived.”

“Oh, just because you’re jealous,” snapped back Ginny. “Don’t forget, she was my friend first!

“And I though when you arrive I won’t have to listen to this anymore,” said Fred, looking at you, pretending to be tired of the situation.

“Kids, why don’t you go up, show Y/N around the house?” said Mr Weasley.

“Molly, help me with these napkins, I don’t know which one you prefer…”

“Come on,” said George, leading you up the stairs, Fred and Ginny following you.

“Napkins, of course,” said Fred. “I bet dad’s gonna tell her everything that happened.”

“Why, what happened?” asked Ginny.

Fred and George stopped and looked at you with the same expression. It was up to you.

“Er —” you didn’t know how to phrase it. You decided to just say it. You pointed at the scar. “My mum hit me.”

Ginny went pale.

“What?”

You quickly summarized the happenings of the evening. The twins were standing with a dark expression on their faces; Fred leaning against the wall, George holding your hand. Ginny was shaking her head in disbelief.

“I am so sorry.”

You nodded. You just wanted to forget it. Maybe that would sooth the pain in your heart.

“I think dinner’s ready soon,” said George. “Ginny, go, tell Ron. We’re going down.”

Ginny went further up the stairs and you returned to the kitchen. Mr Weasley was sitting at the table with his lips in a thin line, Mrs Weasley was standing by the counter, occasionally sniffing her nose.

Yep. You were sure they had just been talking about you.

George sat down next to you as soon as you chose a seat. You smiled at him and squeezed his hand under the table. The food was so delicious, you ate second helpings from everything. Still, couldn’t enjoy the evening as much as you wanted to. You still needed to do something, you still wanted to thank them.

When all of you had finished and Mrs Weasley stood up to clean the table, you stood up as well.

“I’ll help.”

“Oh, darling, you don’t need to, just go —”

“No, please. I’d like to help.”

George was staring at you from the bottom of the stairs. You shook your head and sent him upstairs, pointing.

The kitchen was now empty except for you and Mrs Weasley. You chose to dry the dishes with a rug, while Mrs Weasley was packing the leftovers into little boxes.

“Mrs Weasley…?” you said in an uncertain voice. She turned to you with a kind smile. And then you started crying.

“Oh, dear!” she welcomed you in her arms, gently stroking your hair. “It’s all right… It’s all right now…”

The voice of a mother made you cry even more. You were a bit taller than she was; you leaned down and put all your weight on her, you felt like you have no strenght left, you just couldn’t continue with this, you couldn’t take it anymore…

She held you as long as you wanted it, she did not pull away. She was whispering into your ear, telling you that everthing is all right, just how she probably had said to many of her children over the years when they were crying. You hugged her tightly, finally hugging someone after five years, finally receiving some kindness, finally feeling that you are safe, because as long as she is close, you were not afraid of facing reality.

When your crying softened and you could breath normally again, you pulled away and looked at Mrs Weasley through your remaining tears. She brushed your hair away from your face, and cupped your cheek with a sad smile.

“Would you like some tea, dear?”

You nodded, sniffing, sitting down at the table. Soon she put a nice, hot mug in front of you. You spoke, your voice hoarse from the crying.

“I’m sorry.”

She gently squeezed your wrist, but her voice was fierce.

“Don’t you ever be sorry! They should be sorry for that they’ve done. And I am sorry, for not bringing you sooner away from them. But I promise you, this will never happen again. You are safe with us.”

You wiped away your tears, still panting a bit.

“Thank — Thank you. For every — everything.”

“No need to thank, dear,” she smiled at you kindly. Then she laughed to ease the mood. “I should be thanking you. I have another daughter now.”

You chuckled, sniffing.

“Yeah,” you said. “I really love him, you know.”

Mrs Weasley looked at you with adoration.

“I know, darling. He loves you, too.”

“Yeah?” you laughed while still wiping your tears.

“Oh, yes,” she said. “I knew it in the minute I saw him looking at you.

#harrypotter #harry potter #george weasley fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic #imagination #george weasley imagination #imagine george weasley #george weasley x reader #george weasley x you #georgeweasley #george weasley #fredweasley #fred weasley #fred and george #fred and george weasley #gred and forge #weasley twins #hermione #ginny #ron #ron weasley #weasley #weasley family #hogwarts #hogsmeade #hp #hp fanfic #hp series #harry potter series

[sinner-as-saint]

What about destroyer!chris as bike gang leader and shy!quiet!reader relationship? Like reader work at new coffee shop nearby destroyer!chris gang club

OKAY SO I LOVE THIS!? 

Mkay so you own a cozy, little coffee shop in town

However, right next to it the den of a notorious bike gang

It’s just an old house where they all gather and drink and plot against their enemies and party; loud

They’re not major trouble though, you had heard that they even keep the people safe from gangs from other towns

Yeah they often got in trouble with the local cops, but you heard that they never spent more that one night in jail

They were equally corrupted, ruthless and loud as any other gangs

Very loud

You heard that they dealt with weapons, and drugs 

But you had no other choice; until you were eligible to join your family business, you had to find a means to make money

The guys would come into your shop often

Sometimes for breakfast

Or a quick bite to eat in the after noon

Coffees, lots of coffees

They made small talks here and there, and being the shy person you were, you never gave them anything more than polite smiles

Then one day, you met a pair of deep blue eyes

His name was Chris, you soon found out

A lot of the guys called him ‘boss’ so you figured he was sort of a leader

He flirted with you sometimes

But you never encouraged it

You kept your distance

Until one day, when you were almost robbed 

It was past closing time, and you were cleaning up before going home and two men barged in with guns in their hands and asking you to hand over all your money

It honestly felt like a movie

You were shaking and trembling and you were about to do just as they asked but a group of people entered your shop right behind them

Chris’ gang

Long story short, they saved the day and chased the two men out

You heard the roar of their engines while your heart beats went crazy

Chris stayed, and it was just him and you in your shop

You were on the verge of crying but he pulled you into his arms before you could

“It’s alright doll, you’re safe now. They were just useless pricks from the rival gang. It’s nothing my guys can’t handle.” 

He hugged you for a long while; just the two of you in the middle of your coffee shop, with very little light. 

After that night, a lot changed. 

Chris visited you often, making sure you were safe even though he was always next doors. 

You were easily flustered by him intimidating demeanor at first, but that changed soon

You got more and more familiar with his guys and turns out, they could be fun sometimes even though they chased away some of your customers when they got too loud and intimidating

Chris and you developed a close bond soon enough

You weren’t a couple, but you weren’t ‘just friends’ either 

You’d often sneak in an extra blueberry muffin in his bag when he came by

He’d often steal a kiss or two when he stopped by your shop

But nothing was ever official

One thing is for certain though, he’d got crazy whenever he saw another man flirting with you

You could see the green flames of jealousy in his eyes from behind the counter as you giggled at something one of your customer said

He’d pretend not to care but he’d confront you about it later

He’d wait for when you closed down, so he could shamelessly walk in like he owned the place

He’d lean in close to you and gently press himself into you; trapping you between the counter and his large frame. 

“You were getting really cozy to the guy with funny hair from earlier, huh? But remember one thing doll, you’re mine,” 

And he’d kiss you until you were breathless and very, very wet

Then he’d leave like it was nothing; your mind a foggy mess just from one kiss

Sometimes you wouldn’t see him for a whole day

Then he’d come by your house to see you in the late evening

You’d hear the loud roar of his bike and you’d rush outside

Only he’d be wounded; bruises and a busted, bleeding lip and maybe a small cut on his cheek

“Hey doll, I missed you,” 

And you’d immediately drop everything you’re doing and you’d go find the first aid box you always kept just in case

You’d drag him inside and clean his wounds

Then one thing would lead to another and you’d find yourself naked in bed with him

He’d have your hands pinned above your head as he’d slowly push into you; making you whine and whimper and blush under him

He’d groan at how tight you were and just how well you took him

And he’d even tell you and make you blush even more

He’d have you coming undone around his cock over and over again

“You’re such a good girl to me” 

Many night were spent this way before he finally asked you out

He asked you out while the two of you were out and about, riding on his bike around the city in the dark of the night

You had your hands wrapped around his muscular torso as he sped down a lonely road. 

“Chris! Slow down, you’re gonna get us killed!” you yelled, giggling all while loving the thrill of the speed

“Tell me you love me first” 

You laughed, and when you didn’t answer, he sped up more

“What are you doing, you lunatic?” you yelled

“Tell me you love me and you’ll go out with me and then i’ll slow down” he yelled back, making your heart pound in fear and making you laugh at the same time

“Jesus! This is blackmailing Chris! Okay fine, I love you! And I will go out with you!” you yelled back, tightening your grip around his torso

And just as promised, he slowed down

Then finally stopped at some spot from where you could see all the light from all over the town

It was beautiful, like a sea of shiny little fairy lights

“It’s beautiful” you commented, looking over at the lights

Chris grabbed your arm and pulled you into him

“I love you. And you’re only mine, you get that?”

He’d be your strong man

He’d be ready to hurt any man who even dared to look at you

To others he was ruthless, and cruel and violent

But only you saw his softer side 

You were still rather shy around the others but around him, you were free and open

Chris would be the type to bring you flowers each Sunday morning

He’d even put it in your vase each time

It was both funny and adorable seeing such a tough man walking up to your front door with flowers in his hand

He was caring, and kind and he could be gentle sometimes

He had a big heart and falling for him was the easiest thing ever

You hung out at the den sometimes

His guys were actually funnier than you thought

And being his girl just gave you this weird boost of power

He always had his arm around you just in case

He made you sit in his lap a lot

He’d spoil you, a lot

To a point where you started becoming quite a brat from all the undivided attention

And you liked testing his patience every once in a while

And he’d get annoyed often

He’d grab you by the throat and push you against the wall to show you that he’s had enough of your antics 

“You’ve been acting up all morning babygirl, and I’ve had just about enough. Now behave before I fuck some sense into you, alright?” 

But you’d never behave, and he knew it

He knew that you desperately wanted him to indeed fuck some sense into you

And that’s what he did

He’d bend you over the closest furniture he could find and he’d pound into you from behind while pulling on your hair

“You never fucking learn, do you?” 

You’d whine for him as you came all over his cock

And he’d take you again

And again

You knew no matter how out of hand you got, he’d always put up with you. 

#Destroyer!Chris #destroyer!chris x reader #Destroyer!Chris x You #destroyer chris au #sebastian au #sebastian stan smut #sebastian stan headcanons #destroyer! chris headcanon #sebastian stan au #sebastian stan imagine #bucky barnes headcanon #bucky barnes #bucky imagine #bucky smut #Marvel AU #marvel smut #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan x reader smut

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Won’t You Stay (Part 16)

Summary: The movie has wrapped and is in post-production phase now. With a bit more free time, the reader and Jensen’s parents meet for the first time in Texas...

Masterlist

Square: Mirror Sex

Pairing: Jensen x Director!reader

Word Count: 4,000ish

Warnings: mature (language, anxiety, smut (protected sex, mirror sex))

A/N: Please enjoy! Also written for @spnkinkbingo​​

_____

Three Months Later

“Y/N, would you calm down. You’re gonna wear a hole in the floor,” said your mom as she moved about the kitchen. You whined and paced back over to the front room, glancing out the window. “Ethan. She’s doing it again.”

“Sweetie,” called your dad, popping up from the family room and walking around the corner to you. “They are the Ackles, not a pack of wolves.”

“I just really want this to go well,” you said. “They should have been here by now. Waco isn’t that far a drive from Dallas. Maybe they got screwed up with their hotel or something.”

“We told ‘em they could stay here. No use in having a guest room if the guests don’t use them,” said your dad. You looked over at him slowly, rolling your eyes. “That was a good one. I give it a 9.5.”

“Dad! My boyfriend’s family is not staying over our house! What were you thinking? What if they hate you! Or mom! I can’t believe you.”

“Direct a multi million dollar movie? She’s fine. Introduce her parents to her boyfriend’s parents? Apparently it’s the end of time as we know it.”

“Dad,” you groaned, your mom slipping away from the kitchen over to you. “Mom, why would you let him do this?”

“Why are you so nervous? We love Jensen and I’m sure we will love his family too,” she said. 

“Cause what if you guys don’t like each other?” you said.

“If we don’t, then we don’t. It doesn’t affect you and Jensen though, kiddo. Relax,” he said. He rubbed your shoulders and you sighed. “Now go finish setting the table.”

“I already did that,” you said.

“Don’t worry,” said your mom, giving you a peck on the cheek. “They’ll be here real soon.”

You threw your head back and walked away, your parents laughing to themselves as you wandered out the front door and under the front porch. It was a very different style home than the house in LA. That was a massive mansion with beams and dark wood and looked grand. The Waco vacation house though, that was something more like you wanted for yourself someday. It was nice and updated but it was still just a house. A large one but nothing like in LA. 

You remembered picking it out with your dad when you were about five years old. The house didn’t interest you too much but there was a swing on the tree in the backyard that you absolutely fell in love with.

You smiled as you saw a car pull in at the end of the driveway. It wasn’t like you were meeting his parents for the first time. Maybe it was the second time but things would turn out okay. They always did with Jensen.

“Hey,” said Jensen, ducking out of the backseat when the car parked near the garage.

“Howdy partner,” you said, Jensen’s parents and sister getting out as well. “Hi.”

“Nice to see you again, sweetie,” said his mom as you walked over to help with the bags. She gave you a hug and you got a nod from his sister.

“How’s the semester going?” you asked.

“Probably flunked my biology midterm but otherwise awesome,” she said. Jensen rolled his eyes behind her back and she scoffed. “Oh shut up Jenny.”

“Alright, nerd. Most people don’t consider an A- flunking by the way,” he said, handing you over a few bags. “Mac, get your stuff.”

“Are you ever going to relax?” she asked, rolling her eyes as she pulled out a duffel bag. “I cannot believe you date him.”

“He has his moments,” you said. “You may need to end up bunking with my little sister if that’s alright.”

“Ella and Anthony aren’t too much younger than you. I’m sure you three will all get along and find ways to annoy us,” said Jensen.

“Don’t challenge me, Jensen,” she said.

“Behave. You’re a guest,” said his father. He looked at you and nodded before heading towards the front door. 

“He likes you,” said Jensen. 

“He does not,” you said quietly. “He thinks I’m some stupid actor’s stupid daughter.”

“No, he doesn’t,” said Jensen. “I promise. I was super nervous around your dad at first and now we’re good friends.”

“You were also coworkers. Oh God this was a mistake,” you said. 

“Hey, honey. If it is, I promise we can runaway and stay in a hotel room for the weekend, okay?” he said. He kissed your temple and you nodded, helping carry some bags over to the front door where his family was waiting.

“Guys, they’re here,” you called, stepping inside and leading the way for them.

“Hi!” said your mom, coming around the corner from the kitchen quickly. “I’m Dani, Y/N’s mom.”

“You look like her older sister,” mumbled Mackenzie. Jensen elbowed her in the ribs and shot her a dirty look. 

“Ah. Yours are like ours I see,” said your mom.

“You should see them when the oldest is with them,” said Jensen’s mom. She gave your mom a hug, Jensen’s dad giving her a friendly smile. “This is Alan. I’m Donna and this is our youngest Mackenzie.”

“Hi,” said your mom, your dad walking in with your siblings in tow. “This is-“

“He’s the guy!” said Mac, whacking Jensen on the arm. “That guy that’s in that movie you were obsessed with when I was little.”

“Aw, I’m flattered Jensen,” teased Ethan.

“I hate you, Mac,” said Jensen, your dad chuckling.

“Well I’m Ethan and these are our other kiddos, Anthony and then Ella,” he said.

“You’re kinda young if you don’t mind me saying. Sport,” said Alan. You cocked your head, your dad smirking. 

“I always knew that Jensen looked familiar but could never quite figure it out. Alan Ackles. You scared the crap out of me that day,” he said.

“You gotta tease the rookies. I hear Jensen’s gotten plenty of that,” he said.

“Um, do you two know each other?” you asked.

“Not really but we worked together once, way back on a local commercial in Dallas. It was my very first acting job before I moved to LA. I must have been seventeen years old,” said your dad, shaking Alan’s hand.

“I wasn’t that old, probably the kids age or just a hair older,” he said. “Obviously that acting thing worked out for you.”

“Eh, just a little,” said your dad. “Come in. Y/N, bring the bags up to the guest room.”

“And you thought they wouldn’t like each other,” hummed Jensen as your parents headed off together.

“You did too!” you said. You spun around and Jensen’s sister was staring at him, your siblings doing the same. “Why don’t you guys hang out with Mac while we bring this stuff up? Maybe show her around.”

You left before they could say anything, urging Jensen to follow you. 

“I totally was not expecting this,” said Jensen. “It’s so different than your parents house.”

“Truth be told I think we all prefer this one,” you said. “But you know, gotta have the house if you’re Ethan Y/L/N.”

“I can’t believe our dads worked together, even if just for a day once,” he said.

“Maybe this was meant to be,” you said. Jensen grabbed your waist and kissed you, making you giggle and nearly fall backwards. 

“I think we both know the answer to that,” he said, grabbing you tight. “Falling for me again?”

“Such a loser,” you said, popping into a bedroom and setting down most of the bags. You walked farther down the hall and set Mackenzie’s down in Ella’s before pulling Jensen to the end and into your own.

“Wow,” he said, dropping his bag by the door as he stepped inside. “I gotta admit, I think you got the best bedroom.”

“First dibs has its perks,” you said. Jensen walked over to the window, staring out at the rolling wheat field far out behind the house and trees. 

“Sometimes I really forget how you grew up.”

“Money isn’t everything. Ask my dad and you know he’d give all of this up in a heartbeat to have not have gone through what he did. What I did. What everyone did with the car accident,” you said. You stopped beside him, Jensen lacing your fingers together. 

“Y/N. I don’t mean the bedroom or the houses. I know you didn’t get what most of us do but your dad did a good job of trying to give that to you, a normal life,” he said. “Also, you have a Nintendo 64 over there that we are totally taking home with us.”

“We’ll have to see if we can sneak it out,” you said, resting your head against his shoulder. “Your parents don’t know that my mom isn’t my birth mom, do they.”

“If they have a problem with your family, I think they’re just going to have to get over it,” he said. “Why’re you so scared, Y/N? I get being nervous and wanting everyone to get along. I’m exactly that way right now too.”

“Because if there was a problem, I would never want anything to come between you and your family. I would never ask you to pick me over them,” you said.

“Y/N.”

“Because you make me happy,” you said, lifting your head to look at him, cautious green eyes looking back. “I think it would rip me apart for good if I screwed this up.”

“I love my family Y/N. I love your family. But if they ever put me in a position to choose them or you, then they aren’t the people I love. Where’s this really coming from?” he asked.

“My parents got along really well with Logan’s,” you said quietly. “They all clicked instantly. Your dad doesn’t...I don’t think he approves of me but he’s too polite to say it.”

“You are by and far the best girlfriend I’ve introduced to them. Pretty. Smart. Badass. Did I mention pretty?” he said, kissing your cheek. “You met them for three hours once when he had a cold. You are worrying over nothing. I promise.”

“Well those three seem to be thick as thieves,” said your mom as she came outside to the back patio after dinner, carrying a few drinks. You glanced inside to the kitchen, your brother and sister chatting up a storm with Mackenzie at the counter.

“To think she didn’t even want to come,” said Donna. You watched your dad put another log on the fire, your mom handing you a beer. You nodded and took a sip, Jensen rubbing his hand up and down your back. “Everything alright, Y/N? You’ve been quiet tonight.”

“Probably just jet lagged,” said your dad. “Kiddo’s been working on editing like crazy lately now that we’re wrapped.”

“What are you doing in the meantime Jensen?” asked his dad.

“Kind of relaxing. Trying to learn how to cook. I can only make chicken casserole for Y/N so many times,” said Jensen with a smile.

“It’s yummy,” you said, taking another sip.

“The movie comes out in about six months. We can be sure to snag you guys some tickets for the premiere,” said your dad. 

“Jensen already invited us but unfortunately that’s exactly when we’re supposed to be on a cruise for a few weeks. He wouldn’t let us skip for it,” said Donna.

“Eh, you guys can come to the next one,” said Jensen. “We’re set to start the second movie not long after the first comes out.”

“I just picked up the prequel book. Oh, I feel so sorry for poor Lyle,” she said. “Do you mind if I ask how you came up with him, Y/N?”

“Overactive imagination,” you said with a smile. 

“It was good,” said Alan, your head turning towards him. “The first book. I liked it.”

“Thanks,” you said, Jensen giving you a smirk.

“You know what we need? S’mores,” said your mom. “Jay. Hm?”

“Sure thing, Dani,” said Jensen, standing and heading back inside with her. Donna got up to help and soon it was quiet with just the three of you out there, your dad glancing to you.

“You know Dani isn’t Y/N’s biological mother,” said your dad. 

“I didn’t realize you were married before,” said Alan.

“I wasn’t. Y/N wasn’t exactly planned. Her birth mother died in a car accident and they had to deliver early,” said your dad. You stared at him, your dad ignoring it. “I was only eighteen when this happened. I know we’re a little younger than you probably were anticipating.”

“She seemed to turn out just fine,” he said. “Jensen never shuts up about her.”

You gripped your bottle, your dad biting his bottom lip.

“I see where she gets it from,” chuckled Alan. “The both of you are so nervous around me for some reason.”

“I think your son is very important to my daughter,” said your dad.

“I think your daughter is very important to my son. Not sure what the issue is there,” said Alan.

“There’s not an issue,” you said. You stood up and walked away, over to the pool before sticking your feet in the warm water.

You felt a presence behind you and sighed.

“Dad-“

“Not your dad, kid,” said Alan, taking a seat beside you. You watched the water while he rolled up his pants and stuck his feet in, a quiet sound leaving him. “I will admit I was a bit grumpy last month when we met. It had nothing to do with you, Y/N.”

“Why do I feel like you don’t like me then?”

“Maybe because you’re like Jensen in a way, which explains why you fit together so well. Maybe it’s why this seems strange, because part of him is like me too,” he said.

“You didn’t answer the question.”

“Honestly, maybe it’s because my son seems like himself again and we couldn’t do that. Your family did. Maybe I’m a little jealous of that,” he said. 

“My family didn’t do anything.”

“You did.”

You shrugged and took a sip of your beer, his dad smiling.

“Jay ever tell you he wants to try making beer sometime?”

“Once. Told me you nearly tore him out a new one when he tried it in your backyard,” you said.

“Yeah, well. Parents aren’t perfect,” he said. “Maybe we don’t have the opportunity to get to know each other like Jensen did with your family but we do want to know you. We don’t disapprove by the way.”

You turned your head and he shrugged.

“Jensen worries.”

“I’ve noticed,” you said. “This is going to sound a certain way so don’t take it that way please. I just-“

“You don’t have to justify the way you feel,” he said. You nodded, wiggling your toes in the water. “He loves you and we will too. Give me some time is all.”

“I can understand why he is the way he is,” you said with a smile.

“A dork?” he teased. “He gets that from his mom.”

“Sure he does,” you said. He bumped your shoulder and you gave him a smile. “The whole single dad, accident baby doesn’t bother you?”

“Don’t ever refer to yourself as an accident. Also, no it doesn’t. Is it unconventional? Yes. But all I care about is that my children are happy. So don’t worry about the other stuff, alright?” 

“I’ll try,” you said. It was quiet for a moment, his dad sitting back.

“You know he calls once a week to check in. He spends most of that time talking about you,” he said. “It’s pretty adorable to be honest. Turns into a little boy all over again.”

“He is pretty adorable,” you said.

“Well I know you are incredibly busy at the moment but some quiet weekend, come visit. We’d like it,” he said.

“We will,” you said. There was a rustling behind you and you looked up, Jensen carrying a plate with two s’mores on it.

“You guys want some?” he asked, mouthful of his own.

“Sure,” you said. You took a bite and gave him a thumbs up.

“Everything good?”

“Yeah,” said his dad. “I think we’re all good now.”

“Good morning,” you said, smiling as your parents headed into the kitchen. Your mom raised an eyebrow as your dad took a cup of coffee Jensen handed him. “What?”

“She’s awake. Before us. I don’t think she’s ever willingly done that,” she said. Your dad put a hand on your head and you swatted it away.

“I don’t feel a fever,” he said.

“We wanted to be kind children and make our parents breakfast,” said Jensen over his shoulder as he got out some butter.

“Ah. I see they’ve forgotten we’re going to brunch later,” said your mom. You threw your head back and put the eggs back in the fridge.

“Going back to bed?” asked your dad.

“Yup,” you said, grabbing Jensen’s hand and pulling him upstairs with you. He yawned as you wandered back to your bedroom, smiling when you fell back on the mattress. “More sleep. My favorite.”

“Or we could have morning sex and then go back to bed,” he murmured. “Both your favorites.”

“You want to do it with both our parents in the house? Jensen Ackles. I didn’t realize you were such a bad boy,” you said, rolling over onto your back.

“Only for you,” he teased, locking your bedroom door. 

“You have a streak hidden in you. Don’t deny it,” you said.

“Oh, I’m not,” he said, rolling back onto the bed, sliding his hand up your shirt. “I even came prepared.”

“That’s my boy,” you said, stretching your arms up, letting him push the shirt off of you. 

“You get rid of those pesky clothes and I’ll be right back.”

He kissed your cheek and hopped up, going to his bag and digging around. You were lazy in taking off your shorts and underwear, tossing your bra on the floor in time for him to come back with nothing but a condom on.

“I would like to try something if you’re up for it,” he said. You sat up with a sleepy smile and nodded. He gave you a lazy kiss before he sat back down, grabbing your waist and pulling you around to the middle of the bed, settling in behind you. 

“What are you up to?” you asked.

“Your dresser here has a mirror,” he said, your eyes flickering across to the other side of the room. You saw yourself naked, Jensen snaking a hand down to your folds and slowly rubbing you. “I want you to see how absolutely fucking hot you are when you get fucked.”

“Jay,” you said, turning your head away.

“Please?” he hummed. 

“I’m not going to get in the mood by looking at myself.”

“Looking at you naked gets me in the mood all the time,” he said, kissing your neck. You rolled your eyes but looked ahead, watching his free arm cross your waist and press you back against his chest. His arm’s looked larger than normal and you noticed the muscles flexing in his shoulders, the strong thighs that were moving the two of you to sit up. You sat back on your heels, Jensen rutting his cock against your back before pulling you up and settling you over his cock. You lowered yourself down, fluttering your eyes shut.

He snapped his hips back and rocked into you, eyes flashing open and catching his own in the mirror behind you. In the mirror, you started to ride him, Jensen meeting you with every roll of your hips. 

“Look at my cock, fuck looks like it barely fits,” said Jensen. Your eyes went down and you watched yourself lift up him, nearly all the way before slamming down. 

“Okay. That is pretty hot,” you said, Jensen chuckling as he kissed your jaw. “Fuck. You’re so fucking strong. Shit, Jay.”

“Feels like you’re milking my cock. How are you so tight?” he panted against your skin, warm air hitting your face.

“Because of your big cock,” you whispered, moving your arms behind you to hold onto him, Jensen plowing in harder. You’d never noticed how your own body bowed and arched before, never noticed muscles in your thighs working hard, never noticed the light blush that covered your skin as you got closer to an orgasm. “Harder.”

He tightened his grip and rubbed over your clit, fucking up into you, nailing your g-spot.

You grabbed his ass and he did it again, your head knocking back onto his shoulder. Your whole body tensed as you came, your face soft as you bit your bottom lip, Jensen growling into your neck to hide his grunts as he followed quickly after. With a quiet laugh you let go of him, Jensen pulling you to fall back straight on his chest, rolling you to his side.

“The only thing that could have made that better was seeing your ass too,” you said.

“You can look at my ass anytime you want,” he said, shakily getting to his feet and tossing the condom in the trashcan. 

“Uh oh,” you giggled, spotting the red marks covering the small of his back and his creamy cheeks. “I think I might have given you a few new bruises.”

“Please mark me up,” he hummed, sliding back into bed under the covers, laying his arm over your waist. “Makes me feel like yours.”

“God you are too attractive,” you said, kissing his nose, Jensen nuzzling closer. “Love you.”

“Love you too, honey,” he said. You shut your eyes, ready to fall back asleep when your phone buzzed, a text from AJ coming in. “Work again?”

“Premiere date got moved up a week,” you said, tossing the phone back down. “No big deal.”

“I can’t wait to walk down a red carpet with the hottest director, writer, actor there ever was and know that she picked me,” he said. 

“I would prefer not to go,” you said. Jensen nipped at your bottom lip and you laughed. “But I’ll go as your date.”

“Score one for Ackles,” he said. You kissed him quickly, Jensen closing his eyes. “Sleep?”

“You read my mind, fan boy.”

______

A/N: Read Part 17 here!

#spnkinkbingo #supernatural #spn #jensen x reader #jensen ackles #supernatural series #supernatural reader insert #jensen ackles x reader #spn reader insert #jensen reader insert #jensen x #jensen ackles x you

[ninja-go-to-therapy]

Redux

Your screams. Hand them over.

@grungekitty-77 ;)

Summary: What if Kai had gotten kidnapped first?

Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, stockholm syndrome, drugs and drugging, pet whump, dehumanization, brainwashing, intimate whumpers,  and just like… general uncomfy vibes associated with the aforementioned warnings. If that sounds like it would bother you, please don’t read!

4413 words

“Let go of me!” Cole screamed, struggling to the best of his ability. His head was  fuzzy, and his limbs felt heavier than usual, but he kept struggling. He wasn’t going down without a fight, especially not when he and his siblings had yet to find Kai. He couldn’t help if he was locked in a basement.

He didn’t know much about his kidnappers. He knew that the guy did most of the work and the woman really only stepped in when Cole was making progress in getting away. He knew that they purposefully avoided using names in front of him. And he knew that they were both absolutely psycho.

He’d hardly been here a couple of hours.

They chained Cole to the wall, even as the earth elemental screamed and thrashed and fought. Cole hated knowing that if he had just been a little quicker, a little stronger, he could have gotten away.

“Don’t you worry, pet,” the man said, kneeling down and smiling at him from just outside the range that the chain offered. “I’m not so cruel as to leave you down here alone. You’ll have a friend, and he’s going to help you learn how to behave.”

Cole’s heart was already broken for whatever poor soul he was referring to. Had they really managed to do this before? And get away with it? Oh God, what kind of mental state would this so-called “friend” be in?

The woman quietly slipped out.

Cole glared after her, thrashing once more against the chains.

“Shh, shh, you’re okay, my pet. I’ll take care of you, you don’t have to worry,” the man said, reaching out his hand. Cole jerked away.

“Let me go!” he demanded, trying his best to break the handcuffs with his super strength. Oh great, they’d taken his super strength. Fuck vengestone. 

His captor caught his hands, forcing them to stop attempting to pry the cuffs open. “You’ll hurt yourself, pet,” he said, gentle. “Settle down, now.”

Cole opened his mouth to tell this guy to go to hell, but before he could, the door opened back up. Cole tore his attention away from the man and onto the doorway, hoping he could figure out an escape.

He went still, taking in what he was looking at in horror.

The woman had come back with a friend all right. Cole’s friend. Cole’s brother.

Kai.

Cole could only stare at him. That was Kai. It was actually, really Kai. He looked a little off, but it was without a doubt him. He looked small, and young, in a way. And he was smiling. He was smiling so brightly. His eyes were so bright. It was so, so wrong to be seeing him like this. But it was him. His brother. His friend. Kai.

“Say hello,” the woman quietly prompted.

Kai turned to the man, his smile unwavering. “Hi Teacher!”

Cole felt something ugly plant itself in his stomach. He hated the way Kai was talking. He hated the brightness of his eyes. He hated it all.

But if he knew Kai, then it had to be an act. There was no way that this was real. Kai was just trying to survive. Under the surface, he was surely terrified.

“Good boy! Oh, I love you so much, I’m going to miss you! You be good for Sir now, okay baby?” she asked, speaking to Kai like he was a toddler, or a dog. Cole wanted to vomit.

“I will, Mama!” Kai said.

“I know you will,” she said, hugging him tightly.

Cole watched the exchange in nothing short of horror, thanking the first master himself when the dark haired woman finally left.

“Kai,” Cole said, hoping that he would drop the act now that at least one of them was gone. “Kai, are you alright?”

Kai’s smile only grew. “Hi!” He exclaimed.

The man turned to Kai, looking unpleased. “Now now, Pup, surely you haven’t forgotten my rules? No talking without permission!”

Kai withered, his eyes trained on the floor. “I’m sorry, Sir,” he muttered.

The man sighed. “Well, I guess you’re more used to your Mama’s rules than mine, hmm? I’m gonna let it slide just this once, okay?” Kai nodded hurriedly. “What do we say now, pup?” he prompted.

“Thank you, Sir!”

Kai was a little too convincing with this.

Their captor turned back to Cole. “Now, my pet, you’re going to have to learn how to behave just as well as my little success here,” he spared an affectionate pat to Kai’s head. “He’s such a polite and respectful little one. He wasn’t to start with. Why, he was worse than you at first, but he learned eventually. He’s come so far and I’m so proud of him.”

Kai smiled so big, so happy, and if Cole didn’t know why he was smiling, he would have thought he’d just won the lottery. But no, he was smiling because of this sicko and his twisted praise.

What had they done to his brother?

“I’ll let the two of you talk when I’m not around but — as this little one knows — you are absolutely not to speak around me without explicit permission. Are we clear?” Their captor asked.

Cole opened his mouth to tell him off, but then glanced at Kai. If Cole could act like Kai was, then maybe… maybe their captor would leave them alone. It was a long shot, but it certainly seemed to be working for Kai.

So, swallowing his anger and his pride, he lowered his head, giving a small nod.

“Oh, you absolute darling!” His captor said, sounding absolutely delighted. “You see, pup? Just you being here is already helping so much!”

Cole fought the urge to scream, keeping his eyes trained on the floor. Please leave please leave please please please.

He just needed to get his captor out so he and Kai could get away. With nobody around, Kai would drop the act, they could plot their escape, and then they’d be home free. This guy may have managed to keep one ninja kidnapped for this long, but with two of them, he didn’t stand a chance.

Kai looked up at their captor imploringly.

“Yes, pup?” he asked, kneeling down so he was more even with Kai.

“Um, sir, do you think I can play with him?” Kai asked.

“Mm, not yet, little one,” their captor hummed. “He’s not trained yet, we wouldn’t want him lashing out and hurting you! I don’t think your mama would forgive me,” he chuckled. 

Kai nodded, though he looked sad about it.

Cole dug his nails into the palm of his hand, staring hard at the floor. He hated the way this bastard was talking to them. He was going to smash his face in the first chance he got.

“Now, I have to go take care of some things,” their captor said, standing up fully again. “You be good now,” he said, heading for the door.

Cole waited until the man’s footsteps receded before he did anything.

“Kai,” he said, moving as close to him as the chains would allow. “I’m so sorry, I’m so so sorry, after you disappeared we haven’t stopped looking, I promise we haven’t, and we knew something horrible must have happened, but this… this is so much worse than anything we could have imagined, I’m so sorry.”

Kai cocked his head, saying nothing.

“But, but its all gonna be okay,” Cole said, probably assuring himself more than he was Kai. “I’m here now, and we’re going to come up with a plan, and we’re going to get out of this hellhole.”

Kai’s next words filled Cole with absolute dread. “Get… out? Why would I want to get out?” he asked, looking genuinely confused.

Cole’s words died in his throat. He stammered for a moment, then laughed uncomfortably. “Kai, come on dude, they’re gone, you can drop the act.”

“What act?”

“The — dude, stop acting like that!” Cole said, his body flashing hot with fear when Kai only looked more confused. “Seriously, we have to leave!”

“But if I leave, then how will my Mama know where to come get me?” Kai asked.

No. Kai was not actually acting like this, he was not actually convinced that that horrible woman was his mother, he was not really under the impression that this was okay. Cole was being messed with, or, or… or they were controlling Kai, somehow! They had done something to him, some sort of sick mind control that Cole would figure out how to break!

Cole breathed a quiet sigh of relief when Kai stood up. Thank goodness, he was probably going for the keys to get Cole unchained, or — Kai came back with a small ball.

“Do you wanna play?” Kai asked, excited. “Well, Sir says I can’t really play with you, but I think it’ll be okay if I don’t get too close! Do you wanna?”

“No!” Cole yelled. “Come on Kai, you’ve got to snap out of it!”

Kai’s smile faded, tears pricking his eyes. “Oh… okay…” he said.

Okay. Okay okay. Kai was obviously under some sort of mind control shit. He just had to figure out how to stop that. Cole could do that. Probably.

“You know what?” Cole asked, forcing himself to seem calm and nonthreatening and not like this was absolutely fucking terrible. “I’m sorry, that was very, um, mean of me. I do want to play a game! But, not a game like that.”

Kai brightened. “What kind of game? Will it be fun?”

“Uh… yeah… but to play it, I need you to help me out first,” Cole said, the words leaving a rotten taste in his mouth.

“Oh… well…” Kai scratched at his neck, fiddling with his collar. “I don’t know…”

Cole glanced at it. Kai had been messing with it this whole time. And sure, it was likely that it was just regular fidgeting, but Cole was more keen to believe that it was what was keeping his friend under. If he could get it off, maybe Kai would come to.

“No, no, see, I just need you to come a little closer,” he said, trying to make himself seem sincere. “I won’t hurt you or anything!”

“Well… okay…” he agreed, hesitant. He scooted over, just a little.

“Come on, Kai, please just a little closer,” Cole all but begged. 

“...you promise to be good?” Kai asked. “I don’t want Sir to get upset…”

“I promise,” Cole ground out.

“Okay!” He smiled, sitting right next to Cole. “How do you play?”

Cole opened his mouth, but footsteps from the other side of the door sent Kai all but flinging himself away.

While Kai passed the ball between his fingers rigidly, Cole steeled himself for another encounter with his captor.

The door swung open, and their captor walked in with an enthusiastic bounce in his step. “Good news, my pet!” He said, shutting the door behind him and gripping a small box in his hands. “It came in sooner than expected!”

Cole was scared to find out.

His captor continued on anyway, sitting down just out of Cole’s reach and delicately opening the box. He lifted the contents out carefully, a twisted smile on his face.

Cole stared at the dark black collar in horror, pressing himself back against the wall, as far away from his captor as he could get. 

No, no, absolutely not. 

If his theory was right, that collar was going to fuck him up just as bad as Kai. 

“Hold still, now,” he hummed, all but corralling Cole further into the corner. The only upside to this was that now he was actually close enough to attack.

Cole waited until his captor was just close enough, then kicked him as hard as he could. Even with the drugs running through his system, even with the vengestone, his captor still toppled to the floor.

Kai looked horrified.

Their captor very slowly rose, his eyes dark. “You little…” he took a deep breath, regaining his composure. “Come here, little stray. I need your help with this.”

Kai made his way over slowly, sparing occasional glances at Cole but quickly tearing his gaze away every time. Cole’s heart sank.

“Now stay. Still,” he hissed, directing Kai to hold Cole down.

Cole thrashed to the best of his ability, but he couldn’t hurt Kai. Not when he was so lost and confused and scared. This wasn’t him, not really. It was this bastard that had ruined his mind. 

But Cole would fix it. He just couldn’t allow the collar to be put on him, too.

But before he could even begin to gather the strength to get Kai off of him, the collar fastened around his neck.

Cole froze.

He didn’t feel any different (except for a new wave of disgust and horror), but the thick band around his neck was still anything but pleasant. There was a small bell jingling on it, the sound of which was already driving him over the edge. He needed to get this thing the hell off.

“Oh, you just look so gorgeous like this,” his captor crooned, waving Kai away and crouching down, reaching out a hand and threading it through Cole’s hair. “You are so, so pretty, my pet,” he hummed.

He slapped Cole hard across the face.

Cole yelped in surprise and pain.

“So pretty,” he said again, looking almost regretful. “But so bad.”

Their captor sighed, standing up. “I do wish I could admire you some more, my pet, but Master still has some work to get to. I’m counting on you to help him, little one.”

And with that, they were left alone again. 

Cole immediately began to pull and tug at the collar, grunting in frustration when it wouldn’t come off. 

“Your collar is so pretty!” Kai chirped. “Why are you trying to take it off?”

If he didn’t get it off, it could kick in, and he would go just as crazy as Kai. Fuck, how long did he have? Was it a slow thing, or would it kick in all at once? How long until he submitted to this?

“Is the tear bothering you?” Kai asked.

“What?” Cole asked, his hands pausing over it.

“There’s a little tear in it! Maybe Sir didn’t notice, but if you tell him, I’m sure he’ll get you a new one! My Mama has so many pretty collars for me, but this is my favorite one. It’s red! Mama says that I look cutest in red!”

There was a tear in it. The collar was broken. And his captor hadn’t noticed.

And if it was broken, then that could be why he wasn’t being affected by whatever mind control properties it obviously had. Because there was no other way Kai would be talking like this. There was absolutely no other reason Kai would be happily babbling about his “mama”.

He needed to get Kai’s collar off of him.

“Do you still want to play a game?” Cole asked, cutting off Kai’s rambling.

“Sure!” Kai exclaimed. “How do you play?”

“Remember, you have to come over here to play it,” Cole said, forcing down an actual physical gag. He was so close, he could do this.

Kai scampered over — or, whatever you would call scampering when it was on all fours — settling easily beside Cole. “What’s the game?”

Cole’s mouth went dry. He only had one chance to do this. If he didn’t get it off, or at least break it, on the first try, and their captor heard… Cole had a feeling that a lot worse would be done to him then a slap.

Cole didn’t even notice he was staring at the stupid thing until Kai spoke up again. “Oh, do you like my collar? Isn’t it so pretty?”

Kai was fucking obsessed with that thing, wasn’t he? That only affirmed Cole’s suspicions further. He needed to get it off.

He nodded slowly, moving his arms up as subtly as he could. “Yeah…” he said distractedly. “It looks great…”

“Thanks!”

Cole latched his hands onto the collar. Kai only had a second to look confused before Cole focused all his strength into breaking it. Kai shrieked, trying to get away, but Cole was stronger.

The collar broke, falling open and to the floor.

Kai stared at him, probably in shock. He didn’t move.

It was probably all hitting him at once, and it was more than likely pretty overwhelming to clear whatever haze he’d been in, of course he’d still be processing —

Kai began to sob.

Shit, this had really affected him, hadn’t it? Kai must have been so distressed, he was totally freaking out. God, poor Kai. This whole thing must have been so traumatic.

He reached out with the intent to comfort him to the best of his ability, but Kai just flinched back, his body trembling with sobs.

Very loud sobs.

If he didn’t quiet down, their captor was going to hear them.

“Hey, hey, deep breaths,” Cole said, hoping Kai would at least make an attempt.

“You broke it,” Kai said between horrible cries. “You broke it!”

Was it just Cole, or did Kai sound upset about the fact that it had actually been broken, rather than the trauma from all the shit that had happened to him? It was probably just Cole, of course it was just Cole.

Or maybe it was taking its time to wear off. Cole had no idea how long Kai had been wearing it, maybe it got worse over time?

“You’ve got to quiet down, Kai, he’ll hear!” Cole begged.

Kai wailed, tears continuing to pour from his eyes.

A surge of panic overtook Cole. If their captor came down here before Kai helped Cole out of these restraints, they were done for.

Out of sheer panic, his arm lifted almost of its own accord, and suddenly — he hit Kai.

Oh fuck. He’d just hit Kai.

He’d only been trying to snap him out of it, why had he hit him, fuck fuck fuck.

Kai screamed.

Heavy footsteps sounded from somewhere above them.

No no no, fuck, this wasn’t happening.

Because if it wasn’t the collar that had made Kai act like this, then that meant that he had actually been reduced to this, and that meant that Cole could be broken down too.

Their captor was coming. He was going to be pissed.

The door swung open, and their captor rushed over to Kai, who was hugging his knees and sobbing violently.

“What happened, little one?” he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

“He — he broke it,” Kai cried, “He broke my collar!” he sniffled, wiping his eyes, though it didn’t do much. “I’m sorry Sir, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have tried to play with him, you were right, I’m so sorry!” his breath hitched on another sob. “I’ve been bad, please punish me Sir, I’ve been so bad!”

To Cole’s surprise and disgust, their captor sighed, sitting down and gently pulling Kai into his lap. “There there, little one,” he hummed, carding his fingers through Kai’s hair. “This isn’t your fault. You’re just a pup, you didn’t know any better. I should have been more careful, I shouldn’t have left you alone with my pet when he wasn’t trained yet. I should have known this would happen, really. You don’t need to be punished for this.”

Kai just leaned into the touch.

“That’s right, you’re safe, I’m here,” he said, continuing the soothing motions. “You’re gonna be okay, Pup. And don’t you worry, I’ll talk to your Mama and we’re gonna get you a brand new collar that’s even prettier than this last one, okay?”

That actually seemed to work. Kai’s sobs began to quiet down. 

Cole swallowed down the bile rising in his throat. This was disgusting, this was so disgusting, how could someone like this man even exist? What was the goal? How had he gotten Kai to be like this if it wasn’t through mind control? And worse, how soon would Cole be just the same as Kai?

“That’s right, good boy,” he said, switching from Kai’s hair to rubbing his back lightly. “Good boy, yes.”

Cole didn’t know what else to do at this point. The collar hadn’t been the reason Kai had gone over the deep end. He really thought this was good.

“You’re — you’re crazy!” Cole yelled, prompting Kai to turn his head slightly from where it lay against their captor’s chest. “You’re out of your goddamn mind! How could you fucking do this?”

His captor gently nudged Kai out of his lap, then approached Cole angrily. “You are on thin. Ice. My pet,” he said, his voice low and angry. “One more peep from you and I may have to hang you from the pole all night.”

What the fuck did that mean what the fuck did that mean what the fuck did that mean.

Their captor stood to his full height. “Come little one, let’s get you some juice, okay?”

Kai brightened up even more than that, following their captor out of the room.

Cole was left alone.

First master, this was so bad. Kai was effectively totally brainwashed, Cole was locked in a psycho’s basement, and the others were probably losing their goddamn minds. If they hadn’t been able to find Kai in all this time, how would they be able to find Cole?

This was so bad.

A few minutes later, Kai was carried back in, and set on a little dog bed that Cole hadn’t had the time to notice until now.

This guy was nuts.

Their captor said something quietly to Kai, who nodded sleepily, and then their captor left again.

The next few minutes passed in silence, until Kai spoke up again.

“Why’d you have to do that?” Kai pouted, sounding genuinely upset. “You could have been good, but then you went and ruined the whole visit! If you don’t be good, we won’t get to play together! Don’t you want to play with me?”

Unless they were playing video games, safe and at home, hell no.

“Maybe we can play when you get better trained,” Kai muttered, his anger fading. He shifted on the dog bed. “You know, I kind of think I remember you,” he mumbled, his eyes only half open. “From before. And it’s almost kind of nice to remember, but I don’t want to think about it cause it makes me sad and it’s bad and there’s no reason to think about it.”

Cole, growing increasingly concerned at his brother’s sleepy ramblings, could only listen.

“Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m happier now. Cause sometimes I think I remember being happy before, but I can’t think like that cause that’s bad. That’s how I get abandoned.”

What the fuck was Kai talking about? Why was he saying all this?

His words were slurring together and his voice was droopy and his eyes were even droopier.

Was he drugged?

No, no that was ridiculous. But it certainly seemed like he was. He was showing a little too many of the symptoms for Cole to be confident that he wasn’t. But why would he be drugged? What was the point?

Their captor wasn’t… he wasn’t going to kill Kai, was he? He wouldn’t do that, right? Surely he was going to keep Kai alive?

“But it’s time for my nap, now,” Kai said, letting out a quiet yawn. “Night night…”

No, wait, fuck, no, stop, Cole wasn’t letting Kai fall asleep. What if he never woke up?

“Kai, you’ve gotta stay awake, please,” Cole begged, his panic spiking.

“After my juice, it’s always nap time,” Kai insisted, his eyes closed and his voice barely a mumble. 

“Kai, stay awake!” Cole insisted.

Kai groaned quietly.

Shit shit shit. 

Okay, he had to think logically about this. What good reason would their captor have to kill Kai? Besides the fact that Cole had done nothing but fight back this entire time, not to mention sending Kai into that meltdown earlier.

Oh no, was this to teach Cole a lesson?

But surely their captor wasn’t crazy enough to kill Kai just to prove a point? Maybe there was a different goal in mind here. Maybe he was just going to hurt him. Maybe he wouldn’t hurt him at all. He’d said he wouldn’t, after all.

But that still begged the question, why was Kai drugged?

With all his worrying, Cole hadn’t even noticed that Kai was now fast asleep.

No!

Okay. Okay okay. It was very likely that he wasn’t going to die. Cole could hear his breathing from across the room, so there was at least that. Kai was okay. Kai was fine. 

Well… as fine as one could be in this situation.

Frustrated, he pried at his collar again. Even if it wasn’t some evil mind control device, it was still humiliating and uncomfortable. And that stupid little bell wouldn’t stop ringing. It made him feel like a — well, like a dog.

He supposed that was the point.

Some time later, the door swung open once more. The woman from before came through, hurrying over to Kai. “Oh, my poor baby,” she fretted quietly, careful not to wake him. “Let’s get you home…”

Wait.

What?

She was taking Kai?

No.

No, she couldn’t take Kai! That left Cole no chance to help him. That left Cole alone.

His panic must have shown on his face, because his captor, who’d followed in behind the woman, tsked. 

“This wouldn’t have happened if you’d just been good, pet,” he said, shaking his head sadly. “Maybe when you learn how to behave, you can see him again.”

The woman carefully picked Kai up. Even in his sleep, he sighed contentedly.

She was taking Kai.

And it was his fault.

He needed to do something.

He needed to fight, he needed to scream, he needed to break out of these chains and save his brother and get them both home.

But he couldn’t move. He was absolutely paralyzed, unable to so much as beg for them not to take him.

The woman was gone before he could find his voice.

All he was left with was this horrible man and a worse question.

If Kai could be reduced to that… what was going to happen to him?

#for the love of gOD IF THIS DOESNT WORK THIS TIME IM GOING TO SCREAM #the damage tree #devastated #reverse devastated #kat writes #ninjago fanfiction #ninjago #tw kidnapping #tw stockholm syndrome #tw drugs #tw drugging #tw pet whump #tw dehumanization #tw brainwashing #tw intimate whumper #pet whump #intimate whumper #koshiro #eleanor #the longer I look at this the worse I decide it is

[dontasktheradiodemon]

❌ So yesterday night Alastor invited over a guest to cook dinner for.

❌ I could tell the second she arrived because I could hear frigging "Be Our Guest" start up in the lobby.

❌ I tried to avoid that whole scene, but from down a hall I definitely spotted a shadow-thing juggling dishes.

❌ He rewrote the lyrics. I didn't catch all of them, but I did hear "Can they sing? Who can tell! After all, doll, this is Hell!"

❌ If you're on the fence about checking into the hotel and you're a musical theater fan: if you come, there's basically a 100% chance that the Radio Demon will do a musical number for you.

((So @autokrates came over for dinner last night, and we decided not to roleplay it out, but we DID write a long semi-pseudo-roleplay summary of how that meeting would have gone, so for any parties who are interested, HERE'S THAT CHAT LOG))

Valera

So! Largely, I believe. Val showing up, a musical number happens, and then ingredient delivery

Alastor

Sounds right.

Then Alastor preps dinner, spends too much time fussing with this Newfangled Modern Machine With Settings And Dials, and they sit staring at a slow cooker for a while.

Valera

Ah yes, nothing like sitting in dead silence waiting for things with someone you don't know! She should have asked Pentious for-- OH YEAH. Slide a pamphlet over. He can busy himself with memorizing that for a little while

Alastor

He absolutely will. And he will politely play showtunes in the background for the benefit of his guest as he reads.

Valera

Ah, just the thing for her to occupy herself with. Quietly stimming by wiggling her fingers and tail to the music

Alastor

He'd probably say thanks for the info but uh why give it to him? (Not that he doesn't WANT it but like, it seems pretty private, he's surprised that Valera—and Sir Pent?—think he's worthy of being let in on where Sir Pentious is this week)

Alastor three days after falling asleep on the floor all tangled up with Sir Pent: haha yeah but it's not like we're CLOSE is it?

Valera

Dumb old men being dumb!!!

Alastor

HE JUST. ASSUMES HE'S WAY MORE INTO THIS THAN SIR PENT...

Valera

Pentious asked her to elaborate to Alastor what was happening, since she's still got a level head and experience with shedding. Which is convenient, because she'd fully intended to anyway. Pentious may want company, and Alastor needs to be prepared.

Alastor

OuO oh so he trusts Alastor that much huh. He will... file that fact away... somewhere in his heart

Valera

Aside from herself, he's the person Pentious trusts most. Casually sips materialized tea.

Alastor

Immediately tries to play it off like HAHA MUST BE A SHORT LIST. ... Which would probably be funnier if not for the fact that, like, it IS a short list.

Valera

She will... Refrain from commenting on the list being Two People long. But she will raise a very deliberate eyebrow at the way he avoids any signs of emotional attachment

Which actually reminds her! She owes him an apology.

Maybe multiple? Whatever.

Alastor

(He might be verbally avoiding signs of emotional attachment but outside of that, like, it's gonna be hard for her not to notice that his attention on the conversation goes from like 75% to 110% the moment Sir Pent comes into it and he drops everything to focus on the Info Pamphlet That Might Be Helpful For Sir Pent)

Genuinely :)? at that, apology for what

Valera

Well, a few things! Pentious shared Alastor's letters with her, which, yes he was asking for input, but it was a bit invasive.

Alastor

Goes from :)? to :]

Valera

And then for, what was it, outing him? The post was taken down, but if Pentious had mixed feelings about it, well. She can't assume how Alastor felt even if she did say it was an Opinion Piece.

Shrug!!

Alastor

Oh THAT? Sure Alastor thinks he saw that go by now that Val mentions it. It's exactly what she said: an opinion piece!!! Why, he's an infamous celebrity! Everyone has an opinion on him and most of them are wrong! He doesn't put much stock in them~

Valera

Regardless! Her bluntness charms some, but it can also be quite inappropriate. She hopes it didn't distress him too much, it was never her intention.

She is a POLITICIAN.

Alastor

Why, he hardly even noticed it.

Valera

Good! Looping back around to her beau, did Alastor have any other questions?

Alastor

... Anything he can send to help out?

(NOW he's all self-conscious, offering to do something NICE. gotta try to be all aloof about it)

Valera

(Wow he really IS like Pentious but Even Worse.. She is amazed.) Send? Oh, no dear fellow. Asking for food today was largely a cover to visit without having Vaggie relay all this information thirdhand. Though he did do quite a fine job of making the food, Pentious will love it.

(assuming, but the Smell)

Alastor

✨💖 Oh will he? That's good. 💖✨

Valera

Yes. Alastor cut the vegetables and meat into the perfect sizes to avoid a texture issue, couldn't have done it better herself. Prr prr

Alastor

(He's like Texture Issue???? but like. He's not gonna ask.)

Valera

She will GLOSS PAST THAT, THEN. Beyond the food, which was a lovely bonus, hmm... No, she's already providing the lotions and voice recordings for Pentious. Unless he's willing to be an in house cheer squad when the snake gets bored and blind, there isn't much he could do.

Alastor

Well, he'd be glad to come over for a visit if it'd lift his spirits—if Sir Pentious would want the visit?

Valera

She expects he will! He's.. Distressed.

Uncomfortable shift. SHE DOESN'T LIKE BEING SO VAGUE.

Alastor

Well now she's got 150% of Alastor's attention.

Valera

Twitchy Tail Time!!! Yes. Well, the pamphlet makes it very dry, but a shed is nothing short of agony. Itchy, painful, it leaves you blind and helpless. If you've already got... experiences with such things. It makes it worse. Pentious is barely into it and he's already ready to attack anything that moves.

Alastor

... Well! Let Alastor know when he can come by.

(He's got trouble wrapping his head around the idea of WANTING company while pained and helpless, but if Valera says he does, then Alastor is going by that)

(... and if Sir Pent gets pissed Alastor came over he's 100% pointing a finger at Val and going "well she said you'd like it")

Valera

(LMAO)

(Val would explain it as wanting a strong person present so you can feel protected and finally relax)

(She's appealed to Pentious' ego with that!!)

Hah! Yes, of course. Though he may need to go to Valera's home, fair warning. She's trying to coax Pentious into laying in her tub to get through this. She's got more equipment to deal with the symptoms, and a larger bathroom by far.

Alastor

Having a near stranger over sounds like something that should worry Valera more than Alastor! For him, it's a bonus.

Valera

OH MAKE NO MISTAKE. VAL'S NOT SURE ABOUT IT

BUT. she's confident Alastor isn't going to do anything dumb in her house

bc Pentious would FLIP SHIT

Alastor

She's already decided that Alastor won't behave himself out of basic decency as a guest or even out of a desire to maybe get invited back but he WILL behave himself solely because Sir Pent is there and he's feeling kind of called out. Called out in his own kitchen, in front of his own crock pot,

Valera

Raises an eyebrow

She's grinning but she shouldn't be when she's acting like a little shit

Alastor

BUT WHAT HE ACTUALLY SAYS IS of course he'll be on his best behavior :) :) :)

WHY IT'S NOT EVERY DAY HE MEETS SOMEONE WITH SUCH FINE TASTE IN THE PERFORMING ARTS, he'd be a fool to be a poor guest

Valera

Glad to hear it! He's been nothing but a perfect gentleman so far, but with the way Pentious rants about other demons, an abundance of caution seems wise. Nothing personal, dear fellow.

Demon culture is very much a mystery to her, and a confusing one at that.

Alastor

COMPLETELY reasonable. After all, everyone is down here for a reason.

Valera

She would agree, if the concept of sin wasn't such an odd one! It comes down to survival of the fittest, at the end. But just because some pompous sky man says he loves you if you follow his contradictory rules, humans are doomed to eternal torment? It's bizarre.

Ah, but excuse her. Her viewpoint is, literally, alien.

Alastor

You make the world, you make the rules. What is the guy powerful enough to give the orders and see that they're obeyed if not "the fittest"? Who has the power to argue if he prints a list of criteria for who he does and doesn't want joining him in his gated community in the sky?

He's told someone tried to argue with him once. And that's how THIS little neighborhood got started.

Valera

Oh, it's not so bad. Heaven is a pretty dull place! All sorts of goody two shoes drinking tea and baking pies in the perfect idyllic weather. Forever.

Alastor

You know, for a time, Alastor used to think that all the "punishment" narratives around Hell were just talk. He had this theory that, actually, humans were sent to the afterlife they were better suited for. The people sent to Heaven are the kind of people who'd LIKE being in Heaven, the people sent to Hell are the kind of people who would be bored stiff in Heaven and just make it miserable for the people who want to be there.

But he was wrong. It really, truly is rotten down here. Not just because of the wilted vegetables and awful weather. Hell grinds at you on a spiritual level. It really is a punishment.

Valera

Well that's.. A lot at once. Vaguely concerned frown.. That she is going to cover with her tea turning to a Nice Dark Coffee. SSSssssssSSSIP.

Alastor

Just thought she might benefit from an insider perspective! She can rest assured: the pie-baking tea-drinkers really are better off.

:) :) :)

Valera

Interesting! She's never spent much time in Hell out of arms reach of Pentious, but that's something to keep in mind for the future.

Alastor

Happy to help~!

Valera

[[ val voice: haha yeah whenever I'm in hell I'm getting doted on but I'll keep an eye out for emotional wear and tear!

Alastor

(It's different for visitors who only come to chat with the convicts)

Valera

(Of course. More for Pentious than herself, she doesn't know a lot of his backstory yet BUT SHE KNOWS ITS SAD)

Now, moving to happier topics! She loves what hes done with the hair. Though it makes him rather fresh faced

Alastor

WHY, THANK YOU!! It was all the rage a hundred years ago! But they do say fashion trends come back around!!

Sir Pentious wasn't as impressed by it, but, hey, can't win them all, can you?

Valera

Ah, don't worry about it. He just takes a bit to come around to change!

... Usually.

Alastor

Well, doesn't matter, he probably won't be keeping it long.

"Usually"?

Valera

She grins!!! Yes, usually. He's remarkably easy to get on board with just about anything if you can relate to something else he likes.

Alastor

Well, naturally! Who isn't?

Valera

The LOOK on her face is like she SUCKED A LEMON.

You'd be surprised.

Alastor

... Apparently so!

he's gone from :) to 8) like what did he just step in

Valera

NOTHING SHE'S GETTING INTO! Now, tell her dear man. What kind of musicals do you like?

Alastor

............... All of them???

Valera

Oh? Everything from Les Mis to Cats?

Anything Goes?

Alastor

Are those the two extremes? Then apparently so! What about you?!

Valera

She has preferences when she's PERFORMING in them, but from an enjoyment perspective, she can appreciate any production.

Alastor

A fan after his own dead heart!

Valera

She can do a MEAN patter song, but she likes being able to dance around while she's belting lines out. Acrobatics are where she can really show off!

Alastor

Well, then he hopes he'll have a chance to see her dancing sooner rather than later! Alastor never received much in the way in formal training in dance, and he's sure it shows, but he likes to think he makes up for it with personality.

Valera

Oh pish posh. Dance is at least fifty percent attitude, he'd be phenomenal on or off the stage. And she can always give pointers, if he's looking for them.

Alastor

He really only does it for his own entertainment—AND for the entertainment of honored guests, of course—but if he ever decides to get back into theater for whatever reason, he'll keep her generous offer in mind.

Valera

Of course! Not like she's going to do a lot of dancing with Pentious here. Her love is many things, but a dancer is not one of them. Snrk snrk.

Alastor

Really. Huh.

So how DID they meet, anyway?? Alastor's been wondering! Hard for sinners to meet many people outside of Hell.

Valera

Oh! Haha, funny story, that. But how much detail does he REALLY want?

Alastor

Well, far be it from him to pry into anything she doesn't think she ought to share, of course. But he wouldn't have asked if he didn't wonder.

Valera

Fair! Alright, well. They met on tumblr, obviously. Pentious was flailing about being combative and intentionally aggressive. You know. Pentious.

Alastor

Naturally.

Valera

She decided to approach him without the immediate hostility so many of her peers were demonstrating. Doesn't everyone deserve a chance to explain themselves, after all? He seemed like he was lashing out, not truly malicious. Nobody had bothered explaining to him that what he did was wrong, or why.

And, you know. If you attack someone, you can't be surprised if they attack you right back. Obviously.

Alastor

Obviously.

Valera

So! Yes. She approached him, asked questions. Asked for his side of things. And they got along just fine! So she invited him over for tea, arguably. But mostly he invited himself over because she made too much tea.

Alastor

So just a chance encounter while adrift among the Internet's airwaves! How serendipitous.

Valera

More or less! Though really, she'd spoken to Alastor more at that point. Other Alastor. He'd been inviting her over to his hell, so she'd likely have met Pentious under very different circumstances if she hadn't approached him then.

But! He came over, and they talked. And they talked a LOT. About their passions, and about how ridiculous people can be these days.

And gods, can they. Then they decided to watch The Mikado! Has he heard of it?

Alastor

Has he heard of it?! One of Gilbert & Sullivan's most renown shows?! Madam! Of course he had!

Valera

Oh good, good good! He continues to impress! So lovely to know there are other people with taste around here. So yes! They watched The Mikado, and it went.. Almost alarmingly well. At the start they were on opposite ends of the couch, and by the end he was sprawled across her lap like he lived there.

Alastor

...... Well!

He warms up to people fast.

Valera

Haha! Perhaps he was simply overly pleased to connect with someone again, and let his guard down? They wound up making out on the couch like a pair of horny teens, so.

Alastor

...... Well!

Valera

Sssssips drink.

Alastor

............ Congratulations! (he has No Idea what you're supposed to say to that)

Valera

Thanks! (She doesn't either) Want to know an incredibly adorable fact about Penny?

Alastor

Sure!!

(he is retaining a Remarkable poker face through all this)

Valera

He likes it when you scratch his hood. Makes him melt in to a happy little pile of scales.

(someone please... Help Alastor....)

Alastor

Ha! Well, isn't that darling.

(The only one who can help Alastor is Alastor himself and he's like "why should I help, what's that bitch ever done for me")

Valera

Very. Should he ever deign to let you try it, the results are best from juuust the very joint of his neck and hood.

(ALASTOR PRACTICE SELF CARE)

Alastor

(FOR THE LAST HALF CENTURY HIS SELF CARE HAS BEEN AVOIDING SEEING/THINKING ABOUT SIR PENT EVER AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. He still needs to figure out how to do a self-care that's the opposite of that!)

Duly noted! Alastor's sure it'll never happen, but even so.

Valera

Oh, she isn't so sure! Penny speaks fondly of him.

Alastor

... Hm.

Well, there are different sorts of fondness, aren't there!

Valera

Well, yes of course? She's fond of many people, but she isn't exactly engaged to the vast majority of them. What is his point?

Alastor

That THAT'S the sort of intimacy one usually reserves for someone closer to the "engaged" end of the fondness scale—hold on, engaged??

Valera

Oh? Yes, engaged. Anyway, is it? This must be one of those human things again. There's nothing sexual about enjoying platonic physical contact, there's no reason for it to be relegated to a relationship.

Alastor

Well, what does Alastor know, he's never been a very touchy person. SO, how long have you two been...? Well, probably since before Alastor met either of you, silly question! He just must not have heard.

Valera

Oh, no it's.. Arguably recent? Certainly after he and Pentious started talking. Though don't get too fussed, dear. Pentious has a ring he hasn't lobbed at her yet. They've just agreed to get married, Pentious refers to her as his fiancé. No dates set or anything.

Alastor

Oh, good, so he didn't miss some big announcement. That WOULD have been embarrassing

Valera

He did not! And really, with how he and Pentious get along he might wind up getting asked for advice if a proposal ever actually occurs.

Alastor

... He doesn't know what kind of advice he could offer! He's not known for his expertise in romance, ha.

((suddenly got a flashing glimpse of a possible future where Alastor is the best man, standing like five feet away from Sir Pent trying to hold it together))

Valera

[[ JFDHFKDSHJFKDS HONESTLY.... IT'S LIKELY

Valera

You know, she doesn't think any of them are! Marriage isn't something Veci usually do with aliens, but Pentious insisted he wanted a proper marriage, and kids, and she's not opposed to either if that makes him happy. Though seeing him with the dolls is incredibly endearing.

Alastor

((And I will be FILLED TO THE BRIM with sadistic glee))

The dolls??

Valera

[[ Alastor crying ASMR

Alastor

(("Al are you okay—" "YEAH I'M FINE IT'S JUST. IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL. ISN'T IT. SO MOVING."))

Valera

Yes! Would you like to hear that story?

Alastor

SURE!!

Valera

Super! So! She doesn't know ALASTOR'S stance on calling women things like sluts and whores, but she herself is.. Not terribly fond of those words. Something about having them screamed at her, just doesn't sit well.

Alastor

One rarely is fond of the words one's been on the receiving end of.

Valera

Indeed. Pentious on the other hand, used them quite freely against any woman he wasn't pleased with.

But! Pentious wants kids someday, and kids are of course, quite perceptive little creatures. And no child of hers is going to grow up internalizing that kind of nonsense, either as a measure of their worth or as something a proper young man calls any lady.

So! She made a few dolls, to demonstrate her point. Pentious wants kids, so she made him some dolls that resemble what his offspring would.

And then hurled abuse at them quite freely!

He didn't take kindly to hearing what random men would call his own daughter, funnily enough.

Alastor

Alastor's like lmao. (IT SEEMS KINDA MEAN AND MEAN THINGS AMUSE HIM... he's half powered by schadenfreude)

Valera

(It WAS mean)

Alastor

And he takes it that worked.

Valera

Pentious can often be found curled up with his little doll family, and he hasn't used a slur since, so! Yes.

Alastor

No surprise there! He is, at his heart, a family man in hibernation, isn't he?

Valera

Not even in hibernation! He's incredibly eager to start a family.

Alastor

Of course. Now that he has the chance. Probably the only man in Hell who does.

Formerly in hibernation, then.

Valera

Can sinners not reproduce?

Alastor

No! Sterile, one and all. The dead do not breed. There are the few rare exceptions who have been supernaturally promoted out of the pool of the damned and made nobility of the same rank as the native Infernal-born or Heaven-fallen demons—Queen Lilith, for instance—but that's not just a thing that HAPPENS. A sinner must be CHOSEN, typically by Lucifer himself. Alastor wouldn't be surprised if it happens less than twice a millennium.

And even at that, to his knowledge these ascendant damned have never bred with each other—only with the Infernal nobility.

Valera

Huh! Fascinating. She really should learn more about the going ons of hell... But good to know! That explains the way Pentious.. Basically went feral as soon as he found out it was possible to have a family.

She's still not sure about the whole "eyes going red" thing, but he's explained it as any peak of emotion.

Alastor

It happens!

... Did you account for the possibility of him being sterile when you promised him a family? Or did you make the promise on the assumption that he's as fertile as any living man?

Valera

Oh, she can reproduce with anyone who has a soul. Pentious IS a damned soul. Ergo...

Alastor

Getting around the usual rules, then! Good. Alastor would so hate to hear if he'd gotten his hopes raised just for them to be dashed again.

Valera

Oh, she was careful to check! Many demons are soulless beings, and she hates to be made a liar of. Though she wasn't even sure poor Pentious even had genitals at the time!

Alastor

Well. Surprise.

Valera

She is Looking Away

Yes... Surprise indeed.

Alastor

He is the picture of :) neutrality

Valera

Val is trying very hard to keep the conversation from going to DARK PLACES. So!!! Subject change time.

Did you and he have fun at your last visit? He tends to give her a summary, but it's nice to hear the other perspective

Alastor

OH. YES. SURE. DELIGHTFUL TIME.

Valera

Oh? Delightful?

Alastor

Yeah, sure! ... Why, did he not think so?

Valera

Oh! He.. Got very drunk. His memories get fuzzy.

Alastor

... Well, that was half of what made it delightful!

Valera

She wouldn't know, but she's very glad to hear it!

Alastor

You abstain? Or not biologically capable?

Valera

Oh, neither. Rarely have the chance to actually relax anymore, too many attempts to murder her over the years. Regicide is very in, you know.

Alastor

Heavy is the head!

Valera

Hah! He can say that again. It's a thankless job. But somebody's got to do it.

Alastor

((I'M RUNNIN OUT OF STEAM... and they chatted about a lot more than I expected, this was productive!! Anywhere else you think we oughta steer the conversation or d'you think it's safe to go And Then They Chatted More, The End))

Valera

[[ NAH I THINK ITS BEEN ESTABLISHED WELL ENOUGH. STEER BACK TO MUSICALS, THEY TALK SHOP, AND THEN WHAM FOOD

#autokrates #chat log

[itach-i]

“We’ll See” (Manorian) (Chapter 2)

_____________________________________________________________

After the war at Orynth, Manon Blackbeak and Dorian Havilliard decided that rebuilding their kingdoms would be the best course of action, leaving whatever they felt for each other up in the air. What happens when they finally make time to see each other again? (Link on ff.net)

________________________________________________________________

Spring - Chapter 1 ________________________________________________________________

Broken Glass - Chapter 2

Dorian

Dorian cringed as he realized that his constant pacing might very well cause a hole in the guest room at the Westfall Fortress. Calming himself, Dorian looked out and was disappointed to see the sun just begin to rise lazily over the mountains. Although he had been very nervous and anxious about his meeting with Manon after months apart and leaving things so up in the air, he did not expect sleep to evade him as it had.

There had been a lot of thinking done since the Witch-Queen accepted the offer to meet up in Anielle, and most of it had nothing to do with business or politics and all to do with him wanting to share meals, stories…a bed.

He even stupidly wondered if she had met someone. He knew a good number of Fae had moved to the Wastes, knew there were plenty of males and females who whispered about her beauty, even while in the middle of battle back in Orynth. There was no way she hadn't received come-ons since then, especially when she was so venerated.

His letter had been titled 'Princeling' however, and Dorian was a little ashamed to admit that he kept the thing on his nightstand, if only because his budding and confusing feelings for her had only intensified.

His magic made him turn toward the window and through the dark he could've sworn-

The boom of wings, familiar even after all these months apart made his heart skip a beat and Dorian didn't care that it was barely dawn and he looked like he had not slept since getting there, the king sped out of there like he was being chased, going out into the emptied courtyard that had been prepped for this very reason and watching, entranced, as a small adult wyvern landed on the dirt ground a few feet in front of him.

She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Her white hair was unbound and wind-kissed, falling alluringly over her shoulders in a way that made him want to run his hands through it. The face was what really blew him away though, especially with that small smile that made his chest feel tight.

Manon Blackbeak-Crochan dropped down from her wyvern in one swift motion and watched him carefully, the smile still in place as she said, "hello, princeling."

There were a million questions he wanted to ask, a million things he wanted to tell her, but he only grinned back. "Hello, witchling," he breathed out before walking forward.

The fresh spring sunrise, even in Anielle, made her absolutely shimmer and Dorian hesitated for only a moment before he asked, "can-may we hug?"

Manon seemed to need a few seconds before she focused on what he was saying, as if she had been drinking him in too. He didn't have to wait for an answer as she went forward herself and oh, he could have melted at the hug, at the feeling of her pressed against him, the scent of winter winds and cool night air enveloping him, filling in an emptiness he hadn't even realized existed before.

Home.

That's what she felt like.

Dorian hadn't noticed how tightly he was hugging her until he felt a wiggle, and he moved away, apologies on his lips before he caught the expression on her face.

"Sorry, someone doesn't like being squished."

Confusion overtook him as Manon unbuttoned the top part of her leathers. Dorian's jaw dropped as the cutest kitten he had ever seen popped it's little white and gray head out, meowing loudly. "Oh, my Wyrd," he exclaimed as the witch took the little creature out and cradled it delicately in her hands.

"This is Nieve," she muttered.

Regaining his manhood, Dorian held back a squeal. "You got a kitten?" He asked and the face she made had him chuckling.

"I suppose I did," Manon said as the king patted the little one's head and the kitten blinked large green eyes at him. From her tone, he wondered who among Glennis, Petrah, and Brownen had managed to convince her to keep it. Maybe a mix of all three.

When Nieve meowed again, Dorian spoke. "We should go inside, just in case she gets too cold."

Manon turned to Abraxos just as a guard bowed low to both of them. "We have accommodations for your wyvern, Your Majesty."

The witch seemed surprised, and after a look of confirmation from Dorian who knew that the stable had been outfitted to fit a wyvern comfortably, she nodded to the guard. A quick goodbye to Abraxos, who sniffed at the kitten once before giving a slight nuzzle to Manon and they were inside the fortress walking along the hallway Dorian had been sprinting through only minutes before.

"Would you like to hold her?" Manon asked after a moment and Dorian tried to keep his excitement in as he nodded.

"I'm surprised you didn't bring any guards with you," he said as the kitten took one look at who was holding her and attempted to climb the new obstacle. The obstacle being Dorian's chest.

"They'll be here in a couple of hours, once they notice I'm gone."

Dorian laughed. "And I thought I was being sneaky when I left my tower two weeks ago through the window. Took my guards about an hour to notice I was gone, and the panic that spread was so intense, I haven't tried it again."

Manon huffed in amusement as she took in the barren walls and old sconces doting the hallway. "I wanted to get here first." She looked at him then, and despite having a kitten trying to climb up his head using surprisingly sharp claws, he was struck by her expression. Gods, she was beautiful.

"I'm glad you got here first," he answered sincerely. Before he got too distracted and tried to kiss her, he added, "Lord Westfall has a room prepped for you on the other side of the fortress. I can take you there if you want or…"

Unsure of where they stood, he met those burnt gold eyes and wondered how he was going to stop his heart from breaking if she decided to stay away from him, even if they were still in the same building.

"Or?" She asked.

He smiled, red tinting his cheeks. "Or you could stay with me."

They stared at each other for a moment, Dorian wondering if he had been too forward. Manon opened her mouth-

"I thought I heard a wyvern land," someone else interrupted, and it took a second for the King of Adarlan to turn his gaze.

Yrene stood before them, in a lovely spring dress that complemented her eyes and left space for her large belly. Her smile was wide as she took in Manon. "Your Majesty," she said happily as she gave a short bow in the witch's direction.

Manon raised an eyebrow as she nodded back. "Hello Yrene, you know you don't have to call me that."

Yrene just waved her off before those hazel eyes bulged. "Is that a kitten?!"

By the time they had made it to the common room, Yrene had been hissed and pawed at twice before Manon could convince the tiny cat that she wasn't an enemy wanting to take her away.

Chaol's father, Lord Westfall sat at the front of a large fireplace his son speaking to him in a low voice next to him. Dorian didn't need to use his magic to know the King's Hand was trying desperately to have his father behave in front of foreign royalty. He couldn't wait to see how the Lord of Anielle and the Witch-Queen would interact.

Chaol noticed them first and cleared his throat before lowering his head as far as his spine would allow. With Yrene's progressing pregnancy, he had less help from her magic and would need his chair more often, not that it concerned him. "Your Majesty," he greeted sternly, "welcome to Anielle. Thank you for joining us."

Dorian smiled at his friend, who gave his father a quick look as the old man spoke. "So, you're the Witch-Queen?" He paused and observed Manon closely. "I hope the title was gained through your competence and not your looks."

Chaol appeared absolutely mortified, while Yrene and Dorian shared a wide look. Manon, however, was calm as could be as she simply said, "your home is lovely."

Lord Westfall seemed unconvinced. "Yes, well, please do not interrupt the work being done here." If the old man meant the work Dorian and Chaol had been doing with the ruhkin or the fact that the man had gotten into his head that he somehow had influence over any sort of decision made by Adarlan, Dorian couldn't begin to guess.

His witchling only gave the lord a smile that would send lesser men running. "I'm sure with a king like the one you have; nothing will hinder any work you have going." Dorian could have kissed her as he held back a grin.

A sneer was her answer, but then Lord Westfall seemed to notice something, especially as it meowed several times and made Yrene scramble to keep the little one in her arms. He outright glared at Manon, and Dorian knew for a fact that the man had never encountered a witch before, or he would have been extensively more careful with what he said and did around someone who could literally skin him alive without much effort.

"Animals of any kind are not allowed within these walls. They carry and propagate diseases. I'm sure the stablemen can find a spot for the beast outside this keep."

As amusing as it was watching Chaol's father face off against Manon, there was a line being drawn here that Dorian was not a fan of letting it be crossed. "With how good the witch healers are, I'm sure Nieve carries no diseases," he informed charmingly, "and you are speaking to royalty here, Lord Westfall, I'm sure Her Majesty will keep the kitten secure."

The man only scowled before asking to be dismissed as his breakfast would be served soon and he preferred eating alone.

"Good riddance," Yrene muttered, low enough for only Manon and Dorian to hear and causing both of them to smile. When they were finally out of earshot and able to breathe better Chaol, who had followed after them, let out a breath in relief.

"Now that that's over with…breakfast?"

Even though she nodded along with Dorian and Yrene, Manon went for Nieve. "I should set her up in a room first, it's been a long trip and she's very hungry." Considering how the kitten was meowing like it truly was near starvation, Manon was wise to want to feed her.

"I think I'd be screaming just as loudly if I wasn't a human," Yrene cut in, "come love, I need chocolate."

As Chaol was dragged away in his chair, both Manon and Dorian chuckled as they overheard him say "chocolate for breakfast? I think not" followed by a low growl that made Dorian glad he wasn't at the receiving end of.

Left alone with a loud kitten, the king swallowed nervously as he faced Manon. "So-"

"Yes," she said quietly.

"What?"

"I'd like to share a room with you," Manon clarified and as he smiled, she added, "just as long as you don't mind some extra company." She lifted the kitten, who mewled like she knew they were talking about her.

Dorian bowed low, "I'd be honored." ________________________________________________________________

Manon

Her witches arrived a little earlier than she expected, and Manon wondered what Dorian was thinking when one of her two guards, a young Yellowlegs witch named Ash snarled at her for leaving without them. That spitfire attitude and her intense loyalty were the main reasons Manon herself had selected the witch from among many volunteers.

"You do know she is our queen, right? Regardless of how thoughtless some of her decisions are you should show respect."

Manon narrowed her eyes at her other guard, a Crochan witch who appeared and acted more like a Blackbeak with dark hair and eyes called Skye. Where Ash was all recklessness and fire, Skye was the calm before the storm, intelligent and logical. Brownen had introduced her to Manon not two days after their arrival at the Wastes, and she had proven herself enough that she stood here now, a soot-black wyvern in tow.

"I expected you both an hour from now," was the only thing Manon replied as the wyverns were led to the stables where Abraxos was currently staying in. "Nice job."

"A test?!" Ash demanded, enraged.

Manon only shrugged, uncaring as she faced Dorian, who was eyeing the two witches with an expression the Witch-Queen didn't want to identify. He caught himself as Skye remembered her manners. "Your Majesty," she said, bowing at Dorian. "I am Skye Crochan and this fool is Ash Yellowlegs."

The Yellowlegs scoffed, but joined in on the bow, her wild tangle of blond hair barely contained within her war braids. Dorian smiled at them both, the expression from before now gone. "It's nice to meet you both."

He met eyes with Manon, "ready for the ruhkin?"

The witch nodded, going over what he had told her as she had prepared a small pen for Nieve to stay in back in their room and after a shared breakfast of eggs, meats, and toast. The ruhkin and the wyvern eggs had been camping out near Anielle for the past few months on a nearby mountain that had a road which connected to the town below. Ideally, they would be moving to the Ferian Gap, if not to live there permanently, then to use it as a place to train both wyverns and riders until they were ready to return to Rifthold. Ruhks were also brought in, to Manon's surprise, and new hatchlings would be raised and trained next to wyverns, both to get them used to each other and form bonds.

During her time in the Wastes, Manon had taken up lessons and read books on history and culture. It had been slow to start at first, especially when her thoughts would constantly drift, but it had been worth it and when Dorian introduced her to Iaras and Nebur, a pair of sibling riders that had been chosen to lead the host in Adarlan she was at least partially acquainted with their culture and hierarchy.

The duo, who didn't particularly look like siblings apart from being of the same territory, had bowed and offered a greeting in Halha to which she responded in kind. The silence afterward had made her blink, wondering if her pronunciation had been wrong and she had said something offensive in its place.

"You speak Halha?" Iaras had asked, her voice deep and fitting for her stature, as tall or taller than Dorian even when she was a woman.

Manon had understood the question but reverted back to the common tongue. "I've only learned some of the basics. A family that had been based in Antica and fought in the war decided to make the Wastes their home with us. One of the older siblings had been a scholar and offered to tutor me every so often." For some reason, Dorian had stared at her like she was a different person, the admiration being mirrored in the siblings' faces. It made Manon fall quiet.

Nebur grinned, his ruggedly handsome face crinkling. "You honor us, Your Majesty, you seem to be as lovely as you look."

The clear suggestive tone made Manon raise an amused eyebrow as Dorian cleared his throat and Iaras shook her head. "Ignore him, Your Majesties, he is shameless. Please, let us show you how we keep the hatchlings before you decide to end this whole thing altogether."

Manon had been impressed by the resourcefulness of the ruhkin. Not only did their camp appear more like a town than a temporary garrison, the little information they got from the witches before the leave in Orynth was used to the fullest. They utilized greenhouses to simulate a warm nesting ground and positioned the few grown wyverns they had in strategic places where makeshift aeries had been made of wood and lightweight brick.

The camp itself had the tents and small buildings where hearths and living spaces were kept. A small market and school were even present in the center plaza, which consisted of a recently built stone well that served as the village center. At this altitude even the warmth of spring couldn't reach, and snow still covered most of the open areas. The cold reminded Manon of the Wastes and she wondered how exactly Dorian noticed her distraction when he had asked about her thoughts whilst in the middle of their tour.

They ended up staying for a good number of hours planning, meeting, and looking over the grown wyverns, the handful of hatchlings, and the eggs. Although Manon had very little experience with young wyverns, an Overseer back in Morath had spent a week showing her the pens within the mountains and taught her about how they figured out when and where to separate wyverns and if a hatchling was even viable to begin with.

The rukhin siblings had listened to her closely, even with Nebur's charming compliments whenever she had something to say. After sharing a lunch with a group of potential wyvern riders, Manon and Dorian finally made their way back to the forest directly next to the Westfall fortress. They had chatted excitedly the entire way, and Manon felt herself smiling more than she ever had, especially when the king seemed to be as interested in the development of the aerial legion as she had.

There was a moment, however, where Dorian stopped, and Manon felt a hint of nerves as he waited for her to stand next to him. His smile was still present, which kept her worries at bay, but the way he was looking at her made the witch reconsider their day together. She supposed there was still much to talk about, and although they were sharing a room, neither had made a move for intimacy, not that it had been easy to do with the schedule they carried.

"I know there are a lot of things right now that need our attention," he began and the way the sun reflected on his dark hair, a bit longer than she last saw him, made him look all the more beautiful. "And I also know that despite all the good news going on with our kingdoms, there is still a lot of work to be done."

Manon nodded, because he seemed to need it. Slowly, tantalizingly, Dorian lifted a hand and when he placed it on her cheek, she couldn't help but get closer, her eyes dropping to his lips. Yes, there were many things to talk about, many questions unanswered, but there had been a need building within her from the moment she saw him. She could see it in his eyes too, the want to be alone.

"I'm surprised it took you this long, princeling," she teased, her voice dropping into a purr that made his eyes flash.

Warmth began to pool in her belly as he leaned down. His hand dropped from her neck to her waist, the blatant possession breaking the fog she had been living with and replacing it with sapphire-colored starlight. He smirked as his lips brushed hers. "It's worth it, the wait for you."

Manon couldn't help herself as she initiated the kiss, closing the distance and tasting home as he responded readily, as hungry as she was. Her hands traveled up from his hips to his neck and the groan he gave her only made her want him closer. She might have said it into the kiss, because Dorian was suddenly picking her up, her legs hooking around his waist as he placed her against a tree.

Manon would have allowed him to take her right there if he wanted to, even with the cold or potentially prying eyes, but he broke the kiss and when she growled in protest he chuckled.

"As much as I would like to have you against this tree," he told her as he pressed his body against hers causing Manon to breath out. "I want to take all the time I need while I worship you."

She went for his face and kissed him again, but it was softer this time, more a promise than anything else. "We do share a room," Manon muttered and the smile he gave her made her consider just stripping off everything right there and then instead of waiting until they got to the room. ________________________________________________________________

Dorian

It was almost painful to extricate himself from her, to place the witch down and settle for holding her hand as they both hurried to the fortress. Dorian took her through the servant quarters, avoiding anyone that came close and stealing kisses as they went as if they were in one of the many romance novels he enjoyed reading.

They had time to themselves until dinner, and Dorian would make sure he spent that time wisely. As they passed the last corner that lead into their room, his mind already coming up with ways to enjoy themselves, Manon suddenly froze. So intense was her change, that Dorian's magic surged as it searched for the source of her fear. Because it was fear that was going through her as she said, "the door is open."

Thinking she could sense someone in there, Dorian used his magic to check ahead, but when he found nothing, he just looked back at her. The witch went for the door and when he followed her in, he finally understood. Although everything in the room was untouched and their things were exactly where they left them, just as the door, the small balcony screen was wide open, the chill air making the curtains rustle.

Manon dropped in front of the small pen she had so carefully prepared that morning, the blankets and toys were tossed around, but the small box filled with hay so that the kitten had a place to relieve itself in the corner was untouched. Only the food was gone, which the kitten had eaten while he and Manon had still been in the room. He remembered they had left the little one cuddled up to a stuffed toy under a blanket, warm and safe.

"We'll find her, alright?" Dorian said as he went to the balcony and prayed the kitten wasn't splattered on the cobblestone below. He rushed back into the room when he saw nothing of the sort or any evidence that the kitten had been out in the balcony at all. "She must be somewhere close."

But Manon wasn't listening and as the king stopped his searching for long enough to notice he knew Chaol had been right. She was on her knees, head tilted down, shoulders in, looking as broken and sad as she had that first night he found her in the aerie next to Abraxos back in Orynth.

His heart broke at the sight, at the thoughts that had filled his mind all day when he saw her smile and joke and wanting him. He shouldn't have let what he saw on the surface fool him. Manon wasn't fine, she was thinner, had gone ahead of her sentinels because she couldn't sleep, and although interested in what ruhkin were doing with the wyverns he had caught her losing focus and being distracted. And although she ate that morning and during lunch the portions had been meager, as if she couldn't bring herself to eat more.

Stupid of him, to ignore it all because he had been living in his own little perfect fantasy. Selfish of him too, especially because what he saw now was a witch who had been walking on glass since she left Orynth and a single wrong step would send her crashing. The kitten going missing was the breaking point.

Determination filled him as Dorian focused. He would help his witchling, and make sure he wouldn't make the same mistake again. Manon's sentinels had been left back at the camp to help with some of the grown wyverns and there had been no guards in front of their room because there had been no one in there to guard. Except for a tiny, very important, kitten. Whatever had happened, there probably hadn't been any witnesses.

So the king reached out with his magic and searched for Yrene with it, letting her know that he needed help with a brush against her own healing magic. He wouldn't leave Manon's side, even when he knew every second counted when it came to retrieving Nieve.

Both Chaol and Yrene came soon after, along with a half dozen guards, and while the healer immediately went to Manon, Dorian quickly explained to Chaol what had happened. The man nodded along with what his king said and Dorian had never loved his brother as much as he did that moment when Chaol only said, "I'll handle it, stay with her." ________________________________________________________________

Chaol

Chaol Westfall did not spend much time observing the witch or the fact that his wife was quietly trying to get Manon to lower her hands from her ears, as if the broken Witch-Queen had wanted to shut all sound out.

He turned to Dorian. "I'll handle it, stay with her."

The king thanked him, relieved, and the Hand didn't think too long on how terrified Dorian was, the concern so deeply etched in his face that Chaol feared the man was already too far down in his love for the witch to get back up.

So, he did what any friend would do. What any brother would do.

He took care of it.

With a quick motion, he ordered all the guards out of the room. Once in the hallway he sent five of the six away in search of the cat. To the last one he asked, "where's my father?"

Because nothing went on in the fortress without his father knowing and the fact that both the door and the balcony screen had been open while nothing had been taken was a clear indication that this entire thing could be internally orchestrated. Despite the letters Chaol, his mother, and brother now shared and even when his father seemed at least pleased that Chaol was about to become a father himself, the man still had plenty of problems that they still had to work on.

Hardly relying on his cane with the surge of Yrene's healing magic coursing through him, the King's Hand practically barreled through the double doors that led to his father's study on the western edge of the complex.

Lord Westfall glared daggers at him as Chaol made his way to the desk. "You may be my son, but barging in like this is-"

"Where's the cat?" Chaol cut in, his voice as sharp as the look he was receiving from his father.

Lord Westfall didn't even bother to look surprised as he asked, bitterly, "what cat?"

Knowing nightfall was approaching and also aware of how this was affecting not just Manon, but her entire kingdom, Chaol cut all corners. "You're going to listen to what I'm about to tell you and you will not, under any circumstances, interrupt me. Am I clear?"

There was pure distaste in his father's eyes, but the man said nothing as he sat back in his expensive leather chair. At least he was willing to listen.

"Manon Blackbeak not only defied and fought against her own people for the good of Erilea and the world, she aided Terassen in its call for help, saved your King on two separate occasions, risked her life multiple times, and was a key player in keeping all of us safe and alive. And because I know your memory seems to fail you in your old age, she also lost her entire family that day and she is still grieving heavily because of it."

He paused to take breath and to also allow the words to settle and permeate.

"So not only is she a new queen of a new kingdom, she also has to deal with uniting a people who had been at war for centuries, protecting her new vulnerable borders, and actively form alliances. She's here to help us, help Adarlan, when she could have refused. And she is doing all this while having lost all twelve of her sisters mere months ago. I know you heard Yrene when she spoke to me this morning on how pets can help tremendously in the grieving process. So, not only do you insult her presence here by telling her animals are not allowed but after knowing how deep her grief is you decide to be the villain and take her cat too?"

Fury danced freely in Chaol's eyes, his hand shaking as he gripped his cane so hard his knuckles were beginning to hurt. Because he knew what pain was, had watched Dorian go through it, Aelin, had experienced it himself while in the southern continent. He was done with it and he was not about to let his own father continue to propagate it.

Lord Westfall's jaw shifted, his teeth gritted, as he took his time arranging the papers on his large mahogany desk and cleared his throat.

When Chaol was about to tell him that he would do nothing to protect him if Dorian came down for a talk later, the man spoke. "I had a servant take the cat to the stables with Her Majesty's wyvern. I'm sure the two beasts are fine."

The King's Hand wasted no time, slamming the door to the study behind him as he practically ran to the stables, ignoring the stinging in his back as he did so. The wyverns all had large open wooden stables built to the north side of the fortress, on the highest elevated part of the structure, and remained free to hunt and roam in the nearby forest for game and, in Abraxos' case, to lay in the new spring flowers that bloomed even in Anielle. The issue with these stables was how cold it could get. While the wyverns enjoyed it, Chaol worried the tiny cat wouldn't be able to survive the temperature for very long.

The man had no need to worry as he spotted Abraxos curled up in the middle of the five stables, the two other wyverns that had come with the witches were busy snoozing closer to the tree line. Unused to being so close to Abraxos, and mindful that his rider wasn't here, Chaol kept his distance as the scarred head turned to him.

"Um, hello Abraxos."

Did wyverns understand? What kind of commands did this ancient animal even know?

"Is the kitten-is Nieve with you?" Please just let the kitten be alive, please.

Impossibly, Abraxos perked at the sound of the cat's name and the wyvern carefully lifted its spread wing to reveal a tiny little bundle curled up against the scale-less stomach. Alive, breathing, and meowing loudly as it spotted Chaol watching even from the relative distance.

"Okay, don't eat me, I just want to take the cat back to Manon, okay?" He told Abraxos, feeling dumb the entire time. "I'm taking Nieve to Manon," he repeated slowly.

That large tail started moving, and Chaol swore the wyvern was watching him in amusement as the man inched forward until he was practically within the stable. Heart beating fast, Chaol muttered about the many ways Dorian would repay him as he took the kitten and backed away like Abraxos might reconsider and take a chunk out of him. ________________________________________________________________

Dorian

It felt like an eternity since Chaol had left with the guards and when he came back. Dorian had felt utterly powerless as Manon had succumbed further into a spiral, looking for all intents and purposes utterly defeated. Not even Yrene's whispers of comfort got through her, and although Dorian wanted to help, he had no idea of what to say, because he recognized the look in her glazed eyes. He had experienced something similar when he lost Sorscha, when he had been trapped by the Wyrdstone collar, a Valg prince inside him.

He had been softly stroking her hair when Chaol rushed in, breathing heavily and leaning into his cane while in his free hand-

Yrene stood up with an 'oh!,' before taking the kitten, tears already forming in her eyes as she went back to Manon and Dorian. The latter spoke. "Nieve's right here, Manon. She's fine and safe. Chaol found her."

Recognizing the witch, the kitten positively screamed, fighting against Yrene and dropping into Manon's waiting hands. As if a veil had been lifted, that beautiful face regained motion and Dorian felt emotion rise within him as he watched her lift the purring kitten and take her close to her chest.

She looked behind them, to Chaol, who was still catching his breath. "Thank you."

Even Dorian smiled at the redness in his Hand's cheeks as the man bowed. "Anytime, Your Majesty." ________________________________________________________________

*'Nieve' is Spanish for 'snow' and is pronounced knee-eh-veh. Within tog the cat isn't a specific breed, but for the sake of how I imagine her, Nieve is a white and gray Siberian Cat, so she's going to grow quite big and fluffy.

Tags: @rufousnmacska (my lovely beta), @awesomelena555, @bookishwitchling  If you’d like to be included in the tags, please let me know!

Thank you! My other Manorian fics.

#manorian #manon blackbeak #dorian havilliard #tog #manon x dorian #chaorene #I miss my cats and that's probably why I gave her a cat

[d3-iseefire]

Little Swan Lost Chapter 35

Note: New Chapta! :D Also, awesome fan art made by the amazingly talented @metrosideros-excelsa! Check it out here: https://d3-iseefire.tumblr.com/post/617297103876718592/this-is-so-awesome-i-love-it-thank-you

Bilba sat nervously in a chair that probably cost more than her apartment in Shire and wondered if perhaps she should have chosen to put up with Kyra after all.

When Ori had invited her to breakfast, Bilba had envisioned a quaint little café, like the ones she, Rosie and Bofur had often frequented back in Shire. Small, cozy places with worn vinyl seats and round tables. Tiny windows that let in the light and sounds of birds chirping from outside and muted the quiet clink of silverware and conversation from inside.

King’s Landing was the exact opposite of that.

The restaurant was a sleek, multi-level building located on a rocky plot of land overlooking the ocean. The inside was dark and dimly lit so that it felt as if she’d stepped from the brightness of morning to the gloom of twilight. Circular, leather couches sat around what looked like marble tables and a live violinist paid quietly from a dais in the back corner.

Having never been before, Bilba had asked Cici to pick out her clothing. She’d felt worried she’d be overdressed in the resulting dress and heels but, now that she was here, she was mildly concerned she was underdressed.

Not that she would have fit in either way.

It hadn’t really occurred to her that going to breakfast would be the first time she’d officially appeared in public. Or that the eyes of every noble would be on them as they were led through the dining room to a private room.

If it weren’t for that private room, Bilba was certain she’d have turned around and walked right back out. There was simply no way she’d have been able to sit for any length of time with the weight of all those judgmental eyes on her.

The room itself was as larger than most of those cafes back home with black paneled walls, a black marble table and matching carpet. The only light came from the far wall, which was comprised entirely of glass from floor to ceiling and presented a truly amazing view of the ocean down below.

“So,” Ori’s voice broke into her musings, “what do you think?”

Bilba jumped pulled her gaze away from the window. A plate she hadn’t noticed being brought in sat before her and her stomach rumbled at the sight of the piles of food on it. At least this wasn’t one of those restaurants where they gave you a splash on the plate and called it a meal. “It’s very nice,” she said non-committedly, as she picked up her fork.

She frowned toward the door. Gareth was stationed just outside it, while Cerys stood inside. It felt awkward to be eating while the other woman just watched, but she’d already asked Cerys to join them and the offer politely declined.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ori asked. “We could have gone somewhere else if you preferred. I just thought – here is already vetted, you know? Anywhere else we’d have needed to wait for security checks, and that would take time and ---”

“And you were helping me avoid Kyra for a day,” Bilba broke in with a small smile. “I know. I just didn’t realize it would be such a—” she waved her hand as she searched for the right word. “Spectacle,” she finished finally.

That was exactly the word for it. They’d have to take a convoy, with multiple cars and she didn’t even know how many guards. Someone had clearly called ahead to let the restaurant know they were coming, and a veritable red carpet had been laid out with the owner and chef ready to greet her and escort her inside.

No one had been unkind, but the entire thing had left her stomach tied in knots. There was simply no way it had gone unnoticed. She had zero doubt that every news organization in town had been alerted to the fact she’d left the palace and the thought of having to face them when she left—

“You made a pretty big step up in rank,” Ori was saying. “And Erebor is a lot larger than Shire. How many guards did you usually have in Shire? Like ten?”

“None,” Bilba said without thinking.

Ori’s mouth literally gaped, and she dropped her fork with a clatter. At the door, Cerys shifted, but said nothing. “None?” Ori repeated, dumbfounded. “How could you have had none?”

Bilba shrugged. “I had a large family, and most of them lived in the capital. I was about as far from there as you could get. Most days, I’m sure there were few who even remembered I existed.”

“You didn’t visit?” Ori asked.

Bilba tried not to flinch. “Sometimes.”

She frowned and tried to focus on her food and not the dozens of reporters probably gathering outside, or the fact that she’d have to deal with watching Kyra fawn over Thorin at meals starting tomorrow.

Why had she thought leaving her room was such a great idea again? She’d love to just go for a walk, maybe visit Bombur and apologize for missing her first day of work, or perhaps see if she could find the college or even the ballet studio she knew existed somewhere in the town.

In Shire, she could have just done it. Here, it would be a whole thing, and even then she probably would have to check with Soren over her schedule and whatever it was she was expected to do for the day.

She absently chewed on her lower lip. She’d never actually promised Thorin she wouldn’t sneak out again, just that she’d alert her security team before leaving. Perhaps if she could think of a way around that...

Or, a petty part of her butted in, she could also tell Thorin she’d give up sneaking out if he gave up prancing about with his mistress all the damn time. He’d probably personally escort her through the passageway on the beach if she were to do that.

Maybe she should.

The second the thought crossed her mind a sour feeling settled over her. Handing him off to Kyra…grated. Not because she wanted him, but just because of how much their relationship was flaunted. An outsider might think Kyra was still his fiancé the way the two behaved and the thought of sitting back and behaving like everything was fine while she was publicly cuckolded was just…degrading.

Ori asked her a question, and Bilba tried to pay attention. She soon became engrossed in conversation with the other woman but stayed careful about what she said. No doubt every word she spoke would be reported to Ori’s husband and brother and the last thing she needed was either of them taking more than a passing interest in her.

The food was gone before she knew it and, after another half hour or so of idle talk, it was time to leave.

Cerys opened the door to the quiet sounds of the other patrons and Bilba tried her best not to panic. Already, she could tell there were far more people out there than when they’d first come in and she wasn’t the least bit surprise to catch a glimpse of reporters gathered in the parking lot past the plate glass front windows.

You’re a princess, she reminded herself firmly. It was imperative she make a good impression, and not just because of her rank or marriage to the crown prince. It was because every time she turned on the blasted TV it was to hear herself being compared to Kyra. She was always found grossly wanting. Every impropriety and misstep the other woman took was glossed over while Bilba was vilified for so much as breathing.

And that was before she had made any official, public appearances. The last thing she needed now was for them to see her falter. It would just prove the slander and lies in their eyes and pour fuel on a fire that seemed destined to burn forever.

Head high, she reminded herself as they headed out of the private room, back straight. Eyes ahead, pleasant expression. She had to tread the fine line between respecting her rank without appearing haughty or arrogant.

She was proud of herself. She didn’t start shaking until they had nearly reached the exit. When the sheer number of reporters in the parking lot became obvious, along with their cameras and other equipment. Several of the male reporters looked quite large and she mentally cringed at the thought of one or more of them grabbing her and trying to drag her over for questions. It had happened more than once in Shire, and the resulting bruises had taken days to fade.

“Your Highness,” Gareth spoke softly as they stopped just before the doors. “Are you all right?”

“Fine,” Bilba said, voice shorter than she’d intended. She really wished everyone would stop asking her that. She could see the limo she’d ridden in parked at the curb just a few feet away but it felt like miles. There were guards that had closed around her the second she’d left the private room, and still more outside, but there’d been guards like that in Shire too, hadn’t there?

Everywhere she’d gone while in the capital her grandfather had made a show of surrounding her with guards. Guards who’d done precisely nothing to keep her safe. If anything, experience had told her to be more afraid of them than of anyone they might have hypothetically protected her from.

Gareth pushed the door open and an involuntary, strangled noise escaped Bilba’s throat. Heat washed over her, and black spots danced in her vision. She felt more than saw Ori next to her, Cerys behind them and Gareth in front. He stepped out and Bilba physically forced her feet to follow.

She could do this. She’d been through worse, much, much worse, and she’d never had a choice on whether or not she wanted to go through it. There was never any choice when her grandfather was involved.

Or, at least, there was never any good choice. Go forward or face the wrath of her grandfather for defying him.

Voices instantly assailed her, so fast she could barely make out the questions, though the ones she could understand seemed to follow a familiar theme.

“Your Highness! How do you feel about the prince having to break his engagement to marry you?”

“Your Highness! Is it true you have a volatile temper?”

“Your Highness! Did you plan this to force the prince to marry you?”

The car appeared in front of her, door already open. Bilba stopped in surprise at having reached it so soon. Past the car, the reporters were still shouting questions at her, but none of them were attempting to surge past the line of guards standing between them and her.

How very odd.

“Your Highness?” Gareth’s voice made her jump. She gave him a shaky smile and slid into the car. As she settled into the leather, she felt the same mixture of relief and trepidation she always did. Limos had always been a blessing and a curse. The blessing was that the windows were tinted while the curse…was that the windows were tinted.

Ori got in, and Bilba was surprised to see her face was pale. Before she could react, the other woman leaned forward and grabbed her hands. “I’m so sorry! I never thought about reporters showing up!”

“It’s okay,” Bilba said with a tight smile. Gareth and Cerys slid in and the door shut, cutting off the shouts and rapid-fire clicks of cameras. She tried not to imagine what the stories would be. Probably something like “Princess Flaunts New Position” or else perhaps a montage of Kyra going to the same restaurant and a comparison of how she’d somehow pulled off breakfast flawlessly while Bilba had failed on every level.

The car pulled onto the street, more cars in front of and behind it, and left the reporters behind to write their stories, and spin them in whatever way they saw fit.

“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” Ori asked.

“I don’t know.” Bilba raised her head from where she’d dropped it against the seat back. “Soren has my schedule, but I have no idea what’s on it.”

“Probably not much,” Ori said. “They’ll probably ease you into things at first.”

Bilba made a non-committal noise, and idly stared out the window as they drove back to the palace. There were people on the sidewalk, going to breakfast, wandering in and out of shops, or hurrying on their way to work. A few stopped to watch as the limos raced past before returning to their routines.

None of them had to worry about reporters, nasty rumors, unwanted husbands or ever-present exes. Once, she’d have been among them, hurrying on her way to grab a morning cup of coffee before heading to her first class of the day. Or maybe she’d be window shopping with Rosie or walking with Bofur back to the studio for an early morning rehearsal.

She might have stopped for a moment to watch as the limos rushed past, but she wouldn’t have wondered about them. Wouldn’t have fantasized about who was inside or what their lives were like. That had been Rosie, and Bilba had done her best not to disillusion the other girl.

Bilba had no need to fantasize. She’d already known what it was like and had been more than happy to have the life she’d led.

More than happy…

Ahead of them, the first limos pulled past the gates leading onto the palace grounds. Bilba watched through the windshield as they pulled up the long, winding drive toward the palace. A fairy tale castle to many a young girl no doubt. Her mind went to little Wynne and she bit back a smile. Moving into the palace must be like a dream come true for her.

Her grandfather’s scheming had brought happiness to one person at least.

The car slid to a smooth stop and one of the guards opened her door. She allowed him to help her out and cast a regretful glance toward the gardens and, further down, the now closed gates leading out to the rest of the city.

Ori came up beside her while Cerys and Gareth took up position behind her.

To her surprise, Soren was waiting for her just past the entrance.

“Your Highness,” he said with a bow. “King Thrain requests your presence immediately. I’ve been sent to escort you to him.”

All the air left Bilba’s body.

“Your Highness,” a cold voice slithered in her mind. “Your grandfather requests your presence, at once.”

“I’ll go with you,” Ori said next to her.

“I’m sorry, Lady Ori,” Soren said, sounding not at all apologetic. “My instructions were to bring only the princess.”

“It’s fine.” Bilba clasped her hands together in front of her and stepped closer to Soren. “Thank you for the invitation to breakfast, Ori. I’ll talk to you later.”

Ori looked uncertain, but there was little she could do about it.

“We’ll get to work on setting up your security team, Your Highness,” Gareth’s voice reached her, and she nodded.

Soren turned away and she quietly fell in behind him, hands still clasped before her. She walked with confidence, or the appearance of it anyway, and kept her eyes fixed on nothing. A trick she’d learned long ago to avoid having to see the smirks, and smug looks on the face of her relatives as they watched her being marched off to the executioner.

If asked later, she could not have said where, exactly, the king’s office was. She felt detached as they walked, her mind wandering to a different place where she didn’t have to face whatever it was that lay before her. Where she was still in Shire, living in her apartment with Rosie and waiting for Bofur to pick her up for a date.

Back in Shire, before she’d met Bofur and Rosie, she’d take herself back even further. Back to before her parent’s had died, when the only grandfather she’d known had been Mungo Baggins. He’d bought her first pair of ballet slippers and been front and center at all of her performances, alongside her parents. He’d always applauded louder than anyone, no matter how small or inconsequential her part.

Sometimes, if she tried very hard, she could still feel the rush of the breeze as he pushed her on the swings at the park or hear his laugh whenever she did something silly to amuse him.

The last time she’d seen him they’d been preparing to take a walk to the next town over. He’d taken her to the store to buy food and snacks to prepare a lunch to have along the way, and they’d spent the evening planning when they would leave the next morning, when they would return and where they would stop along the way. Bilba had even been given a little money to be able to buy a small souvenir or dessert once they arrived.

Everything had been ready, her clothes laid out and sack lunches waiting in the fridge. She’d had a sleepover that night at a friend’s house, and had wanted to make sure everything was ready for when Grandfather Mungo came to get her the next day, so she could just get dressed, grab her bag and lunch and off they’d go.

The walk never took place.

Her parents had died that night and the shock of hearing the news had caused Grandfather Mungo to suffer a massive heart attack.

He’d lingered in the hospital for nearly a week.

She hadn’t been allowed to visit.  

They stopped in front of a large set of double doors, and Bilba pulled herself back to reality. As much as she didn’t want to, there was no other choice when facing her grandfather but to exist in the moment. He did not respond well to her failure to pay attention.

The door opened and she tensed. Soren bowed low in front of her, said something she couldn’t hear over the roar in her ears, and then stepped aside and bowed her in.

She entered and, for an instant, the room shifted and wavered into the one she was so familiar with in Shire. Her grandfather was obsessed with showing off not just his opulence, but also the impression that he was just a kindly old man. His office was homey with thick rugs, overstuffed bookcases and portraits of his family on the walls.

The sight had always made her nauseous.

The door shut behind her with a quiet click, and the room faded into the one she actually stood in. Rough, unfinished stone walls adorned with swords and weaponry. Cold rock under her feet. One, small bookcase with a few books stacked on it, and a large, rickety looking desk dominating the center of the room.

Her new father-in-law looked nothing like her grandfather.

Where her grandfather was usually near smothered in robes and jewels, the king of Erebor wore armor and the only jewelry he sported were beads in his hair and a few rings. Where her grandfather wanted to portray a false image of safety, it was clear that Thrain wished to convey one of threat.

At least he was honest about it.

Piercing eyes studied her, and Bilba dropped into a deep curtsey. Silence stretched, and she silently thanked ballet for giving her strong legs and good balance.

“Rise,” the king said finally, his voice a deep baritone that was very similar to Thorin’s.

Bilba obeyed. “Your Majesty.” She was careful to keep her voice soft and fixed her eyes on the desk.

He made a harrumph sound. “At least you have some training, not that it prompted you to introduce yourself upon your arrival.”

���My apologies,” Bilba said quietly. Part of her wanted to point to the deception by the head housekeeper and head butler but she realized that Thrain must already know. Reminding him would most likely be seen as an insult, or as her making excuses.

Thrain muttered under his breath and leaned forward in his chair, bringing his arms and hands into her view as he rested them on the desk. They were gnarled and craggy, as was the rest of the him, a ruler used to hard work and getting into the muck and mire alongside his subjects. It spoke well of him in one aspect at least. Her grandfather would no more sully his hands than he would allow a perceived slight to go unpunished.

“Now that you’ve finally deigned to show yourself,” Thrain said in a cold voice, “tell me, Your Highness, how it is that you and my son have been married a full month and have yet to produce a child?”

Follow on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1743620/chapters/3723188

#Writing #My writing #fanfiction #fanfic #LOTR #Hobbit #Tolkien #Female Bilbo #Female Bilbo Baggins #AU #modern #Angst #Arranged Marriage #Bagginshield

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Burned Part 10

Summary:  Alfie Solomons is in need of a secretary. Tommy Shelby mentions a young woman in need of employment. From there the two step into a dangerous dance together.

Part 10: Louise and Alfie make a trip to Warwickshire as Alfie gets involved with some jewels.

          “Lou.”

           The petite form buried under the quilts turned over in response to Alfie’s voice. A muffled grumble came from beneath and he chuckled.

           “Lou, s’morning, love.” Alfie coyly reached out and pushed the blankets away from her feet so he could tickle her.

           Louise squealed and curled up in a ball to get away from him. “Alfie!” She tossed the blankets back and gave him a look of displeasure. “That’s not fair.”

           “Easiest way to get you outta bed.” He grinned and his chest tightened when she emerged. Her disheveled curls and light brown eyes were his greatest weakness. “How is it, yeah, that m’lready dressed and you’re still lazing ‘round?” He teased and bent down to touch her cheek.

           “Because you kept me up all night long, you insatiable man.” She retorted and straightened up to kiss him.

           But Alfie pulled away before she could. “Things to be done. Taking a drive out to the countryside.”

           Louise sat up and stretched. “What sort of business do you have in the countryside?” She asked before standing and going to get dressed.

           “Never said it had anything to do with business.” He shrugged and took a moment to appreciate her form in the barely-there nightgown as she bent over to open a drawer.

           “You can’t lie and ogle me from behind, Mr. Solomons.”

           He smirked and ran a hand through his hair. “Jus’ get ready to go.” He headed for the door but paused. “Unless you’ll be having a hard time walking, yeah, after last night?” He added.

           “You cheeky bastard.” Louise threw a blouse at him a blush spreading over her cheeks. He laughed and retreated downstairs before desire got the best of him and they never left the bedroom.

           Indeed there was work to be done.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           “You could’ve told me we were going to visit Tommy.” Louise didn’t look up from her journal. Her pen scratching against the parchment filling the space between her and Alfie.

           He furrowed his eyebrows. “In the area, weren’t we?”

           She let out a low hum. Those around Alfie knew that he lied by omission. “Should’ve realized.”

           “Well, s’fucking nice to be out in fresh air, innit? Thought you might want to see the horses he’s got.” Alfie was far more comfortable having her with him than leaving her alone at the bakery. Or perhaps he used his pointless worry as an excuse to have her along. She was the only one who could calm his nerves. And if the whispers around London were true then he was going to desperately need some calming down.

           “I’m not arguing. I’m just saying your secretary should be aware of your business exchanges.” Her eyes glanced up at him. “For business purposes.”

           “Just dropping in for a chat, yeah? Catch up with a dear friend. Nothing that needs to be written down.”

           Louise closed her journal. “I’ll never understand you completely, Alfie Solomons.”

           “Well, you’re probably the person who’s ever going to get the closest, Lou. Just afraid you won’t fucking like what you find.” The car pulled up the gravel drive and stopped in front of the stately manor.

           “You’ll have to try a little harder to scare me off.” She leaned forward to kiss his cheek before exiting the car.

           Since Louise had only stopped at the door, she was keen to see the inside of the Arrow House. Like most wealthy estates, including the one she grew up in, it was filled with expensive décor, trinkets, and detail. The rooms were spacious; impossible to heat completely so there was always a cold empty feeling in the winter months. A heavy sadness filled the space and it hardly felt like a home, more a museum of secretive grief.

           As they were let in, Louise noticed the large portrait of what was once the Shelby family. Tommy and Grace proudly holding their young son. It was hard to believe such a beautiful young woman was taken from the Earth so violently. A shadow of a thought crossed her mind.

           What if she ended up the same way?

           “Good morning Mr. Solomons. Miss Barnes”

           Louise sat in front of the large desk while Alfie lingered by the window. She offered Tommy a polite smile, it had been the first time she’d seen him since he lost Grace. It was obvious the loss affected him deeply and Louise couldn’t blame him.

           Alfie rambled on about the home while Tommy poured himself a drink. Louise tried to warn Alfie beforehand to behave since the man had become a widower so recently. But you couldn’t change habits in one day.

           She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and gave Alfie a discontent look. “Your housekeeper said you weren’t supposed to be drinking, Mr. Shelby.” It was hard not to be concerned about the man.

           Tommy just shook his head.

           Alfie walked over to him. “Right, she said you’re suffering from so many ancient injuries from your sporting life that your head is like some sort of smashed vase stuck together by a horse.”

           “Alfie.” Louise scolded sternly.

           “S’alright, Louise.” Tommy waved her off and slowly sat down next to her. “Always the man of many words, isn’t he?”

           “Something like that.” She sighed.

           “Lou, why don’t you go out ‘n see the horses, eh?” Alfie touched her shoulder. “Get some air?”

           She knew when she was to leave so men could talk business so she stood up. “I would like to see the grounds.”

           “That’s fine, in fact, Madeline?” He called.

           A few moments later, a young woman walked in. “Yes, Mr. Shelby?”

           “Would you mind taking Charlie out for a walk and show Miss Barnes around the grounds?” Tommy asked.

           “Of course.” The redhead nodded and smiled at Louise.

           Before leaving, Louise bent down to whisper in Alfie’s ear. “You be respectful. He’s obviously grieving.”

           He grunted in response as she kissed his cheek. “Right, take this, getting cold out, innit?” He looped his scarf around her neck.

           She smiled slightly and followed Madeline out of the study.

~~~~~~~~~

           Charlie Shelby was a lovely little boy. Shy but overly curious. Louise hadn’t had much experience with children. Being an only child she had no siblings to care for. For a long time, she found she was jealous when she saw a mother with her child. Louise longed to have children but Daniel made her feel worthless. Now she wondered if there would ever be a time she and Alfie could have a child.

           Of course, there were steel barriers along that path. Would it be too dangerous to raise a child in such a life? Would Alfie even want children? Even if they reached the point of agreement, what if Daniel had been right along? What if she was incapable of bearing children?

           It was a tough pill to swallow.

           Still, it was fun spending time with the joyful little boy. Charlie was blissfully unaware of the life his family lived. He was cradled in the wealth of his family, much too young to understand any of it.

           She hardly even realized how time had passed so quickly. It was far too entertaining to watch the little boy toddle around the stables. He stuck his pudgy hand in the watering troughs to poke at the goldfish, tugged dandelions out of the ground, and pointed at the horses in the paddocks.

           After agreeing to aid Tommy in part of the jewelry heist, Alfie walked outside to find Louise. He stopped short when he found her sitting in the tall grass with Charlie and Madeline. The young boy had warmed up to her and giggled as she made silly faces to entertain him.

           The man was struck by how natural she appeared. His stomach knotted up when he saw the motherly demeanor. She looked so happy.

           Alfie told her that he would give her anything. Anything at all. But he wasn’t sure what he would do if she requested a family with him. It was hardly a life for a child to live in. And he highly doubted his ability to be a father. He sighed deeply and continued walking towards her. It wasn’t the time to think about children or disappointing Louise. Dangerous work was ahead of him and he had to do everything he could to keep it secret from her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

          Louise knew there was something weighing on Alfie’s mind. For days, he was much quieter than usual. It was unsettling to say the least because she couldn’t pinpoint his exact emotion. He wasn’t angry or he’d be ranting and raving at anyone within earshot. He wasn’t worried because he’d be trying his best to act cool, calm, and collected. No, it was something entirely new. And yet, he said he was perfectly fine when she questioned him.

           Then, one night, he pulled his coat on after dinner. Louise and Evelyn were standing at the sink finishing the dishes.

           “Where are you off to, then Mr. Solomons?” The maid asked.

           Louise looked over, a towel in hand. “Alfie?”

           He seemed uneasy and not keen on a discussion. It appeared he had tried to slip out without them even knowing. “Be back late.” He replied gruffly but circumvented the actual question.

           “Alfie, where are you going?” Louise repeated Evelyn.

           His blue eyes focused on buttoning his waistcoat and checking the time. “Business, love.”

           “Business? At this hour?”

           “No need to worry. S’nothing bad.” He promised but of course, most of his dealings could be classified as bad to the common onlooker.

           Louise chewed on her lip. She was obviously worried about his lack of detail but couldn’t stop him. “Okay. Be safe.” Her voice was weak with reluctant complacency.

           He glanced up at her, a hint of guilt crossing his face. A soft sigh slipped out his lips and he walked into the kitchen. He kissed her gently almost as an apology. “Goodnight, see you in the morning.” He murmured and donned his hat before leaving.

           Evelyn returned to the washing but Louise was gripped with discomfort. “He’s keeping something from me.” She said to the young woman.

           “He would never be unfaithful to you, Louise,” Evelyn assured her. “He’d be lost without you.”

           “I’m not worried about that, Lyn. I’m worried he’s getting himself into something dangerous.” She admitted. “And I think it has something to do with the Shelbys.”

~~~~~~~~~~

           It was nearly three in the morning when Alfie finally returned back to London. He did his best to stay quiet while entering the flat but the creaking stairs gave him away. He saw the lamp on under their bedroom door, the light filtering into the hallway.

           Alfie opened the door and found Louise in bed, still awake. Cyril stood guard by the bed and a low growl emerged before he realized it was his master returning home.

           “Lou, why’re you still up?” He asked and patted Cyril.

           She sat up, the quilts over her knees, her arms tucking them to her chest. “I couldn’t sleep. I was…” Her voice left off at the end.

           Alfie cleared his throat, trying to get rid of the guilt building up inside of him. He stripped down to his boxers and slipped into bed with her. “You were what, love?”

           “I was concerned. You didn’t really say where you were going and I thought something might happen to you.” She admitted.

           He leaned on his side, propping his cheek up to look at her. “I’m alright, ain’t I? I’m here now so you can go to sleep.”

           She merely stared at him in disappointment. Surely she thought he would sympathize with her anxiety. She could recall the times he had to leave for a day or two and had men watching the flat just in case. And of course the time he nearly blew a fuse when she visited the Shelbys. It wasn’t fair she couldn’t have it the same way. “Where were you?”

           “I had some business to attend to at Hampton Court.” Maybe if he gave her a definitive location she would be satisfied.

           But no, Louise only got more uneasy. “Hampton Court?” Her eyebrow shot up. “What in the world were you doing in Hampton Court?” She couldn’t even fathom what Alfie would need to do at the royal palaces and aristocratic manors of the area.

           He licked his bottom lip and tried to think of something to tell her without getting her worked up. “A favor for Tommy.”

           Louise was starting to get the idea that maybe she should be a little more wary of the Shelbys like Alfie had initially said. “What sort of favor?”

           Alfie groaned and ran a weary hand over his face. “Lou, I don’t know what to tell you.”

           “What happened?” She gasped and grabbed his wrists. A faint rope burn marked his wrists.

           “Nothing, love, it’s okay.”

           “I don’t appreciate you lying to me, Alfred Solomons.” She retorted strongly. Her thumbs grazing over the discoloration on his skin.

           He closed his eyes and tried to just focus on her touch. He wanted to put the whole evening behind him but knew Louise wouldn’t let it go until he was honest. “Don’t know what happened in that accident but I tell ya, Tommy’s fucking head, it in’t right anymore. He’s been getting himself into bad dealings.” Alfie figured if he could place some partial blame on Tommy, Louise would let him off the hook.

           “And?”

           “And I promised I would help him with something small.”

           “Alfie…” Louise’s shoulders deflated when she realized her suspicions were correct.

           “It weren’t anything bad. He just asked me to help him price some jewelry.” He defended his actions. “That’s all I promised to do.”

           “For who? Whose jewelry?”

           A look of distaste wrinkled his face. “Russians.” He spoke the word with such venom. “Wish I could fucking wring that little man’s neck.”

           Louise lay down beside him. She could see the obvious anger in his face. There was no telling who these Russians were and what sort of hand they had in killing most of Alfie's family and friends. “What is he doing with Russians?”

           “Robbing ‘em.” Alfie closed his eyes and let out a tired yawn. “But my part is over and done with. It’s all up to him now.”

           She curled up to his side. Of course, she was concerned about what sort of danger Alfie was possibly putting himself in this time around. Nothing was ever as straight forward as he claimed it was. But, he was clearly tired and she felt he had been honest with her. It was too late to keep pressing the matter “Next time, just be honest with me. That's all I want from you. I don't like you covering things up, you can't keep them bottled up inside you.”

           “I know, love.” He mumbled, only moments from falling asleep.

           “I love you.” She murmured and kissed his shoulder before closing her eyes as well.

           He wouldn’t tell her about his own separate plans to take advantage of the knowledge he now had. But he had a feeling it would come to bite him later. Most things did.

~~~~~~~~~~~

           The next morning, Louise was satisfied to truly know why Alfie had been acting so strange. Sensing it was over; she was ready to get back to their normal routine. It was Sabbath so there was no work to be done. Of course, Alfie would get some paperwork done in his private study even though the bakery was closed. Even god must’ve done some inventory of his creations while resting.

           But for now, he was content to stay in bed with Louise. He was basking in the sun coming in through the window, indulging in the warmth from her petite form pressed against him. The soft sighs and breaths were like music to him, drowning out the filthy London streets below. She was his personal escape, a vacation amid the city.

           It only got better when she opened her eyes and smiled up at him. Her hazel eyes glimmering with warmth. Truly, he was being rewarded for his honesty the night before, because she grazed her lips over his ear as she uttered his name.

           “Alfie…”

           “Yes, love?”

           “Make love to me.”

           The breathy neediness sent him reeling. There was no need to ask twice. He instantly moved to pepper her body with kisses. Touching every birthmark, freckle, and curve of her body. He spent a considerable amount of time between her thighs, bringing her to the edge of climax only to back off and relish in her whimpers of desperation. Finally, he couldn’t hold her back anymore and dug his fingers into her hips as she rode out the orgasm.

           “Alfie…” She shivered through the tremors and tugged on his hair to earn a groan.

           He raised himself up to kiss her cheek. His body protested though and he braced against his forearms. “Fuck, me hip.” He cursed as the movement aggravated his nerves and shot sharp pains up and down his legs and back.

           Her forehead wrinkled in concern. “Do you want to stop? It's okay if you need to.” She murmured and stroked his face.

           “Not a chance in hell.” He held her hips and rolled them over so she was straddling his waist. “Just gonna have to improvise, that's all.”

           Louise grinned and kissed him so hard their lips almost bruised. He kissed back eagerly and lined herself up to her so she could slowly slide down onto him. Alfie moaned and felt his stomach clench at the sight of her on top of him. “Fucking hell.” He dragged out the words and quickly slipped off her nightgown so he could see all of her. Her soft skin warming in the morning sunlight.

           She tipped forward, her hips bucking faster to try and reach the high she craved. Her face buried into the crook of his neck.

           “Easy, love.” He murmured and tightened his grip on her to slow her movements. “No need to rush. We've got all morning, don't we?”

           “Not fair, I was close.” She whined in protest but didn’t fight against him. They moved fluidly together, able to find a slow burning sensation. Louise felt like her skin was scorching as electric pulses hit her nerves. There was no room in her body for rational thought. She was too overcome with utter desire and adoration for her lover.

           Alfie craved the control he had over her while still being vulnerable. It was exhilarating to listen to her pleading for release and to feel her body reacting so strongly to him. He slowly began to unravel and thrust his hips up to make sure she was right there with him.

           “Oh!” Louise sat up again as the unexpected wave of pleasure hit her. She threw her head back and her spine locked up. “Alfie!”

           He lost all sense of himself. His brain clicked off and he felt like the universe around him was shattering. He could only see her. His ego, his personality, his esteem meant absolutely nothing.

           “Fuck…” Louise slumped forward against his chest. Her breathing was off-kilter from the overwhelming sensation still lingering.

           They both had to take a minute to compose themselves and gain back basic thought processing.

           “Well, fuck, we’re doing that again.” Alfie chuckled and held her close to him.

           “Definitely.” She panted and smiled against his shoulder. “How’s your hip?”

           “Lou, I think you knocked the sciatica right outta me.” He grinned and ran his fingers down her spine. “Fuck, you’re a gift from above.”

           Louise raised her head and pecked his lips. “So are you. You’re my angel.” She stood up to wash off a bit in the bathroom.

           Alfie wasn’t sure about that but he didn’t correct her.

~~~~~~~~~

Permanent Tag: @sansajonsastark​

Tag list: @vehement-care​ @kimmietea​ @eleventhdoctorsangel​

Masterpost

PB Masterlist 

#alfie solomons #alfie solomonsxoc #alfie solomons x oc #alfie solomons imagine #tom hardy #tom hardy character #peaky blinders #peaky blinder imagine #peaky blinders fanfiction #peaky fookin blinders #peaky blinder fanfic #fanfiction #ofc #oc #series #tommy shelby #charles shelby #cyril solomons

[sugarbooger513]

Moving On- Chapter Four

Warnings- Mentions of sex, cussing(is that a warning?), some heartbreak, toxic relationship, and some very fluffy, in love Aizawa. Enjoy <3

"Nah, dad, I'm full." Lilith smiles at papa and dad respectively. They both smile lovingly at their bonus daughter. "It's nice having the two of you home. Really, it is." Jasper look up from her phone with a grin. "A week at this place was very needed, honestly. I missed being around my old Daisy Mae." The eleven year old dog lets out a happy whine when she hears her name. Lilith nods and scratches the Shepherd's fluffy neck. "We totally use y'all for the cute dog. You know that, right?" The parents shrug with small chuckles. Jasper's phone buzzes, so she grabs it from the table and answers the call without looking at the ID. "Daedalus speaking." "Jas, I have a question." She smiles at the small chuckle on the other end. "What's up, Sho?" Lilith perks up at the sound of her old teacher's nickname. "Mic and I need sparring partners. You and Lilith wanna join?" Jasper looks over at Lilith, who nods eagerly. "Sure. Where-" "Mic left to get you not long ago. He should be there in two or three minutes." Of course Mic is already on his way. "Well, let me change and Papa or Dad will let him inside." "See you soon, Jas." She hangs up and rushes to her bedroom to put on some clothes that allow her to move a bit more freely. Meanwhile, Lilith goes to the front door and opens it to a very shocked Hizashi. "Hey, kid. You two ready?" "I am, but Jas is changing. Come on inside." He smiles at her politeness and walks in so she can shut the door. "I'll warn her when she gets out here, but Joke is gonna be there to watch." Lilith scrunches her nose at that. "And I'm not supposed to say anything about that?" "Well," Mic scratches the back of his neck, "if she steps out of line, I won't get mad at you. I can't speak for Sho, however." "Eraser will get over it." Mic is about to ask her to behave when Jasper comes out of the room. Instead of her shorts and tanktop, she's now in a loose, short sleeved shirt and some sweatpants. She reminds him a lot of Aizawa since her wardrobe seems to mostly be black. Mic throws his arms open, like he does every day, and scoops Jasper into a tight hug. "I missed ya baby!" "Geez, boomboom baby, don't crush me! I missed you, too!" They all three say goodbye to papa and dad before they walk to Mic's car. "Jas," Mic glances over at her from the driver's seat, "I'll tell you what I told Lilith. Joke insisted on watching the sparring." "Okay, but she better not throw a fit if Sho and I happen to bump into each other." Mic smirks. "I'll call her out on her bullshit, okay? That's the best way for Sho to keep some sort of sanity." Other than that short conversation, the car ride is quiet. Well, as quiet as a car ride with Mic can be. He sings whatever random song pops into his head. Rather than going to the school, Mic takes them to his and Aizawa's shared apartment. Outside, Aizawa is calmly wrapping his knuckles with tape while his girlfriend is rattling on about something. To be honest, he doesn't even know what she's saying. When he hears a car door close, Aizawa looks up and smiles at the sight. Lilith seems ready for this, Mic is already pulling leather gloves on, and Jasper is just.. here. Her blue eyes meet his, and both of them smile. "Hey, booboo eye." "Geez, hey Jas." He can feel Joke glare a hole through the back of his head. Jasper glances at Aizawa's bare arms, shocked that he isn't wearing his usual hero costume. Instead, he's pretty much wearing the same thing she is. "Christ, Sho, I thought you were scrawny." He tilts his head, suddenly aware of her looking a bit worriedly at his toned biceps. "Oh, that. It's nothing." "Hey, who is pairing with who?" Mic's question snaps Jasper's attention from the fact that Aizawa is built. Joke quickly chimes in. "I mean, guys against girls sounds fun." When Aizawa shakes his head, she glares even more(if that's possible). "I work with Mic all the time, and Lilith is pretty much Jasper's partner. I'm thinking support quirks versus physical quirks." Joke tilts her head. "So you and Lilith?" Aizawa can't help but chuckle. "Nope. Jas, you're with me." Jasper knows she should stand up for Joke, at least a little. She's obviously pissed that Aizawa wants to partner with her. Still, he has a point. Working with other quirks has great advantages. She shrugs, meeting Aizawa's smirk with one of her own. "Okay, Eraser. I would love to work with you." "Then we should talk strategy. Two minutes to debrief with our partners?" Mic nods in agreement and waves for Lilith to follow him. Joke follows Aizawa and Jasper when they move farther from the other duo. Still, the two friends ignore her presence. "Okay," Aizawa glances towards Mic, "you've worked with Mic. His quirk is devastating. However, he can't use it at full capacity during a spar." "Lilith's quirk is strong, too. She'll make them weapons, I'm almost sure. Honestly, you should keep her quirk cancelled." Aizawa nods understandingly. "Are you comfortable having a one on one with Mic?" "I won't let him beat me in close combat, Sho. Who do you think I am?" He smirks at her retort. "I trust that you can take a beating, Jas, don't worry. Still, I have my scarf, so don't freak out if I randomly yank you out of his reach." "Just yell my name beforehand, deal?" "Deal." Joke glares at Jasper as she giggles with Aizawa. How dare she call him Sho like it's okay? They don't know each other well enough to be on nickname terms. But.. he did call her Jas rather than Jasper or Daedalus. "Y'all ready to get your asses beat?" Mic's teasing remark makes Aizawa's eye twitch. When they walk in front of the other duo, Jasper pulls brass knuckles from her pocket and slips them over her fingers. Mic notices and smirks. "Remember your eye drops, Sho?" "Shut up and throw a punch, man." Mic shrugs and immediately reaches for Aizawa's scarf. Jasper doesn't waste anytime landing a kick in the blonde's abdomen to knock him back while Aizawa gets out of the way. It seems they planned to go after the opposite people because Lilith rushes cold air straight at Jasper. She'll always tell people, as simple as a quirk like cloud manipulation sounds, it has so many uses that it's crazy. Suddenly, the cold is gone and Lilith let out a weird growl of frustration. "Damn you, Eraserhead!" Aizawa lowers his goggles over his eyes with a smirk. "Come after me then, brat, or are you too scared?" He really knows how to push her buttons. As soon as Jasper takes her attention away from the two of them, Mic has the front of her shirt gripped in his fist. "That really fucking hurt, baby, so I apologize for this." She covers her ears, but his laughter makes her curse. His free hand goes into a fist and he lands a punch directly to her diaphragm, knocking the wind from her body. Rather than dropping her, He actually slams her into the hard dirt, which causes tears to prick the corner of her eyes. "Givin' up already, baby?" When her eyes open, he freezes at the bright orange color. He knows that he has to move, keep out of her sight, but it's too late. She smirks and glances beside her. Luckily enough, there happens to be a beetle. "Hey, Mic, I see that your biggest weakness is bugs." "Fuck." As soon as she throws the beetle on him, he lets out a loud yell. "Hey, Mic," Lilith yells from behind him, "you were supposed to warn me if you were about to- fuck!" Apparently Aizawa cut her words off. Jasper jumps to her feet, taking the opportunity to kick Mic while he's freaking out from the beetle. Once he's on the ground, she turns to see the situation between Aizawa and Lilith. Aizawa, like Jasper, specializes in hand to hand combat, so he isn't uncomfortable being in a deadlock with his former student. What does bother him is the fact that her quirk is just like....his old friend's. Even though her quirk is cancelled right now, her eyes shimmer blue just like his. It's too much of a coincidence. He would never tell her this, but that's why he gave her such a hard time as a student. He never disliked her. In fact, he saw her potential faster than any other teacher did, but he let the fact that she was like his old friend get to his own head. Lilith throws a punch, easily connecting with Aizawa's jaw. He smirks from it, already wrapping his scarf around her ankle. "Fuck!" He lifts her into the air easily and sends Jasper a nod. "I think we won this-" When he cuts off, he drops Lilith from the air and throws his scarf at Jasper. When it wraps around her waist, she notices Mic getting up and turning the dial on his speaker up. Aizawa yanks his sparring partner towards him, accidentally pulling her into his chest. "Sorry, but cover your-" Mic lets out a loud yell just as Lilith throws her own hands over her ears. Aizawa covers Jasper's ears with his large hands, and opens his eyes, cancelling Mic's yell almost as soon as it started. "Okay! We're done! Fuck, my eyes hurt.." Aizawa takes his hands from Jasper's head and starts rubbing his irritated eyes. Jasper rushes to where Lilith is sitting on the ground. She smiles at the white haired girl before she extends her hand to her. Lilith grins and gladly takes the help in getting up. "Yeah," Lilith pops her neck with a sigh, "he isn't aging fast enough." "Hey, if he didn't have your quirk cancelled, you could have beat his ass." The two girls laugh. Aizawa and Mic give each other a high five. "Here, Sho." Mic digs in his pocket for a bottle of eyedrops, which Aizawa takes gratefully. "Thanks, man. That was fun." "You enjoy working with Jas?" Aizawa rolls his eyes before throwing his head back to use the drops. The cooling sensation makes him sigh softly. "Of course I do. She's a very talented pro." Mic drops the subject when he notices Lilith, Jasper, and Joke walking towards them. "Sho," Jasper places her hand on his sweaty back, "thanks for covering my ears. That shit would have hurt." "Trust me," he chuckles, "it did hurt." When her gaze turns to worry, he throws his sweaty arm around her shoulders. "It's fine. I live with the guy, so I have a bit of a toler-" "Shouta." He grimaces when Joke calls him by his first name. "Yes, Joke?" "Get your arm off of her. Now." "I'm sorry, but I didn't realize that Eraser was dating his mom." Jasper is quick to yank Lilith to her. A real fight wouldn't be a good idea at this moment in time. Mic even gives her a pleading look that speaks 'let me handle it'. "Joke," Mic does great at keeping his voice patient, "we're all just having a good time. Don't bring it down with all your jealousy bullshit." Joke scoffs. "Whatever. Shut up, Mic." Something behind the friendly gleam in his emerald eyes ignites. "Okay, Emi, here's what we aren't going to do. We are NOT going to disrespect me when I pay half the rent here. We are NOT going to boss around Sho like he's a child. And finally, we are NOT going to disrespect OUR friends." "Mic," Aizawa gently places a hand on the blonde's arm, "allow me, please. I appreciate your concern, but she's my girlfriend." Joke smirks, obviously thinking that she won the argument. Aizawa narrows his grey eyes at her slightly. "I need you to leave, Joke." "What?!" He holds a hand up, obviously treating her like she's an unruly student. "I'm not dealing with this today. Today I'll be hanging out with my friends. I need a break and I would like to spend it around these three." When she stomps her foot, Aizawa is reminded of a toddler not getting their way. The difference is that it can be slightly amusing with a toddler. "Joke, go." "No. You're my-" Jasper doesn't meant to interrupt the tantrum, but something about it finally pushes her over the edge. "Shut the fuck up, Joke." Mic slaps a hand over his mouth, and Lilith has to do the same to keep from laughing. Aizawa stares at Jasper, shocked. Joke turns her glare to Jasper, who has her arms crossed over her chest. "Excuse me?" "I don't think I stuttered." Aizawa goes to stand between them, but Lilith reaches out and grabs his arm. When he looks confused, she shakes her head. She knows Jasper better than anyone else. If there's one person who can show Aizawa that he can do better, it's her. "I don't think you understand, Jasper, that he's my boyfriend." "I don't think you understand, Emi, that he isn't your property. Sho is allowed to live a life with friends that you don't hang out with." Joke scoffs. "Who the hell do you think you are, anyways?" "Oh," she fakes a wide smile, "where are my manners? I'm the All-Knowing hero, Daedalus, and if you don't respect my friend's wishes and leave then we're going to have an issue between us." "You enjoy being a smart ass?" "Kinda, yeah." The two women stare into each other's eyes. Joke's shine from possession and anger, but Jasper's only show how protective she can be. She's usually a patient person. It's really hard to annoy or piss her off, but Joke seemed to find the one thing that makes her blood boil. Joke is a bully. That's all there is to it. "You don't scare me, Daedalus." Jasper smiles in what could be taken as either sweetly or sarcastically. "I prefer it that way, hun. Now, skedaddle before I teach you how to play thirty-two pick up." She sees Joke throw a punch, so she raises her arm to easily block it. "Oop, too slow." With a quick swipe of her foot, Joke is knocked on her ass in the dirt. Aizawa, having seen enough, activates his quirk and wraps his scarf tightly around Jasper's wrist. She looks back at him, shocked to see anger in his eyes. "Sh-Sho, I'm.. I'm sorry." "Joke," he ignores Jasper's apology, "leave, now. You raised a hand to my friend, and I will NOT tolerate it." He knows Jasper would beat Joke in a fight. Why would she? Well, Aizawa wouldn't let Jasper fight alone, that's why. "Fine, but if I leave, we have to have a talk about our relationship!" "Later. As of right now, I'm not sure we have one." That makes everyone freeze. Even Mic's jaw drops. Joke shakes her head, laughing out of sheer disbelief. "You.. you don't mean that. You're just angry." "We'll discuss this later. Leave before I get angry." He isn't already angry? Joke slowly backs away, eventually getting in her car and driving away. Jasper tugs at Aizawa's scarf, which he quikly takes off of her wrist. "I apologize, Jas. I shouldn't have wrapped your wrist so tightly." She looks at the forming red mark and lets out a small chuckle. "Hey, it's nothing Rumi hasn't done to me before, booboo eye." The comment makes his cheeks flush, but his laughter makes the tightness in her chest release. Lilith takes a grand opportunity. "She really prefers the kinky stuff. Ropes were fun, so was the cho-" "Lilith!" "But you can't ever expect her to be on top. Gives her real bad-" "Lilith Maebh Clarey!" Lilith chuckles and crosses her arms over her chest. "What? I'm not wrong." "I-I don't need everyone knowing!" "Oh, but they haven't experienced it, Jas." Mic's eyes suddenly shoot open from the realization. "Woooooah! Have you two..?" "Banged? Yeah, about two years ago. It was fun." Lilith is chuckling, but Jasper buries her face in her hands. "Jas, I promise I look like more of a hoe than you do. I have slept with more than two people." "Can my bedroom stuff just STAY in the BEDROOM?!" Lilith snickers, and Mic quite literally falls onto the ground laughing. Aizawa, however, walks over and places a gentle hand on her shoulder. When she uncovers her bright red face, he smiles softly. "If you're worried that you'll be judged, don't. I'm your friend." Her crystal eyes widen as a smile graces her soft features. A moment of poor judgement cause him to slide his calloused hand from her shoulder to her cheek, caressing it like he should be doing with Joke. Jasper's breath hitches, but she can't force herself to back away. This is wrong. Still, she leans into his hand, enjoying the way he runs his thumb along her cheekbone. Her smaller hand comes up to rest on the back of his, which makes him let out a long, content sigh. What he would give to pull her in just for a small kiss. He wants to be able to laugh at how much he has to bend down to press his lips on hers, or how she would have to stand on the very tips of her toes to keep him from craning his neck too much. What he would give to be in a different universe. A universe where an angel like her could possibly feel the same for the crabby side character.

"This is disgusting." Mic chuckles at Lilith's whisper. Still, she can't keep from beaming at the sight of her best friend practically melting from Aizawa's touch. "You caused this. You did it on purpose, you cheeky minx." She winks at Mic. "Of course I did. I don't see Mirko and Jasper lasting, and I want this to happen. Joke doesn't deserve Eraser. He's a good guy." "Are you a little infatuated with him yourself?" Lilith makes a gagging sound that seems a little too realistic. "As if. You have a better chance at getting in my pants." He raises a blonde eyebrow and smirks. "I do, now? How.. how good of a chance?" Lilith winks, yet again, at the over enthusiastic blonde. "I don't know, Mic. How good of a chance do you want?"

"Sho, you're too sweet." "Try telling Mic that." Her eyes wander to his bare bicep, and she notices scars littering it. "Do you have a lot of scars?" "I mean, I guess so. I don't pay too much attention to them once they're healed. I just hate that the one on my face is so visible." "I.. I like that scar." "I know you do. It gave you a clever nickname for me." She rolls her eyes and he finally pulls his hand from her face. "There's a pond not too far from here. You wanna go feed some ducks.. or something." Her eyes lighten up, and he feels his heart skip a beat. "I love ducks! Hey, Lil- where did Lilith and Mic go?" Aizawa glances where he last remembers seeing their two friends. For some reason, there's now no sign of them. Jasper shrugs. "Maybe they're screwing." "I.. I don't want that image in my mind." Jasper giggles and pats Aizawa on his back. "So.. ducks?" "Yeah, lets go see some ducks before I think about that image anymore." Aizawa leads the way towards the pond. It isn't super fancy or anything, but he likes to take a walk there when work and Joke get to be too much. He really expects her to disregard it entirely. Still, the way she beams when she sees one of the ducks makes him feel... alive. The two of them sit in the grass. When his legs brushes hers, her cheeks warm. "Do you come here often, Sho?" "Mic is my closest friend, but he's super fucking loud. I just sometimes.. I need alone time. Joke doesn't seem to understand that." "Am.. Am I invading that time?" His slate colored eyes turn to her. "You, Jasper, could never invade my alone time." Jasper's giggle makes his heart thump even harder than it already was. He pleas that she can't hear it like he can. A comfortable silence falls over the two friends as they watch a mother duck lead her babies into the pond. After a little bit of swimming, a few of the ducklings start to splash each other with the chilly water, which makes Jasper smile. Across the pond, two teenagers are walking, their hands clasped together. The boy even spins the girl in a circle, no doubt making her laugh. "They look so sweet together." Aizawa follows where Jasper is looking with a chuckle. "You think so?" "I mean, Rumi.. she doesn't let people know about us, really. I understand, though. She's a top hero, so she has fans.. and a reputation. Being seen with a support hero might.. might ruin that, you know? So it always makes me happy to see others so happy showing each other off." Aizawa watches as her eyes lose a bit of their spark. "You want that, don't you?" Her face flushes from embarrassment. "I mean, I don't want to seem ungrateful. I understand the privacy thing." "But you're allowed to want something, Jas." She bites her cheek slightly. She really can't lie to him. "I.. I don't want to be the center of her life. I really don't. I just.. something as little as holding my hand in public would be amazing. Sometimes I just want... I want.." Aizawa scoots a little closer to her, inviting her into the warmth of his embrace. It's not something he offers everyone. "You want..?" "I just want to be.. more appreciated than I feel.." There aren't any tears in her eyes, but he hears them. If she wasn't used to holding her tears back, she would be sobbing at this point. He wraps his arm around her shoulders and pulls her into his side. Jasper closes her eyes and lets out a shaky breath. The heat radiating from Aizawa is comfortable, and the scent of his deodorant is intoxicating. "Sorry, I'm still all sweaty from the spar." "No," she glances up at his face, "I don't mind. You actually smell really nice." He snorts at how cute she is. "Sho, that was the cutest noise I have heard you make." "It was not cute." "Shut up. It was." He smirks, suddenly shoving her back into the grass. "Oh really? Lets see how many cute noises I can pull from you!" He finds different ticklish spots around her ribs effortlessly, and each one makes her squirm like crazy. "S-Sho! S-stop it!" Even though she tries to sound intimidating, the constant laughter and giggles makes it a little hard to take her serious. "I don't listen to brats, Jas, sorry." "F-f-fuck y-you!" Her 'anger' only encourages him. He takes a few smacks to his arms, which sting, but not enough to make him quit. However, one kick knocks him off of her and into- "Sho! Oh shit!" Jasper leaps up and grabs his hand. He stands in the pond, water dripping all the way from the top of his head. Jasper covers her mouth and backs away as he starts ringing out his scarf. He lets out a small chuckle. "I deserved that, honestly." "Sho.. I really didn't mean to do that! I am so sorry!" He shrugs, now pulling his boots off to pour the water out of them. "It's really okay, Jas. Shit happens. Next time I'll make sure to move you away from the pond before I do that again." Despite him still dripping water, she can't help but throw herself into his arms. He feels her trembling and quickly embraces her. "Why are you shaking, Jas?" "I-I was so scared you would be mad.." He sighs and gently rubs up and down her back. "No, honey, I could never-" "W-what?" "I-I-I umm.. I could never be mad at you. Just.. should we go look for Lilith and Mic?" Jasper back away from him, her eyes scanning him. "Sure. Let me-" Her phone rings, and she sighs at the caller ID. "Hey, Rumi. What's up?" "Hey, are you still at your dads'?" "I mean, not at the moment, but I can head that way. Why?" She hears someone else's voice in the background of the phone call. "I know, Keigo- I just need to talk to you. Can you be there in thirty minutes?" "Sure. I'll see you soon. Love you." Like usual, Rumi hangs up without saying it back. "Sho, Rumi.. wants to see me in thirty minutes at my dads' place." "Well, lets go get Mic and Lilith. I should change, too." As the two of them head back to the apartment, Jasper can't help but let her mind wander. Why did Sho call her honey? Was it a slip? Why would it be a slip? Why does Rumi need to see her all of a sudden? Earlier she had told Jasper that she would be with Hawks again today. When they make it back to the parking lot, Jasper can already see Mic and Lilith looking around for them. When they walk closer, she can't help but notice that both of their cheeks are dusted pink. "Hey, there you are. Where did- why is Eraser wet?" "I fell into a pond. Why the hell did you two disappear?" Aizawa raises an eyebrow and looks at Mic. Mic can't lie to Sho. Even if he did, Sho would find out. "Oh, we uh..." "We had another sparring match. Just.. between us.." Lilith rubs the back of her neck awkwardly. "Yeah," Jasper snorts, "and between the sheets, right?" "...Maybe." Aizawa facepalms. "Our old student, seriously?" "Look," Mic holds his hands up, "she's an adult. It has been years, man." Aizawa sighs. "Whatever. I don't care, but Jasper needs to go back to her dads' house." Lilith tilts her head. "Rumi called me. She wants to talk, so once Sho changes we need to go." Aizawa quickly rushes into the aparment to do that. Lilith walks over to her friend. "Are you okay, Jas?" "I'm fine. I don't know what Rumi wants, but someone named Keigo was with her." "Keigo? If I'm correct, that's the number three pro, Hawks." She nods at Mic's words. "That makes sense. I knew she had a friend named Hawks." Lilith crosses her arms over her chest. "But why would she bring him?" "I have no idea, but it is weird, isn't it?" "Sorry, guys. I couldn't find my other boots." Jasper turns and smiles at Aizawa. Now he's in a black long sleeved shirt and grey sweatpants. He works his damp hair into a ponytail with a smile. "Coolio. Lets go!" Mic leads the way to his car with a grin. Lilith gets into the passenger seat, so Aizawa and Jasper get into the back. Jasper gets comfortable behind Mic since she's a good bit shorter than Aizawa. "You feeling okay?" Jasper smiles form Aizawa's concern. "I am, at least for now. We'll see what happens when we get there." He smiles at her, which actually makes her feel a bit better. Anything could happen, but she has her three closest friends right beside her. Because of that, she's going to be okay. Mic pulls into the driveway just as a car parks across the street. "Is that her?" "I guess. I don't recognize that car, honestly." Papa and dad come outside to greet their daughters and the guys, but the sight of Mirko makes them both tilt their head. "Pumpkin," Papa smiles, "did you and Mirko make up?" "I'm.. not sure. She said she needed to talk, so here we are. Dad, this is Aizawa, by the way." Aizawa holds his hand out with a slight bow. "Shouta." "John. It's nice to meet you. Hey, Mic." "Wassup, dad?" Jasper turns as Mirko walks to the porch. Behind her is a blonde haired man with large, crimson wings. Now she sees why everyone calls him Hawks. "Hey, Jasper." "Hi, Rumi. Do I get a hug? I haven't seen-" "I'm going to make this quick, and I guess in front of everyone, so can we all go inside?" Papa opens the door and waits for everyone to file into the living room before he shuts it. Jasper notices Hawks place a box on the floor gently. What the hell was he carrying? When Lilith notices, she goes and takes a protective stance next to Jasper. "Rumi?" Rumi's crimson eyes refuse to meet Jasper's, which slightly angers her. "Japser, I don't think it's going to work between us anymore." The room is silent. Still, in the silence is tension. There's anger radiating from Lilith, Aizawa, and Dad. Everyone else is confused. Why now? Why with that guy no one else knows? "Rumi, is this because of the job, really?" Hawks places a gentle hand on Rumi's shoulder. "It's kind of shitty to be.. having an affair with the white haired girl while saying you're loyal to Mirko.. don't you think?" "FUCKING EXCUSE ME?!" Lilith's outburst makes everyone jump. Jasper grabs one of her arms while Mic grabs the other. Still, it takes Aizawa cancelling her quirk and using his scarf to hold her still. "Lilith, calm-" "She knows DAMN well that we don't do anything! That's a god damn lie! You just texted me the other day asking about Jasper and now you have the god damn NERVE!" Color leaves Rumi's face as dad crosses his arms. "Tell the truth, Mirko. She deserves it." "T-that is-" Papa holds his hand up, cutting her off. "You know it isn't. You can't tell us lies about our daughter and expect us to believe it." Rumi finally sighs. "Fine. I like someone else. I lied, she never cheated on me." The confession slightly calms Lilith down. It's enough where everyone can let her go. Jasper sighs, ignoring the nauseous feeling in her gut. "Can you at least tell me who? I'm not mad." "Hawks, okay?" Now everyone looks at the poor guy, and he turns bright red. "W-woooah! I never-I swear- Mirko what the hell?! That's fucked up!" Her eyes shoot open in shock. "Y-you don't like me?" "What? Of course not! What gave you that idea?!" "You were always with me while she was work-" "Yeah, cause I'm your friend and I was under the impression that she was cheating on you! This is fucked up, man!" Lilith finally walks to Mirko and raises her fist, but Hawks grabs it in his hand. "What the- Okay, bird brain!" When her foot lifts, he's brought to his knees. Jasper looks away from the absolute cheap shot Lilith got on the poor guy. "I'm going to turn you into a fucking key chain, Mirko." "Try me." "Enough!" Aizawa shoots his scarf out and yanks Lilith into his grasp. "Calm down for now. Handle this later. Look at Jasper!" Lilith finally takes a long look at her friend, and every bit of anger leaves her body. Jasper is staring at the promise ring Mirko got her. She can see so many emotions swimming in her eyes as she takes it off. "Rumi, I'll pack your stuff from the apartment when I go back. For now, here." She flicks the ring at her ex girlfriend with a sigh. "Jasper, wait, maybe I-" Jasper shakes her head and goes to open the front door. "Get out of my house. Both of you." When they walk out, she slams the door in Mirko's face. Aizawa takes his scarf off of Lilith so she can go to Jasper. "Jas? Are you okay?" Jasper tries to smile, but the wall finally breaks. Thankfully, Lilith is there waiting to pull her into her embrace. "It's okay, Jas, I've got you." "I-I knew.. I knew it wouldn't work, so w-why am I-I so hurt..?" Lilith buries her face in the honey colored curls on Jasper's head. "You're allowed to hurt, Jas. You're human." When she sees Papa and dad walk over, she slowly pushes Jasper from her. Jasper meets her parent's eyes and tries to smile again. "I'm okay.. I'm a big girl.." Dad kneels in front of her with a smile. "I know, angel, but even adults need love." Papa nods and kneels beside his husband. "You might be an adult, but you're still our pumpkin. Now come here and let us hold you." She can't help but fall into their familiar embrace. Aizawa and Mic watch quietly, and Lilith goes to place her head on Mic's arm. "Lilith," he whispers, "you think she'll be okay?" She nods. "She's strong. She just needs time." Mic wait until Jasper stands again to go over and kiss the top of her head. "Is there anything I can do for you, baby?" She chuckles dryly. "Just please forgive how ridiculous I look right now." Mic chuckles and gives her a bone crushing hug. She looks to meet Aizawa's eyes. When she does, he stops leaning on the wall and walks over to her. "Sho, I'm so sorr-" "No ma'am." The tone makes her eyes widen. "You have no reason to apologize to me. I'm sorry you have to go through this. However," he reaches towards her, "you'll never go through it alone." His thumb wipes tears from her cheek. For a little while, the two of them forget about what's going on. In his eyes, she sees a Prince. The Prince is in a hopeless relationship with a Princess form another kingdom, and he only keeps it because it's the right thing to do. Her? She's just a local of the kingdom who happened to get a job serving the king. The two form a bond, but they could never be. In her eyes, he sees a strong Princess. He's nothing but a fool, the one no one pays attention to. Yet, for some reason, she graces his dreary life with a vibrant smile and a laugh that can brighten the darkest days. Yet, one person keeps them from each other, and getting rid of that person makes him look more than a fool. He looks evil when getting rid of her because only a few people know the truth. Only one has seen his tears, and only few others have heard the stories. "Sho.." "Y-yeah?" She smiles and walks close enough to lay her head on his chest. His thudding heartbeat brings a sense of comfort. "Thank you. I.. I don't deserve a friend like you." He wraps his arms around her with a sigh. 'No, my dear, you deserve so much more, but it isn't my place. Not yet...'

@katgalle​

#shouta aizawa #aizawa shouta #bnha aizawa #mha aizawa #aizawa x oc #present mic #mha #bnha #ua staff #mha oc #bnha oc

[aspaceformyselffics09]

Chapter 1 - Blue

Summary: Sometimes, falling can be a new beginning. And like wise, loosing something may also be the first step to finding something else. That in which, both you and yoongi were dealing to survive with the ghosts of your past, but when the two of you cross paths, will you be each other’s strengths and get through whatever is holding you back? I’m shit at summaries, please forgive me. 

Pairing: Yoongi x reader 

Genre: Angst, romance, slice of life, is there fluff? I don’t know, non idol AU

Warnings: none so far

Word count: 2k

Chapter 2

It was a chilly December evening when you arrived in Seoul. Strapped to your seat, you gazed at the scenery below as the plane plunged through the dense cloud cover on approach to the Incheon International airport. Ominous grey clouds loomed across the sky signalling the onset of an oncoming shower about to dwell the earth’s terrain. As the sun began to set, dusk cast its spell over the city. It soon began to grow dark and gloomy. 

No sooner did the plane touch the ground and reach the gate, the passengers unfastened their seatbelts and began pulling out their luggage from the overhead lockers. You sat still, staring blankly outside, showing no signs of moving. A part of you didn’t want to believe you’re here, a part of you wanted to make peace with the whole state of affairs. You blinked at the scenery outside. Trying to wake from the haze your mind sent. It didn’t feel real. Above you, the captain’s voice began to flow from the ceiling speakers, in a language very familiar to your ears. That was when it hit you. So, Seoul it is, again. Your grip around the arms of your seat tightened and suddenly you weren’t sure if you even wanted to get off the plane. 

Seoul. The name never failed to send a shudder through your body. But this time, you can feel it hit you harder than ever before. The familiarity, the warm heartiness, the way it made you feel belonged, the way it heightened your senses. After all, it was your home once upon a time. Your mind drifted in and out of the thoughts lurking at the back of your mind. Thinking about all that had gone by and of all the bridges that were burnt. Nightfall always had its way around you. It sends an intense tornado swirling inside you, a violent one, creating thunderstorms all around the universe, shattering everything in its path. The one that doesn’t like to rest. Bending forward, you clutched your head with your hands. How did you end up this way? You never knew. As everyone on board began to descend the plane you noticed the stewardess look at you concerned. Slowly, you straightened up unfastening your seatbelt. You then, pulled your luggage from the overhead lockers and made your way out of the plane.

Amongst the countless shapes that rushed past you, you walked slowly dragging your luggage. You had no idea where you were heading to or where you were supposed to head to. You just walked, blindly heading on to the direction where the path took you to. You slipped your phone out of your overcoat pocket and stole a glance at it as you felt it beep. “I’ll be waiting for you at the entrance – Joon,'' it read. You stared at it for a while, reading it once, twice, thrice. Trying to make sense of what he was trying to tell you. You could barely connect to this world anymore. Everything seemed so confusing. You hardly made any sense of it. You finally turned it off, letting the words sink into you as you made your way to the entrance. Spotting him wasn’t so difficult. Namjoon stood right outside the terminal, a soft smile decorating his face, his dimples on full display. Time didn’t change him much, you noticed. He looked the same and felt the same. At least that’s what you hoped for. 

He waved at you, the moment he saw you approach him. You waved back, smiling ever so slightly. After a brief hug, Namjoon bent down to retrieve your suitcase from your hands, both of you then fell into step with each other, making your way towards the exit. The taxi drivers folked around you asking you where you wanted to go, but Namjoon waved them off effectively as he lead you to the parking lot. 

“Glad you’re back,” He said, after you settled into the car.

“I don’t know if it’s a good thing,” You replied, your voice merely a whisper.

“You’ll be alright,” Namjoon said, his hand squeezing yours. A quiet reassurance.

You didn’t say anything but nodded faintly at his words. And he knew not to prod you any further. So he didn’t. Instead, he settled to drive quietly. You turned your head to look at the scenery outside and tried hard not to think about how every inch of the city sent familiar pangs to your heart. It had been six years since you finally decided to come back to Seoul. Six years before you found the courage to face the city once again. Six years ever since you felt like you lost all meaning in your life. Seoul, the place where it all began and the place where it all ended. Also the place that lead you to...Him

                                        ____________________

“I didn’t think she would return to the scene ever again,” Some said.

“Her work lost all color,” some speculated.

“They say her soul shattered into pieces that fateful night,” A few others whispered, their eyes downcast as if in mourning.

“What happened to her...It was sad, tragic”

“Tragic.”

The first time Yoongi laid his eyes on you, he swore what he saw was a dim blue color. A fateful blue mixed with grey, forming a tone of the said color. It was the color of the skies crying, the color of a distant unpropitious storm, a storm that lurked behind the dark pupils that were your eyes. The same blue that reflected off the paintings that were hung on the walls in front of you. The same blue that seemed to radiate off you in different tints, tones and shades. And maybe that’s why when he heard people say your work lost all color, he was confused. And maybe confused was an understatement. He was baffled. People sure were blind, they couldn’t see color where it shone its brightest.

He was probably frozen in space, staring at you, that when Namjoon slipped next to him, he didn’t notice. 

“Hyung, everything going good?” He enquired. 

“This place is brilliant,” Yoongi nodded, fiddling around with his camera, “Thank you for inviting me here.”

“No no,” Namjoon shook his head, “I should thank you for agreeing to be the photographer at the last moment hyung. Really thanks a lot. I would have been lost without you.”

Yoongi didn’t say anything, but simply flashed him a smile.

“Anything for you Joon - ah,” He added after a beat.

Up until this point, it was like any other day for Yoongi. It was the same routine he had, he woke up at some ass O’clock in the morning, had at least close to five cups of coffee, following his daily ritual of keeping himself awake. Then he had to go for work, which means a couple of photoshoots here and there, also not to forget the advertising campaign he was a part of, so he had to rush from one location to another in a matter of a few minutes. Like literally sprint as far as he can. And just when he was home and was about to plop down on the sofa, calling it a day, his phone rang. It was Namjoon requesting him to be the photographer for one the galleries he was hosting. Now, as much as Yoongi loved to and just wanted to rest, he didn’t find it within himself to turn down the younger’s polite request. And so, that’s how he found himself at the venue. Seokjin’s five star restaurant. 

It was a monthly thing for Jin and Namjoon to host art galleries at Jin’s restaurant. A lot of popular artists, students and many of those who show interest in the field, often sign up to get their works displayed at the event. Judged by a panel of artists, ten lucky winners among hundreds of sign ups finally get to showcase their work. The artworks chosen were then allowed to be displayed for over a week. The best part? It’s not just the outreach or the free sign up but also the numerous workshops held throughout the day which allow and encourage a teaching and a learning atmosphere among all those that are gathered. This event served not only as a space for artists to exhibit their work but also as a sanctuary for those who simply appreciated art. 

This was in fact Yoongi’s first time coming to the gallery. He always missed out whenever Namjoon invited him. He was always either working or passed out on his bed or simply just forgot. However, going here for the first time, he wondered why he had missed out on this, the whole time in the last year. Maybe the only other time, he ever appeared at the venue was at its opening, but he never stayed back long enough to look through the gallery or appreciate the form of art. The two men stood around for a while lost in their own thoughts, taking in the atmosphere around them. Beside Yoongi, Namjoon shifted a bit and began to play with the ends of his overcoat. Something he did only when he was a bit nervous.

“You seem a bit fidgety today,” Yoongi observed, “Something wrong?”

“Oh no,” Namjoon said, “A friend of mine is exhibiting after a long time, I’m just a bit worried about her.”

“A first timer?” 

“Nah,” Namjoon replied, “She exhibited here before, but she dropped out of the scene for a while and this probably is her first time after a long time.”

“Ah,” Yoongi nodded, giving the younger’s back an encouraging pat, “She’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

“What about you?” Namjoon asked, “Something caught your eye? You seemed to be staring off into space.”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Yoongi said, he then pointed at the direction where you were standing, “I just thought those line of paintings were interesting.”

“Oh,”Namjoon’s lips curled into a soft smile as he looked to the direction Yoongi was pointing at. He was about to say something but got cut off when a hyperly cheerful Taehyung and Jungkook jumped him out of nowhere.

“Hyung! There you are!”

“Tae! Jungkook!” Namjoon faltered under their grip, “Calm down please and behave, you’re both grown ups and this is a public space.”

“Hyung!” Taehyung gushed, “Tell Jungkookie here that I will be the winner of the event this month!”

“No!” Jungkook protested, “Definitely not! I’ll be the one this time!”

Yoongi watched the two bicker in amusement as namjoon just rolled his eyes.

“You two know that there are no winners right?”

A prolonged silence fell upon the two of them.

“Doesn’t matter!” Taehyung finally declared, “I’ll still win over Jungkookie!”

“There’s no way I’m allowing that!”

“Oh! Yoongi hyung is here too!” Jungkook finally noticed him, “hey hyung!”

“Hey,” Yoongi acknowledged them with a chuckle, “I see that you two are at it again.” 

“I’m offended,” Jungkook made an exaggerated face, his hand clutching his chest.

“This calls for a lamb skewer treat!” Taehyung yelled beside him, rushing forth to link his arm with Yoongi’s. But before the younger could jump him, Namjoon grabbed him by his collar and stopped him.

Taehyung and Jungkook, two art students who also freelanced part time are regulars at the monthly event. Thus making themselves familiar with Namjoon and the group. With every opportunity they get, the more time they spend at the venue or the restaurant itself which also has a small house at the back, dedicated as a workspace for artists to hang around and just simply work.

“Now, now,” He chided at them, “Hyung has work unlike you two, now if you’ll leave him alone, he’ll go back to it.”

Throwing his arms around their shoulders, Namjoon turned them around and dragged them away.

“See you later hyung,” He waved to Yoongi, “Have a good time.”

“You too,” Yoongi waved back, a small smile playing on his lips. 

Once the trio was out of sight, Yoongi slumped his shoulders and turned around to look in your direction.

Gone. 

The area where you were standing moments ago now was empty and the only thing left to commemorate your presence was the deep blue of your paintings. Yoongi couldn’t pinpoint what it was, but there was something about your paintings that drew him to them. Like a siren singing her song to the unsuspecting sailors, pulling them towards her. And all he could do was to step back and let the vastness drown him in like a tsunami. He snooped around the area a bit, clicking some pictures here and there, before he left to look around the rest of the exhibit. And somewhere in the back of his head,unbeknownst to him, a ghost of your presence lingered.

A faint blue swimming within the depths of pitch black.

#yoongi x reader #btsbookclub #kwritersworldnet #yoongi scenarios #yoongi angst #yoongi x you #yoongi x y/n #member x reader #yoongi fanfic #bts fanfic #bts yoongi #bts fanfiction #yoongi series #bts au #bts au fanfic

[thorsstorms]

Abroad pt 14

(Chris Hemsworth x Reader)

Summary: Being the Hemsworth Kids’ Nanny, you were vowed to keep it strictly professional for their sake, but do the stolen glances go unnoticed between you both?

Word count: 3k

Warnings: There is nothing much in this chapter, but i will start adding this as a warning: This chapter talks about pregnancy, as well as the next. If you have problems regarding pregnancies, or anything that MAY or MAY NOT come along with one, please continue with caution. 

A/N: if you want to be tagged, PLEASE SEND AS AN ASK. And I do have a question if you would. This chapter is shorter than most of the others, almost cut in half in comparison. Do you mind my long 6K chapters? or you would you prefer they be shorter with more frequent updates? When I finish a chapter and it turns out to be that long, its because i add so much that it is well rounded by itself, scene wise. just let me know please! :)

Masterlist

It was barely two hours later before you woke from measly slumber. Not even sure if you could actually call it sleep, more like a haze in and out of consciousness. The alarm was telling that it was time to get India up and ready for school. This was a moment that had been filled with dread in your mind. You figured she would be in a sort of mood all day because it was you dropping her off and picking her up, not her father.

You found her cuddled into the large bed, buried beneath the fluffy white blanket with tear stained cheeks. The image was one to break anyone’s heart. You tiptoed further into the room wanting to wake her up slowly so you could gauge her mood. The bed dipped down as you crawled in front of her and laid down, brushing hair out of her face. She woke slowly, cuddling into you while you whispered good mornings and that it was time to get ready for school.

She didn’t speak much during the morning. Yes and no answers were all that you could get out of her, but you were grateful enough that she wasn’t crying or acting out. She sat silently on the bathroom counter while you braided her hair back, and tucked her lip gloss into her pocket.

Bri was awake and staying with the boys while you were taking her to school. You spoke with her teacher real quick while India walked quietly to her spot at the table and sat down, watching the other kids start on their morning activity.

“Her father left this morning, she usually has trouble behaving for a day or two. But this is her first time being in school, and if you feel like she would be better spending a day at home to recuperate please don’t hesitate to call me. She was very calm this morning but if you sense other wise…” Regina, she told you to call her by her first name, was quick to stop you, saying she understands and will let you know how the day goes. The lip gloss was brought up just so she wouldn’t get in trouble for having it. “It’s her favorite thing right now, keeps her in a better mood.”

You sighed once you got to the car. She was your little best friend and seeing her be so numb this morning was something that you couldn’t get off your mind. You had never had to experience missing your parents for such great lengths of time as a child. Besides an uncle in the military, you always had your family with you. Trying to make her feel as if she isn’t lonely was on the top of your priorities. Hoping she would make some new friends in her class, or be there for her with school activities was next. Being the one to fill the role is one of the hard parts of a job like this. Either they see that you are trying your best to play the part, or they think it’s annoying and want you to back off.

By the time you were back both boys were sitting on top of the kitchen counters with bowls of cereal, Bri standing in front of them with her own. The sight of her was a flush of reminder of last night, and then this morning, somehow allowing Chris to walk out the door without telling him.

You hid the contradiction on your face and greeted them all. Sasha was the first to offer you some of his bowl because he got the last of the fruit loops, but you politely declined.

“Does your tummy still not like breakfast?” His innocent voice was full of curiosity, completely serious. You nodded and told him you would have some juice instead and wait a little.

You went upstairs to pick out the boys some clothes for the day. It was your favorite thing to do. You were greeted with a lovely dirty pull-up on the floor beside Triatan’s bed. The child never learns. You just shook your head at it and proceeded to the closet and setting the clothes on the couch outside their rooms. The boy of the hour was already bounding up the stairs to find where you went.

His eyes landed on yours, which were not the happiest. He knew what the look was for. You expected him to go in there and pick up the pull-up and take it to the trash can in the bathroom, where it belongs. But instead he walked past the door and went for his clothes. He got dressed. The went into the bathroom and brushed his hair. He walked out of the bathroom, aiming for the stairs before you said anything to him.

“Tris, room. Now. You know better,” he ignored you, turning and sitting on the couch looking at the bucket of legos that was appealing to him. “It goes in the trash, not on the floor.” He ignored you again, picking up his tablet from the grey couch cushion.

Bri and Sasha were walking up the stairs, minding their own as Sasha grabbed his clothes and walked to his room. You looked at Bri with a look of help, before saying it again, “Tristan, go pick up your pull-up and put it in the trash.”

“No,” he said quietly, crossing his arms over his chest and looking away.

“What?”

“I said no!” He yelled back at you, “You’re not my mama!”

He hopped from the couch and took the tablet with him, shutting the bedroom door behind him. You couldn’t bring yourself to follow him anyway. You stared in his direction feeling shock come over you. At first it was a ‘how dare he’ and then it turned into a ‘he’s right’.

You couldn’t replace their mother, nor would you ever try. Its you that feeds them, bathes them, read them bedtime stories, brushes their hair for them in the mornings, puts band-aids on owies, and comforts them when their are sad. But you are not their ‘mama’.

“Hey,” Bri’s voice finally came through for you to hear. Her hands were keeping you facing her, waiting for you to register that she was trying to get your attention. “He’s a child acting out, okay. Just ignore him.”

Her finger tips scraped across your cheek. You pushed away from her after realizing that a stupid stray tear or two were escaping at your own peril. You wiped your face and turned away from her, ready to go down stairs until another little voice broke your attention. Right, there is another little boy up here.

“(Y/n) are you sad?” His curiosity was one of the purest things in the world, though it can sometimes be more than annoying, it was everything you expected from the four year old and everything you loved about him.

“Just a little buddy, but I’ll be okay.” Your answer was one age appropriate, and enough for him not to worry. He walked back into the room and retrieved his blankey from the bed and drug it out of the door way with him.

“Come with me,” he said, grabbing your hand and leading you down the stairs. You looked back at Bri and she just shrugged her shoulders and followed as well. He led you to the movie room, instructing you to sit on the couch with his blankey. He reached for the remote from a basket on the table and gave it to you, telling you to put on your favorite movie.

“When I get sad, you put on Cars or Ninja Turtles.” His purposeful motions were making sense to you now. When he is in a mood this is what he gets to do and he wants to do it for you. He climbs up the couch next you and throws the blanket over your legs and sits into your side. The actions were something to warm your heart and all that is good in the world. It took you a second to gather yourself to not cry at how sweet he was being.

“Are you gonna watch a movie?” He asks after you sat there staring at him, not taking action to put something on.

“Yea, yea.” You flipped through a bit before settling on Moana, it was your favorite, and you couldn’t not sing along.

It was only maybe 20 minutes into the movie when Tristan came walking solemnly through the doorway with Bri looming behind him. Blonde hair hung around his face lowly as feet padded across the carpet to the couch, standing in front of you. You held out your arms for him and he leaned into you giving you hug while you pulled him up and onto your lap. He muttered an ‘Im sorry’ into your shoulder.

“Listen,” you told him, pressing the small shoulders back from you so he could see your face, though he avoided your eyes, “I know you got upset earlier, and that’s okay, it’s just feelings.” He tried to hide his face again but you held his shoulders back until he lifted his head again. “I know you miss your mama, Tris. And Papa too, I miss him too. And I know I’m not your mama, I will never try to be your mama, but I do love you so, so much. Do you know that?”

His small head nod was quaint, small fingers brushed over the top of your hair on your shoulder to keep his hands busy while you talked to him.

“But even though I love you so, so much,” you repeat yourself, “I don’t like it when you raise your voice at me. Do I raise my voice at you?”

He shook his head no, but he let you know that Papa does.

“So what are we gonna do tomorrow morning before we come down stairs for breakfast?”

“Put my pull up in the trash bin.”

“That’s right.”

It was surprising to see both boys stay calm enough to watch the whole movie because it was still morning time and they were not tired. They watched the whole movie again, not that you were complaining. Bri entertained herself down stairs while you took a while to do some school stuff with the boys. It was never a lot, just some small words for reading, simple books, and puzzles.

When you came down with them to make some lunch, Bri already had bags of take-out setting on top of the counter. She just shrugged and said, “Postmates.”

“I made you a doctors appointment.” She told once the boys had their food and were sitting on the back patio. It was unexpected for her to do, but to say you were grateful was an understatement. “Its tomorrow morning, I’ll stay with the boys, but you need to go after you drop off India. And then I need to go so I can make it to classes the next day.”

The girl had stopped everything to come be with you, and you knew if she could she would stay longer but you weren’t that selfish.

The food on your plate suddenly became bitter to look at, losing your appetite was now nothing knew. Whether it was from being weary or your body just not wanting it was hard to tell, but what you did know was that your favorite tacos from Miss Margarita’s did not look so yummy at the moment.  

Your day flew by as did so many others previous to it. You were kept busy all the time and though you were happy for it, by the time Chris called you, you were ready to slink into unconsciousness on the cloudy bed.

His voice made your eyes widen again after realizing they were slowly closing. “Princess, you can sleep, don’t let me keep you up.”

“No, no, I want to talk to you. I miss you. And I like hearing what you’ve been doing. Its entertaining.” The energy you put into your voice was less than convincing, but regardless it was the truth.

“I know, its crazy stuff. India hasn’t said anything about school when I talked to her.” His voice trailed waiting for you to pick it up.

“Her teacher said she was good today, quiet, but good. But she expects all the kids to start rallying up the more they get to know each other. She said she keeps the lipgloss on at all times, and takes it with her to lunch and out on the playground.” The sound of his laugh was refreshing. You missed the sound, how it set a warming tone in your chest to see him giggly. It just reminds you that you made him upset his last night home. That was time you could have spent hearing his voice in person, right next to you but you ruined it.

I’m ready for you to come home again, I know it has only been like what, less than 36 hours, but I want you back already. It was what you wanted to say. You wanted to tell him but you knew it would just make him feel bad for a decision you pushed him to make. That was what you were not going to do. It was a good choice for him to sign the contract, a good choice for him in the media, a good choice financially. There are so many people that were affected positively, millions who were awaiting the next film. But you were just one person, one who could - would have to - stick it out for everyone else.

“Guess what I did today?” You ought to say something before he tries to hang up again so you could sleep. “The boys and I went into the movie room and watched Moana, but all I could think about was you. When we were sat down there after I first moved in, falling asleep on the couch.”

“You know what?” He asked looking towards the camera. “That was when I knew I was going to fall in love with you.” The sentiment was true, you knew that night that you were also in trouble. “Your hair was crazy like you had been at the water all day, and your skin was much tanner than before I left. But you fit in like a missing puzzle piece.”

“You can stop now, you might make me cry.” You could already feel a lump in your throat, tears welling up closely behind. He had know idea of the stress you were about to unload on him. He smiled at your tone of voice thinking it was one of love and happiness. It was the tone of sorrow. You were tired, emotional all day and him being more than you deserved was another crack in your wall.

“I'm counting down the days already, Princess. 26 days and I’ll be home for 7. Your brother will be there. We are gonna get so rowdy. Fun, it’s gonna be fun. Do you think you could bare it?”

“Of course I can.” It wasn’t much longer when you fell asleep.

The doctors appointment was faster than you expected, but then again it wasn’t like you had done it before. You left with an ultrasound picture of almost nothing, an eight week old almost nothing. A tiny little bean surrounded by empty black and white. The black sported a small smudge when you realized a lone tear found its way. You sat in the driver's seat staring down at the little picture in your lap.

What is it with being so goddamn full of tears all the time. Like the slightest thing could make you tear up. It was frustrating and you didn’t understand it. You were hungry, wanting tacos all the time but you can’t bring yourself to eat when they are in front of you. Wanting to call Chris selfishly just to talk to him but you knew he had to be sleeping, so you couldn’t bring yourself to do it. A stupid small headache that never goes away because of the tears that are always hiding in the midst. It was enough to drive a person crazy.

Your eyes scanned the parking lot around you, full on paranoid that someone was watching you, but with the early hour there were only a few empty cars to keep yours company.

A small peptalk was what you needed in the moment. The self deprecating thoughts were not going to get you anywhere and you knew it. There was no more need to think about what ifs, but where you were now needed to be on your mind. No more thinking about how terrified you were that he was going to be upset, or how your family was going to feel about it. What your dad was going to think.

Bri sat with you in the living room after the boys were down for their nap, you could still hear banging around up there, but you didn’t have the energy to go up there and tell them to settle. She held the tear stained picture of a little bean in her hands with a smile on her face.

“You can’t tell Ty, you can’t.” Her eyes flicked to your own strained red ones from keeping the tears away. “I will when he comes, when Chris comes. I want to do it.”

She nodded in agreement, “Of course.”

After packing her things she left after lunch, ready for a lonely slow drive back to the city. The city you did not miss. It was fun while it lasted but you couldn’t imagine going back, especially with a child.

With a child.  

Taglist: @keithseabrook27 @odinson-barnes  @jonsnowisthesexiestbastard @weekendswithnewtmas @innerpaperexpertcloud @toomanyflowerboys @thefashioncomplex   @basmaraafat  @imaginationintowords @taketimeandappreciate  @superheroesaremytea @vampiregirl1797 @ynm1505 @danathewitchywoman @avengerswhonow @thorfanficwriter @disaster-rose @cap-just-said-language @xmarveled @kemkem101 @chonisberonica @hildehuffles @hannah-olivia @woodworthti666 @thetrashypanda423 

#chris hemsworth fic #chris hemsworth fan fiction #chris hemsworth x reader #hemsworth #chris hems #marvel fanfic #marvel cast #avengers masterlist #marvel masterlist #avengers #thor #thor fic #chris x reader