#(especially now that we know this is the second time toad makes a comment about his brother dying and/or being lost forever!!!) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

katerdaddy · 4 years

Text

Angel Wings and Hand touches

Part 1

This is a Harringrove X men Au based off of @memes-saved-me

Their X- men Au harringrove is beautiful and amazing. A++.

"Steve." He was sitting in his room, an old magazine in his hands. Standing there was Nancy. They'd had a fling. Well, that's what Nancy called it. He'd thought it was a relationship. Nancy had the ability of walking through walls and other objects. She was damn good at it too.

"What's up?" He glanced at her. That was a mistake. She was as gorgeous as ever. Her hair curled nicely and a new sweater over her shoulders. He was smitten all over again.

"It's your turn for a mission." Steve groaned. Nancy just smiled, leaning against door. "On the plus side, Dustin gets to go with you..."

Steve perked up. He lifted up from his bed, moving around the room.

"Henderson? That means this is his first mission." He grinned, moving his way to his closet.

He could feel Nancy smirk.

"I figured you'd enjoy it way more than me."

Steve slipped on his gloves and followed Nancy out the door.

.......

They'd made their way to the common room. Dustin was zooming around the room as usual. Talking far to quickly than was usually possible.

The rest of their party was on the couches.

El was lazily moving a pillow around, Mike was fiddling with his glasses, which he shouldn't be. That would be dangerous. Lucas who was sitting down and eating his lunch. Like a well practiced mutant who didn't have to flaunt his powers. He was able to control explosions. Charging energy into balls to throw. Basically his own personal fireworks.

Next to him was Robin. She had the ability to create high powered sonic waves with just her voice. She was Steve's favorite.

That left Will. The quiet one. The cold one.

He was off freezing and unfreezing his glass of water (and mikes soda).

His brother Jonathan, Nancy's new boyfriend, was near them, scrolling through his camera.

Being able to turn invisible had it perks. He could sneak in anywhere unnoticed.

When Nancy and Steve entered their room, Dustin zoomed up to them, bouncing. His usual energy on a day to day basis. They were used to it now.

"Steve come on!" He dragged him. Pulling a bit to hard. Steve's glove flinging off in the process.

"Hey dude! Henderson! Watch the glove." He stopped him with his good hand. Aka, his gloved hand and yanked his glove back.

"Come on, trouble. Let's go."

......

They didn't have to travel too far.

Just over 2 hours drive by jet.

Dustin couldn't keep still in his seat.

Asking Steve questions like, " So do we use our hero names or do we just come in like 'hi I'm Dustin and this is Steve.' Or is that to casual."

Steve smiled an answered.

"Well that depends. What do you want to do?"

Dustin was basically vibrating by now.

"Duh! Superhero names! Ok I was thinking, lightning strike. Or, or , or the speed. Or the streak. Or-"

Steve chuckled, ruffling Dustins hair.

"You've got to choose something cooler than that."

Dustin just elbowed him away, saying something about his well quaffed curls.

"Well, how did you choose your name? Cause I like your's."

Steve smiled. Turning his attention back to clouds below them.

"Someone just called me it one day and I thought 'Hell yeah, that's bad-ass."

Dustin shot him a look. An unbelieving look.

"Really... someone just called you 'Rouge' one day and you stuck with it?"

His mouth was open. Eyes lidded. Arms crossed. And for once, he was holding still.

Steve grinned. Bad memories flashing past him of a freckled boy, toad like in every way. And his girlfriend who was nearly indestructible. Like a diamond.

"I wasn't always the guy you know now..."

Dustin snorted. Head falling back.

"Yeah you were a grade A ass-hole."

Steve snorted back. Caught off guard.

"Thanks dingus." He'd caught that word from Robin. They need to spend less time together.

"It's good to hear you care."

The boys arms lifted defensively, but he still smiled nonetheless.

.....

They were finally there.

And on a beach no less.

Somewhere in California.

Dustin mentioned San Francisco.

"Alright...what is your name again?"

Dustin smiled. All teeth.

"Quicksilver."

Steve grinned back, ruffling his curls again.

"Attah boy, now that's one bad ass name."

They shared a few steps in silence.

"Who are we looking for again?" Dustin piped up. Wiggling around in the sand.

His running shoes and rash guard weren't really made for this.

"Someone they call Angel and Hot head. The first, a boy. Looks to be around 17-18. And a girl like 13 or twelve or something."

"Alright. I can get the girl. You get the boy?"

Dustin prepped to speed forward.

"Woah,woah, woah! No. This is a duo operation. We can't split up."

But Dustin just smiled, circling around Steve once. Giving a thumbs up before zooming down towards the pier.

"Asshole!" Steve yelled out, knowing full well Dustin could hear him.

He'd start with the surfers. They were closer anyway.

He was getting weird looks. Of course he was.

It was blazing hot and he was in dark leather gloves and a leather jacket with Sherpa lining.

He noticed someone. Sitting on a board. Just a few feet in. A sweatshirt on and a wet suit slung on halfway.

Steve examined him for a few moments more.

He stretched for a second. But only a second. And there he saw it. A white feather.

Bingo.

So he called after him. Urging him to move out of the ocean.

He listened cautiously.

"Hey Amigo. Need directions?" He asked, board tucked under his arm.

"Um actually... I need to speak with you." The boy cautiously set down his board on the sand, blue eyes never leaving the other.

"I know what you are. They call you angel right? My name is Rouge."

He saw the boys jaw tightened. It didn't loose yet.

"Not here. Let's go under the dock."

So he did. They walked in silence. Mostly the sound of the wetsuit the boy was wearing rubbing against his knees filled the silence.

He'd gotten a look at the boy from afar.

But now so close to him, he could see the freckles that danced across his tanned almost golden skin.

He saw his blonde, salt infested hair that curled around him.

Saw the mark across his eyebrow and the bruise on his jaw.

His sweatshirt read something about San Francisco on it in red lettering.

But all too soon. They were under the dock.

"You smoke?" He'd asked all too nonchalantly, arms folded as he leant against a barnacle and salt infested wooden pillar.

Steve smiled, pulling out a pack of camels and a lighter.

The boy made a face.

"Camels all you got?"

He rolled his eyes and put one between his teeth.

"If you wanna bum one off me, you gotta deal with the camels."

He lit the cig, letting some well needed smoke disappear out of his lips.

It had been awhile since he smoked. Nancy hated smoke, so he quit for her.

Everything he did was for her.

"Alright fine. Pass em' over pretty boy."

And he did. He wanted to show this boy he could trust him. And that it would be okay to come with them to a safe place.

He tried not to think about the pretty boy comment.

"So Rouge... how'd you find out it was me." He placed the cigarette against his teeth, holding his hand out for the lighter.

"You uh, stretched... I saw a feather."

The boy blinked. A small grin fighting against his lips.

"S' that easy huh?"

"Well, and I was looking for you also."

If Steve didn't know better, he'd think he just saw a gleam in the boys eye.

"Lookin' for me huh? You some sort of admirer?" He smirked against the nicotine and smoke.

"No. I'm part of Hawkins school for gifted youngsters. And we think you'd like it."

The boy shook his head. He laughed sourly while his curls bounced across his face.

"No way in Hell pretty boy, I'm not going to some lab to get tested."

Steve sighed. Him and this boy we're almost one in the same.

"I thought that too when they recruited me."

He smiled at the memory.

Hopper holding out a freshly gloved hand to a heaving Steve. Tommy and him had done a number on their group.

Hopper had said "Son. I know you want better. You deserve better. Come with me and I'll show you."

And he followed. Still anxious though. He didn't trust anyone except Hopper. It took a long time to open up to Joyce. Especially when the first thing she did to him was surprise him with a bone crushing hug. Which made him get spooked and grab her arm. Causing her to pass out.

"You're a freak like me?"

He didn't have time to answer. Because he was blown back into a pillar by a screaming Dustin.

"Steve!!!!"

He saw the tan boy jump a little. His sweatshirt puffing out.

Probably his feathers ruffling.

But his focus soon came to the wide eyed boy gripping onto his jacket.

"Hothead is Hot Head for a reason!"

Was all he said before looking over his shoulder and zooming behind Steve.

A young girl shot down to the sand. Her body entirely enflamed. She was panting. Her eyes glaring straight at them. Nostrils flared, she planted her feet.

"Shit Steve!" Dustin squealed, gripping the boy closer, covering himself fully.

"Dude! What do you expect me to do?" He glanced behind him and then glanced to the winged boy, scowling into his cigarette. Staring at the girl.

"You creep!" The girl roared running straight for them.

Steve hardly had time to think about moving, but Dustin zoomed them out of the way before anyone was hurt.

But the wood behind them wasn't safe. The girl rammed into it, fire spreading up.

"Shit dude the pier!" Steve gawked.

"Handle the girl I'll get the fire!"

Dusting shook his head, shoving Steve forward.

"No! I'll get the water, cause I'll get it done in double the time. You get the girl. Get her into the water and use your voodoo hand stuff."

Dustin zoomed down.

"It's not voodoo hand stuff! That makes it sound dirty!" He yelled.

And the kid was right. He was dousing the flames double the time.

The girl was still charging straight for Dustin.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!"

He yelled getting the girls attention. She sneered, snapping to look at him.

The other teen was just watching. A small smirk on his features.

"Gee thanks asshole!" He called before he was barreled over into the sand.

She grabbed his shirt, holding a flaming fist up.

"What do you and that creep want!"

Steve panicked. Trying to crawl to the water to douse the flamed girl. But she was strong and held him there.

He tried to throw sand, sand can douse flames.

But it wasn't enough.

"Hey shit for brains!" He heard the teen say, but Dustin was already on him. Zooming around him in a circle.

"Hey! You stay there."

"ANSWER ME!" The girl roared, her hand getting closer than comfortable.

"Ahh I'm sorry!" Steve called out struggling to pull off his glove.

"What are you doing? Hey! Stop!" She gripped his forearm, burning through the leather, just barely grazing his skin. Cheap Melted leather melded to his forearm.

He wheezed out. Burns never felt good.

"Shit. Shit. Shit. Dammit. I'm sorry!"

With his ungloved hand he reach for her face. His hand reaching for her cheek. Burning his hand in the process.

But the flames were gone and the girl fainted, falling on top of him.

Her once flaming hair, now bright red and falling down against her shoulders.

"Sorry! Shit sorry kid!"

"Hey what did you do to her!" The boy roared. Placing the exact moment to kick Dustin in the stomach, sending him towards the water. Besides Steve.

"Listen! She's okay!" He scooped her up, placing her slumped against the dock.

"Like hell she's okay! What did you do!"

The teen roared, gripping off his sweatshirt, wings unwrapping from his waist, on full display.

They were beautiful, white and strong and gorgeous.

Steve just stared. His words leaving him.

"Woah..."

He heard dustin whisper, his eyes the same place his was.

Staring at the beautiful man in front of them.

"What did you do!" His wings flapped, Steve stood from the sand. Moving away from the girl.

He tried to speak, but as soon as he opened his mouth he was met with a jab to the jaw.

"HEY!" Dustin yelled, zooming forward to lunge at the teen.

Steve had, had enough of this. Let's see what this girls power can do.

But before he could try, there was another fist to his nose. He stumbled.

Dustin was thrown against a pillar. He slumped down. Passing out.

"Shit." Steve hissed. His nose gushing blood. Searing pain coming from his forearm and opposite to his hand.

He was over this. He wasn't going to let some angel winged boy beat him down.

He focused his breathing. Engulfing his body in flames. The girls power.

And he loved it.

He looked forward. The winged boy a few feet in front of him. Stumped and looking between him and the young girl.

Steve smirked, lunging forward, pushing against the boys waist. Pushing them to the ground.

He crawled on top of him. Flaming hand above his head.

"Stand down!" He yelled, gripping the angel by his pendant with his gloved hand.

He put his hands up and nodded assuringly.

Steve sighed, deflating. The fire disappearing before anyone knew it was there.

"Good." He huffed. Catching his breath. "Can we just talk?"

The boy nodded. Steve crawled off of him. Helping him up. He noticed the boys burned sides. Steve had tapped him there. Dammit.

"Sorry about... your torso." He muttered. The teen laughed letting his head fall back while he lifted him off the sand. "Sorry about your nose.... and jaw. And your friend there."

Steve smirked, brushing himself off. "Asshole." The teen smirked back, his chest puffing out and wings flicking. "Back at ya." ....... They talked. They got them packed. The girl. Max, woke up. She threw a fit. Because, who wouldn't.

The boy, Billy. Seemed ecstatic to leave, ready to leave actually. Packed up 2 bags and a suitcase worth. Even brought his surfboard.

Steve didn't have the heart to tell him there was no ocean in Hawkins.

Max, packed her skateboard and just a suitcase. Less than her brother.

Steve had asked if they wanted to wait for their father to be home before they left, but Billy shook his head and kissed 'Susan' on the cheek goodbye. Max barreled into her mother. Squeezing her tightly while she promised to call and write once a week. Billy said he'd call. Never said when though.

Steve figured they didn't have the best family atmosphere, most mutants didn't. ......... They boarded the jet, placing it on manual. The way home already programmed in.

Steve unbuckled from his seat. Moving towards Billy, Walkman in his ears. Close to asleep. Max was awake asking Dustin questions. Dustin was his usual talkative self. Answering Max's question with the same amount of energy a sugar high kid would. But in Dustin's case, he was always on a sugar high.

Steve shook Billy awake. His eyes shot up and his body stiffened. Going cold. But soon he relaxed, deflating like a balloon. Steve motioned to his headphones and made it look like he was taking his own off. Rounding a hand by and beside his ear.

Billy caught on and moved his headset away. "What's up?" He whispered, leaning towards the boy.

"I noticed I burned your sides earlier...We have a pretty incredible first aid kit near the back compartment, want to join me? Your sister burned me pretty bad..." He gestured towards his sleeve where a red and blistering hand print was on his fore arm. And where melted leather had suck itself to it.

Billy thought for a second but nodded. Unbuckling from his seat and following after. Well that was a start.

#steve the hair harrington #harringrove fanfic #steve harrington #harringrove #billy hargrove #x men au #x men #au #fanfiction

21 notes · View notes

hiddendreamer67 · 5 years

Note

I love the witch brother au so much? I think my favorite part is logan being a wolf and also Virgil's familiar, i love those two so much. But also patton baby i hope roman's hypoallergenic. Anyways, if you're still taking prompts would you consider showing us how virgil came to find his logan and/or how their relationship developed and their dynamic?

(I love this too and I will always take prompts for my witchy bois omg I got so into this again I just speed wrote this all this morning)

Read more of my writing at @hiddendreamerwriting!

————————————————————————————————–

It had happened one late afternoon in mid December. Virgil had just become of age, but it was hard to think of himself as any sort of capable witch when he couldn’t even cast a simple location spell.

Virgil grit his teeth, pressing his mittened hands together to try and form a flame to keep the cold at bay. It felt as though the spell did nothing, and Virgil’s feet still got soaked as he trudged through the snow that was knee high.

“Great.” Virgil muttered, shoving his hands into his armpits instead, hunching over against the howling wind. “Just great.”

He was going to die out here, wasn’t he? Virgil was such an idiot. Don’t worry Patton, it’s just a bit of juniper. I’ll be back by sundown. And now Patton was going to be worried out of his mind. Virgil was such a terrible brother, he couldn’t even keep them safe through the winter.

It was Virgil’s fault that they even had to come out into the woods in the first place; the village had not exactly been welcoming of a family of witches when Virgil accidentally spooked off the neighboring farm’s herd of horses. It seemed with every task Virgil took on, his magic always found a way to screw it up. He couldn’t even complete normal mortal tasks, like finding a simple sprig of juniper. Now Virgil was forced to cower home empty handed, if he even managed to make it home at all.

A howling different from the wind made Virgil come to a stuttered hault. He looked up, finding himself standing at the edge of a clearing. Standing in the center was a large wolf, fur grey to the point of being almost blue in the reflection of the snow.

The creature had already spotted him, looking over Virgil consideringly as if deciding if the witch was a threat. The rest of the world faded away, the wind quieting down as if watching with hushed tones, curious which predator would make the first move.

Virgil internally cursed, eyes darting around the tree line but never leaving the threat in front of him. Wolves always hunted in packs. How many were watching through the shadows? A good witch would have no trouble with creatures of the forest, and maybe even bend the pack to his whims. Frankly, Virgil wouldn’t be surprised if one wolf alone would be enough to overtake him and make an easy meal.

“I mean no trouble.” Virgil spoke up, hoping the magic edge to his voice would be enough to deter an attack. Yes, fear me, i’m definitely a capable witch who knows what he’s doing.

The wolf seemed unswayed with Virgil’s attempt at intimidation, giving Virgil an unimpressed look as it tilted its head to the side.

“Please, just-” Virgil cursed himself for showing weakness, shivering as his meager warmth spell continued to fade. “I just want to go home.”

Now, the wolf took a few steps away, turning its head to send Virgil a look. The wolf took another few steps in the opposite direction, looking back at Virgil again.

Virgil paused, his mind trying to process what was going on. From the body language alone, it was clear that the wolf wanted Virgil to follow, which despite the fact the wolf hadn’t shown any signs of aggression seemed like a terrible idea.

“I- no, I can’t play games.” Virgil huffed, wondering if this wolf was really just a large village dog that had also gotten lost. “I have to go home.”

The wolf gave a low growl, annoyed, and Virgil jumped. Perhaps it wasn’t a great idea to ignore the wants of what could be a magic and almost-sentient creature that wanted him to follow. Especially when said creature could easily tear out his throat.

So, hesitantly, Virgil stepped forward. He felt exposed in the clearing, and the eerie silence that had befallen the woods was no help. The wolf sat, patient, until Virgil could almost reach out and pet it (provided he wanted to lose his hand). Only then did it stand to lead the way once more, staying just a few paces ahead of Virgil despite the fact it could have easily outrun him through this snow.

Their progress was slow, and Virgil was keenly aware of the sun setting in the distance. Still the wolf made no motion to stop. It led Virgil in a straight line for the most part, every so often raising its nose and sniffing the air to ensure they were still headed towards the wolf’s destination.

“…you’re not a normal wolf, are you?” Virgil commented, beginning to put the pieces together. A shape-shifting fae, perhaps? Or an enchanted creature? Both would explain the apparent sentience, but neither would explain the wolf’s peculiar interest in Virgil.

The wolf glanced back at Virgil, and Virgil swore he saw an eyebrow raise as if mocking him.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Virgil nodded, still trying to figure out the wolf’s exact origins. He pulled his cloak tighter around himself, the early night air colder than before. “A-are we almost there?”

At the sound of Virgil’s teeth chattering, the wolf’s gaze seemed to turn pitying. He gestured with his nose, a bit forward to the right. Virgil started to follow the wolf in that direction, but this time the animal stayed at his side, seeming very intent on the way Virgil swayed with each step.

Virgil grimaced, his eyes shut tight as he fumbled to keep moving forwards. His feet felt as though they were made of solid ice. What he wouldn’t give to be back home, safely tucked in front of the fireplace with Patton curled at his side…

As if reading his thoughts, the trees suddenly parted, revealing the hut Virgil now called home. The witch let out a surprised gasp, which manifested itself as a small cloud in the chill atmosphere.

“How…?” Virgil turned to ask the wolf how it had known, but suddenly the creature was dashing back into the dark cover of the forest. “H-hey! Wait!”

“Virgil?!” Virgil’s attention was once again torn back to the hut, where a worried Patton was silhouetted in the warm door frame. The younger witch came rushing out, hurrying to help Virgil inside. “Virgil, what happened? You’re freezing.”

Virgil allowed himself to be guided inside, but his mind wandered back to the wolf. Would it be alright, alone in the woods? Of course it would, it was a wolf, if a peculiar one at that. Who ever heard of a lone wolf? A cruel irony, really, reminding Virgil how he himself had been exiled from his ‘pack’- er, village. Was that what happened? Had the wolf taken pity on him simply because Virgil was alone? He hadn’t gotten a chance to thank the creature for its assistance-

Virgil stiffened in the chair by the fire, his muscles tensing as all at once he realized what had happened. He had heard tales of gaining a familiar after he came of age, but Virgil had never considered himself enough of a witch for that to be true. Or when he did indulge that fantasy, Virgil always expected to be paired with a mouse or a toad. Something small and unassuming to prove he wasn’t a threat.

Instead, out of nowhere, Virgil seemed to have been gifted a magnificent beast. Not gifted, no, that implied that Virgil owned the wolf. He could never own something so powerful, and so tied to nature just like himself. But why a wolf? Virgil was more often a healer than anything else, despite his magic quirks. He was protective, defensive, but not aggressive. At least…he tried not to be, because he didn’t want to be feared. So what did having a wolf familiar say about him?

And more importantly, why did the wolf leave?

“Virgil?” Patton asked hesitantly, watching the elder witch rise.

“I think I need to find someone.” Virgil said cryptically, knowing Patton was still watching him as he headed to the door.

“Virgil, it- it can wait until morning-” Patton attempted to argue.

“I’ll only be a second.” Virgil pulled on his cloak once more. “I promise.” He had also promised to be home by sunset. He ignored the fact he was unsuccessful that time.

“But-!” Patton’s cry of protest was ignored, Virgil opening the door and immediately regretting his decision to go back in the cold. Still he stepped out, shutting the door. A few lazy flakes of snow began to fall down onto his head.

“Okay, Mr. wolf, where are you?” Virgil asked to himself, stepping forwards a few paces.

He didn’t need to go far. Out of the shadows the wolf emerged again, first its glowing blue eyes that looked ready to scold Virgil for coming back out. As it got closer, Virgil could see something was clutched in its mouth.

“So…” Virgil glanced down, suddenly hesitant. What if he was wrong about this? What if he just offended the most powerful wolf in the woods by claiming it was somehow Virgil’s servant?

But then Virgil knelt down, and the wolf nudged its offering in Virgil’s direction. A juniper sprig, just as Virgil had gone searching for in the first place. Virgil took it delicately between his fingers, reaching out a cautious hand to test his claim. The wolf did not recoil, in fact it leaned its head into Virgil’s touch.

Immediately Virgil felt a new warmth tingling up his arm, and he gasped at the feeling of the bond being formed. For a person with trust issues, the idea of breaking down his mental walls so quickly was almost startling.

The wolf seemed to react in a similar manner, giving a surprised sniff of its nose and a small shake of its head. Logan. Something in the back of Virgil’s mind told him. This is your familiar, Logan.

“Thank you, Logan.” Virgil smiled gratefully, scratching Logan behind the ear.

#sanders sides #witch au #platonic analogical #platonic moxiety #witch!virgil #witch!patton #familiar!logan #wolf!logan #wolf #wolves #woof #i love themmmmmm #i need more prompts of them plz

237 notes · View notes

mistymark · 5 years

Text

nct dream x hogwarts

nct dream as hogwarts students // 2.3k words // masterlist // send requests here

r e n j u n

the only slytherin in the gang

probably muggle-born but also top of most of his classes

what can he say hes amazed by this shit

really good at theory-based subjects especially

history of magic is his bitch lets be real

sketches in his books and stuff

says he likes sketching with quills the most because theyre more aesthetic

donghyuck says its because hes pretentious

but the whole group pitched in to get him some really nice canvases and paints and other tools

one of his paintings is hanging in the school somewhere, and the little girl in it smiles and greets all the students as they walk past

somehow she always tries to spit on people who had been annoying him recently - and them only

sometimes she spits on Donghyuck for no reason

jeno laughs and says its because she has a crush on him

uses magic for the dumbest things just because he can

he mastered the wingardium leviosa spell within a week because he couldn't be bothered getting up to get things

when he gets close to graduation, hes pretty much practicing simple wandless magic

once freaked out the first years because jaemin charmed a storm cloud to hang around him for an entire day

it flashed lightning when he got particularly annoyed, which was a lot because that cloud was annoying as shit

has a really old owl that literally looks evil but has called it something like “snuggles”

laughs when he unintentionally swoops too low and skims other students’ heads on mail day

buys all his friends gifts during the holidays and comes back with bags filled with fun shit

pretends he never buys gifts for chenle and jisung

always ends up giving them more

cause hes soft like that

but he headlocks them after to show his dominance

has a habit of throwing his cases in the general direction of the dorm when he comes back from holidays and accidentally hitting other students

plays quidditch in his free time

debates strategies with Jeno during their free periods

gets called a traitor by his own captain

couldnt really give a shit about his own team, he prefers to support his friends

wears his school uniform properly and is the only one in the group who does so

j e n o

a Gryffindor

probably quidditch captain

and dubbed the best player on the team

super humble about it too

always commends his team for doing their best when they lose and every member loves him a lot

the captain that's always saying stuff like “it doesn't matter how this game ends... as long as we try our hardest and play as a team”

the entire team rolls their eyes at his cheesiness but the lack of pressure keeps them at ease

and majority of the time they play really well

though its clear his focus is on quidditch, he still does really well in his classes

cant cook but is somehow rlly good at potions??

likes all the really tiny creatures in care of magical creatures

and they like him too

has a slightly damaged snitch that he carries around with him at all times

one of the wings broke during his first ever game of quidditch and he never got rid of it

he keeps it in the pocket of his robes and fiddles with it when he's anxious about something

has a really good poker face when he's stressed and you'd never know until you hear the soft clicking of his hand playing with it in his pocket while he studies

has a terrible poker face when something confuses him though

during class its so obvious when he doesnt get something

renjun once charmed question marks to hang around his head and everyone in the class died laughing

even jeno

overall great sense of humour

he brought a cat

of course

and its always getting him into trouble for wandering into the off-limits areas of the castle or into the restricted section of the library

once jaemin joked that the cat was actually an animagus that was purposely trying to get him in trouble

and jeno was spooked for like a week

wouldn't let the cat sleep on his bed and almost had a heart attack when he saw it wandering the halls between classes

but there was nothing wrong with the cat

shes just a curious girl

had a major glow-up between 6th and 7th year and everyone fell in love with him lmao

like everyone knew he was fit from quidditch but they didnt know he was that fit you know

heartthrob

d o n g h y u c k

an annoying brat

at least when he first arrived at Hogwarts in first year

has really good intentions though

everyone thought he would get sorted into Slytherin

like the second he stepped on the train and found his way into mark lee’s compartment everyone was like this kid has GOT to be a Slytherin

but no! hufflepuff

true fullsun

used to be a beater on the quidditch team but he was forced to quit until he got his grades up

but he ended up commentating because he couldnt play

and who can actually talk that fast other than the lee donghyuck

and actually found that he enjoyed that more

so even when his grades were t h r i v i n g

he stayed as a commentator

absolutely hilarious and everyone loves him for it

is Not afraid to call out foul plays

mutters quick apologies to the professors when they scold him but does it again later anyway

tbh is actually really popular

known for being dared to stand on the Slytherin table and sing at the top of his lungs

and actually doing it

he got two weeks detention

“worth it” - donghyuck, circa. 2019

has a talent for defence against the dark arts

acts like the smartest person in the room during that class

hes lowkey right tho

(don't tell him)

wears his tie way too loose and constantly gets told off about it

promises professors he’ll fix it then walks away and just,,, doesnt

his Hufflepuff scarf hangs off his bed frame back home

had a toad for his first few years of hogwarts but the toad ended up passing away so now he has a really troublesome owl

the owl itself is a good boy, flies fast and efficiently, but has a nasty habit of pecking donghyuck when hes hungry

“but hes hungry all the time” he whines when jaemin explains the bird’s just hungry. meanwhile, jaemin’s owl is sitting softly beside him, her eyes closed as he pets her

every first day back from holidays hyuck has red lines on his hands, arms and ears from the owl

chenle says its for giving the poor bastard a terrible name

donghyuck never actually refers to his owl by his proper name, always things like “bastard” and “dipshit”

theres a conspiracy theory about the owl’s real name and no one in their group will spill the secret

complains that the animals in care of magical creatures like him more than his own pet

“lol tru” - Chenle

j a e m i n

ravenclaw’s biggest flirt and most popular student

probably didnt even want to run for house captain but still got the position

theres a rumour that he was offered head boy but he turned it down

was the first one to find the kitchens and claimed it as the unofficial hang out spot for their group

if you’re ever missing jaemin, he’s probably in the kitchens chatting up the elves and stealing food every now and then

carries snacks with him everywhere for when he needs to comfort one of his babies house members

literally all the younger year levels feel so comfortable coming to him with their problems

has no issue with staying up in the common room to talk through things with someone

is known to walk people to their classes and then bolt to his own classrooms so hes not late

50% of the school is already in love with him

he was given the angel reputation back in first year and it hasn't let him down

is kind of a troublemaker tho

teases his classmates and even some professors that he has a good relationship with

really really loves transfiguration

probably wants to become an animagus

also wants to be an auror

absolutely loves defence of the dark arts

his owl is white and regal

like genuinely beautiful

she always looks like shes happy to see you

just like her owner uwu

he named her something sweet and meaningful

when Renjuns owl isnt able to fly, jaemin’s owl is eager to take Renjuns mail back to his family for him

wears his jumper all year round

its a good look though,, no ones complaining

was on the quidditch team up until his final year

he dropped it to focus on his studies and also being house captain

it takes him forever to go anywhere because he stops to talk to everyone

somehow knows everyone in school

even the third years in other houses??

runs errands for teachers with a smile

offers to buy food when the group goes out

c h e n l e

another muggleborn

but fits in so well

like the boy is just a natural at magic

unfortunately it doesnt always transfer into his grades

he has such a great interest in everything,,, just not on what hes learning

learnt fourth year history of magic in his first year but still almost failed his exam at the end of year

also hes the best other hufflepuff in the group

didnt understand quidditch for at least a year

ended up in the team in second year and is actually really good

probably the goalie

has the loudest laugh in school

the older professors claim they can hear him from the other side of the castle

somehow gets his hands on all the coolest magic stuff

has the marauders map no doubt

bought himself an invisibility cloak to mess with his friends

makes his professors laugh a lot

fist bumps everyone in school istg

like chenle w h y

really good at muggle studies too

made sure to select it as a subject the entire time he was at hogwarts as a slack class

doesnt really study and then feels threatened when someone gets a mark close to his

studies his butt off for the next test to maintain his status as top rank

definitely had a rat first year because he thought they were cool

and also because he knows rats can be pets like ??? wyd with owls you guys ??? shouldn't they be out in the wild or smth??

was super depressed when he found out how short the lifespans of rats were

ended up having to buy an owl in third year because rip nugget 2k15 :((

his owl is Small

thought it would be funny to call it renjun

but then renjun wouldnt talk to him for almost a week

visits the owlery at least once a week during his free periods to check on his owl

collects his thoughts up there

also rlly likes feeding the owls

sometimes steals Jeno’s cat

catch him in his dorm studying on his bed with Jeno’s cat sleeping in his lap

chenle claims its because the cats like the warm greenhouse vibe the Hufflepuff dorm has going on

but the real reason he bribed the cat into loving him when he first met it

probably was the one to lead the cat to the off-limits areas of the castle

j i s u n g

Gryffindors best seeker to date

kinda shy but is rlly admired by everyone

likes to piss jeno off by missing practice every two practices to study

but low-key hes so good he doesnt really have to go at all

doesnt want a career in quidditch but is constantly reminded he could have one if he wanted it

easily the most popular boy in his year

got asked out a few times this year and awkwardly rejected them all in the nicest way possible

he has a cat thats just as long and skinny as he is

jeno likes to call it sungie and it now responds to that name

enjoys care of magical creatures but very hesitant towards the creatures

but because of his care and precaution, the animals all really love him lmao

gets really soft around them now

seriously oblivious to his admirers tho

chenle once said if the triwizard tournament was to be brought back jisung would be the one to be chosen

has lived in fear ever since

okay jokes

boy could totally win

the only one in the group who has attempted and can successfully perform wordless magic

he knows way too many jinxes and charms off the top of his head that he can easily jinx you without even uttering a word

once was studying in the great hall when one of his friends teased him about rejecting someone and without looking up from his book he just lifted his wand and waved it, jinxing the apple in his friend’s hand to bite him

got detention but honestly the professor was so pleased with his progress it was only a one hour session

has a lot of sass

evidently

never Fully awake at breakfast

always looks really good in the evenings tho

he comes down to breakfast with his tie half undone and the top button of his shirt open

undoes the top buttons when he’s stressed too

professors love having him as a student

especially because they know he hangs out with jaemin

but the fact that he was in renjun and Donghyuck and Chenle’s group was enough for them to be wary

but hes the perfect blend of fun and focused in lessons

likes studying outside in summer

enjoys walking around school grounds during the holidays

390 notes · View notes

recentanimenews · 3 years

Text

FEATURE: Every Crazy Aqua Face in KONOSUBA

This article written by Joseph Luster was originally published on April 30, 2020

Like any good story, KONOSUBA -God’s blessing on this wonderful world! starts out totally low-key and gradually intensifies from there. Alright, I can’t even pretend that’s remotely true, but if there’s one thing we’ve scientifically determined, it’s that Aqua’s already pretty crazy facial expressions get even crazier over time.

If you haven’t watched this delightfully ridiculous anime in a while, or at all — seriously, now’s a great time to start! — we’ve got the overview you’ve been dying to see: Every crazy Aqua face in KONOSUBA! These are in chronological order, starting with KONOSUBA Season 1, Episode 1, and moving all the way through the finale of Season 2 and including both OVAs. Truly, this gallery is a blessing on OUR wonderful world.

WARNING: There WILL be KONOSUBA spoilers, in that we WILL spoil all of Aqua's absurd reactions.

Aqua Ramps Up in KONOSUBA Season 1

How else should a goddess — useless or not — react after finding out the ridiculously embarrassing way our lead protagonist Kazuma died? Getting isekai’d may sound like fun, but not when it comes at the cost of your dignity. Aqua eventually composes herself, but it isn’t long until we’re treated to a season full of absurd reactions and unforgettable faces.

When the shut-in otaku you’re dealing with makes the one choice you didn’t expect:

When you find out everyone isn’t worshipping you exclusively:

When the all-powerful God Blow move fails to faze a giant toad:

When Kazuma tells you he just netted a cool million as a reward:

When you get busted for being Megumin’s explosive accomplice:

When you’re seconds away from using Kazuma’s tracksuit to kindle the fire:

When Kazuma completely KOs you with a door in a haunted mansion:

When you realize you’re the reason the mansion was haunted in the first place:

When you absolutely insist on eliminating the succubus Kazuma ordered for himself:

When some shut-in NEET drains your holy power so a two-bit lich can save the entire town:

When you definitely didn’t eat half of Kazuma’s yakisoba bun:

Aqua Knows KONOSUBA Season 2 is About to E.X.P.L.O.D.E.

When you support Kazuma but aren’t trying to join him in the slammer ...

… but you’re all about a good ol’ prison break:

When the court seizes your most prized possessions (seriously, I was gonna drink that well-aged booze!):

When Kazuma’s new snipe skill is all that stands between you and another toad’s belly:

Ah, yes, that all too familiar feeling:

When every little noise in a dungeon shaves a day off your life:

When you’re desperate to tell Darkness what a scumbag Kazuma has been while she was gone:

When you can’t hold a straight face to save your life:

When Darkness’ ideal romance monologue leaves you speechless:

When Kazuma refuses to stop being a dumbass:

When you’ve had enough of dungeons:

When you might be in the biggest trouble ever:

When Kazuma surprises you with a legit strategy:

When your actions complicate yet another simple Kill Quest:

When you can picture Kazuma slapping adventurers’ faces with wads of cash:

When you lose a round of rock, paper, scissors and it’s TOTALLY UNFAIR:

No, seriously, Kazuma’s a shameless cheater!

It’s gotta be some kind of special cheating ability! Quit pulling my cheeks!

Harrumph!

When a stampede is heading your way and it’s probably your fault again:

When you make, like, 30 souls rest in peace, including Wiz's:

When you’re trying to live your best life as a goddess and Kazuma confesses unforgivable sins:

The story of Aqua’s life:

When you REALLY need Darkness to back you up in front of your followers:

When those same followers don’t believe you’re who you say you are:

Getting stoned by your own followers … This one’s gonna sting for a while:

Especially when they accuse you of working for the Devil King and kick off a literal witch hunt:

ABORT! ABORT!!

When you finally find the source of all your haters:

When Kazuma is ready to give up on the most important mission ever:

When, at the end of the day, you just DON'T MESS WITH AQUA:

When you won the battle of the hot springs but somehow managed to screw up in everyone else’s eyes:

When you think Season 2’s over but a bunch of annoying ghosts get the drop on you:

When awakening the beautiful girl golem was definitely not your fault:

And just like that, Season 2 is over! Hey, there’s always the KONOSUBA: Legend of Crimson movie, which you can watch on Crunchyroll right now!

Did we miss any crazy Aqua faces? Let us know your favorite from the world of Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku o!, AKA the glorious KONOSUBA, in the comments!

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

Joseph Luster is the Games and Web editor at Otaku USA Magazine. You can read his webcomic, BIG DUMB FIGHTING IDIOTS at subhumanzoids. Follow him on Twitter @Moldilox.

By: Guest Author

#Anime #News #Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!

1 note · View note

jackiejacks923 · 4 years

Text

By Your Side

Prompt: “I wasn’t prepared for this.” “For what?” “You.” - @challengingwords

Pairing: Shownu x reader

A/N: Happy Valentine’s Day from my part of the world! Be sure to celebrate by showing yourself how much you love you. I figured it’s a perfect day to post this story. It’s a long one (at least for me) and I apologize if that’s not you’re cup of tea. Warning: major fluff lies beyond this line. Enjoy <3

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

You entered the code into the keypad to your best friend’s place and entered in with your daughter, Rosie.

“Ma! We’re here!” you announced from the doorway as you took your shoes off.

“Grandma!” Rosie exclaimed as she quickly took her shoes off and put her house slippers on to run to the woman who was basically her second grandmother.

A woman came out of the kitchen and opened her arms to the little girl.

“My baby!” her adoptive grandmother greeted with a big hug.

“Hi, ma,” you greeted as you carried in two heavy grocery bags. “Is everything ready?”

“I just finished the last of the side dishes,” your second mom answered as she sighed, “I wish Hyunwoo would stop falling for the wrong woman.” You followed her back into the kitchen to finish prepping.

Now that you were fully in the house, you could clearly hear Hyunwoo’s breakup playlist playing from his room.

“Rosie, go check on your godfather while me and grandma finish in the kitchen,” you instructed. The little girl did as she was told and quietly went to the room of the man she grew up to recognize as her adopted father.

She quietly knocked on the door before turning the knob. “Daddy, can I come in?” she whispered, then proceeded to walk in.

“What happened this time?” you asked while unpacking packages of meat from your bags.

“Same as usual,” Hyunwoo’s mom answered as she plated the fresh kimchi, “He put his trust and heart in the wrong girl and she betrayed him for God knows why.”

“Ugh,” you sighed, “I knew that Yura was no good the moment I saw her. Too much makeup and not enough clothes. But I get it. Hyunwoo’s weakness is the same as every man’s, I guess.”

“Tsk, why can’t he find someone like you?” Hyunwoo’s mom commented.

“Someone like me?” you scoffed, “What? A single mom that has barely enough time to put on eyeliner and do her hair because she has to take care of a little one by herself? Ma, I’m no one’s ideal type.”

“You’re so much more than that, Y/N,” Hyunwoo’s mom reminded you as you started to bring the side dishes to the table, “You’re beautiful without the help of makeup. On top of that, you're independent and hardworking and loving and respectful and you know how to take care of him and understand him.”

“I only understand him because we’ve been friends for so long,” You pointed out as you turned on the grill his mom set up on the table, “And you only know that because you’re my mom’s best friend.”

“Which is why it would be perfect for you to be my daughter-in-law,” Hyunwoo’s mom countered, “Because you’re practically already my daughter.”

“I love you,” you said and hugged Hyunwoo’s mom. “But it’s up to Hyunwoo who he falls in love with.”

“So you’re just going to wait?” Hyunwoo’s mom backs up to face you and raises an eyebrow.

“I’m not waiting for anything,” you answered as you turned your focus back to the grill, “I’m his best friend. I will always be here for him.”

“I wish he saw how much you love him,” Hyunwoo’s mom sighed and brought out the last of the side dishes.

“I love him because he is my friend,” you clarified.

“Are you sure about that, Y/N?” Hyunwoo’s mom challenged, “I see the way you look at him sometimes. Especially when he’s with Rosie.”

“Ma,” you blushed and nervously giggled, “I think you’re blinded by how much you want me to be your daughter-in-law.” Hyunwoo’s mom shrugged it off and closed the topic, but mothers always know their children’s hearts and she knew that you two have been fighting and hiding what you truly feel for each other for much too long.

You realized that Hyunwoo’s mom was too observant. You thought you were careful with keeping your feelings in check when they were all around, but apparently not careful enough. The heart of the truth is that you’ve loved Hyunwoo since you were first introduced as kids. It was as if your heart had found its other half. But as you both grew up and entered the dating arena, Hyunwoo started dating other girls. You took the hint and accepted the fact you will be nothing but a friend in his eyes. You were there for every heartbreak he endured. And when you made the mistake of having that one night stand with Rosie's dad, Hyunwoo was there to support you through everything.

“Rosie!” Hyunwoo’s mom called out, “Let’s go for ice cream!”

“Grandma! Wait for me!” the little girl’s voice was heard from behind the door before it was opened. Hyunwoo’s mom and Rosie went to the doorway and started putting on their shoes.

“Baby,” you called to her as you approached them, “How is he?”

“You know the usual, mommy,” Rosie rolled her eyes as if she was used to this drill, “He holds me while we listen to his music and tells me that me, you and grandma and me are the only women he can trust in this world.”

“You’re a good goddaughter, Rosie,” you praised her and smoothed out her hair before giving her a kiss on her forehead. “Enjoy ice cream with grandma while I take care of Daddy,” you said as you escorted them out the door.

You closed the door behind them and headed back to the grill and placed the fresh meat on it to cook. It took only a few minutes for the smell to start filling the room and shortly after, a disheveled Hyunwoo, complete with bedhead and days old sweats, came out to follow the source of the smell. You gave him one look without saying a word or giving any sort of expression. You turned your attention back to the meat that was cooking as he walked closer and took a seat next to you.

Keeping up with tradition of dealing with Hyunwoo’s heartache, you both sat there staring at the meat in silence just watching it cook. Then, you would cut it up into pieces and plate the cooked ones for Hyunwoo to help himself to. As you tended to the grill, Hyunwoo would feed you a piece and you’d do the same in return in between flipping the meat.

Hyunwoo then leaned against the back of his chair with a full belly and sighed. “Y/N, what’s wrong with me?” he asked.

"You're dumb," you teased while chewing on a piece of meat.

Hyunwoo sighed. "Not gonna try to make me feel better?"

"I didn't buy all this meat for my health," you gestured at the spread in front of you.

"Thank you," he said and gave an effort to smile, "I do feel a little better."

You nodded. "But you really are stupid," you continued, "Women like her can smell you coming a mile away. The good hearted, easy to take advantage of, handsome oppa," Hyunwoo pouted. You brought a piece of meat to his mouth and he accepted it despite being full. "You know how they tell me 'you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince'?" you asked him.

He laughed. "Yeah, but you kissed a huge, fat toad."

"My disastrous love life is not in question here, Hyunwoo," you deadpanned and stuffed another piece of meat in his mouth. "My point is, it's the same for you. You gotta kiss a few frogs, too, before you find your princess," you concluded. Hyunwoo sighed. "Besides, if I didn't kiss that fat toad, we wouldn't have Rosie," You pointed out.

Hyunwoo nodded. "The only girl out there that will love me for me," he smiled at the thought, "Other than my mom, of course."

"Right, OK," you said through your teeth and started stacking the empty dishes loudly and stomped off to the kitchen sink. "Last time I'm buying all this meat to cheer him up," you mumbled under your breath.

Hyunwoo heard you and smiled knowing he was pushing your buttons. You had always been so easy to tease. He then walked over to the kitchen and sat on the countertop watching you do the dishes.

“Y/N, why didn’t we start dating each other back then?” Hyunwoo then asked.

You faltered and almost dropped a dish at the question. “Why are you asking that so suddenly for?” you replied, not meeting his eye.

“I don’t know,” Hyunwoo answered, “I guess cause everyone always asks me about it after something like this happens.”

You continued with your task as you replied, “You don’t have to listen to everyone, Hyunwoo. It’s your heart, it’s your life. You do what you want to do.”

“What if it is something I want?” Hyunwoo asked, “What if it’s something I’ve wanted for a long time, but was scared to do?”

You put the dish in your hands down as your heartbeat picked up its pace. “I wasn’t prepared for this,” you stated and walked back to clear the table and busy yourself as you continued to try not to look at him.

“For what?” he asked.

“You,” you answered, “For you to talk like this. I mean...it’s understandable to be scared. There’s a lot to consider if you did that.”

“Like what?” Hyunwoo inquired.

“Rosie, most importantly. Our friendship, secondly,” you began to list out and then paused to think of more, but was stuck when you felt the heat of a blush rising.

“That doesn’t sound like a lot,” Hyunwoo commented.

“You’re right. It’s not, but the weight of them is pretty heavy,” you explained.

“I’ve been with Rosie since birth. She doesn’t know any other father other than myself,” Hyunwoo expanded and quietly approached behind you, “They say a good foundation for love is friendship. We’ve been friends forever and I have loved you since then.”

“You’ve what?” you asked in shock as you spun around only to be met with Hyunwoo’s close proximity.

“I’ve hidden it for so long,” Hyunwoo began to confess, “thinking you’d only see me as a friend and nothing more. And you know how slow I am when it comes to realizing things like this, but I don’t think I can endure anymore broken hearts from other girls.”

“And you’d allow me to break it?” you asked as you stared into his eyes.

Hyunwoo shook his head and took your hand in his, “You’re the only girl in this world that I trust would never break it because you have always been the glue that kept it from falling apart.” Your eyes began to well up with tears. “Please tell me I can stop searching and you’ll be with me,” Hyunwoo pleaded.

“Hyunwoo,” you said and smiled as you caressed his cheek, “You never had to search far. I’ve always been and will always be by your side.”

Hyunwoo smiled and leaned down to give you a kiss that has been long overdue.

“Yay! Mommy and Daddy love each other!” a little voice exclaimed and surprised you both. Rosie then ran over to you with ice cream all over her face. Hyunwoo picked her up into his arms.

“Eonnie,” Hyunwoo’s mom yelled over the phone talking to your mom, “The kids finally got together! Why don’t you guys come over for dinner to celebrate?”

Hyunwoo and you smiled at her lovingly. Rosie placed an ice cream kiss on her dad’s cheek and made you giggle as you wet a napkin to wipe the stickiness off both their faces.

“I love you, honey,” Hyunwoo said.

“I love you, too,” you replied and gave him a kiss on the cheek at the same time Rosie placed another on his opposite cheek.

Hyunwoo felt the love he truly deserved and looked forward to many more happy days with his little family.

#cwchallenges #challenging words #cwc2

25 notes · View notes

softestvirgil · 5 years

Text

Let The Flames Begin

Chapter Three

Summary: Virgil and the gang have a game night, but things do not go as planned

Word Count: 1630

Genre: Alternate Universe

Rating: PG

Pairing: Side Logicality

Warnings: Abuse mentions and descriptions of injury, homophobia, homophobic slurs, cursing

Let me know if there’s any more I should add!

Today was Wednesday, which may seem like a normal day to most people, but for Virgil's new friend group, it was game night.

Which basically meant they got together after school every Wednesday and played video games together in Logan's basement.

Virgil didn't know what to expect when they invited him, but he accepted the invitation and carpooled with Roman to Logan's place after school that day.

Logan lived in a much more quaint part of town than where Roman lived, which was comforting to Virgil because he felt out of place amongst mansions and designer cars.

Once they arrived at Logan's house, His Mom, Mrs. Croft, answered the door.

She smiled and welcomed them in. “Hello, Roman, and this must be Virgil! I'm Abby,”

Virgil awkwardly smiled and looked at Roman. Roman knew that he didn't want to chit-chat so he decided to speed it up.

“Logan downstairs already?” He asked.

“He sure is! Waiting for you guys. Go ahead!” Abby replied, and Virgil followed Roman's lead.

The basement was, not at all what Virgil was expecting. It was decked out in all kinds of video game memorabilia, a lot of which was vintage.

“This is… really cool,” Virgil said, as he looked around in awe.

“I know,” Logan replied with pride.

Roman looked around too. “Where's Pat?”

Logan sighed. “Oh, he's gonna be a bit late today,”

“Is he okay?” Roman asked.

“He is having issues with his family. He wouldn't go into detail about it, which I found odd, but I didn't want to pry,” Logan explained and adjusted his eyeglasses.

Virgil chuckled. “Logan… he's your boyfriend isn't he?”

Logan quirked a brow. “Yes, I am not sure why you're-”

“Then he should tell you when something is going on,” Virgil finished.

Roman changed the subject. “Let's play Mario Kart! I call Princess Peach,”

“I am going to be Toad,” Logan said, monotonously.

Virgil looked at every character before deciding. “I like Bowser,”

Roman chuckled. “Of course you do,”

Virgil turned. “Why do you say that?”

“He breathes fire,” Roman said, seeming proud id his joke. Very funny.

They played each other a few times, and Virgil was new to the game so he was pretty bad at it, which left Roman and Logan competing for first.

“Get out of the way nerd-breath!” Roman yelled and bumped Logan into a river.

Logan gasped. “You are such a royal pain in the butt!”

Roman snorted. “Ass, Logan! Ass!”

Logan laughed. “Fine… Ass. No!”

Roman won the race. Logan got second and Virgil got 7th place.

“That was fun! Let's do it again!” Roman cheered.

“You only had fun because you won,” Logan commented.

“True,” Roman agreed with a smile.

“I tried,” Virgil said.

Roman put his hand on Virgil's shoulder. “You just need more practice,”

Virgil felt himself go stiff, and his heart quickened in his chest.

Logan noticed Virgil's pained expression. “Roman, you might wanna…”

Roman realized what was happening. “Oh! Sorry!”

Virgil let out a deep breath. “S’ fine…” He didn't love being touched. Patton had touched him the same way the day before, but it was in a comforting manner and it didn't bother him. For some reason though, Roman touching him, did.

As if the situation wasn't awkward enough, Patton showed up, and he was covered in bruises.

Logan was noticeably upset at the sight of him. “Patton! What happened?”

Patton smiled. “Oh, nothing! It's fine-”

“No!” Logan shouted, and everyone went silent for a moment.

“It's not okay that you don't feel like you can tell me things!” He said, and Patton's eyes filled with tears.

“My Dad... he…” The breath caught in his throat. “He found that poem you wrote me…”

Patton was full on sobbing now and trying to dry the tears with his sweater sleeves.

Roman got angry, and he felt heat rise to his face. “Your Dad did this?”

Patton nodded. His tears were so big, and his eyes looked so sad. None of them had ever seen him like this. Virgil had only met him a few days ago, but before now he could never imagine the guy sad.

Logan had now moved to where his boyfriend was and began hugging him comfortingly. “How'd he find it, my love? I thought you hid it in your notes for school,” He said softly.

Patton sniffled. “I- I did hide it but he went through my stuff…”

“I knew your Dad was awful… but I didn't know he was like this,” Roman said and gestured to the bruises all over Patton's face. His skin was all purple and swollen, and you could tell by the looks of him that he had been hit very hard.

Patton started crying again and he was resting his head on Logan's shoulder. “He kicked me out… I- I walked here… I have nowhere to go,”

“You may stay here, for as long as you need,” Logan told him while playing with his hair softly.

Patton frowned. “But what about your mom?”

Logan sighed. “I will give you my bed. She cannot complain if we are sleeping in separate places,”

Roman's eyes went big for a moment. “I have a spare room at my house, Pat! You can stay there. That way Lo isn't giving up his bed,”

“I don't mind-” Logan started but was cut off.

“But I do though. It's okay. Thank you both. Are you sure your parents are gonna be alright with it, Roman?”

“Oh yeah, I mean…” He said and looked at Virgil.

Virgil mocked hurt. “Hey!”

Roman laughed. “Oh, we love you, C'mon,”

Patton smiled. “Thank you guys,”

“He's back!” Roman cheered and Logan threw a pillow at him.

“Rude,” he said and dusted himself off. The game night continued with everyone playing Mario Kart for a bit, and then Logan suggested Super Smash Brothers. After a while, Virgil and Patton just sat back and let Roman and Logan go at it. They were both very competitive, and also sore losers.

“No!” Roman screamed and Logan laughed at him.

Logan did a fake evil laugh. “Finally! I win!”

“Curses!” Roman said and almost threw his controller, to which Logan abruptly shouted.

“If you break it, you pay for it!”

“You okay?” Virgil said, ignoring the other two.

Patton pondered for a moment. “I think so. I'm still really sore though,”

Virgil nodded. “So, Logan really wrote you a poem?”

Patton blushed. “Yeah. He doesn't seem like he would be, but he is very romantic in his own way,”

“I can't imagine that, but I have seen you guys together so it kind of makes sense,” Virgil said with a laugh.

“I hope you're cool with me staying with you guys…” Patton said, looking away.

Virgil smiled at him reassuringly. “Of course, I am. Especially under the circumstances,”

Patton laughed. “Okay,”

Once it had gotten late Roman, Virgil and Patton had to leave. They said goodbye to Logan and got in Roman's car.

“So, do you have any clothes in your backpack?” Roman asked while he drove.

“No, just my clothes for gym class,” Patton replied. “I couldn't get anything…but it's okay!”

“Nah, we'll go to your house and get some of your stuff,” Roman said, driving in the direction of Patton's house.

Patton's eyes filled with tears again and terror surged through his whole body. “I can't go back in there…”

Roman shook his head. “I will,”

“You sure that's a good idea?” Virgil whispered, cautiously.

“Nope,” Roman replied.

Once they had arrived at Patton's house, Roman parked his car across the road and got out.

“Be careful!” shouted Patton.

Roman gulped and walked up to the door, knocking it heavily.

The door opened and he was greeted by Patton’s father, Glenn. A tall, rough looking guy, who didn’t look like he was related to Patton in the slightest.

“Can I help you?” Glenn asked.

“I am Patton’s friend, Roman,” Roman said, confidently.

“I told that kid to stay away from here! He’s not welcome as long as he’s going to behave that way with that boy!” Glenn shouted, getting dangerously close to being violent, again.

“I just came here to get some of his things,” Roman said, standing firm. He was 6’1 and this guy had about seven inches on him, at least, but he was still not going to back down. He was doing this for Patton, no matter what.

Glenn looked at Roman and laughed in his face, and as he did so the smell of alcohol hit Roman’s nose. “I threw out all his stuff, you can tell him that. He has nothing and no one until he rids himself of this disgusting phase,”

“He has three people who love him unconditionally, I think that’s more than enough,” Roman said and smirked at the man. “Goodnight, sir,”

As Roman walked away he heard him shout. “Bunch of fags is all you are! You’re all going to hell!”

“See you there!” Roman yelled and ran to his car, gracefully, of course.

“Go, go, go!” Virgil yelled as Glenn started running out toward them. Roman quickly pulled out and went speeding away from the house.

A few moments of silence went by as Roman drove them home. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t get any of your stuff, Pat,”

All that was heard from the back seat was sniffling.

“Thank you for trying. You could have gotten hurt,” Patton said through his tears.

Roman smiled. “No need to thank me for that, it’s what friends do,”

Virgil smirked. “This is real sweet but I’d love it if you focused on the road. You’re swerving around is gonna give me a panic attack,”

“Man, you’re such a party pooper,” Patton teased.

“I try my best,” Virgil replied with a laugh.

#virgil writes #thomas sanders #sanders sides #virgil sanders #logan sanders #roman sanders #patton sanders #ts sides #ts fandom #thomas sanders fandom #thomas sanders community #sanders sides fandom #sanders sides community #thomas sanders sides #sanders sides fanfic #sanders sides fanfiction

431 notes · View notes

cheekytorah · 5 years

Text

Kinktober Catch Up | Feet Kink

Follower Request

This ones for you @drarryruinedme7 ❤️☺️

🥂

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~

Harry sat in his rather large desk, in the rather large office, in the corner of the Auror Department. Though the room was large and his desk was large and he had so much space to put between him and his partner he felt the room was crowded with little air for breathing. It didn’t help that Draco’s pale smooth and pointy ankle could be seen when he crossed one leg over the other. It especially felt hot in that office when Draco would, after a particularly difficult raid, would slip off his shiny black shoes and rub the pads of his pale bare feet.

Harry waited for the days to end, anxiously hoping that Draco didn’t notice how often his eyes would fall on Draco’s feet. The ankles he wanted to touch, the arch he wanted to lick, the toes he wanted to suck on. Harry adjusted him self inconspicuously as he shifted his his feet and forced himself to stare at the same forms he had been trying to fill out for an hour.

“Yours tonight?” Draco drawled from his side of the room.

The question made Harry’s heart skip a beat, his breath catch and his quill to snap against the parchment.

“For movie night?” Draco raised his brow at Harry then turned his eyes to his nails. “I’m assuming Granger will be bringing Weasley? He’s become far more tolerable lately but if he makes another comment about my hair I can’t promise I won’t turn him into a toad.”

Harry grinned, nodding and shifted again, not trusting his own voice.

“I mean, really, I know he hasn’t heard of a comb, much like you I presume, but that doesn’t mean we all should walk about with unkempt appearances.”

“I comb my hair daily, I assure you.”

“Then it’s quite unfortunate that you don’t know how to use it.”

“I’m to understand that you can show me the best,” Harry glances at Draco’s ankle again quickly. “Methods?”

Draco’s smirk spread into a big tooth grin as he looked at Harry. “Oh, Harry, I’m not sure you can handle my...methods.”

Harry choked on the tea he had brought to his lips and Malfoy chuckled before leaving the room in search of Robards.

~*~

Usually, since Harry and Draco had developed a sort of friendship, the group movie nights at Harry’s we’re filled with Hermione, Ron, Luna, Rolf, and Draco. It had been going on for the better part of the past year almost every week.

This week though it was just the Granger-Weasleys, Harry and Draco enjoying ‘Willow’ a muggle movie that was quite an amusing take on magic. Their laughter filled the room, and everyone was so focused they didn’t notice Draco, who was stretched out on the couch beside Harry, lay his feet in Harry’s lap.

Harry noticed.

Merlin, did Harry notice.

He froze, his eyes still glued at the screen unwilling to look down at what was resting comfortably on his thighs. He gripped his beer bottle tighter, and cleared his throat of the lump that had risen there. He kept his eyes trained on the screen but some how could feel eyes burning into him. Draco’s eyes.

“Potter, my feet hurt! Would you be a dear?” He cooed softly, so quietly Harry was sure no one else had heard him.

“Sod off, Malfoy,” Harry emphasized with a smirk but still kept his eyes plastered to the tv.

Draco chuckled and repositioned his feet slightly, and Harry flinched. He flinched so slightly, he prayed Draco didn’t feel it. Draco’s foot had rubbed very so lightly against Harry’s prick, and the contact. Oh Merlin, the contact was everything.

Harry jumped up and excused himself, making for the loo. He took his time, staring at himself and training his breathing back to normal. After having calmed himself—and adjusted his trousers—he walked out and directly into Draco.

“You sure you don’t need your eyes checked again? Maybe you need stronger glasses?”

“My eyes are fine, Draco, I just didn’t see you.”

“You’ve been on edge all day, is something wrong? Ever since—did my comment about Weasley upset you earlier? You know it’s all in good fun, right?”

“I know.”

Harry shuffled to the side to let Ron into the room and walked towards the kitchen for another beer.

“So, what is bothering you?”

Harry shook his head before searching for a bottle in the fridge and made a pleased triumphant sound when he found the last one behind the milk. When he stood back up he found Draco, red faced and looking away quickly as to not be caught. Caught doing what exactly? Surely not staring at-at Harry?

“Something bothering you, Draco? You look a bit flushed, maybe a bug?”

Draco hummed in response and slipped back into the tv room.

~*~

Hermione and Ron after the movie, stepping into the Floo with a wave and a promise to see eachother at work. Draco, though, was still stretched out on the couch. He looked beautiful and peaceful. His body relaxed, arms folded and feet-pale beautiful feet-crossed at the ankle. His eyes were closed as if asleep.

Harry stares for longer than what was likely proper. Draco’s long lashes, his aristocratic jaw, soft shaggy hair and plump lips. Harry wanted to touch, taste, lick. Godric, he was so far gone for this man and his perfect feet.

“You’re staring again, Harry.”

Harry glanced up quickly to see piercing grey eyes watching him. Harry rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.

“I, Er.”

“You’ve been staring at me, well mostly my feet, for months now. Did you know that?”

Harry blushed furiously and nodded from where he stood leaned back against the fireplace.

“You-you like my feet.” Draco said carefully.

Harry nodded again, clearing his throat but unable to find words. He watched as Draco stood and walked towards him. As Draco rested his hands against Harry’s chest. As he smiled and looked at Harry under long beautiful gold lashes.

“Just my feet?” Draco asked cautiously.

Their faces were so close, Harry could feel Draco’s breath on his cheek. He closed the distance between them, pressing their lips together in an answer he couldn’t articulate. Not with Draco’s hands on his chest, and his body flush against his own.

In seconds they popped into Harry’s bedroom, and Harry had Draco laid out on his bed after vanishing their clothes.

“I better get those back, Potter,” Draco scolded half heartedly.

Kissing again, Harry’s hands explored Draco’s body. The flesh of his nipples, the point of his hips, the firmness of his arse. As Harry prepared him, Draco moaned into his mouth and bucked up against him. He sucked on Harry’s ear and whispered obscene things he wanted to do with Harry.

Harry finally pushed into Draco, the tightness and heat making him groan. He pulled Draco’s leg up against him and kissed his ankle. He trailed open mouthed kissed to his arch and licked a long stripe to Draco’s toes, moaning loudly as he thrust deep inside Draco rhythmically. He sucked each toe into his mouth, playing and tasting each one slowly while he thrust deep and fast. Draco yelled under him, thrashing wontonly overwhelmedand coming undone by all the amazing sensations Harry was bestowing upon his body.

“Harry, oh Merlin, yes, fuuu-” Draco moaned as he met Harry’s every thrust with his own, coming all over his own chest.

Harry tasted each toe on Draco’s other foot, imagining Draco rubbing his foot all over his leaking cock, and exploded his orgasm deep inside Draco. He fell to the side and Draco pulled him up against him. Both breathing heavily, they grinned at eachother.

“Next time, will you put those sexy feet all over my prick?”

“Whatever you want, love.” Draco chuckled and curled himself around Harry before falling asleep.

[this kind of ran away from me taking on a bit of a life of its own. Hope I did this kink justice!]

#drarry gang #drarry drabble #drarry

21 notes · View notes

theyorthemrecords · 4 years

Text

imaginary toads in real gardens (I)

a/n: the soft college!cashton fic i’ve been promising the group chat, focusing mainly around their shared poetry class! also a little barista!ashton, if you squint. also linked below are the two poems mentioned by name, if you’re interested in reading them! (both are personal favorites of mine hehe)

tableau by countee cullen

the helmsman by hilda doolittle (h.d.)

word count: 1.7 k

warnings: a light sprinkling of cursing, but nothing else in this part! enjoy ~

Calum wasn’t quite sure how this morning could get any worse. It started with him oversleeping, causing a chain reaction of trying to brew his own coffee, spilling said coffee all over himself, changing his shirt because of the spilled coffee, and ending up in, quite literally, the ugliest outfit he had ever seen. To make it all worse, it was a Tuesday, meaning the class he was rushing to was poetry, which just so happened to be the one class he shared with the absolutely dreamy barista from the on-campus coffee shop, the Bee-Hive.

Calum had been crushing on the guy, from afar, since his freshman year, and couldn’t believe his luck when he materialized in his spring semester poetry class two years later. Throughout the first few weeks of the semester, he had collected a few key pieces of information about the other boy, using it all to fuel his romantic daydreams, when his mind wandered. First, his name was Ashton, which technically Calum already knew, but it just felt so different to hear Ashton say it himself as opposed to simply reading it on his nametag. Second, Ashton was a junior, like himself, but unlike Calum, Ashton wasn’t an English major. He was a Philosophy major, making his enrollment in the class perplexing to Calum at first, but he pretty quickly understood why Ashton had picked the class. It was obvious that Ashton loved poetry, the art of crafting words into something larger, something new, from the first class discussion they had about Claude McKay. Calum liked to believe, especially since he was now an upperclassman in the English department, that he understood poetry, but it had rendered him speechless to hear Ashton discuss poetry. He just seemed to feel everything so deeply, to be able to grasp the author’s intent and purpose immediately, breaking the poem due to purest essence before Calum had even figured out the rhyme scheme.

Which all looped back to why Calum was hellbent on not only showing up to poetry class on time, but putting all his effort into the discussion they had, in order to desperately try and impress Ashton with his dazzling and insightful textual interpretations. Has it worked so far? Technically no, but he was too stubborn to stop trying and too chicken to actually just ask the other boy out. What if he said no? Then Calum could never go to the Bee-Hive again and his caffeine addiction would be limited to his shitty dorm room, french press brew. That was a horrific reality. Worse than that, what if Ashton wasn’t even gay? The question had perplexed Calum since the first day of class and he bounced back and forth on the answer every time they had class. The closest he had gotten to an answer was the day they discussed Countee Cullen and his poem “Tableau”. Ashton had talked so passionately about the poem and Cullen but managed to do so without actually saying whether or not the poem applied to him. Calum concluded that day that Ashton had to be gay, that there was no way a straight man would talk that emotionally and beautifully about one of the most stunning gay poems in existence. Still, he didn’t have a definite answer, and that was enough to scare Calum out of asking Ashton out.

Too lost in his train of thought, and the blasting volume of Jimmy Eat World currently pumping through his earbuds, Calum failed to notice the body in his way until it was too late and he slammed into whatever unfortunate bystander in the Quad, scattering the books in their hands all over the ground.

“Holy shit” Snatching his earbuds out and bending down to gather the books that fell to the ground, Calum was amazed when the voice that answered him was none other than Ashton himself, seemingly materialized in front of him by how hard Calum had been daydreaming about the man.

“Hey man, no worries. You’re Calum right, from poetry?” He winced as soon as Ashton spoke, glancing up at him from where he was positioned on the ground, picking up Ashton’s books, which, upon inspection, were obviously from their assigned book list. Of course Ashton barely knew his name, when it seemed that all Calum could do was daydream about him. It had gotten so bad that his roommate, Michael, had taken to throwing pencils at Calum to get his attention, as most of the time he was zoned out in his own private Ashton fantasy. Standing up to hand Ashton his books, Calum gave him a small smile as they finally stood face to face.

“That’s me. Sorry for barreling into you like that, I was just -” Calum paused mid-sentence, too self-conscious to admit that he was rushing to class. Especially because he was rushing to class to see the person that now stood directly in front of him. Luckily, Ashton filled his silence with an easy laugh, a sound Calum found particular delight in.

“No worries, I definitely don’t want to be late for poetry either. Dr. M always bites people’s heads off if they’re not on time. Since we’re going the same way, wanna walk together?” Calum could feel himself gaping at him, scrambling to find something to say to Ashton’s offer. This was too good to be true.

“Erm-” God, pull it together. Now or never Hood. “I’d love to.” For an English major, he felt like he should be able to say something a little more eloquent. Ashton just let him so speechless, it felt like every word he had ever learned simply departed the minute Ashton’s hazel eyes landed on him.

“Perfect! Lead the way” Falling in step, the two walked in silence for a beat as Calum gathered the courage to say something, anything, to keep a conversation flowing.

“You’re a Philosophy major, right? Why take an English class?” The walk was just long enough that Calum could get some answers to the questions he’d had all semester, and he decided this was the most neutral one to start with. Wouldn’t be very becoming to just launch out the gate with the good old “Are you a queer?” He at least had a little tact left. Again, he was met with one of Ashton’s laughs, a sound Calum quickly found himself becoming addicted to. I’m in too deep.

“You got me there. In all honesty? I’m not too sure why. I just had extra space in my semester and… I don’t know. The class just kinda grabbed me. If that makes any fucking sense.” Calum was nodding along, trying hard not to look like he was hanging off of Ashton’s every word. Fuck their poetry class, this man was a poem himself. Just grabbed by a poetry class. Could he get any dreamier?

“No, I totally get you. You picked a good one. Dr. M may be a hardass, but she’s one of the best professors in the department.” This was Calum’s fifth class with the woman and he was still shocked by how hard she made all of her exams. Still, she pushed him in a way that was unlike any other teacher he had ever had. He was happy to know her and even more grateful to have her knowledge in his life, both as a professor and his advisor.

“Shocking to hear you say that. She eats up everything you say. On the other hand, I feel like a dumbass every time I make a comment.” Accompanied by a bashful smile and shake of his head, Ashton glanced away for a second. Calum was, once again, stunned into silence, this time for a totally different reason.

“You? Are you kidding me? Everything you say in class is amazing, you’re so insightful. I wish I could read poetry like you do… everything you say is so stunning and you just… get it. You’re great in class Ashton.” Finishing his ramble, it was Calum’s turn to be embarrassed. I can not believe I just said all of that to him. He’s going to think I’m insane, that was a crazy thing to ramble at my crush. Is it too early to consider transferring?

“Really?” Every single bad thought Calum was having about himself halted when he looked over at Ashton when he spoke. Ashton was staring at him, with so much hope welling up in his eyes it was disarming. Calum’s mum had always said that the eyes were the windows to the soul, and it seemed like Ashton’s windows were flung open, displaying every emotion plainly to him. A warm summer day, gorgeous and breezy and open. “You think so?”

“I know so. And Dr. M loves you, she just has a funny way of showing it.” Calum bumped Ashton’s shoulder, half to break the trance they were in and half to remind him to start walking again. “She will, however, love us less if we show up late to this class. C’mon.”

It was silent again as the two walked side by side, but unlike before, the silence felt comfortable. Breathable. Like a shared understanding. It remained that way as they walked into the English wing of the Main Hall, finally reaching their classroom right on time. The class was small enough that there were always open seats, but everyone had settled into their unofficial assigned seats back during syllabus week. Ashton always sat closest to the door, while Calum sat across the room, right in front of the big window that faced the park on the front of campus. Ideal for gazing out of the window when he wanted to zone out and for sneaking glances at Ashton whenever he spoke. The best of both worlds. However, as they entered class today, Ashton followed him to the window and snuck into the seat on Calum’s left. When Calum stared at him in shock for half a second, still standing, Ashton laughed his adorable laugh again with another shake of his head.

“Figured it was time for a change of scenery, yea? Now sit down so we can talk about Hilda Doolittle. I’ve been dying all weekend to hear what Dr. M has to say about The Helmsman.” It’s official, Calum thought as he sat in his seat and pulled out his own book, I’m in love with this man.

#GOD first fic posted DONE!#honestly..... i'm so excited by this #cashton!college au is my drug #cashton imagine #calum x ashton #college!sos #college!cashton #calum hood imagine #ashton irwin imagine #calum hood #ashton irwin

1 note · View note

sammysdewysensitiveeyes · 5 years

Text

The Many Deaths of Fabian Cortez

Once again, @thecorteztwins inspired me to write something stupid about Fabian, featuring his many deaths and resurrections on Krakoa as he annoys every woman on the island.

Warnings for the usual level of Fabian-style sexual harassment and groping. A couple of the deaths are gruesome, but nothing described in much detail. One of the deaths got a little more angsty than funny, sorry about that. Also sorry for any continuity mishaps, I’m not familiar with a few of the characters in here. I characterized Chrome and Delgado based on thecorteztwin’s headcanons for the personalities. Under a read-more, because this sucker wound up long.

The first time it happened was when Fabian made the monumental mistake of flirting with Selene. He’d already been trying his luck (meaning “pestering and in some cases straight- up assaulting”) with some of the gentler, less violent mutants. Dr. Cecilia Reyes simply covered her body with a forcefield when he attempted to grope her, then pushed him aside when he persisted. Wallflower used her pheromones to induce a jolt of fear that sent him scurrying away. Sooraya shifted into a cloud of dust and reformed on the other side of the island after Fabian commented that it was a waste for a beautiful woman like her to cover herself completely (Icarus promptly punched Fabian in the nose to “discourage” him from trying again). Meggan played dumb blonde and asked Fabian to explain, several times, what exactly he meant by “Does the carpet match the drapes?” She finally flew off when he failed to recognize the obvious brush-off.

So Fabian was brimming with unearned confidence – because the women’s non-homicidal attempts to rebuff him had been, in his mind, “playing hard to get” – when he decided to approach the former Black Queen.

“Well, it’s your funeral, man,” Dominic said, lifting a beer as if to toast him.

“Because she’ll literally fuck me to death, you mean? Not to worry! I’ve got incredible stamina and a very healthy heart.”

“Don’t listen to him, mate, go for it. Tell her about how you’re the ‘true pinnacle of homo-superior,’ she’ll be real impressed.” St. John couldn’t finish the sentence without snickering.

“It…seems like a bad idea,” said Simon nervously. He hadn’t really intended to fall in with the bad guys, especially since he’d been trying to prove himself as an X-Man, but the original Pyro had immediately glommed onto him with a pushy, aggressive friendliness. And he supposed they weren’t really doing anything wrong just sitting around drinking and swapping stories. It was better than awkward run-ins with Iceman, who was trying to pretend that the two of them hadn’t banged.

“Shush, Baby Pyro. Let the man do his thing,” St. John said, tossing back another Jack and Coke.

“Please don’t call me that,” Simon muttered.

“Yes, I shall now ‘do my thing,’ as you so eloquently put it. Try not to eat your own hearts out with jealousy when she falls into my arms,” Fabian said as he swaggered off.

“She’s gonna eat his heart. Literally,” Dominic grunted. “Why are you even encouraging this, Johnny?”

“Because it’ll be hilarious, and there’s fuck all to do on this island. I’m about ready to start writing again, I’m so bored.”

“Ugh, don’t expect me to help edit if you’re gonna start in with more of that Harlequin romance crap –“

“You are literally the last person I’d ask to help edit, you illiterate wanker – “

“Hey guys, I think he’s making his move.” Simon pointed across the way, interrupting the quarrel. (Simon had already recognized that original Pyro and Avalanche bickered like an old married couple, and drawn his own conclusions about that.) Fabian was trying to casually lean against a tree while chatting up Selene, but had misjudged the distance, and was now stuck in a weird diagonal slant. He made a vain attempt to compensate by pushing off the tree in a series of awkward, one-handed push-ups, while flexing his other arm. Selene stood with her arms crossed like a very sexy, very terrifying statue.

“This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen,” Dominic snorted.

“This is bloody brilliant, it is. I’m absolutely putting this in my next book.”

“It’s gonna be a comedy, then?”

Fabian had stopped the push-ups, and was now gesturing at Selene, then back at himself. He ran a hand down his chest and abdomen in what he probably assumed was an alluring manner. Selene hadn’t moved, but something in her posture seemed tenser than before. Simon thought he could see a vein standing out in her forehead.

“Wish we could actually hear him,” St. John remarked.

“I like him better when he’s out of earshot,” Dominic responded.

“You almost gotta admire him, in a way, haven’t ya? I mean, the sheer bollocks on the man to walk up to the Black Queen and try to put the moves on her. Most men’s dicks would just shrivel up in fear.”

“Is it really brave if he’s too stupid to be scared?” Dominic crushed his empty beer can and pulled out two more, tossing one across to Simon.

“Yeah,” Simon put in. “It’s kinda like jumping the fence at the zoo and trying to pet a lion.” The sense of camaraderie was making him feel more at ease. The alcohol helped, too.

“See, Other Pryo agrees with me.”

“Please don’t call me that, either.”

Across the way, Fabian gestured again at Selene, then cupped his hands and twisted them around in an obviously lewd gesture. Selene finally broke her stance, grabbing Fabian by the front of his shirt and pulling him forward into a passionate kiss.

There was a collective gasp from the three mutants watching.

Then, a dark energy crackled over the two embracing. Fabian’s eyes widened in fear, and he attempted to pull away, but Selene put her hands on the back of his head and forced his mouth down onto hers. The blackness rippled across Fabian, then drained into Selene, who seemed to stand taller and stronger while Fabian’s muscular body withered in her arms. Soon there was nothing left but a desiccated corpse, which Selene contemptuously tossed aside, wiping her mouth and looking like she’d just enjoyed a full meal.

“Alright, Dom and Baby Pryo. You’re both right. The tosser is just too dumb to live,” St. John conceded.

The second incident showed that Fabian had not learned any kind of lesson at all from his experience with Selene, as he decided to proposition Mystique. The exotic blue skin, contrasting with her fiery red hair and revealing white costume – how could any man resist? And why would she dress in such a way if she didn’t long for male attention? Her cold, aloof temperament added to the appeal, with an exciting hint of danger. (Of course, for most would-be suitors, it was significantly more than a “hint” of danger. But Fabian was never one to notice things that didn’t fit into his world view. As far as he was concerned, she only needed the right man – himself – and she would melt into his arms like a delicate snowflake.)

She presented a particularly dangerous picture as Fabian approached, cleaning and oiling the guns that she had spread along the table. Sitting across from her, Toad was absorbed in his Nintendo Switch, waiting for her to finish so that they could start planning the next mission. He’d earned some downtime, and was determined to get in a little practice so that Doug Ramsey wouldn’t destroy him at the next Smash Brothers game. Again.

“Mystique. Why is a beautiful woman like yourself doing such base manual labor?” Fabian slid into the seat next to her. “Why not leave it to him?” He gestured across the table at Toad, who briefly looked up from his game to scowl back.

“No one touches my guns except me.” Mystique did not look up from her work. “What do you want, Cortez?”

“Just to spend a little time with you, so that we could get to know each other better.”

“If you don’t have anything interesting to say then stop wasting my time.”

“I have many, many interesting things to say to you. But perhaps it would be easier if we had some privacy. If the third wheel sitting across from us would possibly take a hint?”

“Stay, Toad,” Mystique insisted.

Toad nodded. He wasn’t really paying attention to the game anymore, as he couldn’t resist sneaking up glances to watch Cortez be inevitably put in his place. He felt a little bad about it – indulging in that kind of schadenfreude was an unhealthy habit of his from back in the early days of the Brotherhood. He had so desperately wanted Magneto to love him, and he’d spent so much of his life as the unwanted, outcast butt of every joke. It gave him a thrill of glee to see someone else get in trouble for once.

“If that is your wish, Mystique, I will allow it. But you may prefer that we move this someplace more private once the conversation becomes more….intimate.” He reached out to brush a hand against Mystique’s cheek, and she jerked away, looking up at him for the first time.

“What is this actually about, Cortez? Do you have information or some kind of plan in mind? I know you’re a devious little shit and I can respect that, but cut to the chase.”

“Very direct! I like it. I love it when a woman takes charge.” At least as long as her “taking charge” happened to coincide directly with Fabian’s own desires and fantasies. “My ‘plan,’ as you so delightfully put it, is simple. You. Me. Enjoying each other’s bodies and experiencing pleasure that you couldn’t possibly imagine. We could find a bedroom, or a secluded spot on the beach –“

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Mystique snapped. “I thought you had something I could use, but you’re just hitting on me?”

“And why not?” Fabian stood up, spreading his arms wide to better show off his muscular chest. “Am I not incredibly attractive?”

“You’re making a huge mistake,” Toad warned, now openly watching the scene with his chin resting on one hand. “I’d back off while you still can.”

“I didn’t ask you,” Fabian said coldly. “And pull your tongue back into your mouth, you repulsive creature. She’s probably too disgusted by the sight of you to respond to my advances.”

Toad slurped his tongue back up out of sight, tucking the excess into his cheek, which now burned with embarrassment. The long tongue had been a later mutation, and he’d never quite gotten used to it. Keeping it all inside made his mouth feel uncomfortably full, and it often lolled out without his noticing. But he was all too aware that others found it disgusting.

“You’re far more repulsive than Toad could ever be,” Mystique said, standing up to face Fabian with her arms crossed. Toad felt a small spot of warmth blossom in his chest. He certainly didn’t feel bad anymore about watching Fabian get what was coming to him.

“Understand, because I’ll only say this once,” Mystique continued. “I am not, and will never be attracted to you. I do not desire you or your company in any way – sexually, romantically, platonically. Do not speak to me again unless you have something relevant to say.”

Fabian seemed taken aback for a moment, then he grinned.

“So, you’re saying that you’re only going to refuse me once? I get it, you like a man who persists, who makes you feel that you are worth fighting for. I won’t make you say it again.” He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned in for a kiss. His lips never touched hers – instead, Mystique’s hands moved rapidly, and there was a sharp cracking sound as Fabian’s head wound up facing the wrong way on his body. He dropped to the floor. The whole thing happened too quickly for him to even register surprise, so his now slack face, with eyes glazed over, still held some hint of hopeful anticipation.

“Wow, that was…sudden,” Toad muttered, his tongue slipping out again. Mystique just looked at him, one eyebrow raised.

Toad shrugged back at her. “I mean, you did warn him.”

“If anyone asks, he tried to take one of the guns.” Mystique was absolutely not in the mood for an Xavier lecture, it was even worse than a Magneto lecture.

“Agreed.” Toad nodded.

The third time, Fabian made what he believed was an entirely innocent gesture. He saw a lovely ass, barely covered in tight black booty shorts, and he gave it the playful slap that such an ass invited.

Obviously, his first mistake was in assuming that clothing was an invitation for touching, and that he had a right to put his hands on anyone’s body.

His second, and ultimately more important mistake, was that the ass in question belonged to Illyana Rasputin.

Illyana whirled around at the touch, and her eyes narrowed. Whatever pick-up lines Fabian had planned shriveled and died on his tongue as her piercing blue eyes seemed to stare directly into his soul. A chill ran through his entire body, and he shuddered involuntarily. For once, Fabian was immediately aware that he had gotten in over his head. This was no woman, it was a demon wrapped in a beautiful body, meant to lure in innocent men like him.

The she-demon reached out a hand, and said a single word.

“Limbo.”

The word seemed to echo in Fabian’s ears as the ground melted away below his feet, and he dropped into a glowing circle.

Later, Illyana would claim that she had only intended to teleport him across the island, far away from her. It was a complete mistake that Fabian had somehow wound up stranded in Limbo, and torn apart by demons. And hey, that wasn’t her fault, right?

The fourth time, Fabian had retreated back to familiar ground – his own beloved Acolytes. He’d led the group for so long, and served under Exodus (despite the man being painfully unfit and incompetent), so surely they’d all welcome him with open arms. And there was his own dear sister, resurrected at last.

Unfortunately, Anne Marie was a bit miffed at him for the events that had led up to her death, which Fabian thought was rather unreasonable. It was so long ago, Fabian could barely even remember it. Who could really say anymore who betrayed who, or who caused Asteroid M to crash? The important thing was that it all ultimately came down to Magneto’s poor leadership. Anne Marie didn’t quite see it that way. She directed an icy glare at him whenever he ventured into the compound that most of the resurrected Acolytes had chosen to share.

“Anne Marie, have I mentioned recently how happy I am to see you returned to us?”

“Chrome, please tell my brother that I am not speaking with him.”

“Fabian, Anne Marie says – “ Chrome began in a deadpan.

“Yes, yes, I heard her,” Fabian hissed. His sister’s stubborn hostility hurt him more than he expected, although he was used to her being childish and willful, having grown up together. He hadn’t actually intended for her to die all those years ago; he hadn’t imagined she’d be so stubborn as to stay by Magneto’s side until the end.

“Look, Anne Marie, things were complicated back then. I had a plan –“

“Chrome, please tell my brother to stop making excuses for his despicable betrayal of Lord Magneto.”

“Fabian, Anne Marie says –“

“Chrome, why are you participating in this immature nonsense?” Fabian snapped.

“Because it amuses me, and I like her better than you.” Chrome was blunt as always.

“Fine,” Fabian sighed. “But let me remind everyone that we’ve all been reborn on this island to start fresh, all sins forgiven. Why don’t we let the past stay in the past? I mean, I’ve died several times now, I don’t know why you’re all making such a big deal out of it. And Magneto is alive, anyway. He’s alive and thriving, so no harm done.”

“Disagree,” Delgado muttered, from the corner by the window. He was staring longingly out at the trees and sunshine, but unwilling to leave his team-mates alone with this snake.

“Why are you even here, Cortez? Are you recruiting for your stupid harem again, or are you going to try to replace Exodus. Because you must know neither of those things are ever going to happen,” Frenzy spoke up from the table, where she and Unuscione were splitting a bottle of wine.

“You say ‘start fresh,’ but you’re the same as ever,” Unuscione added. “You never change, Cortez.”

“Why should I change when I am so magnificent? Perfection itself!” Fabian exclaimed, although his enthusiasm withered a little under his sister’s glare.

“I have rarely met anyone so completely and utterly wrong,” Chrome snorted. Fabian paid him the generous favor of ignoring him.

“Rest assured, I am not here to reclaim my rightful place of leadership. Although I’m not sure why you all wouldn’t want that. Someone has to take charge. Magneto is running the island with Xavier, and Exodus has abandoned you all to go tell stories to children.”

“So, it’s the harem, thing, then?” demanded Frenzy. “It’s always one or the other.”

“My friends, can’t I just visit you all out of the goodness of my heart?”

‘That has never happened,” Chrome pointed out.

“Ever,” Delgado added, quite unnecessarily, Fabian thought.

“Loooook,’ he adopted a soothing tone. “I just think that we should all start thinking about the future. After all, we’re going to be living out our lives here. And eventually, we’ll no doubt start forming family units. It’s only natural. And one of the rules of Krakoa is to make more mutants, after all.”

“Wow, there it is,” put in Unuscione. “I knew you’d get there eventually.”

“I think we need to sort this out early, so that it doesn’t get…messy later on,” Fabian continued. “After all, I’m only one man, and there are only so many hours in the day. We don’t want fights breaking out.”

“Oh my god, will you just leave?” Frenzy exclaimed. “We don’t want you around.”

“Now, now, don’t get excited. I know you deny your feelings because you don’t think you’re worthy, but I assure you, I find you extremely worthy. You and Unuscione both.”

Unuscione jumped up from the table at this point, forcefield spreading across her body, but Frenzy put an arm in front of her.

“The other mutants already think we’re violent trouble makers,” she said. “Let’s not prove them right.”

“Yeah, but….it’s Fabian.” Unuscione gestured at Cortez as if his very existence explained everything.

“I know. Let’s finish this wine and then go burn him in effigy.”

“I like the way you think.”

“So……” Fabian folded his arms, giving a long-suffering sigh. “No one is willing to help propogate the mutant race with me, despite my obvious superiority in all respects? And all because you’re all holding a grudge over a few tiny little mistakes in the past, that weren’t even really mistakes, just part of a long-term plan – “

Fabian was interrupted by a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye. He heard Delgado call out his sister’s name, and whirled around. He didn’t quite complete the turn, as the wine bottle was snatched up off the table and shattered against his temple.

Fabian collapsed amid a spray of red wine and broken glass. His vision rapidly fading, he looked up to see his sister standing over him, holding the end of the broken bottle, her face contorted with rage.

“You are not forgiven,’ she whispered, and then both sight and sound faded as he slipped away.

“Hey, we were drinking that,” said Frenzy, although her annoyance faded as she looked up to see Anne Marie starting to shake, tears spilling out of her eyes as she dropped the bottle. “Um, hey….you okay, hon?”

“It’s okay, Anne. He had it coming. And they’ll just bring him back next ceremony anyway,” Unuscione said.

“We’ll take it from here,” said Chrome, as he and Delgado came to stand on either side of Anne Marie, gently taking her arms. She looked at both of them with a dazed expression, and then down again at her brother, the tears continuing to drip down her cheeks.

“Come with us, Anne Marie. Outside. You’ll feel better,” said Delgado. The two former Acolytes led Anne Marie outside, and they sat together for a long time under the trees, quietly watching the birds

The fifth time it happened, Fabian had learned a few lessons, and decided to approach some meek, sweet-natured mutants again. Which is why he was sitting next to Marie-Ange Colbert, the former Hellion known as Tarot, with his arm draped presumptuously around her shoulders. The way she seemed to quietly shrink away did not bother him. Obviously she was just shy. The sense of innocence and vulnerability was very attractive. Someone sweet and kind was exactly what he needed after the pain of his sister’s betrayal. He couldn’t get Anne Marie’s face out of his mind, so twisted with hatred. He shoved the image aside, and focused on the beautiful girl in front of him.

“I’m sorry, Monsieur Cortez, but our destinies are not in any way entwined. The cards are not favorable,” Tarot said. She attempted to shrug off his arm, but he pulled her in closer.

“Your superstitions are adorable, my dear girl,” he purred. She seemed so lovely and pliant. He’d tried approaching the exotic one with the tail and lavender hair, but she’d hissed at him in a way that was really unbecoming, then run off into the woods. “But we mustn’t let them stand in the way of true love. Imagine the possibilities of the two of us together!”

Tarot turned slightly green as she unintentionally imagined it.

“Hey, that’s enough. She’s not interested, and you need to take your hands off her. Now.” James Proudstar stood in front of the pair, scowling down at Fabian. Although he no longer considered himself a proper “Hellion,” he still felt some responsibility to watch over his resurrected team-mates on Krakoa. His fierce expression and massive bulk would make anyone with common sense hesitate – but Fabian was not known for his common sense.

“We are having a private conversation,” he said smugly. “If the lady is not interested, she can tell me that herself.”

“I’m not.” Marie said firmly.

“My dear, you play hard to get. Why don’t you say it like you really mean it?”

“She’s not interested. Now back off.” Jetstream joined his team-mate towering over the pair. Two other Hellions – the muscular Beef and electro-powered Bevatron came up behind them in a show of support.

Sitting off to one side, Empath watched the proceedings with a quiet smirk, enjoying simply being able to watch things again. On Krakoa he’d fallen in with his formerly deceased team-mates largely out of familiarity. Given that people like Selene, Mr. Sinister and Apocalypse had been invited to the island, his own comparatively minor crimes were largely forgotten. He hadn’t really changed at his core – he was still a cruel, narcissistic bastard who enjoyed the suffering of others. But his time spent blind had humbled him and taught him an important lesson – to shut up and stay under the radar. It was nice to see the group united in hating someone that wasn’t him.

“And what will you do if I don’t, as you so crudely put it, ‘back off’? There is a proscription against violence on this island, as you all well know.”

“No, the rule is we’re not allowed to kill humans,” James corrected. “Mutants can always be brought back.” Manuel nodded in agreement. Amara had burned him to ash a couple of times before declaring a kind of “truce” in which he agreed to never speak to her again and she agreed to stop killing him.

“Yes, yes, but we are discouraged from starting meaningless fights,” Fabian pressed. “We don’t want to disrespect the island by wasting precious resources.” Mutants killing mutants wasn’t technically against the rules, but the killer had to explain their reasons. A mutant who killed too frequently and easily would be put in a brief “time-out”: imprisoned within the island itself like the mutants who killed humans, but for a much shorter time. They had to have some deterrent, or else old grudges, plus the villains living among them, plus the cathartic ability to murder without consequences would quickly turn the island into a bloodbath.

“That doesn’t seem to stop you from getting killed. Over and over again,” Haroun pointed out. “Even more than de la Rocha, somehow.”

“Yes, we are getting really tired of watching you come back in the resurrection ceremony,” Bevatron agreed. “It is supposed to be a sacred ritual. It kind of – how you say? – ruins the magic.”

“We’re all gonna have to watch it again if he doesn’t take his arm off Tarot right now,” Beef said, cracking his knuckles ominously.

“Are you all really threatening me?” Fabian sputtered self-righteously. “Just because I dare to love?”

“There is no love!” Tarot finally snapped, flinging his arm aside and standing up, putting some distance between them. “I want you to leave me alone. Right now.”

“My poor, dear girl. You are confused by your team-mates’ lack of respect and understanding.”

“She’s not confused, she’s rejecting you. Take a hint, jerk.” Roulette walked up to join the group glowering down at Fabian. She had waves of blond hair and fuller curves than the slim Tarot, and Fabian felt his desire stir for this one as well. So many worthy mutant women on the island. The fact that he didn’t have a harem assembled already was proof that the universe was a cold, indifferent place with no sense of justice. And certainly not because he was doing anything wrong. Anne Marie’s face flashed up again, and he shook his head to clear it, gazing again at the blond.

“Such harsh words from such a lovely vision of a woman. Don’t be jealous, there is room in Fabian’s heart for both of you.”

“That’s it –“ Beef started to step forward, but Roulette put a hand against his chest.

“No need to start a fight,” she said, summoning a glowing black disc into her hand. “We’ll just give this ass a healthy dose of bad luck to encourage him to back off.” She tossed the disc at Fabian, who attempted to catch it, only to have it disappear within his hand.

“Sorry, was that supposed to harm me in some way?” Fabian scoffed. He stood up, arms extended. “As you can see, I’m fi-“

He was cut off as he stepped on the end of his cape, and staggered backward, falling over the bench that he and Tarot had been sitting on. As his feet kicked up, one of his boots flew up into the air, hitting a tree branch that had been weakened by rot. The branch came crashing down. Fabian gasped and rolled away at the last second. Unfortunately, his trajectory took him right across a nest of fire ants, and he had only a moment’s respite before they came boiling out of the ground, stinging enthusiastically. He leaped to his feet, shrieking and batting at his clothing, running in a blind panic. His cape snagged on a tree branch, and yanked him back off his feet, his head slamming down on a rock. Then everything was quiet for a moment, Fabian limp and still on the ground.

Jenny burst out laughing, while Tarot had her hands clasped over her mouth in shock. James walked over and gingerly nudged Fabian with his foot.

“Wow, Jenny, you killed him.”

“Oh my god, I didn’t mean….” Jenny gasped between bouts of laughter. “I mean, that was amazing, but I really didn’t mean to kill him. But that was amazing, wasn’t it?”

“Oh dear,” Tarot sighed. “We will have to explain this.”

“Ugh, I don’t want another Xavier lecture. He’s such a self-righteous prick,” Jenny scowled. Then her eyes fell on Fabian’s discarded boot, and she began laughing again.

“I’m sorry guys, it’s just…it was like a cartoon. Totally worth it.”

“It was an accident,” Haroun asserted. “We all saw it. You were just trying to drive him away and protect Marie. We’ll back you up.”

“Don’t worry, Roulette, I caught it all on video,” Empath announced, pressing a few buttons on his phone. “Aaaaaaaand it’s up on Youtube now.”

“Manuel, no!” James scolded.

“Manuel, yes!” Haroun countered. “Let the whole internet see that bastard’s humiliation!”

“Hey, look at all the hits already! This is going viral, Jenny,” Manuel said, turning the phone towards her.

“Oh wow! I’m gonna be a Youtube star! We’ve gotta find a way to monetize this!” Jenny gushed.

Meanwhile, deep in the forest, oblivious to the recent events, a lavender cat and a russet wolf slept curled up against each other in a contented pile of fur.

The sixth time, Fabian didn’t even manage to stay alive for ten minutes. He noticed, as he came out of the pod naked and dripping, that many of his fellow Upstarts seemed to be getting brought back at the same time.

“What happened to you?” he demanded of Shinobi Shaw, who was facing the crowd with no shame about his nudity. Probably enjoyed giving them a show (and flashing his own father), as did Fabian himself. One silver lining of his frequent deaths was that the mutants gathered for the ceremony got to see his glorious physical perfection.

“Orgy went wrong,” Shinobi said with a smirk. “Never try to have an orgy in a cave that floods at high tide.”

“You couldn’t just leave? Also, why did no one invite me?”

“We were way too involved to just get up and leave when the tides started coming in. Some people were in very elaborate restraints. Including me. Also, we were all pretty wasted. We’re the whole reason Storm is giving a speech right now about being responsible and how our lives are precious resources not to be wasted. Blah, blah blah.” Most people would be embarrassed about drowning in a drunken orgy, but Shinobi seemed to hold it as a badge of honor.

“Why wasn’t I invited?” Fabian demanded again. “I mean, look at me!”

“It was just kind of a small-scale thing, really,” Shinobi began, as more mutants emerged from the pods. “Just a few of us.”

“Wait, are those the Marauders?” Fabian asked, looking at the newly resurrected mutants. “Did you invite the Marauders and not me?”

“Oh, no,” Shinobi assured him glibly. “I’m sure they all died at the same time for unrelated reasons. Sinister’s always cloning them, anyway, he probably just wanted an upgrade.”

“Hey, Shinobi! Great orgy!” Riptide waved from across the way. “You are absolutely the blow job king, my friend, I concede the title.”

“Okay, maybe a few Marauders got invited. C’mon, some of them are pretty hot.”

“Shinobi, loved the orgy,” called Arclight. “Let’s do it somewhere less lethal next time.”

“Nah, it’s not a good orgy unless a few people die,” put in Scalphunter. “Makes it more exciting.”

“Are you kidding me?” Fabian exclaimed. “All of the Marauders and not me? Have you not seen this?” He gestured down at his crotch.

“Oh, I’ve seen it.” Shinobi smirked again, not even having the decency to look sheepish for all his lies. “It’s very impressive, but women don’t seem to like the way you use it. And you don’t seem willing to let me touch it.”

“I don’t swing that way,” Fabian said, although an image of Quicksilver popped up in his head for some bizarre reason. “And what do you mean women don’t like the way I use it?”

“Let’s just say I’ve…heard some complaints,” Shinobi said.

“Okay, you know what? Let’s do this whole orgy thing over again,” Fabian declared. Seeing the nude women around him was already sending blood down to a certain area, and lust was amplified by a frustrated anger. “We’re already naked, let’s start now. And then we’ll see who has complaints!”

“Much as I love the idea of giving the crowd a show, I think you’re jumping the gun a little here, Cortez,” Shinobi said as Fabian marched over to the nearest pod where a woman was emerging. He pulled her up against his body, and found himself staring into the eyes of Siena Blaze.

“Heard I missed the orgy. I’m sure you were incredibly disappointed. Let me make it up to you, right now.”

“Let go of me, Cortez,” Blaze ordered, trying to pull out of his grip. He held her closer.

“Don’t be shy. We’ll give the crowd a show they’ll never forget.”

“-look well, mutants. Once again, your own have been brought back to you. See them and rejoice, for – oh, by the Goddess!” Storm exclaimed, as her speech was interrupted by a piercing scream and a muffled explosion. She looked over to see Siena Blaze, her hands smoking, standing over a bloody splatter that had formerly been Fabian Cortez.

“Um, sorry….” She shrugged. “He grabbed my ass.”

“Fine,” Storm groaned. “Stand with your fellow mutants and let the ceremony continue.”

“Okay. Oh, hey, Shinobi! Great orgy!”

“We have to do something about this. It isn’t just the waste of resources, it’s the message we’re sending. People can’t just kill each other with impunity.” Magneto had come to consult with Xavier about the “Cortez” problem. All of his killers had been subject to investigation and some minor punishment, but the pattern seemed to suggest that Cortez himself was the problem. “Maybe we just shouldn’t bother bringing him back. The man is a snake. I should know.”

“Unacceptable,” Xavier responded calmly. “All mutant life is precious. We will waste none of it.”

“The man is a disruption.”

“He’s followed the rules so far. There are far worse people living on Krakoa than Fabian Cortez. We must treat him fairly. And I must admit, his eagerness to breed is very in line with our goals here, if he could just find a willing partner.”

“But we can’t let this ridiculous cycle of death and rebirth continue, can we? Maybe a time-out in the earth for awhile.”

Xavier leaned forward with a cryptic smile. “I believe I have a solution. And it will require only a minor psychic tweak at his next resurrection.”

At the resurrection ceremony, Fabian Cortez emerged from the pod for the seventh time in a month.

“What is your name,” Storm asked him, quietly praying he would last longer than ten minutes this time. It was all getting very repetitive.

“Fabian Cortez.”

“And how do I know that it’s you, Fabian?”

“Who else could possibly measure up to my greatness?”

“It’s you,” Storm sighed. She presented him to the crowd, which responded with muted applause, mostly from younger mutants who hadn’t met him yet.

As Fabian stood to one side while the other, much less important mutants returned from the dead, boredom began to wear on him. He’d been through this so many times, and there was only so much enjoyment he could get out of displaying his body to the crowd. He glanced around, spotting a beautiful young woman next to him with dark skin and flowing black hair. He believed Storm had introduced her to the crowd as Threnody, but he hadn’t really been paying attention. He let his eyes wander appreciatively up and down her body, then sauntered over. No harm in a friendly proposition, especially since they were both already naked. Maybe he’d finally get to participate in an island orgy.

“Hello, beautiful lady. Today is your lucky day, because you get to experience the glory that is Fabian Cortez.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her around to face him. Then his mouth dropped open in shock, because the face starring back at him was his own sister, with her lighter skin and short blue hair.

“Anne Marie, I….how? Why did you look like….I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to….please forgive me…” The idea of hitting on his own sister filled Fabian with revulsion, and even the faintest hint of guilt. He hadn’t forgotten her face after she struck him down. On some level, he was perhaps apologizing for many things at once.

“I’m sorry, what are you talking about? I don’t know any Anne Marie.” His sister pulled away and stepped back, suddenly transforming back into the dark-skinned woman. “My name is Melody. I don’t know you at all.”

“I’m…sorry. I was confused for a moment.” All sorts of odd feelings were twisting around in Fabian’s stomach.

“Fabian!” A voice called from the crowd, and Anne Marie emerged, walking up towards the platform where he stood. “I’m right here.”

“Does this mean we’re on speaking terms again?” Fabian asked hopefully. Anne Marie’s mouth was still set in a hard line, but her eyes had softened a bit since he saw her last.

“Killing you was rather cathartic. I worked some things out of my system. But don’t press your luck, I’m still angry with you. There’s a reason for what you saw. Come with me and Xavier will explain everything.” Storm ignored the entire exchange as Anne Marie pulled Fabian off the stage and walked off with him. He’d come back so many times, it didn’t really matter if he stayed for the entire ceremony.

“Psychic trigger?!” Fabian exclaimed.

“Yes,” Xavier continued. Fabian and Anne Marie were meeting with him in a private room, after Fabian had thankfully been given clothing to wear. “You have been killed multiple times because you are incapable of showing the women on this island the slightest hint of respect. You let your reproductive urges lead you around.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Fabian protested. “We are meant to make more mutants. I want to do exactly that. In fact, I’ll work extremely hard at that task. Can’t you just assign me a few partners?”

“That’s not how we are going to do things here,” Xavier said firmly. “We will not go down the road of forced breeding.”

“It’s worked out okay for the Inhumans,” Fabian tried.

“No, it hasn’t. There’s a streak of instability running through the royal family, people are still born with useless or debilitating powers, and the lack of freedom has the entire society boiling over with repressed emotion. It’s no wonder Black Bolt’s brother manages to organize a coup every other month.”

Fabian shrugged. He couldn’t really argue with that. His encounters with the Inhumans had all been thoroughly unpleasant – especially that obnoxious, back-stabbing lunatic Maximus the Mad. He couldn’t believe he’d ever considered the man a convenient ally. Never again. And he definitely meant it this time.

“So, what….I’m going to see Anne Marie in every woman until I find a willing partner? That seems unfair.”

“It’s entirely fair,” said Anne Marie.

“The illusion will only kick in when you approach a woman with lust and disrespect, as you so often do. When you think of her only as a sex object, and not a separate person with her own needs and desires. Then, the psychic trigger will make her appear as the only woman you care about more than sex – your sister, Anne Marie.”

“B-b-but….how long is this meant to last? What am I to do in the meantime? A man has needs, you know.”

“There are ways to take care of your needs without bothering anyone,” Anne Marie said all too knowingly for Fabian’s tastes.

“It will last until you manage to show respect for a woman that you desire. Until you can put her needs above your own lust, and love her as a person, not a sex toy.”

“Ugh, but that could take yeeeeaaars!” Fabian whined. “So few of them are truly worthy of me.”

“It’s our solution to the disruption you’ve caused on this island. Consider yourself lucky that you are not spending time in the ground, that is much more unpleasant. But we wanted a merciful solution. I will admit, there is some value in your presence, Cortez,” Xavier continued. “Every group that has encountered you seems to have come away with stronger ties of friendship and camaraderie between them. In a way, it seems, you managed to bring people together.”

“Yes, because I have excellent leadership skills,” Fabian agreed. “And people are drawn to my strong charisma.”

“That’s….not exactly the reason why. But nonetheless, your presence has produced some positive affect. With this psychic trigger, hopefully the positive will outweigh the negative.”

Xavier dismissed them rather abruptly. Fabian sulked as he walked beside Anne Marie, heading back towards the Acolytes’ set of rooms.

“Honestly. A psychic trigger. As if I’m a child. Or an animal that must be contained.”

“Well, one part of you certainly is,” Anne Marie muttered. Fabian scoffed.

“Look, try to think of it like a fairy tale. You’re under a curse –“

“Until I find my one true love!” Fabian finished. He rather liked the idea. He was, of course, a handsome prince under a curse from a wicked sorcerer, who was just jealous of his good looks and flowing head of hair.

“Until you learn a lesson. Look, Fabian.” Anne Marie turned to face him. Her face was still stern and set with anger, but he could also see pain – carved into every line on her face. It made him feel….not so good.

“I’m not over what you did. I won’t be for a long time. It hurt. But our Lord Magneto is alive again, and so are we all. And Krakoa really is a place for new beginnings. So maybe you can be better, too. Please try. For me.”

She kissed him softly on the cheek, and walked away.

Notes:

This got slightly more serious than I intended, I just wanted a silly story where people got to kill Fabian in hilarious ways. Oh well. This also turned into an excuse to write a bunch of neglected characters that I like hanging out and occasionally sleeping together. Shinobi is definitely going to try to bang both Pyros at once. He may or may not succeed.

I don’t know all the Marvel women’s ages, but just assume that everyone Fabian hit on was at least 18. He’s a sleaze, but he’s not that much of a sleaze. Also, Meggan was probably just visiting her old Excalibur team-mates, she lives elsewhere with Brian.

#fabian cortez #shinobi shaw #pyro #avalanche #hellions #anne marie cortez #and a bunch of other characters

11 notes · View notes

vfdbaudelairefile13 · 5 years

Text

Misery Loves Company part 1

Chapter Twenty-Two:

The One Where The Baudelaires Jump Out a Window

This has to be the stupidest disguise you have ever worn. Lemony thought to himself as he cautiously walked around the Reptile Room. He’d seen no signs of Klaus or Sunny Baudelaire which slightly worried him. Olaf wouldn’t kill them...not without their parents’ money. He reminded himself. He didn’t know where to start, he knew that Stephano was suspicious and he had to play the part entirely. He began to pick up the smaller cages that held iguanas and toads and began to take them to the moving truck that Larry allowed him to borrow.

As he was collecting the reptiles, he listened in on the conversation that Mr. Poe, Dr. Lucafont, and Stephano were having. Lemony didn’t understand the full context of the conversation. It seemed like the three adults were arguing about who would go with the doctor to the mechanic and whether or not the kids would stay here at Uncle Monty’s with or without Stephano. Lemony knew immediately that Stephano was trying to be alone with the kids...and he wasn’t going to let that happen.

“But Mr. Poe, there would be no room for both children to ride with me in my vehicle. I doubt the baby would want to sit on Dr. Montgomery’s lap, especially since he’s dead. And it’s not the safest thing for her to sit in her brother’s lap. She should have her own seat.” Dr. Lucafont commented.

“I see your point.” Mr. Poe said. “But it doesn’t seem like Klaus would be comfortable leaving his baby sister alone at the house.”

“She wouldn’t be alone. I would stay here and watch her.” Stephano commented.

“I don’t think he’d go for that either.”

“Well aren’t we the adults, here? Shouldn’t they listen to us?” Stephano asked annoyed.

“Well, usually, yes. But the children seem to be rather upset and I was hoping that riding in Dr. Lucafont’s car would change their mood.” Mr. Poe said after a fit of coughing.

“I’ve got it! Why don’t I drive the children in Dr. Lucafont’s car.” Stephano commented.

“I’m afraid that won’t work either. The city laws won’t allow anybody else to drive my car.” Dr. Lucafont stated.

“Besides, I also need to be in the car. The whole point is taking me to the mechanic.” Mr. Poe said.

Lemony rolled his eyes. He didn’t understand anything that was going on but it all seemed rather idiotic and unnecessary. He went about collecting and retrieving reptile after reptile doing his best to take as long as he could. He was trying to think of a way to help the Baudelaire children.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Klaus was pacing around their bedroom as Sunny sat on Klaus’ bed. If you have ever been left out of an important conversation due to your age, then you know, as well as I do, how the Baudelaires felt while sitting in their room, unable to participate in the conversation that would determine their fate. So the two siblings decided they would hold their own.

Klaus sighed turning to Sunny. “We know that Ink didn’t kill Uncle Monty. And we know for a fact, that Count Olaf did. Mr. Poe would never believe us…”

“Sher,” Sunny replied, which meant, “Unless we discovered some evidence or proof.”

“But Dr. Lucafont determined the cause of death to be a snake bite. I mean...Uncle Monty had two bite marks like a snake would make. I saw them this morning,” Klaus said as his eyes fell to the ground. “I’m sorry, Sunny...this is all my fault.”

“Wha?” Sunny asked confused.

“I should’ve never told Stephano that Monty ripped up his ticket. Now Monty’s dead because of me,”

Sunny shook her head and crawled to the edge of the bed to be closer to her brother. “Habent,” she reassured, which meant, “Klaus, you can’t blame yourself. Olaf still would’ve killed Uncle Monty.”

Klaus nodded. He knew Sunny had a good point but he also felt incredibly guilty. Sunny maneuvered herself off of the bed and began crawling to the door. “Where are you going?”

“Rep,” Sunny replied. Which meant, “the Reptile Room.”

“What? Why?”

“Scruto,” she replied, which meant, “To investigate and get some evidence.”

Klaus looked down at his sister and smiled. Sunny Baudelaire wore a face of pure determination. Her face no longer showed signs of being grief-stricken like her brother’s. Her face screamed ‘ready for a battle’.

You will remember, of course, that even years later, Klaus would lie awake in bed, filled with regret that he didn’t call out to the driver of the taxicab who had brought Stephano into their lives once more. And with the regret of being unable to convince Monty of Stephano’s true identity and the overwhelming guilt of subsequently causing his uncle’s murder. But I will say that Sunny Baudelaire was luckier than her brother in this respect. For unlike Klaus, who was too surprised when he first recognized Stephano that the moment to act passed him by. Sunny realized while sitting on Klaus’ bed watching her brother suffer through a mini panic attack, that the time to act was now. I will not say that Sunny, years later, slept easily when she looked back on her life, there were too many miserable times for either Baudelaire orphan to be peaceful sleepers, but she would always be a bit proud of herself for realizing that she and her brother could not waste precious time sitting in their room waiting for Stephano to whisk them away to Peru and that they actually need to use their skills to find evidence proving to Mr. Poe that Stephano murdered Uncle Monty.

“Sunny?” Klaus called out as she stopped and turned around to look at him with a questioning expression. “Shouldn’t we sneak into the Reptile Room? That way Stephano doesn’t see us?” Sunny nodded and then she looked towards the window of their bedroom. Klaus followed his sister’s gaze and his eyes got wide. “No! We are not jumping out the window!”

Sunny rolled her eyes and looked around the room. “Nonsalire,” she replied which probably meant, “Oh, we’re not going to jump...we’re going to climb .”

“No. No. No.” Klaus began as his body started shaking remembering what happened the last time he planned on climbing to thwart Count Olaf’s evil plan. “No…”

“Facilis,” which meant, “It’ll be easy.”

Klaus just shook his head. “No...I...I can’t. Besides you can’t climb.”

“Educ,” she replied pulling the curtains off the window, which meant, “You’re right. That’s why you’re going to carry me using some kind of harness.”

“No...no. I can’t climb.” Klaus said still shaking.

“Nimisexal,” she replied, which meant, “We’re probably not that high up.”

Klaus looked at Sunny and then looked out the window. She was right...they weren’t too high up but it didn’t make Klaus feel any better about her plan or the situation they found themselves in but after weighing the pros and cons, he reluctantly agreed. He secured Sunny tightly to his chest, despite the pain it caused him, with the curtain and then he grabbed the other curtain from the window and tied it tightly to the heavy brass lamp’s plug-in cord. He then placed the lamp where it was laying the horizontally, happy that it was long enough to not simply fall out the window this way. He looked at Sunny. “I...I can’t do this. Sunny I can’t do this,”

Sunny looked at her brother and smiled at him. “Paratus?” she asked him ignoring his mini-freak out. She knew they would be fine. She probably meant, “Are you ready?”

Klaus looked down at her, his heart pounding in his chest. “No.,” he said simply, “But it’s like mother and father said, ‘If we wait until we’re ready…, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.”

Sunny smiled at him and nodded happily. “Exacte!” she replied, which meant, “Exactly!”

And with that Klaus grabbed onto the makeshift rope with one hand and placed his other arm across Sunny pushing her into his chest, which caused him to wince. He then carefully began to climb out of the window of their second-story bedroom. He placed his feet against the wall of the house and slowly, and I do mean, agonizingly slow, he began to climb down with his back to the ground. He realized that he needed both his hands to climb down. So when he moved his arm, releasing the pressure from Sunny, he began to worry. “Sunny, please don’t move too much,” he said to her before closing his eyes. “Don’t look down...don’t look down,” he repeated to himself. Sunny, not understanding why her brother was this terrified of heights looked down anyway. She thought it was cool that they were climbing out of their window with the help of a lamp and a curtain. She turned to face her brother, who looked like he wanted to die. She placed a hand on his cheek.

“Obtinuit,” she said to him in a calm voice, which meant, “You got this. We’re going to be fine.” Klaus slowly nodded his head but refused to open his eyes. He continued to move his legs ever so slowly. Fearing the worst. Sunny kept saying words of encouragement to him in a soft, calming voice. Klaus froze in his place when he thought he heard Stephano.

“Oh, God. Oh God,” he replied as he began to shake. His mind was tormenting him. He just kept imagining that night with his failed rescue attempt. He didn’t want to open his eyes, though, because then he’d be afraid of how high from the ground the two Baudelaire siblings were. He was between a rock and a hard place. Sunny looked around as much as she could, looking for Stephano but she couldn’t see him.

“Klaus..” Sunny said softly. “Videteum,” which meant, “I don’t see him. We’re good.” She looked down and realized that they were a little over halfway down. But Klaus was shaking too much, she didn’t know if they would make it all the way.

“Sunny...he’s going to get us...he’s...he’s...going to…” Klaus began tilting his head every which way.

“Klaus…” Sunny whimpered beginning to feel scared. She wasn’t afraid because Stephano was around, she was afraid because she couldn’t help her brother. She didn’t understand why he was like this sometimes. She knew Olaf was responsible but Klaus wouldn’t open up to her...because of her age. Because he thought it was his job to protect her and never himself. Sunny hated that. Sunny knew she could protect her brother nearly as much as he could protect her, but Klaus wouldn’t have it. Sunny feared Klaus will never explain to her what happened during her time in the birdcage and not only did it upset her, but it haunted her. She will never be able to help him because he simply won’t let her.

Sunny’s train of thought was interrupted by her noticing that the harness Klaus had tied to himself to keep a hold on her was beginning to come loose due to his shaking.

“Klaus....” she said again but this time it wasn’t in a calm voice. It was in a slightly panicked voice.

“I’m sorry...I’m sorry,” he whispered with his eyes still closed.

Sunny looked down again, realizing that they haven’t moved much since the last time she looked down began to slightly panic. “Propeest!” she lied to her brother, which meant, “We’re almost there, Klaus...you’re doing well.”

Klaus still had his eyes closed, still shaking. He was certain that he heard Stephano. He thought that Sunny was lying to him when she told him that she couldn’t see Stephano, trying to calm him down. “He’s going to kill us...Sunny…” He whispered.

“Never!” Sunny shouted as the harness continued to release Sunny even more. She was beginning to regret her idea. She slowly looked down again thinking to herself that they could survive if they were to fall. She was happy when she felt Klaus continue to slowly climb down. The closer they got to the ground, the better their odds of surviving. But this wasn’t an entirely good thing. Sunny felt her harness slide off of her as she quickly grabbed hold of Klaus’ shirt.

"Sunny!" he yelled. He must’ve realized what happened, because without thinking he let go of the rope to grab hold of his sister and both children fell to the ground.

“Fuck!” Klaus yelled as his back hit the ground. He opened his eyes and looked at the blue sky above him. “Sunny? You okay?” he asked worriedly.

Sunny, who thankfully had her brother to soften her fall, called out, “yeah...you?”

Klaus sighed as he placed Sunny on the ground beside him. “Well...I’m alive. My back hurts like a motherfucker but I don’t think anything is broken.”

Sunny smiled. “Nonmali,” she said to her brother as he sat up, which meant, “That wasn’t so bad.”

Klaus just glared at her. “You only say that cause you managed to be unscathed,” he said laughing a bit.

“Naufragii,” she commented, which meant, “You were having a breakdown and you let go.”

“...I only let go cause I thought you were falling.” Klaus commented ignoring her mentioning his breakdown. He stayed sitting there for a few moments to catch his breath.

“Hey!” a voice called out to them from behind them.

“Oh...no…” Klaus whimpered as he grabbed onto Sunny. “Don’t touch her, you bastard!” he called to the voice behind him not even bothering to look. He was ready to act as a human shield to his sister.

“Are you alright, kid?” the voice said kneeling in front of Klaus. To Klaus and Sunny’s confusion, the man was wearing a beekeeper’s hat completely hiding his face.

“I’m...I’m alright,” Klaus said after a minute, trying to figure out if the man was one of Olaf’s henchpeople.

“Is she okay?” the man asked pointing to Sunny.

“Um...yeah. She’s better than I am.” Klaus said still eyeing the man.

“Oh forgive me,” he said extending a hand to Klaus. “The name is Kronk. I’m with the Herpetological Society. I heard about your Uncle Monty. I am very sorry for your loss. I am here to retrieve his snakes.”

Klaus shook Kronk’s hand. “Nice to meet you, sir. I’m Klaus and this is my baby sister, Sunny.”

“You guys had quite a fall...why were you climbing out the window.”

“It’s a long story...I just need to get into that Reptile Room.” Klaus said. “Without being detected.”

Kronk gave the children a curious look. “I think I can help with that,” he said as he quickly walked away to his moving trunk.

“Fiducia,” Sunny whispered to her brother as they both watched the man walk away in a hurry, this meant, “do you think we can trust him?”

“Maybe. I’m not entirely sure, yet. I mean, he did show concern for us.”

“Dissimulo,” she replied worryingly as she remembered the doctor with the strange stiff hands, this was her way of saying, “What if he’s acting like he cares? As part of a disguise.”

Klaus pondered Sunny’s question. It was odd that the man was wearing a beekeeper’s hat but claimed to be a herpetologist. Klaus didn’t have time to answer Sunny’s question, because Kronk came back with a long two-tier utility cart and long white sheet. Both Baudelaires understood immediately why he brought these items.

“I can get you into that room surreptitiously. Which is a word which here means ‘stealthily and secretly’.” Kronk informed the children.

“I know what ‘surreptitiously’ means. I may be young...but I know a lot of words.” Klaus said as politely as he could.

Without even thinking, Kronk replied with, “I know,”

“Wait? What?” Klaus asked looking at the man with curious eyes.

“I said ‘let’s go’,” Kronk replied in a hurry, gesturing for Klaus to get on the utility cart.

“But…” Klaus began as Kronk handed him Sunny.

“Shh. You’re going to have to be silent and try not to move.” Kronk replied.

Klaus nodded his head and Sunny gave the stranger a thumbs up. Kronk placed the large white sheet around the cart effectively hiding the children. As Kronk pushed the cart inside Dr. Montgomery’s house, he was muttering to himself at just how stupid and careless his comment to Klaus was. He pushes the cart to the Reptile Room and proceeds to close the door hoping that Stephano wouldn’t notice. He did a quick check around the room to make sure no one was inside. He hit his hand on the cart, “hey kids the coast is clear.”

Klaus placed Sunny on the ground and then maneuvered his way off of the utility cart. ‘Okay, Sunny. I’m going to focus on reading up about snakes. We both know Ink didn’t kill Monty, but we are going to find out which snake’s venom was used.”

“Inveniet,” she replied, which meant, “I’m going to look around the Reptile Room and see if I can find Ink.”

Klaus nodded his head and then looked up at Kronk. “We promise we’ll stay out of your way. We just really need to do this.”

Kronk nodded his head and turned to retrieve more of Monty’s snakes so Stephano wouldn’t get suspicious. “Oh, sir. If you see a large, coal-black snake with shiny green eyes. Can you let us know? He’s harmless.”

“Will do,” Kronk replied getting back to work. With that, both Baudelaire children got to work with their tasks. Sunny crawled around the reptile room in hopes of finding her snake friend. But everywhere she crawled, there was no sign of Ink. She was beginning to think the worst had happened. She didn’t put it passed Stephano to kill a defenseless animal. If he was willing to lock a baby in a birdcage and dangle her from a thirty-foot tower and hurt her brother so much that during his panic attacks, she could hardly recognize him, he would definitely kill a snake so it didn’t foil his plans. As she crawled, she thought of her brother. She tried to imagine what Hell Olaf must have put him through, but her innocent infant mind couldn’t even fathom the gruesome scene that Klaus was tormented nearly every day and night with.

Klaus made his way towards Monty’s herpetological library. He decided to check the cabinet on the far wall of the library where Monty had mentioned he kept poisonous venoms of the world’s most deadliest snakes. When he opened the cabinet, he wasn’t surprised to find a vile was indeed missing. He looked at the label underneath where the vile would be. In Monty’s handwriting, it read ‘Mamba Du Mal’. He turned to face Monty’s library and began to look for any books that might have information about that snake. He was also keeping his eye out for any expedition journals Monty might have had that had information about Ink. If he could find enough information on Ink and the Mamba Du Mal, maybe the Baudelaire orphans wouldn’t need Ink to make an appearance when they show their case to Mr. Poe. He picked up a book that he believed could answer his questions on the Mamba Du Mal. He turned to Monty’s research desk, which still had a stack of books sitting upon it and one opened book. He began opening the drawers of Monty’s desk looking for an expedition journal of some kind that might have Dr. Montgomery’s research on Ink. Klaus glanced up at the book that was open on the desk and stopped in his tracks.

Klaus began to read a part of the page that it was turned to. He noticed immediately that this book had absolutely nothing to do about snakes or Peru. He frowned. He stood up next to Monty’s desk, refusing to sit down in the chair that his uncle was murdered in. He lifted the cover of the book to read the title. The title read, Children & Trauma: A Guide for Parents & Professionals.His heart sank in his chest. He looked at the spines of the other books. Realizing immediately that they were all about the same topic. The Complex PTSD Workbook, Behavioral Activation for PTSD, Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving. The list went on. Klaus could feel tears in his eyes. Uncle Monty did care...he cared so much… Klaus couldn’t stop his tears from following. Klaus was so wrong about Uncle Monty initially and the waves of guilt and remorse were piling on top of him. He wiped his eyes with his hand. Monty had gone out of his way to purchase books to help him help Klaus with his struggles. Klaus sank to the floor as his entire body went numb. “I’m so sorry, Uncle Monty…” he whispered to himself. He had spent all that time mistrusting Monty and even getting Monty killed when all Monty wanted to do was be a family. To help him, to raise him and Sunny. That’s all the man wanted to do. But because of Klaus’ big mouth, Monty was now dead and he was never coming back just like their parents. His sadness slowly turned into pure hatred for Stephano. Monty was a kind, caring, amazing person and Stephano murdered him for profit. Monty was only a pawn in Stephano’s wicked schemes. He didn’t matter to Stephano. But he mattered to Klaus and Sunny, who were finally feeling at home again. They were feeling loved and safe, and then Stephano had to come in and ruin it. Klaus set the books to the side, making a mental note to take a couple of these books to their next guardian’s. Klaus hurriedly opened the book he hoped would give him an answer on the Mamba Du Mal. He began his research at the back of the book, where the index was located. After ten or so minutes. He called out to Sunny, who crawled to her brother as fast as she can.

“Invenio?” she asked as she reached her brother, which meant, “What did you discover?”

“Listen to this,” he said smiling, “‘The Mamba Du Mal is one of the deadliest snakes in the hemisphere, noted for its strangulatory grip, used in conjunction with its deadly venom, giving all of its victims a tenebrous hue, which is ghastly to behold.’”

“Quae?” Sunny asked looking super confused, this translated to, “What means...what exactly?”

“You see, ‘strangulatory’ means ‘having to do with strangling’, ‘in conjunction’ means ‘together.’ ‘Tenebrous’ means ‘dark’. And ‘hue’ is just a fancy word for ‘color’.” Klaus explained happily, “So the Mamba Du Mal is noted for strangling people while it bites them, leaving their corpses dark with bruises.”

“Stop!” Sunny pleaded. “No audire!” which meant, “I don’t want to hear any more about what happened to Uncle Monty!”

“You don’t understand, Sunny.” He said gently, “ I saw Monty’s body...this isn’t what happened to him.”

“Huh?” Sunny asked.

“See, Dr. Lucafont said there was the venom of the Mamba Du Mal in Monty’s veins. And I’m sure there was...but the snake didn’t put it there. If it had, Uncle Monty’s body would have been dark with bruises. But he was mainly pale.”

Sunny shuddered at the thought of discovering Monty’s lifeless body. For a moment, she was kind of grateful that Stephano stuffed her into a suitcase.

“Also, there’s a vile of that exact snake’s venom missing. Stephano must have injected the venom into Monty.”

“Bastard!” Sunny yelled.

“Yes, he is a bastard. And when we tell Mr. Poe about this, the bastard will be arrested for Uncle Monty’s murder. Then he will no longer threaten us with his knife, or whisk us away to Peru, or stuff you into tiny spaces like birdcages and….suitcases.”

Sunny looked at her brother as he slowed his speech at the last word. Sunny could tell by Klaus’ face that he had an idea. “Sunny, we need to get his suitcase...the one that you weren’t stuffed in,” he said just as the Reptile Room door’s opened and a rupture of coughing echoed the room. “Shit,” Klaus whispered.

“Children?” Mr. Poe asked, “I thought I had dismissed you to your room…”

“You did...but…” Klaus began as Mr. Poe interrupted him.

“I hope you are feeling calmer and no longer entertaining the thought that Stephano is Count Olaf,”

“...Even if he’s not Count Olaf,” Klaus said carefully, “we believe he is still responsible for Monty’s death.”

“Nonsense,” Mr. Poe began, “Uncle Monty’s death was a terrible accident, and nothing more.”

Klaus held up his book, “But...while you were in the kitchen, I was reading about snakes, and …”

“Reading about snakes? I should think you’d want to read about anything but snakes, after what happened.”

“But I found something,” Klaus began as Sunny shook her head at her brother.

“It doesn’t matter what you found out about snakes. Stephano doesn’t know anything about snakes, he told us himself.”

Klaus sighed angrily and tried to speak again, but noticed Sunny shake her head at him again.

“Now that we have settled that matter, I know that the two of you were eager to see the inside of a doctor’s car, but we’ve discussed it over and over and over again, and there’s simply no way it can work. You two are going to take a taxi with Stephano, while I’ll ride with Dr. Lucafont and your Uncle Monty’s corpse. Stephano and Dr. Lucafont are making the arrangements as we speak and we will be leaving in a few minutes.”

“Mr. Poe…” Klaus began and Sunny shook her head again at her brother. Mr. Poe walked out of the Reptile Room just as Kronk came back in.

“Why were you shaking your head at me, Sunny? I could’ve kept arguing with Poe.” Klaus asked confused at what his sister was planning.

“find...Ink,” she replied as she began to crawl towards Kronk. She began to climb on to his utility cart and she pointed to the direction she wanted to go. Kronk looked at Sunny and then at Klaus.

“Sunny, this is pointless. We’re fucked.” Klaus said.

Kronk bit his lip, of course, no one could see that from behind his hat. “When the adults come to fetch you, I’ll give you an excuse to stall,” he said finally.

“Wait...why are you helping us?” Klaus asked as Sunny pulled down the white sheet to hide herself.

Kronk shrugged. “Honestly, I have no idea what’s going on. But if you two were willing to jump out a window to sneak back in here because you’re suspicious about the death of Dr. Montgomery, and I am a man of justice. So if you think that bald creep killed him, I’ll help you prove it.”

Klaus smiled. “Sir, you don’t know how much that means to us.”

“Any time,” Kronk said, “Just follow my lead.”

Before Klaus could answer, Stephano, Dr. Lucafont, and Mr. Poe entered the room again. Stephano had a triumphant look on his face. “Well, boy, it seems like the baby, you, and I will be getting a taxi.”

Klaus glared at the man with pure fury in his eyes. He tried one last time to convince Mr. Poe of Stephano’s true identity. “Mr. Poe...please you have to listen to me,”

Mr. Poe began to cough. “Klaus, I’m getting sick and tired of having to tell you to stop being so rude to Stephano. This man standing beside me is not Count Olaf and he did not kill your uncle. Now let’s go...I need to get back to the bank. And this entire thing has taken too much time.” he said ushering the young boy out.

“Actually,” Kronk asked, “I could use the young boy’s help. My associate must have gotten lost...I just need help lifting and carrying the bigger cages. It shouldn’t take long...maybe half an hour. It gives the taxi enough time to get here.”

Stephano glared at Kronk, while Mr. Poe simply frowned and sighed. “I guess you do have a point, we do have to wait for the taxi to arrive. I guess, he can help you as long as this doesn’t take longer than half an hour.”

Klaus smiled at Kronk. “Don’t worry, I’ll hurry,” he said shooting his own triumphant look towards Stephano.

“Maybe...I should help, too.” Stephano replied.

“Oh, lovely. You see those poisonous snakes over there…” Kronk pointed to the opposite side of the Reptile Room. “You can help me transport those. I’d be careful, though. They’re prone to biting especially in stressful situations.”

Stephano looked to the man and then to the snakes he was pointing at. “On second thought, how about I make us some more coffee,” he said quickly walking out of the Reptile Room followed by Dr. Lucafont and Mr. Poe.

Klaus and Kronk quickly lifted a cage onto the utility cart and began to push it outside. Klaus didn’t know what Sunny’s plan was but it couldn’t have been any crazier than her idea of climbing out the window. Klaus knew that they were now on a time crunch. So any plan was a good plan. Both Baudelaires hoped that they could find the evidence to prove that Stephano had killed Uncle Monty.

7 notes · View notes

littlemister-roo · 5 years

Text

BHP The Beast Within || Greg-a-Roo

TW werewolf violence, blood, umm...did I mention the werewolf?

In which Roo completely forgets to take his daily dose of wolfsbane potion on the night of the Yule Ball, yielding disastrous consequences when the full moon comes around.

@notmuchofatail

ROO

Wow this month had been crazy! Roo could hardly believe how great it had been! He had met some students from America, commentated the magical melee, gotten a date with literally the hottest girl in school and rescued an illusive endangered bird on the school grounds!

All of that great stuff had happened in spite of the furry little problem scheduled to rear it’s ugly head that very night. But before that, Roo had plans to go with his best friend see the new demiguise rumored to have arrived in the school paddock just that day.

Coming down the stairs to gryffindor Tower, Roo spotted Greg waiting for him in the entrance hall. Grinning, he ran over to his friend and called out, “Hey Greg! You ready to go see something amazing?”

GREG

Despite his initial concerns for this entire… Magical Melee event - Greg was actually quite pleased about how his time had been going. Sure… it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies but for the most part? Greg enjoyed having his American friends here to visit. The extra heads and passion at his clubs making for more excitement - more quidditch teams to face off against and more memories to hold close to his heart.

Especially those he'd been sharing with his fellow Hogwarts classmates and professors as well. The Golden Snidget for example, he was sure to rest member for a lifetime and… well, his time with Charlie at the Yule Ball? Don't even get him started.

The greatest thing however? Is that it wasn't even over. Here he was still planning future fun and adventure, meeting Roo within the hall as he fidgeted lightly with his robes. "You'd think we'd have run out of amazing things to see after these past few days huh?" He teased with a shake of his head, starting off across the hall with his friend - the excitement already clear in his demeanor. "Do you think we'll actually get to see it? Like… that it won't go invisible on us?..."

ROO

“Nah! They only go really invisible when spooked, right? And you have like the most calming presence with the creatures of anyone I know!” Roo assured his friend with a smile, nearly bouncing from eagerness even though physically he felt like he needed about a thousand hours of sleep. All part of that lovely little gift he received every month,

He had no intention of sleeping however. Not yet. He’d been doing this for years and thanks to the potion, knew exactly the hour and minute the change would come. It was like clockwork and he intended to get the most out of life before hiding himself away.

As it was, twilight had hit the grounds as the sun slowly set behind the mountains, the full moon already making an appearance as it peeked over the horizon.

“Ok! We’ve got t-minus four hours and ten minutes to check out one of the coolest magical creatures ever before my mom and I have an appointment with the room of requirement. You ready?”

GREG

The young man could have laughed at that - but it was incredibly sweet to know that Roo thought that. In fact that might've been one of the best compliments he'd ever received. A calming presence was a big deal in that field of work, after all. Professor Tibbs? He was like that too. Now - Greg was terrified of ever pissing off the man but.. His general presence? Very peaceful.

As they strolled across the grounds, Eeyore's gaze tilted up towards the sky - the moon just peeking in at them as the younger man nodded his head. He trusted Roo - if the older student said he had four hours and ten minutes exactly? Greg believed it. It was both a responsibility and a whole process that Greg wasn't sure he would have ever been strong enough to endure but Roo? He always treated it like nothing. Never let it get him down or get in the way of him doing what he wanted.

Greg could respect that.

"Of course!" He finally spoke back, a smile planted on his features as they walked down and passed all too familiar areas. "I'm always ready to see new creatures. I'm almost a little mad actually that we weren't told sooner about this." He teased with a shake of his head. "I hated sitting through classes and dinner knowing we were going to go see it tonight. I wanted to leave already!"

ROO

Roo loved Hogwarts and counted himself lucky that he was even allowed to attend considering his condition. The school provided the magical education he required as well as a job for his mother when few other employers would even consider hiring her. Not only that, but Roo had made some amazing friends—present company especially included—and had helped him realize his care and passion for magical creatures.

The sweeping grounds spread before them as they made their way to the paddock where the creatures of Hogwarts were kept and cared for, the lake shimmering in the final rays of the sun.

They walked in companionable silence for a few moments. Things had been busy with prefect duties and new students and his job as competition commentator, so Roo hadn't really gotten to talk to Greg much over the past week. They had some stuff to catch up on.

“Sooooo….tell me...” Roo started, his mouth quirking into a playful smirk as they walked. “You and Charlie Little???”

GREG

The blush spread across Gregory’s features almost immediately, his eyes narrowing towards his friend with a small shake of his head. “Really - that’s what you’re going to ask about when you asked Ashley to the ball.” He shot back with a laugh; knowing he’d certainly had a good time overhearing all that during the task. However despite his words, Gregory did allow a short sigh, glancing towards Professor Tibbs’ place as they passed it.

“I uh… He’s nice, okay?” He started finally, gaze slipping back to Roo for a moment before he shrugged his shoulders again. Though it wasn’t like he had to explain himself to Roo - the older man wasn’t there to judge him. He was likely sincerely just curious and trying to kindly take the mickey out of him but… he still felt himself bristle slightly before he remembered there was nothing to get defensive over.

Roo wasn’t some rude Slytherin, Toulouse or any of the other bullies that dotted the school.

“Like….really nice. I didn’t even think he was gonna agree to going with me so.. I was just happy he said yes and.. Then we-” A pause to blush deeper. “Well.. uhm.. We had a good time. How was the ball for you? Was Ashley actually a good date?”

ROO

Yeah, Roo was being nosy, and he was totally going to take the Mickey out of Greg. But in a friendly sort of way, not at all like the bullies around school.

“I know he's nice,” Roo chuckled, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. “Wasn't he in the COMC club back in our third year? Nice kid with an affinity for reptiles? Honest, I'm glad you guys had a great time. It was a very good time, if my sources are to be trusted.” The sly grin was back as he elbowed his friend playfully, stepping through the opening in the low stone wall halfway down the path to the magical creature paddock.

It was a mark of how good their friendship was that they could talk openly with one another. Greg knew Roo’s greatest secret, so what was a bit of teasing about love lives between friends?

It was Roo’s turn to blush. “Ashley’s—complicated,” he hedged, shrugging a bit. “She acts all tough and like she hates everything but every once in awhile she lets a small crack in her mask show and there's something else underneath, ya know?” He laughed, rubbing his neck as he added, “But yes, she was a great date. She called me an idiot the whole time but her actions told a completely different story.”

GREG

Gregory made a small affirmative hum at the question - though he made no move to correct his companion on the fact that he was younger than him and it was his second year that Charlie had been there. Gregory rarely hung out with the people in his year, anyways, after all and with most of his friends belonging to Fifth year? He might as well have been one. Often people talking with him about OWLs and classes he wasn’t even taking too. At least he’d be more prepared for them when they came.

“He’s great with herpetology. And herbology.” He agreed, knowing if there was something Charlie did well? It was caring for his little lizards and his toad. There was so much love and attention put into it and Greg was always impressed by it. “But..I guess your sources are right. Whatever extendable ears you’re using around me.” He teased back with a laugh, choosing to climb over a fallen log rather than walk around it (more fun that way).

“That’s good though! I mean - not that she called you an idiot or anything but… That you had a good time too.” He might not have expected it given Ashley being his date but… One could hope that perhaps they would have had a good night together. Even if it...was perhaps the weirdest pairing he could imagine. Even then - still happy for his friend. “Sooooooo.” He started teasingly, glancing over his shoulder and nearly tripping over a root the second he wasn’t paying attention. “You uh - Jesus - You think you’re gonna have a second date?” He recovered, playing it off with a cheeky grin.

ROO

“Weeeelllll….” Roo hedged, though his face went hot and he couldn't help the ridiculous grin. Technically, they'd been seeing each other in secret thanks to her strict family, but he had promised to keep it a secret, which felt really weird with his best friend, by the way. “We’ve hung out a few times since then.” True. “But I don't know that I'd call it a date, ya know?”

He kicked a stray stone down the hill ahead of the, and grinned back at his friend, his eyes dancing with laughter, “But my own weird love life aside, I'm crazy glad for you, mate. Having a great dance partner and a little action? Sounds like a recipe for a great night.” He clapped Greg genially on the back, laughing as he added, “So, have you two hung out much since then?”

Roo paused a split second, feeling a little odd. Like a burst of energy had drained away from his body. Like he needed to lie down. He blinked and shrugged. Thinking it was probably nothing and continued walking,

GREG

Greg certainly wasn’t into the idea of discussing his crazy weird love life either, but he had to suppose it was only fair to give back when he was asking the same things of Roo. Though unfortunately there wasn’t much to tell on that front. “Nah… We haven’t. I suppose time will tell though” He spoke with a gentle shrug - continuing quickly as he pressed on.

"Well maybe you should ask her out on another date though." He suggested, letting his head wander as they walked through the forest - keeping an eye on for any magical creatures on their way because well.. Gregory was always looking.

"Make it official or something, y'know?"

ROO

Roo shrugged noncommittally, though he smiled. “I dunno, maybe. Is it weird that I really like her? Like, like-like her?” He shook his head, eyes raised to the sky as he thought about everything that had happened throughout the month. And how much he appreciated his friend’s companionship and support.

The final dregs of afternoon warmth were fading, making way for the cool of night when his gaze snapped up and he grinned at his best friend.

“I think we both deserve happiness and would like to propose a pact,” he hopped up on a tree stump as if it were a stage, continuing, “That we both agree to shoot for the moon! That we'll both take the next step, whatever that may be, me with Ashley and you with Charlie. And we'll each be there cheering the other on, no matter what,” he grinned widely, holding his hand out to shake on it, “Whattya say?”

GREG

That was probably a pact that Greg was willing to agree to. Especially if it meant that his friend could shoot for his own happiness too. Though he was… uncertain about his future with Charlie - he had a lot of hope for Roo and Ashley. It was always the under-dog pairings that made it through right? And… well he liked to think that Ashley did have a heart underneath it all. Enough to see Roo as the great person that he truly was.

In fact, Gregory was certain that Roo would be an amazing boyfriend for anyone. They’d be lucky to have him.

The older boy’s hand was taken easily, a smile spreading across his lips as he shook on it firmly. “Agreed. And… I mean no matter what happens, no one can say we didn’t try, right?” Because in the end? That was all that really mattered - and even if things didn’t work out? At least they’d have each other there to support one another.

ROO

Roo grinned widely, clutching his friend’s hand and shaking. He was certain there were ways to be more dramatic about making a pact permanent and lasting, but he supposed just their word and a handshake would be enough. They were already best friends, right? If his friend couldn't trust him or the reverse, what was even the point?

The sun vanished behind the horizon, and something lurched inside Roo. He gasped, his heart nearly stopping in his chest.

No.

No. No. No. No. No. It wasn't time. He still had 3 hours and 23 minutes to go before—

Roo cringed away from his friend, grasping his head, struggling against the magic he could feel writhing inside, ready to take over his senses until dawn. A familiar burning tore through his body, sparking deep inside him and working its way out.

“Greg—” he gasped, his voice spiked with terror as he fell to the ground, “Run. Get away.”

GREG

It was easy to laugh as he pulled his hand back from his friends, nodding his promise to his friend and knowing that he didn’t have to worry about Roo backing out on his end of the deal. Maybe he’d talk to Charlie tomorrow - ask him to hang out or something. That would be nice…

“Roo?” Concern broke over his features as his friend stopped dead, Greg’s gaze looking over his shoulder before he turned towards him fully - a hand immediately reaching out as he fell to the grass below them. A cold sweat dotted his brow as he shook his head, even if Roo wasn’t watching him. “Roo - Roo what’s..what’s wrong?” He asked, his hand drawing back from his friend’s shoulder when he remembered what day it was. Slowly - his gaze slipped up to the sky; the full moon bearing down on them brightly, almost mocking them from its position as his eyes drew back to his friend.

Oh no.

Oh no, no, no. This shouldn’t be happening - this couldn’t be happening. Roo wouldn’t - he wouldn’t let himself turn in the woods. In front of him! He takes potions to prevent this! Did...did he forget?? “Roo - Please calm down. Just breathe okay.” He tried, taking a few careful steps back as he raised a shaky hand in a placating gesture - opposite moving to grip his wand within his robes. “It’s--- It’s gonna be okay! You’re fine, okay? Please just…” what? Not change?? Oh my god what was he going to do?

ROO

The change was coming, Roo could feel it. His mind, slipping out of his control. He wanted to cry, listening to Greg reassure him that he was going to be fine. But he wasn't, something had happened. He must have missed a dose of his potion in the excitement of everything that had happened.

But that's wasn't important right now. Greg was still there, a true friend, trying to comfort Roo, not caring he was in legitimate danger, one the change happened, Roo would cease to exist until dawn, a wild bloodthirsty beast left in his place.

“Greg! Get out of here! You have to save yourself!” he screamed, now thrashing as his body melted away into something else. And everything hurt. So much. He wanted it to be over, for the terror and the pain to be behind him.

Fur spring up on his neck, his back, his arms, everywhere. His bones morphing into a completely new shape, the shape of the wolf. Claws sprung from where his fingers had been and sharp fangs slid out in place of his teeth.

The more wolf like his body, the further his mind retreated into the farthest reaches of his consciousness until all that was left was the terror and rage and hunger of the wolf crouching in the grass, whimpering softly as it sniffed the air, trying to get its bearings.

GREG

This wasn't happening. This wasn't happening. This couldn't have been happening. He knew about werewolves. He'd seen werewolves but - to watch Roo transform in front of him? To see his body tear itself apart and put itself back together?

It was terrifying.

He was terrified. And yet? As quick as it came it almost seemed over. Roo laid trembling and whimpering along the grass. He'd warned him. Told him to get away and yet Greg's feet remained planted to the ground - either from fear or concern he wasn't sure. The world felt so suddenly quiet and he was almost afraid to breathe.

"... R-Roo?" Finally came his voice, meeker than he'd expected as he pushed back upon the balls of his feet - ready to turn and run should this go badly.

ROO

The wolf bristled at the sound of the human voice, ignoring the ongoing struggle in the back of its mind. Only one thing mattered. The need to bite. To scratch. To howl and run and hunt.

It’s head snapped up, wide yellow eyes honing in on the boy that spoke, tense as it took on the stance of one preparing to flee.

The proper stance for prey.

Leaping to its feet, a snarl ripped from the wolf’s throat followed by a long howl, it’s nose pointed to the sky.

Finishing in a crouch the wolf turned its predatory gaze back in the boy foolish enough to still be standing there, it’s muscles tended, preparing to pounce when —

No! Don’t! Please!

A tiny weak voice cried out in the wolf’s mind struggling for control. The wolf shook its head, choosing to ignore it. That voice held no power over the wolf.

The growl built in the wolf’s chest as it slowly stalked towards its prey, muscles tensing, preparing to go for the attack.

It paused as the voice returned, begging and pleading for it to stop. It was a distracting nuisance and the wolf was annoyed, snarling and snapping at the air over its shoulder as if the owner of the voice was right there.

The wolf shook its head. No. It would not yield.

Forward it moved, slowly crouching, staring at its trembling prey, until—it pounced! Leaping through the air towards the boy!

GREG

The boy easily flinched at the howl, stumbling back a few steps with a gasp. Fear had him frozen to the core then - locking eyes once more and it didn't take a genius to know the signs. Crouched on its haunches, a tension rippling through its muscles…

Roo was poised to attack.

And yet he couldn't move. Feet remained planted firmly upon the ground, iron grip on his wand and curses repeating like a mantra in his head. Roo got closer - snarling and snapping: at him, at itself.

Move. Run. Wake up, wake up, wake up. Please just —

Instinct worked before he did, throwing himself to the side as the werewolf finally lunged forward. Gregory fell easily to the forest floor, his legs scrambling underneath him almost immediately as he pushed himself up. By the time he was even close to standing he was already running, a mad sprint towards the edge of the forest. Towards help.

He just needed to get that far.

ROO

The boy dodged, tumbling to one side just in time to avoid the snapping jaws of the wolf. The wolf skidded to a halt, howling it’s rage at the night sky before changing course and giving chase to its prey.

Bounding over the grassy hills, the forest called out to the wolf. It was the siren call of freedom and it was tempting. But the forest could wait, the predator must first satisfy the primal hunger burning inside—and the need to bite. To scratch. To destroy.

The prey was just ahead, still fleeing. Still putting up a fight. But the wolf was closing in. Just a few more bounds and—it leapt! Flying through the air it landed gracefully, it's front paws knocking the boy facefirst to the ground.

With a final snarl of victory, wolf sunk its teeth into the boy's flesh, the scent and taste of blood satisfying the beast within until another howl pierced the darkness, calling the wolf to it. The wolf howled in reply and bounded into the forest, leaving its prey curled up alone and bleeding at the edge of the forest.

GREG

Shoes pressed quickly over the uneven terrain of the forest, his balance slipping once more but he didn't fall. Instead his hand brushed over the dirt, pushing up as he fought to correct his balance - leaving his wand to snap right out of his hand at the contact and leaving him completely defenseless.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck.

Tears has long since sprung from his eyes, trailing down his face as he glanced over his shoulder and caught the beast (it sure wasn't his best friend anymore) speeding up behind him. Closer and closer. The snarls almost directly behind him now. The edge of the woods was close though! All he needed to do was reach it and — and well maybe he'd find help.

"Professor Tibbs!" He screamed, hoping, praying, the man was outside. That he'd hear him. That anyone would hear him. "Professor Tibbs please! Help me! He—" The call for help faltered as he felt the weight connect with his back, pain flaring through him as he fell roughly to the ground.

It was only in that moment that Gregory remembered himself. Remembered that werewolves wouldn't harm an animagus. He would have been fine if he'd have transformed and ran away - the wolf would have lost interest. All he had to do was concentrate and maybe he could still get away!

Too little too late.

All too soon, his gasp fell away to a scream of agony, hot white pain flaring in his shoulder as he felt the wolf's jaws clamp down and tear relentlessly into flesh. It was like a nightmare he wasn't waking up from - a scary movie he was merely acting it; except it was _real,_ and he could feel everything. Broken sobs slipped from his lips, a hand shakily pressing to his mangled mess of skin, the blood slicking his fingers as he heard the crunch of leaves and twigs around him. The wolf was leaving but Gregory couldn't have been less aware, panic flooding his mind as his heart pounded in his ears, the pain leaving him all but motionless.

Blackness dotted his vision and Gregory tried to call out - to move or do anything but his body failed him. Perhaps his mind too - almost imagining the silhouettes of people in the distance but heavy-lidded eyes simply wouldn't focus. Wouldn't dare tell him his fantasies from the harsh reality.

—and as the blackness took over, he couldn't help but think that might've been for the best.

ROO

A mighty gasp brought the boy back to the world of light. He jolted upright, sobs wracking his body as the dream replayed in his mind in great detail.

Another Swynlake dream. Great. He’d lived through enough of those over the past 16 years that he wasn’t surprised anymore. He usually didn’t put much stock in them.

But this one felt—different. Somehow. Like it could mean something.

The memory of the wolf taking over his body—the beast attacking his dream best friend who happened to be a good friend of his in real life—that disturbed him most. He couldn’t believe he was capable of such violence, even in a dream.

Especially a dream that had been so nice until the final moments. Memories of friendship, camaraderie, incredible magical creatures and an impossible first kiss were bright spots trying to outshine the darkness that was the beast he’d become.

Still trembling, Roo took a few calming breaths and, scrubbing his hands on his face, climbed from the couch where he’d apparently been when the magic took over the town, and went to find his mom. He might be nearly grown but sometime a kid just needed his mom. Besides if what he remembered of her status in the dream was correct, she might need him in that moment as much as he needed her.

#the beast within #bhp #greg-a-roo #gregory eeyore #tw werewolf violence #tw blood #tw possible ambiguous death #tw violence

2 notes · View notes

highwaytosickfics · 5 years

Text

X-Men Evolution sickfic 2

I started making this at midnight yesterday...I’m not sure how qualified it is to be a sickfic, but I know there’s a sick lance in it, so that’s something. It’s from the caretaker’s (aka Todd’s) perspective. It’s kind of a grocery store trip fic with Lance being sick in the background, but I think there’s still something to enjoy there.

=============================================================

He was standing in the medicine aisle of the local grocery store, calculations going through his mind to figure out how to input this temporary expense. The fluorescent lights above buzz in his ears, along with the sounds of other people chatting in the aisles, cart wheels rattling, and the vague lyrics of an old pop song playing quietly over the speakers. Several rows of colorful boxes are organized in front of him, detailing cures for various symptoms. Todd was concentrating on the migraine medication, mentally listing them by cost and effectiveness. Amazing what a tiny bottle of pills could cost, especially given the Brotherhood’s limited budget.

Almost everyone in the Brotherhood had some form of role in terms of household chores; Lance was the one with the highest success rate of holding down a job, so he was the main breadwinner of the house (one of the many reasons why he was the de facto leader).

Fred also contributed to their legal funds, getting freelance construction jobs from time to time that were really helpful in keeping them out of the red. Fred’s main task in the house, however, was cooking meals, something he unsurprisingly excelled in.

Pietro wasn’t exactly the best at finding work, and his taste in food left something to be desired, so he was in charge of cleaning. It didn’t need to be spotless, none of them were really comfortable with a sterile environment, so there wasn’t really much pressure on the silver speedster; just make sure it wasn’t vermin-friendly and keep stock of cleaning supplies. Pietro got enough pressure from his douche of a dad, so they didn’t feel the need to put much more on his shoulders.

Girls in the Brotherhood...really didn’t do anything. Rogue was long gone before they implemented the house rules, which were put in place following Mystique’s disappearance. Tabby’s powers were more suited for entertainment than anything else, and her impulsiveness made it difficult for them to figure out what she’d be best suited for. Wanda, meanwhile, wasn’t exactly the type to take orders from anyone. She had more pressure on her than Pietro did, so the Brotherhood mainly just let her focus on figuring herself out. There were times when it seemed like she felt isolated from them because of the way they handled her, but some mild teasing usually shook off that temporary insecurity.

Finally, Todd was in charge of finances. While it wasn’t something he talked about, Todd was actually pretty smart. Thanks to a mild learning disability and his desire not to academically stand out amongst the Brotherhood, his test scores were usually rather low. Still, he did well in crunching the numbers, forming budget plans, and keeping them relatively steady. He was the least likely to waste money on something unimportant, so it didn’t take much prodding to hand him control. He went for groceries once every two weeks, maybe twice if there were uninvited guests or something ran low unexpectedly. While Todd occasionally hopped there on his own, Lance usually drove him so that they could get goods back more easily.

Todd’s mind briefly drifted to Lance, remembering he’d shuffled the older teen into the bathroom for safekeeping until they got everything paid for and loaded in the car. Lance “I’m Fine” Alvers was, thanks to his powers and general stress, a frequent migraine sufferer. Everyone had noticed this ages ago, but their leader wasn’t exactly the type to admit when he was feeling under the weather. His normal route was just to pretend everything was fine and go about his day as usual, despite looking like he was about to collapse.

Sometimes, when the headaches were too severe, he’d hide out in his room with the lights turned off and his favored rock music notably silenced. The rest of the Brotherhood didn’t badger him about it, knowing it would just make the situation worse. Help for their sick idiot leader was intentionally subtle; They were quieter, less mischief, and kept the house dark and cool. If one of them were feeling generous, they’d leave some water and saltines on Lance’s nightstand.

Today it started off light, a minor headache from last night’s brawl with the X-dorks. At least, that’s how Lance tried to make it appear. There were some tells, letting them know he was worse off then he claimed to be; he was sweating, his movements were shaky, and a brief glance at breakfast made him noticeably pale. But unfortunately, Todd knew from their morning meal of last night’s leftovers that they needed desperately groceries. Since Lance was the only one allowed to drive his car, he wasn’t going to be able to ride out the waves of pain on his own just yet. Thankfully the others chose to tag along today, and they were rustling through the other aisles with Todd’s very precise list on hand. No doubt they’d add unnecessary items to the cart, but today he was feeling slightly lenient on their spending habits. Normally on the rare occasion that they shopped altogether, Lance would keep them in line, but he was a bit indisposed at the moment; Driving had taken a lot out of him so by the time they got to the store, he looked like he was gonna hurl. Thus him being moved to the bathroom stall; The lights in there were far too bright for his liking, but it was private.

Throughout all of his migraines, Lance never really asked for anything to dull the pain. He was stubborn enough to want to grit his teeth through it, and they usually didn’t have the money for it anyway. But this month, with Fred finishing off another freelance job, Todd scoring big on some side pickpocketing, and no one almost going to jail, they had a little extra in their pockets. Hopefully enough to legally grab the much needed meds.

Some mild commotion was going on in another part of the store, and Todd picked up on a few familiar voices but otherwise didn’t dwell much on it.

“Mr. Tolensky, interesting to see you here.” Huh, apparently the X-geeks shopped here too, go figure.

“Yeah man, it’s grocery day.” Todd mumbled briefly to Xavier, focusing back onto his task. He could tell the older man was trying to pick at his brain, but he had other things to be concerned for. Like figuring out which of the cheapest meds was the most effective at handling migraines.

“Professor! the Brotherhood are here. I think they’re gonna try to start something-” Scott’s words are paused by the sight of Todd, his stance shifting to a fighting position. “What are you guys here for, Toad?”

“Easy Scott.” Xavier chided, causing Scott to awkwardly relax. “They’re not interested in causing any trouble today.”

The look of disbelief on the laser teen’s face was almost comical “Professor, it’s the Brotherhood! When aren’t they causing trouble?!”

Xavier ignored the comment, instead wheeling himself closer to where Todd was still furiously wracking his brain over the seemingly random words assaulting his vision. The written word wasn’t exactly his strong suit, especially when it was words he couldn’t properly pronounce. A hand stretched past him, and Todd unconsciously shifted to not get in the old man’s way. Then a box was pushed in his direction, and he looked to find Xavier handing him one of the medications he’d been pondering about.

“This may be a good option for you.” He suggests, allowing Todd to swipe the box from him. “We have it stocked in the mansion in case Jean or I overdo it.”

“...Thanks.” His voice is a mix of gratitude and distrust. On one hand, the medicine is probably the right choice in terms of Lance’s symptoms; the professor wouldn’t exactly lie about something like this. On the other hand, it’s advice from an adult, an X-dweeb no less, so it takes him a second to swallow his pride and accept it.

“Of course.” Xavier gives a light smile, which only adds to Todd’s discomfort but he doesn’t address it. “If anything gets to be...too much, be sure to visit. We still have plenty of rooms left in the manor.”

Todd doesn’t shoot down the olive branch, nor does he immediately take it. He nods quietly, not looking at the unusually quiet Scott as he brushes past him. Todd meets up with the Brotherhood, sans Lance, and quickly returns a majority of the unneeded items (mostly candy, courtesy of Pietro) before leading them to the checkout. He doles out the exact amount needed, including tax, and throws in an extra couple dollars in case another candy bar mysteriously makes its way onto the conveyor before returning to the bathroom.

Todd knocks twice before slipping under the stall door, finding his leader thankfully a little better than when he was left there. While the bowl was currently clean, the smell of recent vomit was still lightly wafting through the air. Lance’s still pale and sweating, and he appears to be clammy from what’s probably an oncoming fever. Todd doesn’t think he should be driving them back, and he might get his way if he can pass the meds onto Lance in the car, but for now his main concern is getting him there at all.

“Yo Lance, I’mma have to pick you up so...don’t hurl on me or nuthin’.”

Lance responds with a muffled groan, the closest that Todd’s going to get to an affirmation. He crouches down, draping the older teen’s arm over his shoulder before hefting him upwards. They swayed immediately, with Lance’s skin nearly matching Todd’s, before they had to crouch back down again. The gags from the leader’s throat made the frog boy wince with sympathy, though thankfully it seemed to be nothing but dry heaves. Still, it took a couple minutes for everything to settle before they tried standing again, much more carefully this time.

The chill in the morning air had caused Lance to put on a hoodie jacket before they left, and Todd decided to pull the hood over the other boy’s head before they tried leaving the stall. Movements were slow and steady to prevent any unnecessary collapse. Lance was leaning the majority of his weight on Todd, who didn’t bother commenting on it despite the strain. By the time they’d gotten to the car, everyone else was already buckled in. Fred had squeezed into shotgun, barely managing to fit, and Wanda was in the driver’s seat. Pietro, as well as the groceries, were nowhere to be seen, so he’d most likely taken them home on his own. The back was conveniently empty, with an unused plastic sitting helpfully in one of the seat pockets. Todd dug into Lance’s pocket and, once he found the keys, tossed them over to the scarlet witch. Wanda had gotten her license sometime after she’d joined them, but due to Lance’s stubbornness on always being the one to drive, she’d never gotten a chance to use it after her exam.

Lance made a groan of protest at being shoved into the back, but Todd ignored him as he buckled the two of them in. Safety first.

“Better hold this, dude.” Todd says, handing Lance the plastic bag as the engine starts rumbling. “Things are gonna get a little rocky.”

From the front, they hear Wanda and Fred groan at the rock pun, but Lance, with a slight smile, seems to appreciate it all the same.

#sickfic?#sickfic #illumivomi #x-men evolution #x-men #x-men sick #x men #x-men evolution sick #my post #sick lance #lance alvers #todd tolansky

7 notes · View notes

jarienn972 · 6 years

Text

The Inbetween - Chapter Six

My apologies that this is being posted a day later than scheduled, but due to a minor family emergency, I didn't have access to my laptop yesterday. Anyway, here is the final chapter of my @cssns story, The Inbetween! I've had a lot of fun writing my first ghost story and I hope some of you out there have enjoyed reading it! Thanks @kmomof4 for being such a great cheerleader, to @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 for her wonderful accompanying artwork and to everyone else for their lovely comments and encouragement! (edited to add links and art)

From the beginning on Tumblr: One Two Three Four Five

AO3 FF.net

Scarce seconds would elapse before Emma and Killian were greeted with a cloud of deep violet smoke which gradually dissipated to reveal the forms of both Regina and David, now standing in the middle of the Apprentice's living room with them.

"That was quick," Emma commented sarcastically as her initial surprise faded, mentally questioning why Regina would resort to using magic while in such close proximity to a ghost that fed off of it.

"I wasn't about to go traipsing through the overgrown landscaping in the middle of the night," Regina replied, echoing Emma's sarcastic tone. "And right now, the best course of action for all of us to take would be to leave this place right now, seal it up permanently and forget it exists."

"Sealing the ghost inside?" Emma asked skeptically. "For some reason, after all we've experienced tonight, I highly doubt that would work. There's too much magic here and if this ghost is already capable of enacting his own protection spells, what's to stop him from trying to break ours?"

Regina practically snorted as she chuckled at Emma's unfounded worry. "He's not that powerful," she scoffed.

"Maybe not today, but that could change," Emma reminded her. "The ghost even told us that as All Hallow's Eve approaches, he can draw from even more dark magic, but I have a feeling you already know that. And I think there's a lot more to this story…" She stood to face Regina in the candlelit room, wanting to make sure she could see the mayor's face if she tried to lie to them. "When you lifted the spell that enchanted the hearts, Killian said the spirits went quiet - at least for a couple of minutes. We know that there's at least one very angry spirit still in there. Why didn't he cross over? Don't you have his heart?"

Regina's face scrunched in thought as she fought for a way to relay the story, exhaling a deep sigh. "I'm fairly certain I know where this particular heart is located…"

"It sounds as though there's something you don't want to share with us, your majesty," Killian pressed, disdain practically dripping from his tongue as they awaited the rest of this tale. "The spirit, Jeremiah - David informed us that you believed he was dangerous. Perhaps you would like to clarify that statement?"

"He told us that he was one of your Black Guard," Emma added, "but I have a feeling that we're not getting the whole story…"

"That part is true," Regina stated, although reluctant to reveal details from so long ago. "He was a member of my Black Guard, but he was also a troublesome aspiring warlock."

"A warlock?" Emma repeated, incredulously. "The ghost we've been fighting all night was some sort of warlock? No wonder he's hanging out here in his afterlife with so much magical energy at his disposal. Still doesn't explain though why he didn't cross over with the others, assuming that really was his goal… Why stick around if you've fought so hard to move on?"

"Jeremiah was a special case," Regina began, glancing about the room looking for the least dusty and dingy place to sit, finally deciding simply to lean her weight against a wall. "My Black Guard were the inner circle of my army, hand-picked either by myself or my closest confidants and entrusted to carry out my orders without question. They were required to be a particularly ruthless bunch by design and I expected loyalty from them. One night, I caught Jeremiah snooping through my spell books without permission and even though I probably should have turned him into a toad or something right then and there, it was just before I cast the first curse so I must have been feeling somewhat benevolent that night because I simply ripped out his heart and made him my slave instead."

"Why is it that so many of your stories sound alike?" David asked rhetorically as Regina ignored his sarcasm - even though he was correct. "I had a feeling you remembered who he was when I mentioned his name earlier."

"If it was just before the curse, was he brought to Storybrooke then or did he come here later?" Emma wondered, trying to place where he might have fit into Storybrooke daily life.

"He came with us during the first curse. I know he was working at the Post Office during that time, but I lost track of him after the curse was broken. I honestly don't know when or how he died. You'd have to check with the town clerk for that information, but since he knows his real name and who he was in the Enchanted Forest, obviously he died after the curse broke."

"So, let me guess - you can't actually find his heart?" was David's next question. "Even though you say you know where it is, I have a suspicion that he didn't cross over because his heart isn't actually here…"

"Oh, I know precisely where Jeremiah's heart is located," Regina snapped back defensively. "I just can't be sure if the enchantment actually lifted or if he simply doesn't want to cross over."

"He tried to possess Killian again after the other ghosts departed, so to speak," Emma said as she tried to put the new information Regina had provided together with their interactions with Jeremiah. "We think he might be after something that requires a physical body to obtain. Any idea what that might be?"

"My first guess is that he's trying to find a way to get to me - to get his heart back before I crush it," Regina stated.

"I don't think he'd actually need a physical body to try to kill you, especially since he tried to drop a chandelier on us earlier tonight. I'm still thinking there's something you're not telling us…" Emma's green eyes darkened, sparking angry with the flickering candlelight as everyone was now staring at Regina, awaiting an answer.

"Why would you have told us he's dangerous and why come all the way out here if you could stop him simply by crushing his heart?" David questioned. Something simply wasn't adding up here.

"Fine!" Regina huffed impetuously. "I've known the ghosts were here for a while and I knew Jeremiah was one of them." She took a deep breath before continuing. "When I took Jeremiah's heart, I looked him in the eyes and told him I wasn't going to crush it, but that instead, I was going to punish him for his insolence. I sealed his heart into a little silver box and locked it away in my vault - and in doing so, bound his magic and sent him to my dungeon until the curse was cast."

She paused to gauge their reactions before going on but no one seemed to be particularly horrified by her revelation. Had everyone grown so accustomed to tales of her evil deeds that they weren't even the least surprised by her actions anymore?

"When the curse created Storybrooke," Regina continued, "everyone had false memories implanted into their psyche, so I saw it as a chance to make Jeremiah useful again. I gave him a new civil service job - one as monotonous as possible - as punishment. But it seems that sometime after the curse broke, Jeremiah regained enough of his memories to realize he was missing his heart. Most never regain that memory, but in his case, not only did he remember about his heart, but the curse breaking must have freed him from the spell that I'd enacted to bind his magic. With magic returned to Storybrooke, he tried to resume his experimentations, but without a heart, he wouldn't have been able to summon the emotion necessary to grow and guide his powers so, while we were all distracted dealing with my mother, Greg and Tamara, Jeremiah apparently went on a quest to find his heart - to no avail. While we were in Neverland searching for Henry, he broke into my vault, but his heart wasn't there…"

"Do we even want to know it's actual location or how Jeremiah ended up being a cranky, magic-absorbing spirit haunting the Sorcerer's mansion?" Emma asked, curious as to what Regina would answer, yet somewhat afraid what that same answer might be.

"His heart was still sealed inside its little silver box back in my castle, where it would have remained probably for eternity, but then, as you know - Zelena happened. When the Wicked Witch took over my castle, she also took control over all of the magical objects I'd left behind, one of those being Jeremiah's heart. The curse your mother cast to bring everyone back here to Storybrooke of course also brought Zelena, and with her, many of those same magical trinkets and enchanted hearts. She had no idea who any of those belonged to yet somehow, Jeremiah knew his heart was back here in Storybrooke and the fool attempted to ally himself with Zelena, then still pretending to be Snow White's midwife, to get it back. When I found out the traitor was helping my sister, I got a bit irate and snapped his neck, leaving his body out in the forest. I know Henry wanted me to try being the better person, but I wasn't exactly there yet and since Jeremiah was working for the Wicked Witch of the West, he was as much of an enemy to us as she was. Honestly, I didn't think another thing about what I'd done until the first time someone reported a presence in the Sorcerer's mansion. At first, I thought it was just Gold up to no good again, but I later discovered it was actually paranormal activity. Ghosts don't exactly scare me so I ignored their existence - until David came knocking on my door tonight."

"Damnit, Regina! Why didn't you tell anyone else about this?" David chided her. "Especially if you thought it was Jeremiah?"

"Because at the time, I had a lot more to worry about than a ghost!" Regina shouted back at him. "And at the time, I had no reason to believe that he might be dangerous, but that changed tonight when you told me he'd possessed the pirate's body."

"Okay," Emma interjected, putting an end to the bickering, at least temporarily. "That's all in the past, but we still have to find a way to deal with Jeremiah here in the present. How are we going to stop him from getting any more powerful before Halloween and leaving this house to reign terror on the citizens of Storybrooke? I witnessed one ghostly possession tonight and I really don't want to ever see another. How do we deal with this spirit once and for all?"

"Would crushing the heart now dispatch his trapped soul to the Underworld?" Killian asked.

"Perhaps - If we can get to it," Regina replied sheepishly as another important fact she'd been concealing was about to surface.

"You told us just minutes ago that you knew where it was." David reminded her.

"Oh, I do," Regina assured him, extending her index finger in the direction of the main house. "It's in there."

"Inside the mansion?" Emma couldn't believe what she'd just heard. "You put the heart of the ghost who's hunting for it inside the same mansion he's haunting?'

"In my defense, I didn't actually put it there." Regina retorted. "It seems to have landed here during the curse. I remember seeing it here in one of those little secret rooms when we were hunting for the Author. I should have come back for it, but once Isaac was freed, things escalated pretty quickly around here…"

Emma sighed as she dropped back onto the sofa, sinking into the cushions beside Killian who was rubbing his bleary eyes with his thumb and index finger. "Okay - so where do we find it and how are we going to get in there to look?"

"It's in a little room off of the library - some narrow chamber that Henry located when we were looking for the door pictured in the book," Regina explained.

"A little narrow, tunnel-like corridor?" David asked, seeking clarification as Regina nodded in reply. "I think I know where it is. The kids tonight got themselves stuck in a secret passage connecting the living room to the library. There's a false stone built into the fireplace that opens up a panel in the wall. That has to be the same one, so if we can get back inside, I can go retrieve the box."

"If we can get around Jeremiah's protective spells. I highly doubt he'll let us back inside without trying to kill us all again," Emma responded, struggling to think of another way to do this.

"I'm hardly worried about a ghost's spell," Regina chuffed. "I can get us through that easily. Jeremiah wasn't ever that skilled of a warlock and I doubt he's gotten better in death. I can lower the spell long enough for you to get inside."

"Someone would have to go with me," David stated. "The door doesn't stay open long so someone has to stay inside the living room to reopen it once I get the box. What exactly am I looking for anyway?"

Regina closed her eyes as she pictured the box so she could describe its appearance to David. "It's a rectangular box made out of silver - about four by six inches and maybe two inches deep. Just large enough to hold a heart. There's a polished, oval onyx stone on the latch and the lock is sealed with blood magic so that only someone of my bloodline can open it. It'll be tucked away in an alcove just off of that corridor. There isn't a lot inside there so you should be able to locate it quickly."

"Alright then," David said with a smile. "Let's go find it."

"I'll go with you," Emma offered, "as long as someone can manage to keep Jeremiah occupied long enough for me to poof us inside and grab that box."

"I can distract the spirit," Killian spoke up. "He wants to possess me, so what better way to maintain his attention than to let him try again."

"No way," Emma said, shaking her head vigorously. "It's too dangerous. Even if he can't fully possess you anymore, his presence still seems to have a negative effect on you. You went into some sort of trance and if that happens again, he could kill you!"

"Unfortunately, I happen to agree with the pirate," Regina countered. "It would be perfect to use him as bait - so to speak." She added the latter in response to Emma's glare. "Don't worry. I'll be there with him. I won't allow Jeremiah to harm him."

"I suppose we don't have much choice," Emma scowled. "Let's go then. We've got a ghost to bust and get this night over with."

True to her word, Regina made quick work of Jeremiah's protective barrier, lowering it and surreptitiously enacting one of her own. She informed Emma and David that they'd have approximately ten minutes to retrieve the heart before Jeremiah's spirit energy would begin draining their magic so they'd have to make this quick. David recited a silent prayer to whatever god might be listening as he and Emma transported into the living room, enveloped in a swirl of grey smoke. Switching on his flashlight, he wasted no time hurrying to the fireplace to show Emma the location of the fake stone that would allow her to open the panel concealed inside the wall.

As the panel slid open, David aimed the flashlight beam into the dark recess, but couldn't see much in the inky blackness. At least so far, they'd been left alone. Whatever Regina and Hook were doing to keep the ghost entertained appeared to be working because they'd yet to face any resistance.

"Be back in a moment," David promised his daughter before ducking his head and stepping inside the hidden passageway while she waited impatiently in the living room, listening for their agreed upon pattern of knocks so she'd know when to press the stone. Please make this quick, she whispered as she heard the panel snap closed.

Regina, in the meantime, had transported Killian and herself into the vestibule, wisely avoiding entering the mansion anywhere near the kitchen. They were here simply to draw and maintain Jeremiah's undivided attention, keeping the ghost away from the living room so that David and Emma could retrieve the heart. They weren't here to chase a ghost throughout the depths of the property and Regina wanted this night to end just as rapidly as Emma did.

"You really should have spent more time practicing how to conjure a proper protective spell, Jeremiah," Regina announced her presence with a statement clearly designed to antagonize him.

"And as if he wasn't angry enough…" Killian muttered under his breath, nearly convinced that Regina actually was trying to get them both killed. "You certainly got his attention, Love," he added as he heard the spirit's unenthralled response.

"That was my intention. He was an unskilled, second-rate warlock - barely deserving of that description," she continued to goad the invisible entity as above their heads, the vestibule's light fixture began to sway on its chrome chain, the heavy crystal sphere hovering precariously over them. Regina managed to throw a protective barrier around them just as that chain snapped, deflecting the sphere away from them where it shattered against the marble floor sending lethal glass shards flying in every direction.

"I do believe our host is a tad irate," Killian quipped sarcastically.

"Good," she stated in reply. "Let him use all of that energy throwing things at us…"

"And what if he starts draining your magic?" he asked, recalling the challenges Emma had faced earlier in the evening.

"He's only one ghost. He can't draw all of it away that swiftly, but for all of our sakes, let's hope that Charming makes it snappy locating that box!"

"Agreed," Killian nodded as they watched a new scene unfold before them. The shards of broken glass began to draw together, swirled up and around in a miniature cyclone of shiny, deadly projectiles. "I do hope this magical barricade you've enacted is powerful enough to withstand that…" The spinning vortex began to pick up speed and girth as it moved towards them, mercifully repelled by Regina's protective spell, but as the shards scattered back across the marble surface, the spell faltered, leaving them incredibly vulnerable to another attack.

"Damn!" she exclaimed, shaking her hands furiously as she tried in vain to raise the spell again, but she simply couldn't draw enough magic. "He can't possibly be that strong…"

"I hate to disappoint you, Regina, but it would appear that you've misjudged this entity!" Killian shouted, a split-second before some manner of malevolent force struck them both from behind - one strong enough to send them both sprawling to the floor.

"I don't like what I'm hearing out there, Dad," Emma shouted anxiously toward the panel in the wall, startled by the sound of something heavy - and apparently very breakable - striking a solid surface. "Have you found it yet?"

On the other side of the wall, David crouched with the silver box clutched tightly beneath his arm while he pounded furiously against the wall. He'd remembered, a little too late, one very important fact Tyler Sprat and his friends had told him earlier - the passageway allowed them to hear sounds from outside, but no one outside could hear sounds from inside the tunnel. Emma was out there waiting for him to knock, but she wasn't going to be able to hear him and he'd stupidly left the radio back in the butler's quarters. But on this early morning, he couldn't have been more thankful for his daughter's impatience when the panel slid open and he could see the beacon of her flashlight.

"Everything okay in there?" she called out into the darkness as she made her way from the fireplace over to the passage entrance right as David scrambled out.

"I forgot that you wouldn't be able to hear me," he confessed. "I'm so glad you decided to open up the panel anyway."

"Did you find it?" she cut him off even more impatiently. "I'm hearing all sorts of loud noises coming from out there…"

"Yes, I found it," he replied, holding up the tarnished silver box where she could see it.

"Well, then, we'd better hurry up before that ghost drains all of Regina's magic."

"This way then," David said as he clasped his fingers around her wrist and pulled her toward the arched doorway that would lead back to the vestibule, arriving just in time to see both Killian and Regina be tossed to the floor by an invisible force, landing amidst a scattering of shiny objects that reflected the glow of her flashlight. Broken glass from the light fixture, she realized as the beam illuminated the metal chain coiled on the floor.

Regina was livid as she pressed her bloodied hands to the floor, catching glimpses of Emma's flashlight in the hallway to her left, maintaining hope that she and Charming had located the heart. On her right, the pirate had pushed himself up onto his knees and even though she couldn't see his facial expression in this dark vestibule, she assumed that Killian would be equally angered at Jeremiah shoving them around. In actuality, Killian had scarcely been given a moment to recover before the ghost turned his full attention on him and drew the pirate into a trance-like state yet again.

As Emma and David approached, they heard what sounded like clanking metal which Emma immediately realized was the sound of the chain she'd just spotted on the floor now moving on its own. She directed her light to where she'd seen it lying earlier just as the chain lifted off of the floor to encircle Killian's neck.

"Killian!" she wailed, hoping he would hear her cry and break from the trance, but he remained unmoving, making no attempt to fend off strangulation as the chain tightened about his neck under Jeremiah's power. Emma's jaw gaped open as she instinctively yanked the silver box out of her father's hand, offering it up to the vicious entity. "Is this what you want, Jeremiah?" she cried out, done with this spirit's antics.

"Emma, what are you doing?" Regina demanded. "Don't let him get ahold of that!" She didn't want to hand over their only bargaining chip to Jeremiah, but she understood Emma's anxiety as she grabbed ahold of the chain and tried to pull it free from Killian's neck before his airway was completely cut off. The chains weren't budging though and Regina suddenly had a feeling of helplessness wash over her as she sensed her magic being drained away only to be absorbed by the very entity they were fighting.

"Sorry, Regina. Gotta do this my way," Emma countered as she then addressed the ghost. "Let Killian go and you can have the box!" The moment she shouted the words to their invisible enemy, the box flew from her grasp and both the chain and Killian dropped to the floor. The box landed atop the marble on the opposite side of the staircase, out of the reach of any human's hand at the moment, but it rattled and vibrated wildly as though the ghost were struggling to get it open.

Emma crouched beside Killian, tossing the chain away from him as he gasped for breath, no longer transfixed by Jeremiah's spell. She drew her arms around him protectively as they glanced over at the silver box lifting off of the floor and flying into the wall. It was as though Jeremiah had become frustrated with his inability to open it and free his heart so he'd flung box and all against the wall in hopes that it would break open - but he wouldn't be so lucky.

"Why did you let him get the box?" David asked in frustration after all they'd done to recover it. "Won't that make him more dangerous?"

"It would - if we weren't a step ahead of our supernatural friend here this time," Emma replied cryptically as her right hand slipped inside of her leather jacket. "I'm sorry, Jeremiah, but it's time for you to rejoin your companions in the Underworld…" As she withdrew her hand, she revealed the deep, ruby red heart clutched in her palm and then tightened her fingers around it. She felt the entity descending upon her as she crushed it to dust, an act which she normally would have harbored immense guilt over, but Jeremiah was already dead. She was only helping him move on, as he should, Emma told herself as she squeezed it until there was nothing left but a pile of ash billowing from her fist.

No one said a word for a few seconds as a brilliant flash of light lit up the vestibule and the scattering of dust was picked up in another mini-cyclone like the one that Jeremiah had created with the glass shards earlier but this one vanished in a flash. Killian was finally the one to break the silence. "He's gone," he said in a raspy whisper before collapsing against Emma.

"Hope this afterlife is better for you, Jeremiah," Emma stated as she pushed herself to stand up and then helped her husband to his feet, carefully dusting away glittering crystal slivers with her sleeve.

Feeling her magic restored, Regina waved her hand and the front door swung open, revealing the first faint hint of the morning sunrise to the east. "I think we can all safely go home now," she smiled as she stood. "I think the mayor just might be taking today off," she announced to the others before disappearing in a purple cloud.

"I think I'm in full agreement," David laughed, taking a tentative step through the doorway, not yet convinced that they could leave freely, but there was no barrier to stop him from strolling out to the porch.

"C'mon, pirate," she urged her exhausted husband. "We should probably go get your head checked out…" Emma suggested as they followed David through the front door, pulling it closed behind them before Emma sealed the lock with magic. David started to descend the steps towards his truck, but paused as he reached the flagstone walk, turning to Emma with a look of pure confusion on his face.

"I've got a question for you, Emma," he turned, glancing up at his daughter who was still standing on the porch. "Regina said that the box was sealed with blood magic, so how did you manage to get it open and take the heart out? And how did you know that it would work?"

"Before we left the Apprentice's living room, Regina gave me a tiny vial of her blood - just enough to break the seal. She figured we might need it, and did we ever! I opened up the box and stashed the heart in my jacket while we were making our way down the hallway in the dark. The rest was just a little bit of misdirection."

"I, for one, am quite pleased that it worked," Killian stated with a weary, but grateful smile. "Now - may we please go home? I'll be fine…" He lowered his aching bones to sit on the top step and slumped his tired body against the railing, simply too exhausted to take another step.

"Looks like I'll be making a trip back for the Bug later," Emma grinned. "Thanks for all of your help tonight, Dad."

"Anytime," he assured her. "Have a good night - err, morning?" he chuckled as she wrapped her arm around Killian and they poofed away in a puff of smoke.

Emma transported them straight to their bedroom, depositing Killian atop their king-sized bed. She helped him shrug off his leather jacket while he toed off his boots then fell back against the pile of pillows, not even caring that he was still clothed. It didn't take long for him to drift off and while she had some lingering concerns about his head injury, she decided she wasn't in the mood to deal with Dr. Whale at this hour so she set her alarm to go off in two hours, remembering something she'd read somewhere that you should wake a person with a concussion every couple of hours to make sure they hadn't slipped into deep unconsciousness.

Since he'd fallen asleep atop the comforter, she yanked a quilt off of the back of the armchair sitting in the corner and draped it over him. She then slipped off her own leather jacket, tossing it right onto the same spot she'd removed the quilt from before she unzipped and removed her boots and collapsed onto the bed herself. She snuggled in close to him, tugging half of the quilt over her own body while pressing a kiss into his cheek and finally, resting her head atop his chest to hear the comforting sound of his heart beating beneath her ear.

What a night, was the last thought that crossed her mind as she faded into slumber. Maybe the Sheriff would be taking the day off too.

Thanks for reading! Here’s one more look at the character art Kayla @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 created for this story as well.

#cssns #captain swan supernatural summer #cs ff #cs ghost ff

23 notes · View notes