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yuri-is-online · 7 months

Note

Congratulations on your 500 Followers!🎉 Hope you will grow more! I would like to choose the number 1 prompt, "Someone decides to ask you for your opinion about someone, and you decide to take advantage of your anonymity to admit your feelings. For some reason this flusters them."

For Jack, Sebek and Silver please

1. Someone decides to ask you for your opinion about someone, and you decide to take advantage of your anonymity to admit your feelings. For some reason this flusters them.

Thank you very much friend! I really hope this is to your liking, and I really hope that you continue to find things that entertain you posted to this account.

notes: they/them used for Yuu, mutual pining, I find Jack really hard to write for because of his whole soulmate thing but please know he loves Yuu so fucking much he is in pain, Sebek thinks he's slick, and Silver is oblivious to a lot. The other event requests can be found on my masterlist.

Jack

There is a distressing lack of fluffy tails within your line of sight in the ballroom this evening. A feeling has been growing within you these past few months, similar to a crush but so intense it makes you want to fall over with the strength of your longing. You have no idea if Jack feels the same, he has continued to treat you with the same degree of feigned indifference he's held you at since the day you met.

And now he has left you all alone in the middle of a ballroom full of people that very much aren't him. Well that's how you feel it's not like you made any sort of concrete agreement to meet up beyond the typical first year friend group "hey let's all get together" texts that always populated your group chat when the school hosted events like this. You suppose your feet were always going to hurt at an event like this, but you had been hopeful that your heart wouldn't ache as well.

"Come here often?" A strange strangled voice asks, clearly trying to break the ice and not at all serious. You are both leaning against a pillar after all.

"Not really." Your stomach is still firmly in your throat, this person is massive and you see no sign of the comforting ears and tail of a wolf. "You?"

"Nope." And though neither of you make much a move to keep the conversation moving, you don't move to leave either despite the growing awkward aura around you both. You look out across the ballroom, eyes drawn towards Leona desperately searching for a sign. Your strange new friend takes note, he also seems to be looking at Leona. "Not afraid of staring are, you?"

"Is that what it looks like?" You ask slightly distressed.

"Most people just tuck tail and run when they see Savanaclaw." He almost sounds disgusted, but you can't quite tell with who. "I'm surprised you can stand to look."

"I've got good friends in Savanaclaw." You huff. Sure there's a chance this guy doesn't mean anything by what he's saying, but this is NRC. There is a much bigger chance that he does.

"Oh? Like who, Jack Howl?" This bitch-

"No." You cross your arms. "Friends don't make you want to explode."

"... I'm sorry?" The strange man apologizes, and it really does sound like he means it if the way he's scratching the back of his head is anything to go by. Unfortunately you have been sitting on these stupid feelings all night and really need them out in front of someone who isn't Grim, seven knows he doesn't care.

"Seriously like- wolf beastmen have only one soulmate? Forever? So it doesn't matter how I feel I just- never have a chance like ever. Ever ever ever, he's just always going to see me as some annoying hanger on- well maybe not annoying because I actually put in an effort you know?" The captive audience doesn't nod but that's ok, you just keep charging on. "And I know he appreciates that because his tail wags every time one of us do and it's so cute to watch."

"'m not cute."

"But that just doesn't matter he's got somebody already he just hasn't met them yet and I don't even know the right music to try and get rid of my feelings to. It's not like I can just ask him out and hope rejection will make the feelings go away because there is just no way he would be like in anyway nice about it-"

"What if you were that person though?" The stranger's voice is so strangled it's almost recognizable, and it successfully snaps you out of your stupor.

"But I'm not." You want to scream it, but it comes out so very quietly. "He was really clear about that, he'd just know."

"I'm stupid. I mean he is. Stupid. And you're human, maybe the feeling's different because there's a chance for rejection. It's not like humans always have soul mates." A dull silence falls over you both. Unease working it's pesky way back into both of your minds.

Not all humans have soul mates, but you most certainly do. Just... give him a moment, a ball is not his scene. But later when you're all alone, traipsing your way through the woods towards that lonely cottage there will be a wolf primed to strike. Just why did he ever worry Jack wonders, glad for the mask hiding his grin, he knew he only needed to be lucky once.

Sebek

"Just what is your opinion on Malleus anyway?" Sebek tells himself he is asking you this for safety reasons. It's a question he has asked you before, just louder and with force enough to "blow down a barn door" to quote Epel, but this damn mask had a mockingly fitting enchantment that pitched his voice down and quieted it the more he tried yelling. He almost sounded like he was impersonating Jade, something that would likely deeply amuse the strange upperclassmen and seems to have a soothing effect on you. Not that he was jealous!

"Tsunotarou and I are bros." Yuu puts up what Master Lilia had told him was a "peace sign" and "extremely cute" but makes him seethe with rage and actual jealousy, not whatever that sickening feeling he'd had before was.

"You are not." The mask makes his dull roar sound like a middle aged mother gleefully scolding her friend for buying a particularly saucy pair of heels and not the justified rage of a royal retainer. "If you are bros just what does that make you to his retainers hmmmm?" That makes Yuu falter for some reason, mouth moving before the words are fully formed like they are considering hiding something.

That scares him. Because it compromises his lord's safety. Obviously.

"Well, I think Lilia's super cool." An objectively true statement human. A bit sparse on the praise but then what use would Master Lilia have for a human's praise? It would be better spent on him anyway. "He's really smart and happy to talk about what he knows, even if he lies about things sometimes, gotta have fun with yourself sometimes I guess. Silver is a bit dense, but he tries so hard you have to respect him for it." Again Sebek finds himself agreeing with Yuu, but the praise stings for some reason. It's minimal, but he supposes Yuu's avoidance of addressing the issue- not that they are he supposes, they may have stopped speaking but he doesn't think they intend to not give an opinion about him.

"And Sebek?" But he prods for it anyway because he wants it. He knows himself, he is not exactly ashamed of himself but Sebek knows you would never tell him the full truth of your opinion to his face. He can't even call Yuu by their name, why should they-

Sigh, like a besotted Princess in a fairy tale, play with the edges of their cape like a Prince questioning his propriety in voicing his desires but unable to swallow their emotion-

"He's really something else." You mean it, not that you are too sure why you feel like telling this stranger your deepest secret or why you chose to phrase it like a complaint. But the compliment suits Sebek like that you think. And the stranger doesn't stop you. "Knights are sort of out of fashion where I'm from but I've always liked them, and Sebek's the perfect image of one you know? I just wish there was some room in his heart for someone other than Malleus... not that I think his devotion's a bad thing y'know? I just- want to be treasured by a knight too."

"Just a knight?" The stranger asks. "Silver's there too I suppose."

"Nah he's not really my type." You shrug. "I like my guys a little pathetic. Look-" You barely notice the familiar way the stranger splutters as you bow to signal your exit. "I gotta go get Grim before he lights the place on fire, if you see Sebek tell him I'm looking for him? I want to dance with him at least once I just know he's good at it." And with that they're gone leaving an extremely competent and not at all pathetic thank you very much! Flustered mess of a man behind them.

Silver

"Oh hello Prefect." You have no idea who this student is but it is not unusual for people to know who you are given everything that's happened at this stupid school since you accidentally enrolled. "Nice to see you are enjoying yourself, the rolls are really good." And he is not judging you for the amount of bread you have in front of you so as far as you are concerned he can stay.

"They really are." You nod sagely, offering your new friend some of your hoard which he happily accepts as you both turn towards the ballroom to people watch. "I shouldn't be surprised at how good the food is, but somehow I always am." The stranger nods ruefully.

"I know what you mean. After eating so much of fa- Lillia's cooking you forget what things are supposed to taste like sometimes." Oh so this guy is in Diasomnia then? You'll have to compliment Tsunotarou later, this guy is super polite.

"Yeah I can see that, it makes feel bad for Silver sometimes what with how close those two are." You continue munch on your bread, too caught up in the fluffiness of it to notice how the "stranger" pauses, a thought forming in his mind he is sure to regret later but is unable to fully resist.

To long is human, which he is, painfully so.

"Do you think about Silver often?" He hopes he sounds playful, you fluster, looking the man up and down wondering if maybe Lilia has decided to alter his appearance to tease you some.

"More often than I should." Even if this is Lilia, it's not like anyone can really mock you for this can you? It's a Masquerade Ball, you're allowed to spill your guts to a stranger and reasonably expect nothing to come of it. Hell, just because this guy's in Diasomnia doesn't mean he'll say anything. "He's hard to ignore you know?"

"Not really." Silver picks at the bread, half hoping you will drop the topic, half agonizing about how to feel if you do. "He... doesn't have the best reputation in our dorm. People think he's too intense."

"Hmmm." You can see why, people who lack facial expressions often find themselves failing to express their intent. "That doesn't bother me." Oh he could practically soar, his whole body straightens in pride when you say that. "Silver is one of the few people I feel truly safe and... well sometimes I feel cherished around him. But I don't want to put pressure on him since we aren't even really friends I don't think."

"Why wouldn't you be?" He is deeply confused, he knows Lilia's advice is always coached in jokes but Silver didn't think the flowers he asked his animal friends to find would hinder his progress too badly. You were even wearing them tonight, it was how he found you, so it's not like you hated them... right? "I- He cares about you, I mean you know that right?"

"Maybe." Is all you say, eyes looking for someone in the crowd that's sat right next to you oh so painfully unaware- "But if I said I liked him would he even know what I meant? Would he still want to be friends... if..."

"Of course he would." Silver means it, but somehow he feels like he is missing something. The weight of your hand maybe, as you leave the "stranger" in search of... well he hopes "Silver" because if he knew you loved him, because he thinks that was what you meant maybe he wouldn't want to be just friends.

Best friends maybe? He'll have to ask Li- his father later.

#twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #jack howl x reader #sebek zigvolt x reader #silver x reader #500 followers celebration #idk if anyone reads my tags but uh #just haven't met you yet/bewitched/once upon a dream was the set list for these three #every time i write for silver ouad has to be on #it's just law

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sweetflanfiction · 1 year

Text

The Arena - Part 1

Universe: Alice in Borderland

Pairing: Chishiya x reader

Disclaimers and Warnings: This is going to have some descriptions of anxiety and panic attacks as well as the general 'alice in borderland' violence. Be warned.

I'm trying to make the reader gn, but I'm always scared to make any sort of gendering labeling, so just please forgive me if something is gendered and know that my idea is to make the reader GN.

And also, I still don't know what I'm doing, and english is still not my main language.

Plot: You go to a work event in a familiar place you've never been to.

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4 // Part 5 // Part 6 // Part 7 // Part 8 // Part 9 // End

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The sun was still low on the horizon when you arrived at the Foundation’s main door. Grabbing your duffel bag and backpack you exited your car followed by your close friend, roomie and colleague Kaori. There were already a few staff members waiting, on the sidewalk, for the transport to take you all to the event and you both walked to join them.

Kaori hadn’t stopped talking about the conference and the fact that you would get a free vacation out of it. However, your mind kept switching her off from time to time.

“Hey! You sure you’re feeling alright?” They asked you for the tenth time.

“Yeah. It’s just weird…I feel…weird…” You told them honestly.

You met Kaori a long time ago. They had been the ones that had helped you after ‘the incident’. Their bubbly personality, friendly attitude, and especially their caring and patient side had become a safe space for you to turn to. Even if sometimes they were a bit overexcited. After the meteor, their over-the-top personalities were what kept you motivated.

“It’s the first lengthy trip after the…thing…it’s normal. It’ll be alright…” Kaori placed a hand on your shoulders, giving you a reassuring smile and you smiled back, still weary.

It was in fact the first long trip you had taken after the disaster a year ago. In the months after the incident, just walking around Tokyo would make you hyperventilate. Although it had subsided, there was still a feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach. You felt like a prey animal, always hypervigilant. All the doctors you knew and all the counselors told you it was normal. You had been through a traumatic event, more than that it had been a sudden traumatic event, your body still in fight or flight mode. Still, the explanation didn’t take away the feeling.

“I promise you, I have googled every single space agency, telescope and conspiracy theory website. None indicated the sky was going to fall down again.”

You rolled your eyes at their joke. Some people might find their humor offensive, but it was something you both had in common. Even though you still felt the scars mentally of your trauma, you found that a helpful workaround was to joke about it.

“Thank you. Deeply appreciated, friend!” You placed a hand on your heart in mock gratitude and they nodded.

"No problem, buddy."

As you approached the small group of people at the door, you both made a beeline for some familiar faces. The taller of the two figures, Ari, waved at you and your friend as they saw you approaching.

“Who’s ready for a free vacation?” Ari asked, clapping her hands together and beaming brightly.

“It’s not free.” Chishiya’s raspy voice argued.

"It's an all-inclusive, four-day trip to one of the finest resorts in Tokyo. It's a bit of a free vacation.” Kaori argued back.

“Did you forget about the two-day conference?” He asked her, pushing his hands into his white jacket.

You stood, quietly grinning, looking between Kaori, Chishiya and Ari as the three of them argued whether the event constituted a paid vacation or just work.

“You know! I liked you better when you were blonde.” Ari concluded by crossing her hands over her chest.

The look Chishiya threw at her was the most offended glare you had ever seen him give. It lasted exactly 5 seconds but it was enough for you to snort as you tried to keep the laughter in.

“Come on Ari, we all know blonde Chishiya was not the superior Chishiya.” You teased, pointing at his now jet black hair. “This! This is our true lord and savior. The evolution of the man, who is now a legend.”

“I don’t know why I hang out with you people.” He retorted, but his face was neutral with a side of good humor.

He had indeed made a radical shift in his looks. His hair was slightly shorter, looked healthier, but his usual white was now jet black. He had changed his locks after the incident, a few weeks after he started working at the Foundation. Obviously, you all teased him.

Truth be told, many survivors had indeed altered their appearances after the trauma. The last time you saw some of them, thanks to the ‘mandatory monthly therapy session ’ , there had been some changes in aesthetics. Some had grown out their locks, others had shaved their heads, and others had changed their style completely. You yourself had changed your appearance as soon as you could move about.

Every time you looked in the mirror, the person looking back didn’t seem like you. It was like staring at a photo of you from years ago. From another life. And technically, that was right.

“Because you need a few people around, to bring you down from that marble pedestal you like to stand on.” Ari said and everyone nodded, including him.

“Kicking and screaming sometimes.” Kaori gave everyone a knowing look.

"Alright children. Enough with the beating of an undead horse.” You looked between your friends as they groaned and moaned at the bad joke.

The bus arrived and the group made their way to it. As you walked down the bus aisle quietly, shuffling behind the rest of the staff, you could hear Kaori and Ari argue about something they had read in a scientific magazine and Chishiya complaining he was not mentally ready to spend an hour hearing Ari go on about this.

“You can sit with me.” You smiled at him, turning to look at him over your shoulder.

“Thank you.” He bowed his head to you.

As the four of you settled into your seats, the excited Ari and Kaori kept chatting on and on about the article while Chishiya just shook his head.

“That article was disproven by several sources months ago.” He declared in a hushed tone as he took out his hoodie and placed it on the overhead shelf.

“You can walk over and tell them that. Good luck!” You teased him and he shook his head, getting comfortable.

"Ari will probably google it in about...five minutes." He grinned at you, raising one eyebrow and you chuckled.

The relationship between you was warm, comfortable and you both seemed to enjoy each other's company. You both shared a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which bonded you in an unusual way, just like it did with the survivors. There were some who were affected more than others, but being collectively dead for a minute or two had made you all form a strange bond.

With Chishiya it spanned beyond the monthly meetings though. You had started working at the Foundation months before the meteor, and he had joined a few weeks after. The Foundation had made you and him sit through counseling every week, deeming that the monthly therapy group sessions given by the government weren’t enough. You would both sit in the waiting room of the psych wing waiting for your name to be called. That was the perfect opportunity for you to strike a conversation with the handsome and aloof doctor.

It started with small talk, the weather, the shifts at the hospital, what had been on TV. Even though he seemed distant, he was willing to listen to you. He kept the conversation flowing by adding some snarky remarks and trivia about the topic you'd be discussing.

And then you introduced him to your friends and the four of you became a unit. It had taken him a while to get used to the chaos that was the three of you together, but as time passed, you noticed him becoming more relaxed. Although he kept all of the other staff at arms length, barely moving an eyebrow at them, around you three, he seemed to be content. He seemed to be happy, often antagonizing one of you or just letting you all tease him about something.

It became a habit to wait for each other whenever you had counseling sessions. You would grab some cookies from the machine and sit on a bench taking in the last rays of sunshine.

• ··········· • ············ •

“Thank you” He said one day, munching on a biscuit, making you turn your head towards him in surprise.

“For what?”

“I don’t know.” The still white haired doctor shrugged and leaned back into the stone seat. “When I woke up in the hospital, I felt like I needed a change.”

“Dying does that to you.” You smiled at him and he nodded.

“I didn’t enjoy doing anything before. At least that’s what I felt. I was a flat line, just keeping up with the flow. Nothing mattered. Get to work, pretend to care, go home, pretend to have hobbies, pretend to have friends, go to sleep. Repeat. I felt nothing. Whether I was telling a mother that her child was dying or just ordering lunch, it was all the same to me. ”

“And now? Are there any nuances in your...feelings?” You questioned him softly and clearly saw the gears in his head turn.

“Yes.” He looked at you and raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully rationalize what they are, but there are spikes on the line now.”

“I don’t think you have to rationalize emotions, Chishiya. I don’t think anyone does. You just have them.”

“What if I don't have them?”

“Well, you go to counseling." you joked, pointing a cookie at him and then becoming serious. "I’ve seen you with your patients. I’ve seen you around Ari and Kaori. I’m seeing you now. This…” Your hand motioned towards him. “This is feeling an emotion.”

• ··········· • ············ •

Tagging goes here :D

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temptingfatetakingnames · 6 months

Text

The Last Steve Harrington Part 10

AO3 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 part 8 Part 9

Steve went back inside.

He wanted to go straight to his room but it didn’t feel right to leave things the way they were. He regretted speaking to Nancy the way he had. She shouldn’t have asked that question… but he shouldn’t have reacted the way he did. She was curious, they were all curious – if he hadn’t immediately gotten angry and defensive, he could have explained without being an asshole. But he was always angry and defensive, he didn’t know how to turn it off. Having the people in his life tiptoeing around him, though – afraid to ask him anything in case he blew up – wasn’t how he wanted to live.

So, after he and Eddie headed inside, he went back to the basement. Robin and Nancy were standing across the room, speaking in hushed whispers. He came to a stop in front of them. He looked at Nancy and she looked back at him. Her eyes were red, eyebrows quirked up in remorse.

“I’m sorry,” they both said at the same time.

Robin looked back and forth between them for a moment before excusing herself and going to sit with Eddie on the couch.

“I shouldn’t have asked that, Steve,” Nancy began, “I’m sorry. I – I have no excuse, it just sort of popped out.”

“It’s okay, Nance. I’m sure it’s something everyone had been thinking, you were just the only one brave enough to ask. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have answered like that.”

Nancy winced but smiled a little too. “My habit of bravely, or stupidly, asking questions I shouldn’t has got me in a lot of trouble over the years. You told the truth, Steve. Never apologize for that. You can be as harsh about it as you need to.”

As harsh as you need to, she said, not as harsh as you want to. Steve rocked back on his heels, surprised. He thought she would be angrier at him for lashing out with the truth. Instead, she was being understanding. The small amount of lingering anger he felt evaporated. She had been curious; she wasn’t trying to hurt him.

“Seriously a mood killer though, hm?” he asked as he gestured with his head to the rest of the room.

Robin, Johnathan, Eddie, and Argyle were seated around the room, talking quietly to each other, the atmosphere tense as they seemed to be waiting for him and Nancy to come to some conclusion.

“Well, what do you expect? They’re hopeless without us.”

Steve huffed out a small laugh.

“Totally hopeless,” he agreed, smiling. “Let’s go save them.”

He and Nancy rejoined the others and the evening went on, only a little more subdued than it had started. They talked more about their lives and their families and continued to catch up. Robin stayed close to his side, her presence a solid comfort. Johnathan, Argyle and Eddie all went outside to get high and came back in smiling and languid. Steve almost went with them but decided it wasn’t the best time. He relaxed slowly and let himself settle into the group.

He enjoyed watching them all interact with each other. The bond between them was so strong it was almost tangible. Steve felt himself along the edge of it, as if the smallest pressure would let him push through and join it. They looked to him when they told their stories, pulling him in.

We fought the same demons, they said with their eyes, you are one of us.

Nancy and Johnathan had an ease about them that he recognized – the way they leaned into each other. Argyle made him laugh, and he found a constant smile on his face when he talked. Robin was affectionate and touchy – grabbing his shoulder and slapping his knee. And Eddie was loud and rambunctious, never sitting still for long. Once again, he was hit with how it was all so familiar and yet so foreign. They were his friends and they weren’t his friends. He knew them and he didn’t know them. They knew him and they didn’t know him. Contradiction after contradiction. But as the night wore on, the contradictions seemed to matter less and less and he felt himself pressing against that tangible bond more and more.

It was late and everyone’s eyes had started to droop, contagious yawns making rounds around the room. Johnathan stood up, stretching, and called it a night.

“I’m good to drive. I can take Nancy and Robin home,” Eddie offered.

“That would be great,” Nancy said, “thanks!”

Robin’s eyes flicked to Steve’s and she hesitated.

“You can stay over if you want to,” Steve said to her quietly.

She smiled and nodded before turning to Eddie. “Thanks, but I’m good.”

They climbed the stairs, careful not to make too much noise. The house was dark as they headed to the front door. Eddie came up behind him, causing the hairs at the back of his neck to stand on end.

“I’ll take Robin home in the morning, on the way to our thing,” Eddie whispered.

Steve nodded and rubbed his neck.

They said their good-byes and Nancy and Eddie left, closing the door softly behind them. Johnathan and Argyle disappeared into his room and Robin and Steve went to his. He grabbed some clothes for her out of his drawer and turned so they could both change.

“I’ll get some blankets and pillows for the couch, you can have my bed,” Steve said with his back still turned.

“Oh, I – Could I… Maybe sleep with you?”

Her nervous, stuttering tone made Steve turn around. She was fiddling with the sleeves of the sweater he had given her, looking down. He hadn’t been expecting Robin to want to sleep in his bed with him. Eds was the last person he had shared a bed with. He hesitated a moment, thinking about it. He still had nightmares and didn’t sleep well. Having a friend in the darkness though, could be what he needed. It definitely seemed to be what Robin needed. She was still looking away, chewing at her bottom lip. He went over to her and took her hand.

“Of course, you can.”

She looked up at him then and smiled, somewhat shyly. They crawled into the bed, sighing as they settled in comfortably, facing each other. Steve could only barely make out her features.

“How are you, Steve?” she asked softly. “How are you really?”

Better. That’s what he should say, right? That’s what he always said.

I’m fine. I’m okay. I’m doing well, why do you ask?

But something in her face made him pause.

“I’m –” He started and stopped. He swallowed and closed his eyes. He couldn’t look at her if he was going to admit this.

“Sometimes I think I’m dreaming, and I’m going to wake up and be back there. In the darkness, waiting to die. Like my mind has created this fantasy world to cope with what happened and none of it is real. I don’t want to let you in, any of you, because if it isn’t real – then I’ll lose you all over again. I feel like as soon as I feel even the remotest spark of happiness, of joy, of relief – that it’ll get torn away from me because I don’t deserve it.”

Steve opened his eyes to see Robin looking at him intently. He could tell that his words saddened her, but there was no pity in her gaze.

“You didn’t kill them, Steve,” Robin said the words softly but they fell around him with the weight of a detonation, echoing in his ears.

He opened his mouth to lie and say, I know, but her eyes quieted him.

“You didn’t kill them, Steve,” Robin repeated, another detonation. “Vecna did. You keep saying that there was more that you could have done but it seems to me that you would have died with them if you had tried. There was no winning that fight. It wasn’t selfish or cowardly to realize it and choose to save yourself. In fact, I think it was the braver thing to do, Steve. And I know they would agree with me.”

No. He was selfish. He was a coward. He should have tried harder; he should have done something.

“There must have been something I missed. All the other Steve’s, Robin… they all knew what to do.”

“Steve told me once that he had a feeling that hung over him, that he wasn’t supposed to make it that first time he fought the Upside Down and every time after that, his number was up. But something kept him alive, some purpose he hadn’t discovered yet. I think he was waiting for that moment the entire time, Steve. He knew what to do because he had been expecting it, waiting for it. I don’t know about the other Steves, if they felt the same way he did or not. Did you ever feel like that?”

Steve shook his head.

“I wish I could beg them for forgiveness,” he whispered.

“They would say there’s nothing to forgive. Only one person can give you the forgiveness you need, Steve.”

“I don’t know how to move forward; I don’t know how to let go of all the anger and remorse and guilt that’s eating me up from the inside. I – I feel like I’m screaming and drowning in it. How do I let it go, Robin? How do I forgive myself?”

“You’re holding on to it because you think it’s all you have left of them. The remorse that you didn’t do more. The guilt that you lived and they didn’t. The anger that Vecna took them from you. But Steve, the happiness and joy and relief you want to feel? That’s them, too. They would want you to feel those things. You can forgive yourself because it wasn’t your fault. You can move forward because you’re alive. And eventually I hope you can let go of the fear, I hope you’ll let us in.”

Tears were silently dripping down his cheeks, sliding sideways into his pillow.

“I don’t know if I can,” he admitted quietly.

Robin reached out and took his hand. “I know it’s not going to happen right away; it’ll take time. But the one thing I can reassure you of now is that I’m real and nothing is ever going to tear me away from you.”

All he could do was nod as tears continued to trickle down his face. Robin moved closer, tucking his head lower into her neck.

“Shh,” she said into his hair as she held him tightly. Her fingers rubbed calming circles into his back. Steve breathed deeply and sighed into her neck. He fell asleep against her warmth, her words echoing in his mind.

---

Robin’s presence kept the nightmares away and Steve slept soundly, waking up to sunlight in his eyes and her hair in his face. He was contemplative as he ate his breakfast, thankful for the amount of people sitting at the table, because no one bothered him other than to say good morning. Eleven and Will shoveled food into their mouths quickly because the rest of The Party were waiting for them. Argyle and Johnathan were quiet, a little hungover. Joyce was all tender touches and smiles to everyone and Steve wished, for the first time, that she would touch his shoulder as she got up to get more juice. Hopper had made him a cup of coffee just the way he liked it and he sipped it slowly, looking at them all over the rim of the mug. Robin sat next to him, eating slowly and side eying him – checking on him.

They were real. He could let them in.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Robin looked at him again and he nodded. She smiled brightly and nodded back.

Eddie showed up a little after 11:00, looking fresh faced and energetic. He and Robin bickered the entire way to her house, but she still leaned over the seat to give him a quick hug when they got there. She kissed Steve on the cheek before she disappeared, and then it was just him and Eddie and the surprise he refused to tell him about until they got there.

They drove through town, the radio playing quietly – a pop station that no way in hell would be Eddie’s first choice of music. After a few minutes, they pulled up to the junkyard. Eddie looked over at him, a big smile on his face. Steve blinked back in confusion and Eddie chuckled before getting out. Steve sat for a moment, before opening his own door and following him. Eddie was at the back of the van, rooting around for something.

“Ah-ha,” he said and pulled out a bat. It was beat to hell, covered in rust-coloured stains with nails sticking out at all angles.

His bat.

Or Other Steve’s bat.

He supposed it didn’t really matter.

Eddie smiled and held it out to him, handle first. Steve took it gingerly, its weight familiar and comforting in his hands.

“What are we doing here?” he asked, still confused. “How’d you get my bat?”

Eddie held out his hands in a ‘just wait’ gesture and went back to rooting around in the back of the van. He tossed out another bat – this one without nails – and two pairs of work gloves and safety glasses.

“Suit up, my liege, today we are fighting the deadliest of foes,” Eddie said and then paused for effect. “Pent up anger and frustration!”

Steve gripped the bat tighter and looked around the junkyard. There was an old car sitting across from where Eddie parked, a washing machine and piles of scrap he couldn’t identify. Eddie wanted him to…beat up scrap?

Eddie laughed at the expression on his face.

“Trust me Steve, this is going to feel good. Come on.”

Eddie grabbed the gear off the ground and walked over to the car. Steve followed close behind, twirling his bat. Eddie handed him gloves and safety glasses before putting his own on. Steve put the glasses on his face and then slipped them into his hair before he pulled the gloves on his hands.

“Glasses aren’t going to do much on your head.”

Steve let out a breath but dropped the oversized glasses back onto his nose.

“Now that we’re properly geared up, we can slay the dragon!” Eddie said with a theatrical bow toward the broken car in front of them.

Steve hesitated, holding his bat in a loose grip. Eddie grabbed his own bat and hopped on top of the car, crawling until he was standing on its roof. Gripping it two-handed, he raised the bat above his head and slammed it down. The loud noise echoed across the empty lot. Eddie did this a few more times before looking at Steve.

“You can do whatever you want! Smash the glass in the windows, break off the mirrors, I particularly enjoy hitting the windshield, myself,” Eddie said from above him.

Steve looked at the car, it was old but in pretty good shape. The tires were flat and there was a lot of rust around the edges, but it wasn’t falling apart. Steve gripped his bat tighter, took a step back and then swung at the back driver side window. The glass shattered with a satisfying pop. He moved to the front window and shattered it too. Eddie whooped and hopped down on the other side of the car, swinging chaotically at the other window. Glass exploded around them, and Steve was glad for the gloves and glasses. He moved to the front of the car, wanting a taste of the windshield.

He brought his bat down hard, cracking the glass into a spider’s web. It was thicker than the glass on the windows and would take a lot more blows to smash it completely. He adjusted his grip, raised the bat above his head and brought it down – over and over. He lost track of how many times he hit it. His mind was quiet, focused on nothing but destroying the object in front of him. The sound of smashing glass filled the air, along with his heavy breaths. At some point, he had started to laugh.

Pent up anger and frustration, Eddie had said.

Yeah.

Steve had a lot of that.

He kept laughing as he smashed the car, his muscles straining and sweat soaking his T-shirt. He kept laughing until he had to hunch over as his sides started to hurt. Then he was crying and he didn’t know when that happened. But he couldn’t stop it either. The bat slipped from his fingers and he heard Eddie come up to his side. Steve straightened; his breaths ragged as he hugged his arms to himself. Eddie had his hands out in surrender and was staring at him wide eyed, like Steve was a wounded animal that would attack him if he got too close.

Which wasn’t too far off.

Steve didn’t know what to do. Didn’t know what he needed.

Eddie kept approaching slowly, his hands still open in surrender. Steve froze, tears still sliding down his cheeks and his arms clenched tightly. Telegraphing his every move, Eddie stopped in front of him for a moment before closing the distance between them and wrapping Steve up in his arms. He squeezed him tightly and Steve closed his eyes. Eddie didn’t say anything or rub circles into his back like Robin would have, but he held on tight – his hold solid and he swayed them back and forth so slowly it was almost imperceptible. Steve relaxed until he finally went limp. Eddie was warm and his arms were home.

“You never said how you got my bat,” Steve said over his shoulder.

“Hendersen,” Eddie replied.

Of course.

Steve felt better but he didn’t want the hug to end. He hung on just a little longer, took just a little more comfort before he cleared his throat and stepped back. Eddie let go of him, his arms falling back to his sides.

“How’re you feeling?” Eddie asked.

“Lighter,” Steve replied, surprised by the answer. He took off one of his gloves so he could wipe the tears off his face.

Eddie smiled. “Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I come here to let off steam.”

Steve nodded. It made sense, and it worked for him too. Exercise to tire his body and something physical to take his mind off his feelings – it had been an unexpected emotional catharsis.

“Thanks for bringing me.”

“Anytime, Steve! I’m glad it worked for you too.”

Steve looked at the car. All the windows were broken and the windshield was caved in, there were dents in the doors and on the roof.

“I think that dragon might still have some fight left in it,” Steve said.

Eddie looked at the car, pursing his lips in thought. “You’re right,” he said grinning ferally. “We have to finish it off!”

They took a quick break, drinking the water that Eddie had thought to bring. When they were rehydrated, they continued to beat the absolute shit out of that dragon.

Part 11

@just-a-tiny-void @mx-jinxous @child-of-cthulhu @awholedamnmesstbh @phoenix0bird @queenie-ofthe-void @bookworm0690 @estrellami-1 @hbyrde36 @a-gae-af-racoon @nailbatandfreak @newtstabber @novelnovella @meela86 @lenathegay @vampireinthesun @penny00dreadful @questionablequeeries @espressopatronum454 @r0binscript @seths-rogens @fruity-nerd @sani-86 @n0-1-important @swimmingbirdrunningrock @ellietheasexylibrarian @manda-panda-monium @paintsplatteredandimperfect @viridianphtalo @goodolefashionedloverboi @13catastrophic-blues

-The Duffer Brothers intended to kill Steve in season 1 – I used this as the motivation to why Other Steve felt that he was supposed to die. -Butterfly Meme: Hitting things very hard with a bat – is this therapy?

#steddie #stranger things #steve harrington #eddie munson #steve x eddie #multiverse #angst with a happy ending #slow burn

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readyforthegarden · 1 year

Text

The Meetup

A/N: The follow-up to my favorite little Danny fic, 1-800-STUD is finally here! Thank you all for your patience, I hope you enjoy! (This is a work of fiction, Danny Wagner is not a phone sex operator. Please do not meet and hookup with random phone sex operators yall.)

Pairing: Danny Wagner x F!Reader

WC: 5212

Warnings: MINORS DNI! 18+ ONLY! Smut, Oral (f!&m!receiving), fingering, unprotected sex (wrap it up, for the love of god you heathens)

💋 💋 💋

You stared at the text on your phone, your heartbeat racing.

‘How would you feel about meeting in person?’

The text from Adonis was brave. Bold, even. Although you shouldn’t have been so surprised, he was the one that gave you his personal number one night after a call, and the two of you had been talking both intimately and normally for a few weeks now. You knew it was against the rules of his job, and he knew it too...but there was some sort of connection there, and it couldn’t be stopped. Your late night trysts on the phone had slowly turned from sinful pleasures to small conversations. You’d found out that you were both from the same city, and couldn’t believe the happenstance. So many things in common, music, movies, only a few things came up you’d differed on.

Your thumbs twitched as you thought of how to answer. You didn't want to reply too fast, seem too eager if you said yes. But you didn't want to leave him hanging too long and drag it out if you said no.

'Okay,' you thought to yourself. 'On the count of three, I reply. And whatever I say is the true answer.' you inhaled slowly, deeply, starting to count. 'One.....two....three.'your thumbs typed out their answer and hit reply.

'I would be open to it, yeah.' within seconds, a bubble popped up on the screen, showing Adonis typing back.

'How about dinner and drinks?' he asked and you had to admit, the idea of a whiskey sour to calm your nerves while meeting this man made you relax a little.

‘Sure, I’d like that.’

‘Tonight?’ your heart stopped. Were you ready to meet this man tonight? You still had no clue what he looked like. Only his voice. What if he wasn’t who you pictured? He could be some old man, with a youthful voice, a bald patch on his head and a beer belly that hangs out from under his shirt, over the waist of his pants. He could be a serial killer, slowly earning your trust before he finally does you off. But your gut wasn’t flipping nervously like you were scared. It was excited, and you let yourself trust it.

‘Tonight would be good.’ you messaged back, then quickly typing again. ‘When and where?’

‘8pm, at that bar and grill on 4th sound good?’ you knew the exact place he was talking about, and nodded, even though he couldn’t see you.

‘It’s a date.’ you replied, instantly blushing at your presumption and going to type and correct yourself, when you noticed he’d reacted to the message, giving it a heart. You sighed, glancing at the clock and thinking about how long you’d have to let your hair set in your hot rollers to get the perfect waves for the evening, and set to work.

You were sat at the bar at 8:02pm, stirring your whiskey sour anxiously. Every time the door opened, you had to remind yourself to stay cool, and not snap your head over to stare down whomever was walking through it. You felt like a scared dog, a little shaky and easily startled, jumping a bit in your seat as a group of college kids walked in, the door slamming shut behind them.

You’d told Adonis you’d be wearing a white sundress, which he’d responded that he’d think of you, an Angel, in nothing else but. But now as you glanced around the establishment, you felt silly in your cotton dress, while other women were wearing tight jeans and cute tops, or t-shirts that looked comfortable and still sexy. You took a deep breath, one of thousands already this afternoon, and tried to stop psyching yourself out. You lifted your glass to your mouth, lips barely touching the rim when someone stepped into your peripheral vision.

“Is this seat taken?” you froze, recognizing his voice. You gave yourself one quick, small pep talk and turned towards him. Holy shit. He was the guy from the commercial, the one you’d been imagining the whole time. His smile was the first thing you noticed. A large, adorable grin with bright white teeth shining in the overhead lights at the bar. The way the corners of his eyes crinkled happily as he took in your face, while you set down your drink. “Hello, Angel.”

“Adonis,” you breathed, a smile tugging at the corner of your lips. He held out his hand and you placed yours in his, reveling in the strong, yet delicate grip of his hand as he shook yours. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too.” he pulled out the bar chair and took a seat, flagging down the bartender. He ordered his drink and while he waited for it, you both just kept looking over one another. “God, I….you’re more beautiful in person than I imagined.”

“Thanks,” you blushed. “I um, I didn’t expect it to actually be…you.” Adonis blushed.

“It’s rare that commercial airs anymore, which I’m glad for.” he admitted. “Grocery shopping got weird for a little bit there.” you giggled and he smiled wider at that. “Your laugh sounds so much better in person.”

“Your voice does too.” you replied. You tried to subtly wipe your nervous, sweaty palms on the skirt of your dress, but he noticed.

“I’m nervous too, if it makes you feel better.” Adonis informed you, taking one of your hands in his. You felt a tingle in your hand at the contact, his fingers curling around yours. You could feel his were a little clammy too, and you felt a bit more at ease. When his drink came, he took a long sip of it. You bit your lip for a moment, staring down at the bar before looking back at him.

“Can I ask…” you trailed off, feeling silly for your question.

“You can ask me anything, Angel.” you nodded and took another breath.

“What’s your real name?” Adonis paused for a moment, and you thought the worst. Maybe he liked keeping codenames. Maybe he only wanted something super casual, and wasn’t remotely interested in sharing his real name with you, or learning yours. Your fears were subdued when he leaned in, like he was telling you a secret.

“My name is Daniel.” he winked. “You can call me Danny. Do I get the pleasure of knowing your name?” you leaned in just as he had, relishing in making the handsome man before you smile, and supplied your own real name. Danny hummed a pleased sound as he leaned back, taking you in again. “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

The two of you sipped on your drinks, getting to know one another in person. Neither of you could keep your eyes from wandering over one another, and you hoped that he was liking what he was seeing as much as you were. Over the rest of the night, the two of you had found a small booth for yourselves, Danny sliding in next to you instead of across. You were flattered at the intimacy the smell of his cologne engulfing you in the small space. The conversations flowed easily between you two, so much so that the two of you completely forgot to order food, or more drinks, until the last call.

“Oh god, I didn’t realize how late it was.” you sighed, checking the time on the clock above the bar. “I was having so much fun talking.”

“Me too.” Danny agreed, his arm staying around your shoulders. You couldn’t help but snuggle more into his side. “Just like on the phone.”

“Yeah,” you nodded. You let the silence rest between the two of you for a few moments before you spoke again. “W-would you want to come over?” Danny smiled down at you, a light blush crawling across his cheeks. “I just…I really am having a good time, and I’m not ready to say goodbye, yet.”

“I was going to ask the same thing.” Danny murmured. “Let me go settle the tab. Did you Uber here?” you confirmed his assumption with a nod and he smiled. “Order one for us while I pay?” you nodded again and were surprised when he leaned, in pressing a quick kiss to your cheek. You watched him in surprise as he pulled away with a wink and walked over to the bar. You pulled your phone from your purse, pulling up the ride-share app and requesting a ride, excited and nervous for the rest of the night to come.

“Okay, I wasn’t planning on having company, so I’m sorry in advance, my apartment is a little messy.” you gave Danny a nervous laugh as you unlocked and opened the door to your home.

“I’m sure it’s fine.” Danny chuckled, following you inside, shutting the door and latching the lock for you. You put your purse on the small table by the door and turned on the lamp, allowing the small light to light up the room. “You have a nice place.”

“Thanks.” you smiled. You and Danny stood there, awkwardly staring at each other as the room filled up with tension. “Oh, um…are you hungry?”

“I am, a little, but you don’t have to cook or anything.”

“Oh, I wasn’t going to.” you waved your hands in front of you with a giggle. “I don’t have a whole lot, but I just got some fruit at the store this morning, we could have some of that?”

“That sounds good, actually.” you moved to the kitchen, opening the fridge and pulling out the large bowl of mixed fruit you’d cut up that morning, grabbing two forks from your silverware drawer and going back to the living room. Danny was standing by the couch, looking at the painting you had over it on the wall. It was a simple painting, pink and white water lilies on a lake in the summer sun. You watched him for a moment before clearing your throat, gaining his attention once again.

He came over, taking the bowl from your hands and setting it on the coffee table in front of your couch. You followed him with the forks still in hand, nervous all over again. Your mind couldn’t help but think that this man had gotten you off so many times without touching you, and here you were, offering him a meager fruit salad. You should have insisted on cooking something. Anything. The man deserved a five course meal.

“You coming?” you were broken from your thoughts by Danny’s voice, and though it wasn’t in the tone you were used to hearing those words in, you still felt a small fire ignite in your belly. You took the few quick steps to sit on the couch next to him, handing him a fork and offering him the first bite. Danny stabbed a piece of honeydew, putting it in his mouth and humming softly from the sweet fruit. You followed suit with piece of pineapple, and chewed as Danny started another conversation. You two talked between bites until the forks were forgotten in the bowl now between you on the couch as the two of you leaned back against the cushions.

“I’m really glad you said yes tonight.” Danny said softly, gazing at you in the dim lamp light. The tension between you was still thick, an unspoken nervousness of where the night was really going to go settling between you. Neither wanted to be the one to broach the subject of whether or not you’d end up in bed together. On one hand, you’d been with each other many, many times already, albeit virtually. On the other hand, this was your first meeting…date, even. Was it too soon to want to jump into bed? To assume that was the end goal?

“Me too.” you breathed out, a smile tugging at the corner of your lips. “This has been really…amazing. I was scared that it wouldn’t be the same in person.” Danny reached over and took your hand in his, opening your palm and running his fingers across the delicate skin.

“I was too.” Danny admitted with a chuckle. “I almost didn’t ask, I didn’t want to lose any of the connection we have, you know?” you nodded. With his free hand, Danny reached into the fruit bowl, forgoing his fork and picking up a larger strawberry, bringing it to his lips and biting into it. The fruit must have been juicier than he expected; Danny hummed and you heard a sucking sound as he tried to keep the juices from spilling out his lips. He pulled the rest of the strawberry away, and you watched the faint, pink liquid trail from his bottom lip, down his chin. Before the droplet could fall, you reached your hand up, swiping it with your thumb, following the trail up to his lip, meaning to clean the sticky nectar from his skin. Without thinking, Danny leaned forward, capturing your thumb in his mouth and letting his tongue clean your finger. He watched you as you stared at his mouth, chest heaving already with shallow breaths. You squeezed your thighs together and shifted on the couch as you slowly pulled your hand away from him, your eyes finally flickering up to meet his.

It took all of a few seconds, the shifting of the bowl back to the coffee table by Danny as you slid across the cushion and onto his lap, straddling him and capturing his lips in a kiss. Both of you moaned at the contact, finally cutting through the thick air between you. His hands splayed across your back, bringing your body closer to his as your lips meshed together. Your own hands tangled into curls as your tongues met for the first time. You felt his fingers dig into your body, and you brought a hand out of his hair, cupping his face, responding that yes, this was real. You were both really touching one another, and it wasn’t just your imaginations.

You finally had to part, your lungs feeling like there were about to burst. You leaned your head back and Danny took the opportunity to trail hot, open mouthed kisses down your jaw and neck, littering your collarbone with small nips. You ground your hips down against him and felt him groan against your chest, the sound buzzing from his lips to your skin. You felt shifting and suddenly you were in the air, Danny holding you to his body and looking up at you from hooded eyes.

“Where’s your bedroom?” he asked, his voice low. You pointed down the hallway, then hooked your finger to the right, and Danny began carrying you that way, bumping the door open with his hip and walking towards your bed, setting you down gently on the foot of it. He knelt in front of you, but for a moment he let his eyes dart around the room, a smile gracing his face as he reached next to you, pulling a piece of fabric from your messy sheets. He held them up and you bit back a laugh, watching as he turned the pajama shorts over in his hands, admiring the small sushi pieces on them. “I knew these would be cute as hell.”

After a moment, he tossed them to the side, running his large hands up and down your legs, reveling in the fact that they fell open slightly, just from his touch as his fingertips grazed under the hem of your dress. He looked up at you again, watching you bite your lip.

“We don’t have to do anything tonight.” he murmured softly. “We can go back out there and watch a movie, or I can go home and you can go to bed if that’s what you want. I didn’t come here expecting anything more of you than you’re willing to offer. You are in control.” you took in his words, fighting the urge to just reach out and kiss him again.

“I’ve spent so many nights wondering what you felt like.” you whispered. “What you tasted like. I want this, Danny.” Danny paused for a few moments, making sure you meant what you said before he gripped your thighs, pulling himself up and pressing a kiss to your lips.

“Let me worship you the way I’ve talked about,” he breathed against your lips. “Let me show you all the things I’ve wanted to do to you since I first heard your voice.” you nodded and he kissed you harder before pulling away again, a small whimper of ‘please’ escaping your mouth. “Lean back for me.” you slowly lowered yourself to your elbows, watching has his hands started rubbing your legs again, inching up farther and farther. He let his palms cusp your knees, his fingers once again teasing the hemline of your dress. You shifted on the bed, trying to subtly move the dress up farther with your movements, but Danny was quick to catch on. “Patience, darling.” he whispered.

Danny took your sigh and leaned into your legs, pressing soft, lingering kisses to the sides of your knees, then slowly trailed them up your thigh, giving the plush areas small, gentle bites. Your eyes fluttered shut as he pushed up the skirt of your dress, getting ready to enjoy whatever pleasures awaited you, until you heard him tsk.

“Wha?” you glanced down at him, watching his fingers run over the thigh seam of your panties. He smirked up at you, a playful but disappointed look on his face.

“Panties?” he questioned, tugging the thin band and letting it softly snap back against your skin. You stifled a laugh.

“I was not going to sit bare-ass on a dirty bar stool, sir.” you explained, rolling your eyes. “But if a thin pair of panties are gonna hold you up, maybe I should’ve sent you home, then.” a spark lit behind Danny’s eyes at your words, gripping the waistband of your panties again and tugging them down your legs as you raised your hips.

“Nothing will ever stop me from giving you the pleasure you deserve.” Danny gets the clothing off of your body, tossing it into the darkness of your room and grabbing onto your hips, bringing you right to the very edge of the bed. He pushed you back to lean on your elbows again and bunched the skirt of your dress up, spreading your legs with his shoulders as he settled between them. He glanced up at you through his lashes, shaking his curls from his face. You watched him with bated breath, excitement bubbling up in your stomach as he situated himself. It was like slow motion, watching his tongue glide over his lips before making contact with your soaked core.

A shaky sigh left your mouth as Danny adjusted his arms beneath your legs, bringing them up to hang over his shoulders as he lapped his tongue against your clit, slowly, achingly. Danny let the tip of his tongue circle your clit adding pressure and retreating with a few soft licks directly to it, before repeating the process again and again. You reached out a shaky hand as Danny began alternating sucking on the tender bundle of nerves and licking it, tugging his face closer. You felt him smile against you and he buried his face deeper between your legs. You let your other arm slid out to the side, your back fully resting on your bed as you bucked your hips against Danny’s face. His face traveled a little lower, his tongue entering you, his nose now rubbing against you so deliciously as he tasted you.

“Oh shit, right there Danny, please!” you whined, tugging on his curls, encouraging him with your moans. His index and middle fingers accompanied his tongue now and your back arched from the bed. The small voice in the back of your mind was in slight awe, you’d never arched your back that way, you’d only seen it in movies as over exaggerating actresses pretended to climax, you didn’t think it actually happened. “Danny, don’t stop!” You could feel the tightening bands in your stomach snap, and cried out, moaning a chorus of his name as he continued his movements, curling his fingers inside to hit that sweet spot. You rode the waves of your orgasm against him, not realizing the death grip you’d had on his hair until your hand unclenched as you came down, whispering an apology as you caught your breath.

“Don’t be sorry.” Danny breathed, climbing up your body and capturing your lips. You could taste yourself on his lips as they nearly glided off of yours, still coated with your slick. “Hearing you say my name like that was fucking heaven.” he kissed you again, and you tugged at the sweater he was wearing, trying to pull it over his head without breaking the kiss. Danny chuckled and sat up, his legs on either side of your body. He pulled the soft sweater over his head, taking the white t-shirt he wore under it with it, tossing it to the side. You reached forward, undoing his belt and unbuttoning his dark jeans, pulling down the zipper and reaching in, palming his large, hard cock through his boxer briefs.

Danny sucked in a sharp breath, bucking into your hand. You sat up the best you could with him over you, kissing his abdomen down to the thin strip of coarse hairs trailing down below the waistband of his boxer briefs. You felt his body shudder under your soft lips and felt a surge of confidence flow through you. Pulling your head back, you looked up at him through your eyelashes.

“Lay down.” you murmured softly. Danny nodded, bending down and kissing you before rolling onto the bed, pushing down his jeans and letting you help him tug them off his body. You pulled at his boxer briefs, and his cock sprang up at attention. You hesitated, seeing the size of it, licking your lips nervously. Danny watched you measure him up, could see you mapping out your strategy and reached out, tapping your hand gently.

“You don’t have to,” he whispered. Your eyes snapped up to his and you shook your head. You took your hand from his, opening your palm under your mouth and spitting into it before reaching out for his cock, running your hand over it to lube it up. Danny hissed through his teeth, his head falling back as your palm rounded the head, and you smiled.

“I said, I wanted to know what you tasted like,” you leaned over him, hand still working as you kissed along his sharp jaw. “You got to have a taste of me, it’s only fair I get one of you.” Danny nodded, his breath shuddering out as you kissed down his body, and finally let your lips make it to his cock, cupping you hand behind it to hold it in place as you have it a long, flat lick. You continued to tease him, slowly running your tongue up the vein on the underside of his shaft before taking the head in your mouth, giving the edge a few smaller, quicker kitten licks before rounding your tongue over it, making him shudder again. You adjusted your position, straddling one of his strong thighs and continued to bob your head as far as you could take him, letting your spit-slicked hand work the rest of him.

“Fuck baby, just like that,” his voice was low and gruff as his own hands now tangled in your hair, holding it back from your face in a messy, makeshift ponytail. You hollowed out your cheeks, the wet sucking sounds filling the room with breathy moans. You were starting to get a little sloppy with your rhythm, feeling yourself grind against the muscles of Danny’s thigh, moaning around him as your sensitive clit rubbed against him. Getting closer and closer to another release, you were suddenly pulled off of Danny with a loud pop, and you are breathing hard as you stared up at Danny.

“I don’t wanna-“ he swallowed roughly. “I was gonna…” you nodded, understanding what he was saying, and climbed up his body, licking into his panting mouth as he grabbed your waist. When you pulled back, he smiled up at you. “Look at you, my Angel in all white, doing the filthiest fucking things with that mouth.”

“Take my dress off me, Danny.” he wasted no time in setting to the task, lifting it up and over your head as you raised your arms. He dropped the cotton material over the edge of the bed, and let his eyes hungrily roam your body. You saw a smirk on his lips as he reached up, gently flicking the crescent moon charm of your belly button piercing.

“Just how I imagined it.” he breathed. “C’mere baby.” you leaned forward, letting him kiss you and his hand cradled the back of your head, the other holding your hip as he rolled you onto your back. The kisses weren’t as frenzied now, they were slower, more passionate. You could feel his hot, pulsing cock on your inner thigh as he held himself above you, and you whimpered when the head pressed against your soaking pussy.

“Danny, please,” you sighed into his mouth. “I need it, I need you. I need to feel you inside me.” Danny nipped at your neck, sucking a mark into your skin. He reached down between your bodies, rubbing himself against your slick before pressing the head of his cock at your entrance. Your stomach fluttered with anticipation, the stretch of the tip alone making your walls clench. Danny slid in slowly, and once he was fully sheathed he paused, squeezing his eyes shut.

“Fuck,” he breathed. “So amazing, so perfect.” he murmured. He opened his eyes and locked them with yours, beginning to pump his hips slowly. Your hands came to rest on his back, fingertips digging into the taught muscles. Danny kept a hand by your head, keeping himself steady, and the other on your calf, hooking it onto his hip and delving deeper at the new angle. You were already so close to your next orgasm, and you could tell the way Danny was biting his bottom lip he was holding back to get you there.

“Danny you feel so good,” you moaned into his ear, bringing up your other leg and wrapping them around his hips. “You fuck me so good, baby.” Danny grunted in your ear in response, his hips snapping into you faster and harder as you raised your hips to meet each thrust. “Gonna make me cum all over your cock Danny? Just like you dreamed?”

“Fuck…yes…” he groaned through grit teeth. “‘nd I’m gonna fill you up just like you want me to, just like you told me.” you whined and pulled his body closer, but he backed away briefly, snaking his hand between your bodies again and letting his calloused thumb find your clit, rubbing harsh quick circles and making you roll your eyes in the back of your head, as the coils in your stomach tightened again, and your breathing became more and more shallow.

Danny watched your body writhe beneath him, savoring every whimper and moan falling from your lips, bucking his hips with a little more fervor when his name was included.

“Christ, you’re so beautiful,” he brushed your hair from your face, watching your brows furrow and your lower lip tremble as you began to cum, tightening your grip on him. “So fucking beautiful.” your back arched off the mattress again, and he took the opportunity to close his lips around the hardened nipple of your right breast, sucking and flicking it before moving to the next one, repeating the ministration as you grabbed the back of his head, tugging at the curls again and moaning his name louder than before. “Fuck, I’m there, baby, I’m cumming.” His breath came out in sharp staccato pants as he ground his hips against yours and you felt him filling you up with his warmth. He moved his head to the crook of your neck, resting there as his body fell limp against yours.

His weight was crushing, but you didn’t care. You let him sink into your body, and reveled in the fact that it felt like he fit perfectly, like he was supposed to be there. After a few minutes, which felt too short, he peeled his sweat covered body from yours, and quietly asked where the bathroom was. You pointed and lazily said to the left, out the door, and he nodded, padding across your room and opening the door, disappearing into the dim hallway of your apartment. Your head was still cloudy with post-orgasm haze, and you let your eyes fall closed. It wasn’t until you felt a damp, warm fabric against your pussy that your eyes opened, and you looked down to see Danny gently cleaning you.

“Made a bit of a mess.” he smiled softly, making you chuckle. When he was satisfied with his clean-up, he looked around, spotting your hamper and hanging the cloth over the edge to dry before coming back over. You found the strength to sit up, your tired body protesting, but as Danny sat on the edge of the bed and pulled you into deep kiss, you knew you’d deal with the soreness if it meant being close to him.

“That was….incredible.” you murmured as you pulled away. “I don’t think I can go back to the phone.” Danny grinned, peppering your face with gentle kisses.

“I don’t either.” he agreed. “Can I tell you something?” your face felt hot all of a sudden, your stomach twisting with instant nerves that he was going to tell you he actually hated everything and never wanted to see you again.

“S-Sure.” you breathed.

“I quit.” Danny admitted. Your brow furrowed, head tilted as you thought of his words. “I quit the phone sex job after talking to you like, the third or fourth time. It felt….wrong to talk like that with others when all I wanted was you.”

“Really?” you bit your cheek to stop from smiling. “You didn’t have to…I understood, you know.”

“I wanted to.” Danny took your hand in his and squeezed it. “You are the only one who gets Adonis from now on.” you crinkled your nose as you moved to kneel next to him, grabbing his face in your hands and looking him in the eyes.

“Adonis is nice, but I prefer Danny.” you whispered, kissing him gently. “You can still call me Angel, though. I like that.”

“Oh you do?” Danny teased, kissing you and pushing you back onto the bed while doing so, wrapping his arms around you and laying you both on your sides, tangling your legs together and pulling you close. “My sweet, filthy sexy Angel.”

“Mm, don’t start a second round you can’t finish, Danny.” you mumbled against his lips.

“I’ll show you what I can finish.”

Taglist: @lunaindigoraven @lvnterninthenight @allieisacrybaby @xserenax-13 @sarakay-gvf @shutupdevvie @myownparadise96 @watchingovergvf @gretavanfleetposts @gardenofgreta @streamsofstardust @joshkiszkas @jakewhorecore @fictional-duchess @like-a-woman-in-a-dream @josiee-gvf @ascendingtostardust @joshkiszkatoothgap @andeejoness @gardensgatedaisy @kkdarling @demonrat444 @teddiie @writingcold @livinginthevioletsounds @dannyandthekiszkas @gretavanbestie @samkooszka

Danny Taglist: @gretavanslut

#danny wagner x reader #danny wagner #danny gvf #greta van fleet fan fiction #greta van fleet #greta van fleet fic #greta van fleet smut #gvf fic #gvf fanfiction #gvf smut

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separatist-apologist · 9 months

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Lying In Between The Memories

You could call it paradise but it looks just like hell to me

Summary: Following the blood rite, Gwyneth Berdara can't shake the memories of a life long-gone.

The shadowsinger can't seem to move on after five centuries of loving the same woman.

Together, they'll have to carve a new path forward.

[ongoing TW for Sexual Assault]

Azriel was gone for three days. Three stupid days in which Gwyn found she missed him. Not at first—not that first day. He’d left a shadow behind, presumably to monitor her. She’d woken to find it slithering around her desk, likely looking for something interesting. Embarrassment flooded through her—had this been the same shadow that he’d used to pleasure her in the library? What kind of awareness did they have, anyway?

Maybe some things were better left unknown.

The only thing Gwyn truly had to worry about was Kai, who realized Azriel wasn’t around by mid-afternoon and began trailing her earnestly and Gwyn, who’d never been the subject of someone’s romantic desires before, found herself both uneasy and flattered by the prince's attention.

Sitting beside her in his pathetic library, Kai paid little attention to what she was reading. Instead, long, moon pale fingers found the bracelet on her wrist. She didn’t know what possessed her to put it on that morning. Perhaps she was missing Nesta and Emerie more than she realized.

“This is pretty,” he murmured, fingers finding the little rose pendant she’d clasped among the other gems. It had been a solstice gift, stuck on an unremarkable silver chain. Gwyn knew she’d never wear it, and so she’d discarded the chain in favor of the little red rose and fastened it to the bracelet, deciding it was a good omen. “Where did you get it?”

“A friend,” she replied, thinking of Clotho offering it to her with a delighted smile. It hadn’t been from Clotho—likely another group of well-meaning citizen from Velaris donating things to the priestesses locked away in the library. The fact that Clotho had thought of her at all was what mattered.

It had been the first gift Gwyn had gotten in a long time. Nesta and Emerie, along with Cassian, had also sent up gifts later that day—along with a very lovely blanket from the High Lady, thanking her for being Nesta’s friend and begging Gwyn not to tell her sister she’d said so—had really made that day special.

Gently, she pulled the charm from Kai’s fingers. “It’s beautiful. Like you,” he added, blue eyes bright with hope.

Gwyn merely smiled, scooting her chair a fraction of an inch away from him. “Thank you, but I’m here only to do a job.”

“And then leave?” he questioned, like her words amused him. “So they can continue to working you to the bone?”

Gwyn turned to look at him. He truly was handsome, in a very specific, limited sort of way. More than anything, Gwyn hated that she was comparing him to Azriel. That was unfair—no one was as beautiful as Azriel, and they never would be. Kai couldn’t help that and yet Gwyn was still doing it.

“I like working.”

“You wouldn’t have to here,” Kai said, as if that was meant to entice her. Gwyn only sighed, offering him what she hoped was a placid, pleasant smile.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Those were the wrong words, because Kai took them as a challenge. No one had ever tried courting Gwyn—the notion was, frankly, absurd. And yet there Kai was. Sending gifts and flowers, escorting her to dinner, and during one ill fated turn through the garden, draping his jacket over her shoulders.

Like she was a defenseless ornament for him to parade around. Seething, Gwyn marched back into her shared room with Azriel, hoping he was having far more fun than she was. And then, because she was pissed off and decided to make it his problem, took Kai’s jacket, with it’s too big sleeves and strange scent of citrus and clove, and slept in Azriel’s bed.

Just because she could.

By the time Azriel returned, Gwyn was close to begging Rhysand to bring her home, if only for a little peace. Maybe the shadowsinger could sense her frustration, because he strolled in casually right before dawn. She’d gotten very little sleep, curled up in the chair Azriel so often found solace in when his own nightmares plagued him.

“Miss me?”

Gwyn rolled her eyes. “You’re not dead,” she commented, noting a purple bruise gracing his neck just beneath the color of the black tunic he wore.

“Don’t act so disappointed. If I die, my cock goes with me.”

“And I’m sure tens of females will mourn,” Gwyn shot back as Azriel all but swaggered into his bedroom. She’d forgotten her little stunt with the jacket, rising to her feet intending to change into something clean and plod back to the library where she’d do fuck all for most of the day. The real work happened at night anyway. At this point, Gwyn’s sole purpose was to pretend she was building a bridge between the continent and Prythian when truthfully she was spying. Stealing their knowledge right from under them.

And Gwyn very much doubted Kai would want her as a princess when he learned she was actively committing treason and stomping all over his hospitality.

Gwyn had made it to her door when Azriel caught her. One hand gripped her waist, while the other found her wrists and pinned them up over her head. “What happened here while I was gone, Gwyneth?” he whispered.

Daring to look him right in the eye, she replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I don’t smell arousal on that bed. Just your scent wrapped around another male. What happened?”

“Jealous?”

But that wasn’t quite it. She could see there was fear etched in lines of his beautiful face, half hidden under his anger.

“Nothing happened,” she said, wrenching her wrists from his hand so she could open the door and tumble backwards. Azriel came with her, falling to the floor in a graceless heap. Somehow,

Azriel managed not to crush her under his powerful body, hitting the ground with his elbows instead.

“Then why can I smell him in my bed?” Azriel asked breathlessly, wincing from what she assumed was pain.

“Because I slept in his jacke—”

A snarl ripped from Azriel, sending his shadows scattering for safety.

“Don’t you growl at me!” she snapped, poking him in the chest. Azriel’s wings flared around them before settling, blotting out the first rays of early morning light. Gwyn hated how much she liked when he did that—nothing and no one could touch her here. Looking up at him, Gwyn wished she could paint the gold flecked in his eyes.

Wished she could trace the curve of his mouth, the line of his jaw.

“Did you miss me?” she asked him, heart thudding. Say no, end this right now, tell me I’m crazy—

“Yes,” he replied, lowering his head to run his nose along the length of her neck.

Oh, she was in trouble and she knew it. “We’re even, Az.”

“Then let’s fix that,” he replied, sliding a hand down the side of her body. “Let me show you what I’ve been thinking about since I’ve left.”

She was going to let him. Right there on the floor, her bed only a few feet away—an impossible distance when he adjusted, settling his powerful thigh between her legs. “What were you thinking about?” she breathed.

Azriel’s tongue replaced his mouth, tracing the line of her collarbone through the rumpled dress she’d slept in.

“I want to know what you taste like,” he whispered darkly, his words eliciting a shiver. “I want to see you come again, Gwyn.”

“I—”

A pounding on the door saved her from making a fool of herself. Azriel snarled softly, but shoved up off the ground with the fluid grace he’d been robbed of when they’d fallen to the floor. She watched, rising to her own feet quickly as he stalked to the door, catching how he adjusted himself quickly in his trousers before he flung the door open.

Gwyn knew who’d be on the other side.

“Yes?” Azriel asked, his voice devoid of all emotion.

“Oh. You’ve returned. I suppose I thought you wouldn’t,” Kai said as Azriel plucked the bouquet of purple irises from his hand.

“For me?” Azriel asked, arching one of his impeccable brows. A better person would have put Kai out of his misery. Kai couldn’t see around Azriel’s massive body, which gave Azriel license to say, “Gwyn is still in bed. I’ll let her know you came by.”

And then he slammed the door in the prince’s face, turning to look at Gwyn with a deadpan expression.

“For you,” he told her, tossing them to the little breakfast table littered with her books and notes. “I thought nothing happened?”

“You sound jealous.”

Walking to his room, apparently content to abandon whatever had been about to happen on the floor, Azriel muttered, “When I’m jealous, you’ll know it.” And then slammed the door in her face.

Gwyn only smiled.

AZRIEL:

Azriel was going insane. Kai was constantly in his fucking way, interrupting every single time Azriel tried to get close to Gwyn. After three stupid days living in the ceiling of the Rask palace, all he’d thought about was her cunt on his face. He’d been so close that morning, and never again for the rest of the week.

Kai wanted to separate them. Azriel could guess why. The prince was too involved in the life of one foreign visitor, concerned now about her chastity, like Azriel was some mongrel brute that couldn’t keep his hands to himself or understood the word no.

Isolate Gwyn, make her vulnerable, and then take what he wanted. That was Kai’s little plan and Azriel didn’t need daemati powers or his shadows to tell him as much. Azriel had been alive for a long time and this wasn’t his first time around another territorial male.

Azriel was merely a threat to Kai, who wanted the same female Azriel had begun to guard, perhaps a little too jealously. Gwyn hadn’t complained, and he’d kept the snapping to a minimum. If it continued, Azriel thought it might be time to pull things entirely and take her back to Velaris.

Where he’d be barred from seeing her every morning, and would have no excuse to talk to her. That was the only thing that kept him from writing Rhys and demand his brother end this now. Azriel was selfish—but whatever was happening with Gwyn felt good. Something about her presence, even when she was bratty and snide, made Azriel feel seen. There’d been so much shame attached to Morrigan—shame he then transferred to Elain—that Azriel had always assumed that was just part of attraction for him.

He wasn’t good enough for either of those females.

But he felt good enough to be around Gwyn. Azriel wasn’t ready to go back to the way things were, even as he’d begun to suspect he wasn’t going to be able to easily exorcize her from his mind.

He’d told himself he just needed to get her under him to burn her out of his system, and it was the game of cat and mouse between them that was keeping him so wound up. And then he’d take her out training and she’d press her dagger to his throat, and Azriel thought he’d never be over it. He’d want more and more, until he had it all.

All he needed was to kiss her. The fact that he hadn’t wasn’t lost on him—they’d skipped right over it in favor of touching, and while he wasn’t complaining, he did want to know what every inch of her tasted like. He wanted to hear those breathless little sighs, wanted to see the well controlled Gwyn unspool just like he was.

And then, when she’d snapped, he wanted to be at her mercy.

Azriel knew she’d make him suffer for it.

Good thing he liked a little suffering, right?

Right then, the only suffering was Kai’s obnoxious voice six feet ahead of him. He was explaining plants to Gwyn, pointing out each little flower while Gwyn, eyes glazed, nodded absently. This was what she’d asked for, Azriel reminded himself. She wanted more time to translate her books, which meant by day, she was left to Kai’s attentions.

Azriel very much doubted the prince wanted to make her his wife. Despite the aggressive courting happening, of which Azriel had become an unwitting chaperone, Azriel guessed he merely wanted something new. Someone new. He’d waste a few weeks with her and then grow bored, picking a new lady at court he could toy with.

Azriel would never admit it, of course, but how often had he watched Rhys do the same thing? Before he became High Lord, Rhys had a cycle—every month, a new female. Azriel and Cassian used to take bets on who might last longer.

They’d never once dared to bet on Feyre.

Azriel wanted to barge in on the conversation and save Gwyn. If she’d been Elain, he might have—though, Elain would have enjoyed this stroll around the garden. Azriel kept catching little glimpses of Gwyn’s face, carefully arranged to seem interested. She had her tells. The flicking of her fingers at her sides, stretched far apart like she wanted to strangle him before she curled them into fists, attempting to get herself together.

Shaking strands of that cinnamon brown hair from her eyes.

“Oh? You don’t say.” Gwyn must have repeated herself twelve times. Azriel smothered a smile when he heard her say it again. Azriel had never been much for the outdoors. Maybe Gwyn was the same. There were things he had no business knowing, but wanted to all the same. But when he imagined her, it was always in the same places he imagined himself.

There was something strangely comforting about that.

“...I can have a dress sent to you, if you want to go—”

“Oh, I can’t dance—”

“I’ll teach you, then. You should see Montessere like this. You’d like it,” Kai was saying, his voice just a shade huskier than usual. Azriel glowered, unseen by the prince and the priestess.

Azriel returned to tuning them out, if only to spare himself and Gwyn a messy scene. He’d promised…but sometimes his temper got the best of him.

Gwyn wasn’t likely to thank him if he beat Kai into the dirt. Rhys, too, who’d spent days furious with him for doing the same to Eris. It had been worth it, and Azriel had never once apologized, even if his temper had resulted in Eris being a permanent fixture in the Night Court.

The thought of seeing Kai around Velaris was enough to convince Azriel to think about anything but Gwyn and Kai. That was a far harder task than he’d originally thought, and by the time he trudged back to their shared room—alone—Azriel was in a foul mood.

Gwyn returned later that evening with a garment bag. Azriel had fallen asleep in his chair, starting awake when she slammed the door loud enough to shake the overhead lights. Turning his head, Azriel dared to ask, “Bad night?”

“You left me out there,” she hissed, throwing the bag into a heap on the sofa.

“Did you want to be rescued?” he replied, well aware his tone suggested he wouldn’t have even if he’d known she wanted him to. That was a lie—Azriel would have cut right in had he thought she’d appreciate it.

“He took me around that fucking garden four times. I don’t care about plants!” she exclaimed. “You know what this is, don’t you?”

Azriel didn’t. He kept silent, waiting for Gwyn to explain it to him.

“This is a game,” she said, her exasperation plain. “He’s never met a female that didn’t want to be his wife and have his babies, and he’s trying to break me.”

“Good fucking luck,” Azriel mumbled. He couldn’t get Gwyn to smile at him, let alone be someone's sweet little house pet. She was going to make some male very, very miserable one day. Why did that amuse him? Azriel stood, drawing his wings tight against his body.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“Bed,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

Muttering something that sounded distinctly like useless males, Gwyn turned on her heel and left him, slamming yet another door. So much for inviting her to bed with him, then. And so much for eating her cunt on the floor like he’d been trying to do earlier.

Melancholy, Azriel bathed and put himself to bed without touching himself. He had no interest in himself today. That happened a fair amount—he’d go through periods where everything felt gray, including himself. Sleep was easier, at least, and tumbled into the dark. There were no dreams, no nightmares to chase him awake.

But there was screaming. Loud, terrified screaming of a female he recognized. For a moment, he thought it might be his mother—maybe Feyre, or Mor, or— Gwyn.

Azriel started, kicking the blankets off his body. Taking truth teller with him, Azriel nearly kicked down his bedroom door to get to hers. He was certain he was about to find someone that shouldn’t be there, was prepared to end the night in a brutal murder that would chase them both back to Velaris.

He found her tangled up in her bed sheets while his shadows swirled in the dark, humming angrily like serpents prepared to strike.

“Gwyn,” he said, his dagger clattering to the bedside table. “Gwyn, wake up.”

She shot upright, body coated in a slick sheen of sweat, straight into his bare chest. Azriel could hear her heart thrumming with fear just as he could smell the thick salt of it. It made the hair on his neck stand on end, every nerve alive and primed for danger.

He expected her to shove him back, to demand he leave her. Azriel didn’t know if he could, and to punctuate that, let his wings wrap around them until the world was blotted out. Holding her, Azriel pressed his cheek into her hair. “You’re safe,” he murmured softly. “You’re with me.”

“Don’t go,” she replied, her voice thick from sleep and unshed tears. “Stay.”

His bed was big enough for them both, but hers was not. Was it better or worse for her to wake up in a strange place? Azriel decided to chance it, scooping her up and walking out of that sick smelling room. She didn’t protest for maybe the first time in her life, and by the time he’d laid her back in his own sheets, her heart had slowed enough that Azriel didn’t feel like he needed to fight.

Arranging himself to his arm was under her neck and her body, clad in a silvery night dress, was pressed against his own, Azriel exhaled softly. There was nothing inherently sexual about it, and yet the intimacy was enough to make him nervous. Gwyn pulled the blanket up to her chin and then turned to face him. “Will you hide me?” she asked. Azriel nodded, shifting both wings until they cocooned her within them.

Gwyn sighed.

Azriel was half asleep again when she whispered, “You forgot your dagger.”

He took a breath, a smile ghosting over his face. “That’s alright. I’ve got you.”

#gwynriel #shorter than usual this week #hopefully this makes up for it

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vixen525noms · 4 months

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Special Gift Part 1

Another story that started out on my deviantart page. Like DCD it will be continued. A G/T story with a much more wholesome giant, but there will be vore.

It occurs long while after Defying Certain Death, but in the same world and both stories do eventually tie together.

Picture | Next

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“Sir? The... ah... smaller guests have arrived. You probably should go out and join the celebration before one of the less friendly guests gets it in their head that one or two won’t be missed.” Connor nodded as he stood and turned away from his desk. He tended to dislike formal gatherings, especially when there was a large number of guests or if there were guests that could be in conflict. And this event had both. He had been grateful the coronation had only a small crowd, but it meant that the next event would have a large crowd. Not to mention gifts. No telling what some people would consider an appropriate gift to a new leader. He would have to greet and speak with the representatives of many peoples, both those representing the Syorians and Syors from different areas and those representing different races in the neighboring land. That’s what had him most concerned. They were so small by comparison... what would they consider an appropriate gift?

He sighed as he made his way to the great hall. No matter what they brought, he would have to feign pleasure at receiving the gift. It wouldn’t do to offend them, especially when the occasion was meant to celebrate the anniversary of the treaty between their people. It had been quite some time since the treaty was signed, and the laws enacted to ensure that no one did anything to ruin that treaty. He had been very young at the time, but not so much that he couldn’t remember what lead to it. Giants, primarily the Syors, had hunted the terrans, and the nearly identical humans for ages. He was no historian, but he doubted there was a time they ever hadn’t. Until the treaty anyway. A treaty made because the terrans had finally had enough and decided to strike back. Not with a few giant hunters, there had always been a few of those pests around, but as a people. An army.

At first, most giants had found the idea laughable. It didn’t seem like such comparatively small people could be any sort of a threat. But they soon learned they had underestimated the power of terran magic. They could never have guessed the terrans would find a way for individuals to merge their magic to strengthen it into an incredible force. It was after an entire town was wiped out that they began negotiations. They quickly met with the terrans on their terms, and had a treaty written in a matter of hours. It had only taken so long because of the challenge in writing it in a size that wouldn’t be too difficult for the terrans to read, but large enough for the giants to still make it out.

It had only taken the terrans half that time to eliminate an entire town. Half that time to create the Forest of Death, a place where every tree was the corpse of a giant.

Connor considered the different aspects of the treaty. If he was going to be meeting with representatives of their people, he would be expected to be familiar with most, if not all aspects of the treaty. He also had to be familiar with customs regarding interactions, as a leader he was expected to know everything necessary to avoid anything that might be seen as rude or insulting. But above all else to have full understanding of the treaty.

Writing and enforcing the treaty had been difficult. The biggest problem to follow was getting the Syors to give up their favorite prey. While as a group, the terrans had been quite formidable, most individuals stood little chance against a giant. There was also the complication that many Syorians, and some Syor hybrids, kept humans or terrans as pets. Luckily, the terrans hadn’t been too harsh on that matter, accepting it as long as the companion was well taken care of and had occasional interaction with people of the same size. They insisted on setting a duration limit, after a certain amount of time the pet would have to be offered the opportunity to return to their people. While Syor hybrids had complained about it, most Syorians were open to the idea, it already was common for Syorians to offer at least some degree of freedom after a while, and cared for their pets well enough that they would stay with their ‘owner’ or at least remain friends. And there were exceptions, certain circumstances where it was expected the ‘pet’ would not be released...

His train of thought was interrupted when he heard his arrival being announced as he neared the Great Hall where the guests were gathered. “Announcing the arrival of the new King, Connlaodh Rourke Kenrich...” Connor mostly tuned out the introduction, rather disliking the tradition for members of the royal family to have long names. He would have greatly preferred a much shorter name, and he couldn’t count the times he had requested they shorten his introduction. Now that he was in charge, he’d have to have that discussion again. He’d be far more likely to be successful in that request now that he had taken the throne.

Upon entering the Great Hall, he immediately was having to meet the various representatives, many having suggestions on things he might change, requests on certain matters, as well as several wanting a meeting at a later time. He was glad his royal steward stayed close, taking notes on everything said to him. He did his best to make a path toward the area set up for the little folks, knowing a number of them would be eager to leave this environment. Who could blame them for being a bit intimidated when surrounded by giants? At least there were elevated paths attached to the wall, leading to balconies and tables set up to accommodate them. There were even platform paths hanging from the ceiling for when any smaller guests were around for an extended stay. Simple teleportation charms could take them there, eliminating the need for a long climb. He couldn’t help but wonder if those paths were in use at all today. Most likely, this event was to celebrate the treaty, so some of the humans, terrans, and even other species had probably travelled great distance to get here, too far to make the trip home this evening. He’d ask his steward to double check that all accommodations were set for overnight stays.

When he reached the area where the terran and human representatives were, they bowed, and he immediately waved it off, “That’s unnecessary. I prefer keeping a more casual environment. Please, make yourself comfortable while you’re here. Is there anything in particular that needs to be discussed today?” The smaller people were clearly surprised by his open, friendly demeanor. He knew his father had been a bit of a stickler for tradition at times, insistent on typical formalities. It had caught them off guard, but before long they were past the tension and able to talk to him more openly. He made sure his steward took notes as they discussed various matters. A caravan of performers had vanished while en route to perform on his side of the border. It wasn’t surprising that some would perform for giants, he knew several borderland towns welcomed the smaller people, knowing talent came in all sizes. A rogue Syor had caused trouble and been injured by their mages. He made sure to get a detailed description of both the missing performers and the troublemaker.

The terrans were ecstatic when he told the steward to put a priority on those matters, glad to see he was taking their matters seriously. Some giants would be dismissive of their troubles... This new ruler was clearly going to be an improvement. The steward dismissed himself to retrieve more paper, and just after he stepped away, the little folks brought up a new topic, one of the things he had been concerned about.

“We have a gift for you,”

Whatever it was, he had to act grateful, if only to make sure everything stayed on good terms.

“...something to show we are willing to put effort into maintaining positive relations with you and your kingdom.”

Oh gods, with the size difference, what if he accidentally broke whatever it was? That would be a disaster! They may take it as a show of disrespect, and there was no telling where that could lead!

“We have a few contacts here, and we’ve talked with them a great deal to find out what we could get you that you would actually like. It wasn’t easy.”

Connor went from worried to puzzled ... he didn’t have many interests, and he couldn’t think of anything they could provide. He read a lot, but they couldn’t possible get any books his size. He liked music, perhaps some enchanted object that played songs? He’d heard of statuettes of birds enchanted to sound like them, and self-playing instruments... but nothing compared to actually hearing a skilled musician or singer. But his greatest interest had always been in terrans themselves; he was fond of the idea of perhaps getting to know some of them or even befriend them, but there were no real gifts that could be given having to do with that interest.

Or so he thought.

His eyes widened when a couple of them escorted a clearly frightened girl to stand before him. While she was dressed up nicely, he was almost certain she had originally been lower class. If there had been some sort of lottery for this, a noble could easily bribe their way out. If not by some lottery, was she a criminal of some sort? Perhaps her family had sold her to pay off a debt? He couldn’t think of many alternate ways someone could end up in this situation. He remembered suddenly that their attention was on him, they were waiting for his reaction to this ‘gift’. He had wanted a companion... but he was a little uneasy at the idea of taking someone against their will. And with that look of fear, there was no doubting she was not here by choice. But no matter what he thought of the situation, he couldn’t offend the visiting diplomats.

He reached forward slowly, watching her attempt to back away, but the others holding her put. He gently closed his hand around her, slowly picking her up. She struggled to get loose and he had to tighten his grip slightly, if only to make sure she wouldn’t end up falling the long, and potentially deadly drop to the ground. Terrans, or humans, if that’s what she was, were a bit fragile in some ways. Long falls were dangerous for them. He brought her near his face, closing his eyes briefly and inhaling her scent. Lingering instinct from long ago surfaced, and before he realized what he was doing, he’d gently licked her, getting her arm and the side of her face wet. He blinked and lowered her slightly as he realized what he’d done, then looked back down at the small visitors. They didn’t look surprised, they knew enough about Syorians to know that even if they had been peaceful before the truce, they had never fully lost the predatory side of their nature, especially a hybrid like him. They were confident he wouldn’t hurt her, but also were fairly certain it wouldn’t be a one-time thing.

Connor finally found his voice again, “Thank you for such a.... thoughtful gift. She’ll be well cared for here.” His mind raced as he analyzed the situation. She’s a gift, and as such, they’ll expect me to keep her in my room. “I’ll have my people start setting up accommodations for her in my room.” He’d have to genuinely do that, some of the visitors would stay overnight and it had to look like he was pleased with his gift.

Was he? Was he happy with this kind of gift? He was somewhat torn on it. He had always wanted a terran companion; this should be a dream come true! And yet... seeing how scared she was... that wasn’t what he wanted at all. He didn’t want a companion that was terrified of him. Where was she even from? Her tan skin tone made her look somewhat more... exotic than the visiting diplomats. Or was that tan from working in the fields? He didn’t want to make her more nervous by looking for tan lines, the poor girl needed some time to calm down. What if she had come from far away? She may have never seen a giant before... or even known they exist!

Now that he knew what to do about where she would stay, what about during the celebration? He would have preferred to have let her ride on his shoulder, see what was going on, ever participate... but she was bordering on panic. If he put her there, she’d surely try to get away, and with how tall he was, that would lead to injury or even death. So he did the only thing he could think of. Grateful the jacket he wore had a pocket on the chest; he opened it and gently set her inside. Hopefully she’d be relatively comfortable in there. With luck, she’d calm down and he could talk to her later. Reassure her that she’d be okay with him, that he’d take care of her.

He listened to the terrans explain they had a chest of clothes in her size they would leave here for her, as well as other things he may lack despite his terran-friendly accommodations in part of the castle. Things like a hairbrush and other personal care items. They were quick to reassure that his accommodations were more than adequate; there wasn’t much they had to supply aside from clothing. His steward finally returned with more paper for notes as they praised how well prepared the accommodations were. Connor was grateful to have the man around again to assist with this, he always worried he might make a mistake dealing with small folks, but he could count on his steward to help if he made a mistake.

One of the visiting diplomats that brought the girl spoke up, “Since your new... friend... may be a bit too nervous to talk at first, her name is Naomi. Honestly, we half expected you to just eat the girl. We all know all too well your kind can do that without causing harm, and seeing your initial... reaction... it was a surprise when you put her in your pocket instead.“

Crap. He should have known the visiting diplomats would be well educated on his kind and know what was normal for them and what they enjoyed. He thought quickly on how to respond, “Well, she seemed a bit scared, I didn’t want to overwhelm her too much, and thought it would be better to talk with you rather than have my mouth full for a time tasting her.” The diplomat seemed to consider this, “Well the banquet is supposed to begin soon, is it not? So we’ll likely be taking a break from the discussion soon anyway, and on the same note, for that same reason the duration would be brief for her.”

Connor glanced briefly at his steward, hoping the man could help fill in a different excuse to not frighten the girl. The response was just an arched brow. Connor quickly guessed what that meant. He needed to play along. Needed to make sure the diplomats were convinced he was pleased with what they chose to give him, especially since it was something so different from normally done at such events. So he reached back in his pocket and gently scooped the girl out of his pocket again.

The diplomats and his steward were watching him. The girl had almost immediately tried to bolt off his hand, so he made sure to have enough grip that there was no risk of her falling. He could see she was scared, and he didn’t like the idea of scaring her more. But he also needed to appear enthusiastic about his ‘gift’. Diplomatic relations were extremely important... Maybe he could get away with just part of it.

He looked over the girl in his hand again. She really was pretty, and now that he looked closer, he noticed that while the dress was high quality, it had seemingly been designed to not cover as much skin as most outfits. He realized the dress had been designed specifically for this situation; to make her look fancy and appropriate to the event while also allowing him a good taste. He brought her close and inhaled her scent again. She smelled lovely... Her smell definitely made it tempting, despite the fact he disliked the idea of scaring her more. But it seemed he had little option in this particular situation, so he opened his mouth and gently placed her inside, immediately purring at her taste. He closed his lips quickly to assure she wouldn’t try to get out, mainly so she wouldn’t potentially fall.

As he closed his teeth and started to taste her, he noticed the diplomats talking amongst themselves a bit, then to his steward. They could all hear him purring, and apparently that was the indication they had been looking for as proof he enjoyed his gift. He wasn’t sure who he heard said it, but he definitely heard one of them comment on his purr. Then he heard his steward speak, “As you can no doubt hear now, King Connor is quite pleased with the gift. If none of you mind, I can continue to take notes on anything else you wish to discuss while he steps away to take his time... enjoying the gift. Perhaps you can even give me a bit more information on the girl.”

Thank goodness, an opening to step away. He didn’t want to swallow this poor girl... They said her name was Naomi, right? He nodded to the small diplomats politely and walked away, soon making his way to the back room again. He could feel the saliva building in his mouth from her taste... He didn’t want her to be too much of a mess, so he pinned the frightened, squirming girl with his tongue and swallowed the extra saliva. Once that was done, he opened his mouth and caught her as she scrambled out of his mouth. The girl seemed a bit overwhelmed by the experience, and was limp in his hand as he held her, so he tried to reassure her. “It’s alright... I’m sorry about that. Politics and all that... maintaining good relations is essential so I had to make sure I looked pleased with whatever gift was offered... I am sorry about tasting you like that.”

He wasn’t sure how much she was paying attention. He pulled out a handkerchief to set over her so she could start to clean up, and gently set her down on his desk. “Wait here a moment and I’ll go look up a cleaning charm... much more efficient than water. Should only take a moment.” He turned to his book shelf, looking over the books and finding the right one. “Here we go... You’ll be cleaned up in no time...” He pulled the book from the shelf and turned to face the girl... She was gone.

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#giant tiny #size difference #special gift #soft vore #connor the giant #naomi #connor and naomi #terrasyor #syor #syorian #king connor #my writing #my stories #my stuff #syor hybrid

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it-happened-one-fic · 6 months

Text

Dead of the Night - Diluc (Part 4)

Author Notes: The fourth and final part of my Halloween/October fic series for Genshin Impact! Much of what applied to the other parts applies to this part as well. I wrote and edited this Vampire! AU series exclusively to "Is this Love" by Whitesnake which did kind of influence how this series came together. As per usual, Reader is gender-neutral. I hope you enjoy!

Type: Gender-Neutral Reader/ Vampire! AU/ pining/ romance/ some drama/ fluff with a touch of angst

Word Count: 1806

{Part 1}, {Part 2}, {Part 3}, {Part 4: You're Here!}

Also available on AO3 (link deleted due to glitches)

Trigger Warning: Reader does get attacked by a vampire, but all is well.

“So what do you want to know about first, Y/n? His eating habits? Whether or not he sleeps in a coffin? Or perhaps how he’s still keeping the winery business going even though he can’t be out in the sun?”

Kaeya took the lead as he grinned at the two of us, who were now sitting side by side with only a slight bit of awkwardness.

Diluc, for his part, looked perfectly annoyed, and I couldn’t really blame him. He practically growled out Kaeya’s name, which didn’t seem to phase the cavalry captain in the slightest bit.

“Well this is important, Diluc. They have a right to know these things, and you can’t blame them for being curious,” Kaeya’s visible eye was filled with utter delight as he glanced towards me knowingly. But then he’d known that the rumor about my feelings for Diluc was far more accurate than I pretended it was for quite some time. Longer, in fact, than the rumor had been in circulation.

Diluc let out a sigh, which seemed to be a common thing for him when around Kaeya, before he twisted to look at me, “I don’t drink human blood.”

I stiffened slightly at his words. Surprised that he’d chosen that topic to start with, but I nodded slowly, “You aren’t starving yourself, are you?”

Diluc’s gaze softened from a mildly annoyed one to an expression that spoke of a certain degree of fondness. The same way he’d always looked at me, and that had never helped the feelings that I held for him.

Kaeya, for his part, was silent as he watched the two of us. But then he often was.

Ever since we’d been young and he’d first found out how I felt for his brother Kaeya had, in his own way, been a sort of helper to me when it came to interacting with Diluc.

Diluc shook his head, completely focused on me and ignoring his brother, who already had a smile starting to creep across his face, “No, I’ve been drinking animal blood.”

“Boars are a big issue for the farmers here, and, after Adeline pointed that out, I’m afraid they’ve been having a rough time,” Kaeya broke in with a grin that had Diluc looking over at him with an almost impatient expression.

But I looked between the two of them with no small amount of surprise, “So Adelinde knows too? Does anyone else, like Jean, or-”

“No. Everyone at the Dawn Winery, Kaeya, and now you. That’s it,” Diluc looked back at me as he explained patiently, and I fell silent. Surprised that Jean, of all people, didn’t know. After all, her and Diluc had always been so close.

“How's it feel to be part of such an intimate little group?” Kaeya’s eye sparkled as he looked towards where I sat. Both his expression and his words promised at least a little bit of trouble, which had Diluc frowning at him.

“Don’t tease them, Kaeya,” I almost smiled at Diluc’s stern tone as he eyed his brother. Because even after all this time, he still looked out for me in his own way. Shielding me from even Kaeya’s teasing, despite the fact that it hadn’t bothered me in a very long time.

But Kaeya shook his head, “Oh no, Diluc. I’m not teasing them; I’m just pointing out the truth. They’re one of the few in Mondstadt who know of your unique dietary restrictions, and I’m quite curious as to how they felt about that.”

He turned to look at me, his eye narrowing as he smiled in an amused fashion, “It does make them quite a bit closer to you than they were before, after all.”

“Nonsense,” Diluc’s single-worded, firm response had both of us looking at him. Kaeya with steadily increasing amusement and me with confusion. But Diluc merely crossed his arms, continuing to frown at his brother as he finished, “I’ve always trusted Y/n, and that hasn’t changed.”

I could feel my eyes steadily widen at his words. I hadn’t realized that all this time he’d regarded me as someone he’d trusted. Especially since it had felt like there was such a vast distance between us for so long now.

Perhaps it really had been me that was keeping their distance from him even, if I hadn’t realized it.

Kaeya shook his head, ever the devil’s advocate, “Things haven’t changed for you, but they might have for Y/n.” Again, he fixed me with a pointed look, and I realized the exact purpose Kaeya had for this entire visit. Meddling man that he was in his own caring way.

“No, I trust Diluc. I always have, and I always will.” I turned to look at Diluc as I spoke. Glancing his way just in time to see him looking at me in surprise. Mirroring my previous reaction to his words.

Perhaps neither of us had known the other as well as we’d thought. He’d surprised me numerous times these past few days, and I seemed to be doing the same to him. But it was only natural that we’d changed over the years. And though we might have grown apart, given enough time, I was sure we could grow back together.

At the very least, I knew I was willing to put in the effort to make that fact. And that was enough for me.

I found myself smiling at him, startling him even more as I tilted my head slightly and finished with amusement creeping into my voice, “A change to his diet isn’t near enough to change that.”

Diluc let out an exhale, almost like he’d been holding his breath, as a small, amused but relieved smile appeared on his face. Flickering across his features before disappearing quickly as he looked towards Kaeya, “Satisfied?”

I grinned at the dry question he posed, amused to find that even after all these years, he could be quite shy about showing gratitude or any other soft feeling in front of others. Especially if that other person was Kaeya.

The cavalry captain grinned though, leaning back into his chair as if he’d just experienced something incredibly satisfying, “Quite.”

Diluc stood, and I wasn’t surprised that he was ready to go. Poor fellow never had handled bearing his soul or showing too many emotions very well. It was a miracle he hadn’t gotten all flushed over the course of our discussion.

“It’s time I left then, I’m afraid I still have things to do before the sun rises.” He paused and twisted to glance down at me. A smile appearing on his face as soon as he was sure Kaeya couldn’t see it, “Thank you for having us over and putting up with Kaeya, Y/n.”

I flapped my hand at him, smiling up at him warmly, “Not a problem. Take care though; I’ll see you tomorrow.”

His eyes widened slightly before his expression softened once more, “Yes… Take care.” He twisted away, and I stood to walk him back down the hallway. Ignoring his protests about how he could find his way, as I led him back to the door.

“Just call if you need anything,” I smiled at him one final time, knowing perfectly well that there was no way he was going to bother me for assistance. Not when he far preferred to be the one taking care of others.

But he didn’t reject my offer; he simply thanked me and stepped out the door before pausing to glance back at me.

But before he could speak, I stepped forward, reaching out and grasping his arm carefully, almost like I was afraid he would run away, “And just so you know, I’m not pushing myself. I’m not afraid of you, and I never will be.”

He held my gaze for a moment, a myriad of emotions flashing through his bright red eyes. The same warm color that had also been a source of comfort to me even when I’d been young.

After a brief moment of seemingly searching for words, he smiled, and his gloved hand reached over to gently cover mine, “Thank you.”

His voice was infinitely soft as he gazed at me, with a certain warmth to his gaze that was so often there whenever he was with me and unconcerned about what others might think. And it was that gentle warmth that gave me the sensation of home and allowed me to place so much trust in this man.

Vampire or not, I would always trust Diluc, and I had an inkling of a feeling that I would always feel the exact same way for Diluc.

How could I respond to him with anything other than overwhelming affection when that was the same emotion I’d always seen within him in our interactions?

He almost seemed reluctant when he pulled away, nodding his head as a final, gentle “Good Night” slipped from his lips and strolled off. His comfortingly familiar form lit up by the moon until he at last disappeared into the dead of the night.

It was then that Kaeya spoke from his hiding spot just by the door, “So you still love him, even now? I smiled at Kaeya's soft-spoken words from where he’d crept up behind me after Diluc left. There was no telling how long he’d been listening just to ensure that all was going to be well.

“Yes, I don’t think that will ever change…” I paused and turned to look up at the calvary captain, who was watching me closely as I continued, “Is that why you arranged for him to come over tonight? To make sure nothing had changed?”

Kaeya let out a hum, telling me that he would never just give a straightforward answer, even as he smiled at me. Ever a puzzle, even as he was watching out for both me and his brother, “Just making sure you won’t go hurting my brother after he did his best to shield himself from his biggest weakness.”

His biggest weakness… Kaeya had already laid out all the clues, and his expression gave me the answer I needed.

Me. I was Diluc’s weakness.

“Are you trying to tell me that he wouldn’t be able to handle me being afraid of him?” I crossed my arms as I looked up at Kaeya, half-smiling at the man who was so like a brother to me, even as he constantly did his very best to set me up with his actual adoptive brother.

“Who can say? I think you know the answer to that, though,” He bumped me lightly on the head with the back of his fist. Chuckling slightly as I frowned at his actions, before he too disappeared. With his matchmaking work done, as he strolled away on the same path his brother had taken.

@vera-deville

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bp4545 · 6 months

Text

His Duties (My Sunshine - Part 3)

Word count: somewhere around 3000

Warnings: Swearing? if it bothers you. Nothing else much

Summary: You find out that about Draco's prefect duties and confront him...

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6.

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

Meeting Draco in the kitchens became a regular thing for you two. You would both get lost in discussion and talk about all sorts of things with each other. All in all, you were surprised by his actions, you thought that you'd never encounter him again, or that he would treat you like a complete stranger during the day or in class. But he treated you like a friend, you liked that. You liked adding a new friend to your list, and you were glad that you had gotten to know the boy better.

It had been just over a week, of your and Draco's little late night rendezvous in the kitchens. You were enjoying them, and you were starting to see a side of him that you weren't sure anyone else saw. You were sure falling for him, slowly.

You were in potions class now, your favourite class, and professor Snape had just assigned a new task, we were to make the Veritaserum potion with a partner in class, as a practice for our upcoming OWLs. You were looking forward to it, you could get along with just about anyone in the class, including Draco now, so it meant that you didn't really care who you were partnered with.

You were sitting in a table of 4, you were next to Chris, with Hannah and Zach opposite you two. The four of you were laughing with each other and mucking around when Snape entered the classroom.

"Quiet all of you" He threatened, "Now, as you all know I will be picking your partners for the practice assessment."

There were groans all around the classroom, mostly from the table of Slytherins at the back.

"Professor Snape, surely you can pair me with Draco" You heard Pansy whine like a four year old. You watched Draco grimace at Pansy's comment, as well as Daphne give her a glare, then turn to smile at you. Professor Snape didn't answer her question but continued talking.

"Unfortunately, Professor McGonagall is here to have a talk with you during this period, about some important matters, so this lesson will be cut short. We will not have time for our practice assessment today, I will pick your partners tomorrow; be prepared" He chose to drag out the last phrase with deep emphasis, which sent shivers down you spine.

You wondered what Professor McGonagall was here to talk about. As if on cue, she strutted into the classroom. You heard a chair scrape against the floor at the back of the classroom, and footsteps walk to the front of the classroom. Draco

"Morning class" She started "I have to have a chat about the night time activity of students in your year group. There are far too many students wandering around the school grounds at night" Draco stood by the Professor's side and nodded, in agreement to what she was saying. Hypocrite. You thought. He's in the kitchens every night!

"Mr. Malfoy here has informed me of the many students he has found wandering the halls at night during his prefect patrols, I am simply appalled by the amount of you who have been caught doing anything but sleeping in your dorms. I cannot stress this enough. Students must be in their dorm rooms by 12 am, no later. If any of the prefects inform me of any activity after 12 am, I will be quick to act on this" Professor McGonagall looked furious as she spoke, though you weren't really listening to anything she said after. You were still stunned by what she said in her first sentence. Draco is a prefect.

It hit you like a load of bricks. He wasn't just meeting you every night in the kitchens, he was patrolling. But then what did all those conversations mean? Those late night walks? Him walking you back to your dorm? Was it all for him to show Professor McGonagall that he was keeping students in line... why had he not ratted you out?

You were beyond confused, and you longed for answers.

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

You decided that you would confront him in the kitchens tonight, you just hoped that he wouldn't put his duties over your late night cravings, and that he wouldn't hand you over to McGonagall.

As you were lost in your thoughts, you heard two people shouting your name.

"Y/N" you definitely recognised them "Y/N". It was Justin and Chris of course. What could they possibly want right now?

"Y/n, tell me, Chris over here thinks that the Gryffindor team is going to win the next quidditch game, what a load of bullshit. I'm here telling him that the Hufflepuff team is going to win. Can you tell him that for me?!" Justin ranted on to you as he eyed Chris, it made you giggle a little bit, and Chris shot you a warm smile. You blushed. Gosh what is wrong with me, first Draco then Chris?

You looked at Chris playfully once you had recovered from your blushing moment, and you smiled wickedly.

"Sorry bout this one Christian, but the Hufflepuff team is 100% going to win. If I was in Gryffindor I would tell you otherwise, but you came to the wrong person" You snickered at him as he smiled down at you. He had such a warm smile, he was so sweet too. Gosh y/n get yourself together, this year isn't about finding a love life. Or is it?

"Oh trust me" Chris started "The Gryffindor team is going to win, and when they do you will be running back to me for autographs" he chuckled, a bit full of himself as he was the seeker for the Gryffindor team. You fake pouted at him as he patted your head as if to say 'hush child'.

"Trust me, y/n and I will stay quite a distance from you, plus our team is definitely going to win, especially because I'm the seeker" Justin flexed

You couldn't help but giggle, you loved hanging around with Justin and Chris, they were best friends and you were left in the middle of their stupid arguments. You didn't mind though.

"I don't think I can stand around this dumb ass any longer y/n, you can have him I'm going to the library to find Hannah. " Justin winked at you and left for the library.

You sighed. You knew exactly what Justin was up to, everyone usually shipped you and Chris, and Justin was one of those people. You didn't really understand why, I mean you two were great friends, and sure you made flirty jokes here and there, and maybe you two spent a lot of one together and looked as if you were a couple... you sort of understood what people meant now.

You never saw Chris as more than a friend though, but now you weren't sure. He was a great guy and now that you think of it, a lot of the stuff you two do together might come across as things a couple would do. Even if you thought you liked him though, you doubt he would like you back. He already told you a while ago that he fancies the girl from the year below you guys, Astoria Greengrass.

He could have picked anyone else and you would have supported his opinion, but there was no fucking way you would ever support his crush on Astoria. You wouldn't tell him that though, you hadn't told anyone about your hatred for that girl yet, only Hannah.

"So..." you snapped back to reality as Chris tried to start conversation. "Anything interesting happen for you lately?"

He started the conversation off a bit awkwardly for your liking.

"Not really" You told him. There was no way that you would ever tell him about how you and Draco have been talking to each other after school hours, he would be furious. "What about you? And your little crush?" You nudged him playfully.

"Y/n I told you, its not a crush. Its just a half crush, she is pretty and she has a really pretty smile, but I know she has a shitty personality" He admitted, he didn't want you getting ideas, because he genuinely didn't like her in a romantic way, he just admired the way she looked, and her natural beauty.

"Yeah, yeah. I totally believe that" you commented sarcastically. I mean he was a great guy, you definitely knew he deserved better than a bratty fourth year who slept with who knew how many guys. You started to imagine what kind of a boyfriend he would be, he would certainly be kind, and he would treat you like a princess. He would be there for you, you could confide in him, as you're wrapped in his strong arms, looking into his warm blue eyes, running your hands through his blonde locks, playing with the rings on his fingers.

You weren't thinking about Chris anymore, you were thinking about the one and only Slytherin prince. Then you remembered that you were a bit upset at him, for not telling you about his prefect duties and leading you on.

"What are you thinking about y/n?" You heard a voice chip in, and a hand on your forearm. "You always make that face if you're thinking about something important" You looked at Chris and sighed. Should you tell him?

"Nothing" you said. You hated keeping secrets from him, you told him practically everything. "Even if I did tell you, you wouldn't like it"

"Ridiculous" he scoffed "Y/n, if something is bothering you then you can tell me, even if I don't like it." he hugged you around your waist, he had strong grip. Your head was against his shoulders, face near his neck and hands against his chest. You two were in a position that definitely looked as if the two of you were anything but 'just friends'. You giggled to yourself at the thought, and Chris loosened his grip.

"Okay, I will tell you, but just not now, it's a bit complicated" you explained

"That's alright y/n. Just tell me whenever you're ready, no pressure." he reassured you. You hummed in reply as the Golden Trio started walking up to you two.

Harry and Ron went up to Chris and they started talking about the upcoming quidditch match, as they were all in Gryffindor. You started talking to Hermione, and you realised you never actually had the chance to have a fully fletched conversation with her this year. It was nice talking to her again, you ended up talking to her about the upcoming OWLs, her Christmas holidays with her family back at the muggle world, and your love lives. Which weren't actually very exciting seeing as none of you showed particular interest in any guys yet. You were confused as to why you hadn't heard of any guys having crushes on Hermione, I mean she was perfect. She had beautiful hair, and lovely eyes, and the perfect body, the perfect smile, the confidence, the friendliness. You just didn't understand.

"I'm just waiting for the perfect guy you know, someone where I have something special with him" You nodded at her statement, you were looking for that one guy too. Hopefully he would come soon.

"I get what you mean, the guys here at Hogwarts really need to up their game" You laughed, she joined in with you.

The three boys all decided that they would go to the Three Broomsticks, to get a drink, so you and Hermione tagged along with them. It was nice and calming, you were glad you had a lot of friends that you could count on. When you came to Hogwarts, since first year you promised yourself that you wouldn't make enemies in your school years. So far you had lived up to that promise, you could get along with just about anyone, no wonder you were placed in Hufflepuff.

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

"So you're telling me that you have been meeting up with THE DRACO MALFOY every night after school hours?!"

You were sitting with Hannah, Daphne, and Hermione in your dorm, explaining the late night rendezvous you had with the slytherin prince. Hannah and Daphne were over the top dramatic about it. Hermione, well, she was silent the whole time, you weren't very sure what sort of reaction she was displaying.

"Yeah..." you said

"That boy is actually so damn fine, I can't believe you've been talking to him behind our backs girl" Daphne said.

"Yeah, I heard he fucked 12 girls in our year last year. I dunno how he managed to pull one every month" Hannah laughed as well as Daphne. You were quick to stay silent on that one. Something about discussing Draco's body count was uncomfortable to you. Maybe you wanted to be the 13th one.

"Hermione are you alright?" You asked, to break the awkward silence.

"Hm? Yeah I'm fine" She sounded distant, like the conversation to her was nonexistent. You shrugged it off and suggested that it was late and that all of your should go to sleep.

You and Hannah were left alone in the dorm, you were closest with Hannah, you told her everything and so did she. It was 12am, and Hannah was already fast asleep. You wanted to go to the kitchens to meet up with Draco again, but it was all different after knowing that he was a prefect, and was only talking to you because of his duties. You sighed and got out of bed anyway, putting on your hoodie and heading out the door. Except you didn't go to the kitchens.

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

The breeze was soft, and the clouds blended in with the dark blue sky. You headed over to your favourite willow tree, that had lost its leaves over the winter. You could see a few new leaves sprouting, but other than that it was completely bare. You took a seat on the bench that was underneath it and let your hair down. Playing with the hair tie between your fingers, you thought about your conversation with Hermione, and how you two were talking about your love lives. Hermione seemed so confident in her love life she seemed so sure that everything was going to play out for her and that she would meet the perfect guy.

As you were lost in your thoughts, you didn't hear footsteps approaching you from behind. The person came to sit next to you.

"I was looking for you, why weren't you at the kitchens like you normally are?" Draco asked, he was a bit concerned. You completely ignored his question as he shuffled a bit closer to you on the bench.

"Forgot to wear pants did we?" he chuckled as he looked at your bare legs, goosebumps were noticeable because of how chilly it was outside. You were wearing shorts, they were just not visible because of your ginormous hoodie.

You stifled a laugh, successfully. You didn't reply to him once more, you just wanted your questions answered.

"You're a prefect Draco" his eyes widened a bit, he didn't know why he felt weird when you said his first name. He was a bit confused by your question. What were you on about?

"What?" he replied.

"Why didn't you tell me you were a prefect Draco? And that you were here because of your duties?" You questioned him, your tone of voice was rushed, you were nervous for some reason.

"I-I thought you knew..." he trailed on.

"No Draco, I didn't." you sighed, disappointed in yourself for not knowing sooner. "It just makes me question a lot of things."

"Like what?" Draco said softly.

"It makes me question why you ever talked to me in the first place. You duties? Or actually getting to know me?"

"Well I mean it's a bit of both, I'm glad I got to know you and the prefect patrols just make it a heck of a lot easier to talk to you alone"

"Yes, but why Draco?" you were exasperated

"Why what?..."

"Why am I not in detention right now! Why am I still meeting you every night? I don't get why! Why have you not told on me? Gotten me into trouble for being out of my dorm past 12?" You let it all out.

He fell silent. He didn't really know why himself. He had snitched on practically everyone. The 3rd year Gryffindors he spotted in the corner of the common rooms making out, or the Ravenclaws up in the astronomy tower, or even the Slytherins from first year trying to hex each other in the Great Hall. But he chose not to for the Hufflepuff girl in his year, he did need you for something though. He didn't want to tell you, but he felt like he could trust you.

"I..." he started "I need you for something, I need help with it, I just need advice" he sighed, avoiding eye contact with you. "It's embarrassing, though"

"You can tell me Draco, I won't judge you. I'm the last person who would do that" you reassured him honestly.

"I know, I know. But it's nothing like me, nothing like how I used to be." he looked away shamefully. Was that... blush spread across his face? "I haven't told anyone, not even my friends"

"Am I not your friend?" You giggled

"No- no that's not what I meant I-"

"No it's okay I know what you meant" you laughed. He smiled at you. He knew you didn't like your smile or laugh, but he thought it was really contagious.

"You have a pretty smile" he pointed out blatantly. You grew self conscious and stopped laughing and stared at him wide eyed.

"I didn't tell you to stop laughing" he chucked at you. You just looked away to hide your blush. Draco fucking Malfoy just told you that your smile was pretty.

He probably sensed that you weren't going to say much more because you were self conscious. He placed an arm around your shoulders, which didn't help with your blush. You swear you were falling for this boy each day, it just felt like he opened up to you in a way he hadn't done to anyone else. You thought back to what Hermione said, having something special with someone. Maybe he was your special someone. You regained your confidence and decided to play flirty.

"Draco" you said, leaning your head on his shoulder as his arm slunk over your shoulders, "What would you do if I fell asleep on you right now?" You tucked your legs under your hoodie and sunk your head deeper into his shoulder, you could smell his cologne, and the soft fabric of his sweater, as you playing with the drawstrings.

"I'd let you" He whispered.

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stp-au-wthnig · 5 months

Text

Well, This Happens Next, I Guess

Chapter 1: Flickering Lights In Empty Cityscapes

content warning: brief suicide mention

The Princess walks through a path in the woods with her beloved, fellow ex-god, hand in hand, awaiting what they’ll find on the other side. They spend the whole night walking along the path.

The Princess twiddles her fingers as she walks alongside the bird. “I’m still nervous.”

Of course the Princess would be. She’s abandoned so much power in favour of just living a peaceful life with her rescuer. The bird grabs her hand with their other, free one in an attempt to comfort her.

The Princess smiles at the bird. “Thank you. I just hope that whatever we find, it’ll be good for the both of us.”

After a long journey, they finally reach the end of the path. They squint their eyes as they approach a city. Was the cabin really that remote?

“So what do we do now?”

The bird thinks for a moment before answering.

“We find a place to stay.”

---

The two of them roam the city in search of a place to stay, before they find a large building with open doors. It starts raining. They should run in.

The bird explores the building while the Princess sits there and looks around the room. They seemed to be in a lobby of some sort, but there’s no staff present.

“Weird that a place we found ourselves drawn to doesn’t seem to have anyone else around…” The Princess ponders, before finally, someone appears to them.

The bird and the Princess approach this person, and the bird begins to ask questions. “Hello. Sorry, do you… know where we are?”

The mysterious person gasps and approaches the two. The reason why was confusing at first… but then he started talking.

“Is that… really you?”

The bird is taken aback. That voice sounded just like one of the voices in their head from before. “I should be asking you the same question…”

“I thought we’d never see each other again… even after I got sent here I thought that was it. I never thought you’d end up here too.”

That confirmed it. It really was him. The voice inside the bird’s head that’s been with him no matter what. The Voice of the Hero, as they liked to call him. But he's not really a voice anymore, is he?

Hero and the bird stare at each other awkwardly, before the former finally speaks up.

“So, uh… I guess I should explain from my perspective?”

The bird and the Princess listen to his explanation.

“When the two of you left the cabin, I just… suddenly found myself here. The others ended up here too.”

The bird and the Princess look at each other, before looking back at him. The Princess speaks up.

“We… never got to properly interact, did we? But when you found your way in my divine form, I did get to know you. You’ve been there for them all this time. And.. it was you who helped us get to where we are now, wasn’t it?”

Hero chuckles awkwardly and looks up at the Princess humbly.

“I didn’t want them to face you alone. I managed to find a way out of your heart and I could lead the way back in.”

The bird and the Princess smile at him. If it wasn’t for him, they really would be stuck as gods, unable to properly experience the world for themselves.

“It’s… kind of weird, though. Having a body of my own, anyway.” Hero notes. “Even weirder that it’s human considering… well, it doesn’t matter. I think I like this.”

The bird then recalls what he said.

“Wait, so when you said the others were here too, does that mean the other voices? Do they have bodies too?”

The ex-voice hesitates.

“Well… yes and no.” He then realises quickly how confusing that sentence alone was. “Uh… what I mean is that yes, the other voices did also arrive here and they did also get bodies, but… it… wasn’t just them.”

The bird and the Princess look confused, before they suddenly see his face shifting from awkwardness to panic.

“Wait… if He’s here and She’s here… Uh, Princess, you might want to get out of here, it’s… not exactly safe.”

The bird instantly realises what Hero is implying with that.

“Him too? But… didn’t He die?”

The group is then interrupted by a familiar voice.

“I can hear you, you know.”

An all too familiar-looking crow man steps out of the shadows. He looks exhausted. Minor things about his appearance have changed, such as the lack of teeth, but it’s definitely Him. The Narrator. The Echo. The man who pitted the bird and the Princess against each other in an attempt to rid the world of death.

A tense silence looms over the scene.

“Before you say anything, no. Not even I know how I managed to come back. But I am now. And now that I’m part of a society rather than a safe construct, it would be too risky to try anything. For either of us.”

The tension fades a little. The Princess looks at Him with an expression of calm and composed anger. Her voice becomes more harsh.

“Well, looks like you’re back to square one. What will you do now then? Will you kill yourself again and try to make them kill me once more?” The Princess asks coldly.

The Narrator sighs. “That won’t work. Not anymore. In this new form, I’ve lost that sort of power. But make no mistake, I still undeniably hate you.”

The bird places their hand on the Princess’ shoulder, calming her down.

“If we were drawn here that must mean we were meant to be here as well. You can’t argue with that.” The bird firmly tells it straight.

“As much as I wish that wasn’t true, you’re right.” The Narrator grumbles. “There should be a key in your pockets. All of us found them when we got here as well.”

The bird searches their pockets until they find the key. It has a number on it. They search the building until they find a door with that same number.

When they open the door, they reveal an apartment for two. Them and the Princess. The two head in, exhausted from their walk.

Hero pokes his head in as he sees the two get settled in there.

“At least He’s not a threat now… I was worried there. Anyway, I’ll leave you two for the night. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

The bird and the Princess agree and head off to bed together. They get the first good night’s sleep either have had in a while.

---

The next day, the bird and the Princess wake up for the first time in their new home. The weight of what happened the night before is still heavy in their minds.

However, they get interrupted by a sound.

"Hey, if you don't mind, I'd like to show you the others. I told them all about you and they really want to see you."

The bird and the Princess follow Hero outside, where a group of other men are waiting.

"So here you are. I almost didn't believe him when he told us about you, but I guess it is real."

"Yeah, we... really thought that was it and we'd never see you again. I can't believe you actually managed to pull this off though!"

"But hey, it's not the strangest thing that's happened! I mean, we're human now! Which is great because that means I can pull off any mischief I want!"

"It's... been a little difficult adjusting to this new life though. And society. At least, I've been having a hard time with it."

"We'll manage though, we just have to try to appeal to the people. That's not hard for me to do."

Five of the voices the bird had previously heard in the construct just spoke to them. They recognised them pretty quickly. The Skeptic, the Cheated, the Contrarian, the Hunted and the Opportunist in that order.

The others all tried to speak at once, before Hero shushed them.

"Hey, hey! Give them some space! They just got here! Anyway, uh..."

Hero looked at the bird and the Princess in confusion.

"What should we call you guys? Are you still going by 'Long Quiet' and 'Shifting Mound' or..."

The bird thought for a moment before the Princess gave her answer.

"Well, I've been playing the role of a Princess for so long I guess you can just call me Princess, if you want."

Hero then chuckled.

"Funny thing, I was actually wondering if that was your name the first time we met you. I... guess it is now?"

"Yeah. It is now." Princess said, smiling with slight embarrassment.

The bird still thought, but struggled to come up with a name for themself. Now they knew how Princess felt.

"Sorry, I can't come up with anything." They said sheepishly.

"That's how I know you and Princess are a match made in heaven! Like attracts like, after all." The Smitten proclaimed in his usual over-the-top way.

"Ah, who cares about names anyway? It's not like any of us thought of names for ourselves!" The Stubborn said.

"That's true. We've simply been calling ourselves by descriptive terms. It's better that way." The Cold added.

"Oh, you've been doing that too? I thought I was the only one referring to you like that." The bird pointed out.

The ex-voices paused for a moment to think about the implications of this, before the remaining ones spoke up.

"Huh... that's strange. Was there some sort of psychic link between us in your head or something?" The Paranoid questioned.

"It doesn't matter. We don't deserve proper names so we may as well stick with these." The Broken sighed.

The bird thought for another moment before speaking again.

"So... how would you describe me?"

The voices paused before Hunted spoke up.

"I would describe you as being a set of wings. And we would be the feathers attached to the wings. Except now we've fallen off."

The other voices stare in awe. That was surprisingly poetic coming from Hunted.

"Wing..." The bird pondered. "I... Iike the sound of that."

"I like it too." Princess smiled at Wing, who put their namesake around her shoulder lovingly in response.

---

After a while of talking with the ex-voices, Wing and Princess made their way back to their apartment. Now that they were part of society they had to find some way to make a living.

"This one should be easy. All I have to do is give people the food the chefs make in the restaurant." Princess circled a job opening in the news. "I may as well live up to my name and provide for the both of us."

Wing looked out of the window. They really did manage to find a good solution for everyone, didn't they?

This made them very happy. For themself, for Princess, for the voices who'd been helping them all this time, and even for the Narrator, who'd been given another chance at life.

They pondered for a moment, wondering what lay in store for everyone...

#slay the princess #well this happens next i guess #and after that awkward intro the real story begins after here #also edited to include the cw #forgot that dialogue was there when editing sorry #slay the princess spoilers #forgot to tag that too #i am very tired

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lakesbian · 1 year

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worm infinity train au. your thoughts

you may also be interested in the infinity train worm au! as for worm infinity train au:

perspective character taylor hebert has a dead mom and is chronically bullied at school. her life fucking sucks. she is, although she doesn't fully realize it, severely traumatized and suicidal as a result. one day, as she's heading to school in the morning, she stops and realizes she can't take it anymore. she's not sure if she just intends to skip or do...whatever else, but she can't force herself to take another step towards the building.

at this point, an entire fucking train manifests out of thin air and pulls up directly in front of her. the sign above the door displays where it's going:

ANYWHERE BUT HERE

she boards.

after: 1. waking up in some random place with a glowing green number tattooed onto her hand & wrapping up around her wrist (what the fuck) 2. stumbling out of the first car and realizing she's on some sort of massive train from hell running thru a seemingly infinite wasteland (what the FUCK) and 3. stumbling through several more cars in a more or less blind panic desperately trying to come to grips with whatever is going on here (WHAT THE FUCK, she reiterates to herself in her head)

...she runs into another person! a blonde girl named lisa who seems a little too calm about this whole situation. she's shockingly helpful and calming, and she explains her best guesses about the train and the purpose of the number to taylor.

"so you have a number too?" taylor thinks to ask, noticing for the first time that lisa's gloves & long sleeves are obscuring both of her hands & arms from view.

in what is absolutely not a smooth bit of redirection, lisa informs her that "yep, all of us do," and tips a thumb over her shoulder.

"us?" taylor asks.

at which point lisa leads taylor deeper into the car, introducing her to where the group of other teens she's traveling with are currently camped out. this group is comprised of:

brian laborn: de-facto leader with a number over halfway to his elbow. an amiable, somewhat stoic, and seemingly well-adjusted 17yo--although on closer inspection, he often seems to be masking unease. his number can often be seen going up at seemingly random, and has yet to decrease.

lisa wilbourn: default group advisor. her number is unknown to everyone else in the group. everyone but taylor has already learned not to bother bringing it up, and taylor learns shortly after lisa issues enough jokingly-condescending dismissals of her questions. despite remaining coy about her own history, lisa seems to always have a helpful opinion about the problems of her fellow passengers.

rachel 'bitch' lindt: quick-to-anger and tailed by several variously-doglike non-speaking denizens. it's not quite clear why she's sticking with the group, since she seems to respond poorly to really any direction or attempt at communication, but she's stuck with them nonetheless. has a number up to her elbow, and it gets higher every day.

alec vasil: has a number nearly to his shoulder, which ever-so-often oscillates a few digits either up or down, functionally remaining where it's at. has been on the train longest at 2 1/2 years. he's incredibly blasé about this, shrugging his shoulders and remarking that being on the train is "way more interesting than back home."

(aisha does also eventually join the group, having boarded shortly-ish after brian did. they're lucky enough to stumble into a reunion, which is equal parts relieving and awful for each. good news, you found your sibling! bad news, both of you are stuck on this fucking train! she has the lowest number--still entirely on her hand--and a penchant for being annoying like her life depends on it.)

taylor is integrated into the group, and wacky hijinks, bonding with people you would never hang out with otherwise via shared traumatic experiences, and extremely meandering character development ensues.

this goes a significantly more hopeful direction than worm--while the train fucking sucks, it is at least designed with healing in mind. the undersiders were never meant to be best friends for life, and rare few of them will keep in contact after they exit the train. but while they're on the train, there's a shared solidarity in crawling up from their lowest points side-by-side. for the duration of their time together on the train, they're family.

#worm #infinity train #ask #rotating this in my brain. i can't write taylor well enough to write this but what if i could #...script format maybe?

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galahadiant · 6 months

Text

The Rainy Hyades and Desert Hills

My 2023 @inklings-challenge entry for Team Chesterton!

Frankly I kind of hate this piece; it was planned to be part 1 of 3 but it is not working out at all. I'm glad I participated this year, though, even if intrusive fantasy is far from my preferred genre. Father Rivas is a recurring character of mine; people who've read any of my other horror writing set in modern-ish times might recognize the name.

---

The church is on the edge of town, with only a small parking lot and an old wire fence separating it from the sagebrush flats and the grit-red hills beyond. March came in warm this year, and rainier than usual, the storms carving divots of silver water into the gritty earth. Little pockets of scarlet and orange flowers grow in the shadows of the desert hills, half-hidden by the gray spines of sage.

Stations of the Cross are over, and the following fish fry is winding down in the dim evening light. Overhead, the steel-blue sky plays reluctant host to a spangling of early stars.

Father Rivas leans back against the clapboard side of the little church, keeping a sharp eye on the little groups of children playing in the lot. The adults are clustered around the grill and picnic table, the murmur of voices crescendoing now and then in laughter. A few beers were briefly brought out and shooed away– it is still Lent, after all. Almost Laetare Sunday. (Laetare, Jerusalem.)

Rivas is still a young man, but his back gives him trouble. The priest’s lanky frame can usually be found leaning on something, propped up at an angle like an abandoned scarecrow in black. He doesn’t miss much, despite preferring the company of the desert to that of his congregation. It’s been almost six years since he came out here; not far from his hometown, but smaller. A municipality and not a proper town, constantly threatened by the red-gold desert grit and the encroaching tumbleweeds. He likes it out here, even if he has to chase snakes and scorpions out of the sanctuary from time to time. The people are nice, but they don’t mind too much if you spend a lot of time staring out across the sagebrush flats, or if it takes a few tries for you to answer when you’re spoken to.

“Eden,” he calls warningly, as one particularly tall girl breaks away from the others and heads for the fence, “Be careful out there. Darkness sets in fast out here.”

Eden turns to look back at him, her amber eyes catching flame off of the single yellow porch light in front of the church. She leads most of the children here, and often leads them into trouble– though in fairness to her, they’re usually long out of the trouble by the time any grown-ups catch on. She’s clever, and unfortunately knows it.

“Rest assured, I won’t go far,” she says lightly. “But the starlight’s bright enough for me. I have good night vision.” She hops over the fence, and Rivas starts splitting his attention between her and the other children. A few of the younger kids run up to the edge of the fence, grabbing onto the old wooden fenceposts, and he sighs and disengages himself from his comfortable wall to go pick up Jasper, age four, and return him to the circle of porch-light.

From what he understands, there’s been a schism of sorts in the children over the last few months. Perhaps it started earlier, with the summer baseball team (the Woodpeckers.) Some of the boys from the baseball team have started their own little operation, with a base built somewhere out in the desert. Seems that Eden takes this as an insult; she’s been getting into fights with their unofficial leader, Asher. Both of them were dragged to Confession a few weeks ago after an incident with a baseball bat.

What is she doing going out into the desert at night?

There’s a bright flash of light overhead, and a shooting star– a low-flying airplane– a white bird burning– arcs across the sky, stunningly blue-white. Rivas barely has time to track it across the firmament before it strikes the horizon, afterimages blurring his vision in its wake.

“What was that? Did you see that?” calls Eden, running back towards the fence. He blinks a few times, the bruise-bright echo of light fading off of his eyelids. He takes a deep breath, the sharp smell of sage and dry earth.

Eden, her hands full of cicada shells and bone. The light of the porch reflects off of her startled face. “Was that a plane, Father? Should we go look?”

“I don’t think it was a plane,” he says, recovering himself a little. His back aches. “It looked like a meteorite to me.”

“If it was a plane that crashed, you might have to give people Last Rites,” she pursues.

“We would have felt the impact if it were a plane, or heard it.”

Eden frowns and looks back across the sagebrush flats, tucking her handfuls of cicada-shells into the pockets of her skirt. Something is building behind her face, clever-eyed, thin grim mouth. But then again, it always looks like there’s something building there.

The night grows deep, and parents collect their children and start home. The cicadas scream sporadically in the sagebrush flats, underneath their blanket of stars. “Hey, Father,” says a voice at his shoulder. Asher, with a pile of dirty paper plates in his hands. “We thought we’d stay and help clean up.”

Asher has a round freckled face and wears an outsize leather jacket whenever he can, even over his church clothes. He’s got one of the other boys with him; Cody. Black hair, dark eyes, big smile.

“Thank you, boys.”

“What’d you think about that falling star? Do you think there’s any of it left?” Asher’s bottle-green eyes are bright. He doesn’t look down at his hands at all as he works. “I bet Eden’s gonna want to give it to the Professor, but we think it should go in our museum.”

Rivas ties off the trash bag and heaves it into the dumpster. “Your museum?”

“Well, more of a collection. All kinds of cool stuff from nature and the desert, like skeletons and geodes. But it’ll be cooler than the Professor’s stuff, because he never lets anyone touch his things and they’re all hidden away in boxes. Like a museum for real people.”

“...All museums are for real people, Asher. Dr. Kaestner has a personal collection that he sometimes lets you kids look at.” He sighs and rubs his shoulder as a new twinge of pain goes down his shoulder and spine. “It’s good to have a collection of interesting things; I had something like that when I was a boy. It was mostly eggshells.”

Asher looks around. “Well, it looks pretty clean here,” he says, putting his hands on his hips. “We’re gonna head out. See ya, Father.”

“It’s long past dark,” says Rivas dubiously, looking up at the starry sky. The silver haze of the Milky Way can be seen dimly at the top of the sky, softening the hard, bright edges of the stars. When he looks down again, Asher and Cody have already scrambled over the fence, pushing through the gray-green sagebrush and scaring cicadas into the air. Cody sweeps a flashlight through the air, carving a blinding yellow path in the dark.

Unlike Eden, most of the Woodpeckers don’t have parents who will miss them out past dark. He paces at the edge of the fence, chewing on the inside of his cheek. When he looks out after the boys, cresting a hill and disappearing into the sharp shadows of the sage, he sees something shining on the horizon.

There is a great light and a soft wind out of the desert, and before he knows it he’s managed to scale the old fence, cattle wire snagging on the edge of his cassock, and headed off after them.

The light is almost blue, very pale, and would be too faint to see if it were not long past dark, but here, in the desert, in grit and darkness, in the balsamroot and sage and tufted desert grasses, he can see it. Almost like a second dawn. The light reflects gently on the narrow spearhead leaves of sage. The wind smells fresh-made tonight, sharp with the smell of distant juniper trees and quite cold for this time in the spring.

“Boys,” he calls warily, “Slow down. We don’t know exactly what it is.”

The trepidation in his voice makes Cody stop, catching at the sleeve of Asher’s oversized jacket. “We’d better wait,” he says, slowing down.

Asher sighs, climbing up onto a lichen-covered boulder to survey the landscape. His head is framed by a bright crown of stars, the face itself in a dim blue shadow. “I want to beat Eden there,” he says, scuffing a foot on the rock. “She’ll take all the magic out of it.” His sneakers are taped up with duct tape to hold the soles on; Rivas remembers that he needs to scrape together the money to get new shoes for the kids. Asher, Cody, Cody’s little sister Nina…

“Meteorites don’t glow like that,” says Rivas, squinting at the light. He thinks, now that they’re closer, that it’s coming from a cleft between two hills, some half a mile off. A small worry squirms in his gut. “It could be radioactive, or something.”

“You can feel it, though, can’t you?” asks Asher, sitting down on the boulder and sniffing the air like a dog. “The wind smells like it’s from another world, or something out of a myth. Surely it’d smell different if it were a bomb or something.”

“It’s not radioactive,” calls Eden. “Sillies.”

Rivas turns to see her picking her way across the sagebrush flats, holding up a plastic box that ticks sporadically. “Is that a Geiger counter?” he demands.

“I borrowed it from the Professor,” she says, with a sniff. “Father, what are you doing out here? This is our business.”

“No, it’s not. You’re thirteen.”

“I’m fourteen,” says Asher. “C’mon, Cody, let’s go.” He grabs the smaller boy and starts marching off. In places, the sagebrush is over the boys’ heads, and Asher has to use a stick to beat his way through it.

Rivas looks down at Eden. “Did you steal that?”

“...I plan to give it back,” she says, tossing one dark braid over her shoulder. She holds it up and starts walking, keeping a careful eye on the meter. “If it does start clicking more you should shout for the boys; they won’t believe me if I tell them.”

It’s a long walk, pathless through the sagebrush flats. The ground between the bushes is mostly bare, flecked here and there with flowers and wild, tufted grasses. The ground is gritty and flecked with small flakes of mica here and there that sparkle on the ground like another set of stars. Rivas mostly keeps his eyes turned downwards, focusing on keeping his footing without stepping on any scorpions or snakes that might still be out so late or tripping over the protruding roots. His shoes crunch in the rough sand as he follows Eden down a narrow cow-trail, into the sloping valley between hills.

“Father? Father?” calls Asher, from ahead. There’s a note of panic in his voice; Rivas’ head snaps up, and he starts to run.

“Asher? Are you boys hur–”

There is a crater at the impact site, dark spines of vitrified sand rising from the edge of the pit. The sagebrush around it has been singed and blackened, the sand and gravel piled in echoes of shockwaves,

and in the center of the crater,

there is a small girl.

She can’t be older than seven or eight, and her hair is ashen blonde and glowing. Her skin is pale, tinged with blue at the lips and on the fingers, and she has no clothes except for the grit and ash that covers her body and the long, shining curtain of her hair.

Her eyes are mirrors, dragonfly-faceted behind a mask of ash.

“...She must have come from the sky,” says Eden, scrambling down into the crater, and holds up the Geiger counter. The clicks become slightly more pronounced; a slow heartbeat. The girl turns to look up at her, shuffling away a little as Eden begins to chatter– switching languages every few words, English to Spanish to broken Navajo.

“Get away from her,” Asher snaps. “Look, she doesn’t understand what you’re saying.”

“She must understand something,” says Eden. “Father, you know Latin, right?”

“Why would she know Latin?” demands Asher. He shucks off his jacket and tries to give it to the girl, who switches her mirrored gaze over to him as the jacket falls limply onto her lap. He sighs and picks it up again, trying to wrap it more closely around her shoulders.

“She might be an angel…”

Rivas’ thoughts spin frantically, trying to figure out what to do. She looks like a little girl, surely, and not an angel. He feels like an angel should be older. What if someone comes looking for her? The second, more worrying question– if something comes looking for her?

“Hello,” he says, and swallows hard. He smiles weakly.

“Are you a Night Warden?” she asks. Her voice is high and slightly accented, the formal speech of a young child who hasn’t quite learned how tone works. “Can you help me find my mama?”

It’s a slight shock to hear her speak, but the relief more than makes up for it. She can understand him. “I’m a priest,” he says, squatting at the edge of the crater. The wind is cold, but he can feel heat radiating from the sand. Good thing it took them a little while to get out here, or Asher and Eden would have been badly burned. “Where did you last see her?”

“...In the garden.”

He probably should have expected that line of questioning to be less than useful.

“We could take her back to our base,” says Eden. “In the auto junkyard. We have sleeping bags there for when we go stargazing, and none of the adults would find out about her; this doesn’t seem like something the adults should know about. They might call…the government.” Her bright amber eyes flick up towards Rivas, weighing him thoughtfully.

“I don’t think Father Rivas counts,” Cody stage-whispers. “Right?”

Asher gently takes each of the girl’s arms and pushes them into the sleeves of the coat, which comes down past her knees. “She’s about the same size as my sisters,” he observes, fastening a button to hold the coat in place. The girl reaches out and touches his face with a small, silver hand. “Eden, you won’t tell the Professor, will you? Even if we do bring her to your base?”

She shakes her head grimly. “We’re going to have to carry her back,” she says. “The cheatgrass and sage are going to cut up her legs otherwise. How do shifts sound?”

Rivas’ forehead furrows. “I should carry her,” he says, and is met with three flat stares.

“Your back, Father,” says Eden.

“She’s not very big, we can do it,” Asher says with a wave of his hand. He looks almost unfamiliar without his jacket on, in a slightly oversized blue t-shirt and nervous goosebumps covering his bare arms.

“Fine, but I’ll carry her first,” Rivas concludes. “And we’re taking her to the church, not the junkyard. Cody, Eden, do either of you have any little girls’ clothes at home?” Eden nods.

He approaches the girl carefully, becoming aware that the sand in the crater is almost painfully hot. It’s a good thing it took them a while to get out here, otherwise he’d certainly be burning his hands right now. The wind is still cold. “Let’s get you somewhere inside, okay?” he says to the girl, putting on a friendly smile. “What’s your name? Do you want something to eat?”

She touches her lips hesitantly and nods. “Heliaca.”

It’s a long walk back. The girl Heliaca gazes up at the moonless sky the whole way, her dragonfly eyes tracing the milky way. She seems unbothered by the sharp, thin twigs of the big sagebrush scraping against her bare legs.

They make a line against the sky as they trek along the ridged earth, gravel and sand shifting beneath them. Rivas, and then Eden, tall and lanky, and Asher, smacking his arms to keep warm, and Cody trailing a little behind to pick up pebbles. The girl, shining, outlines their silhouettes in liquid silver.

Eden breaks away at the edge of town. “I’ll go get her some of my old things; I can get in and out without my dad noticing,” she says, scrambling up and over the fence and taking off down the road. “He shouldn’t be back from his shift yet, anyway.”

Asher jogs after her, his duct-tape sneakers snapping against the asphalt.

“...I guess they’ll be back soon,” says Rivas to Cody.

The younger boy nods, his dark hair flopping down over his eyes. “Can I have a snack, too?”

“I’ll see what we have.”

They have chocolate-chip granola bars and juice boxes in the church basement, as it turns out. Also, a couple of very crushed fruit rollups, a clementine, and a rather stale loaf of whole wheat bread, which Rivas decides to throw away. These must be leftover snacks from the last time 4-H was in here.

He sits Heliaca on the floor and puts an unwrapped granola bar into her hand. “Cody, can you help her with the juice box? I’m going to go make some tea, or hot cocoa or something.” He feels the urgent need to make something with his hands, to shoo away the worries that are building in his head.

What’s going to come after her? Ordinarily he’d laugh at Eden’s whisper about the government finding out; she picked that up from her parents, a parroted turn of phrase. She might not actually be wrong this time, though. There’s bound to be some investigation, even a small one, and their footprints are all over that impact site.

He rubs his aching shoulder absentmindedly and leans against the small kitchen table in the rectory as the teakettle boils.

And what about that mother? If she does come after the girl, will she be like a human?

What if she doesn’t come at all?

The whistle of the teakettle makes him jump. He pours the water into five mugs of varying sizes, digs out honey and packets of creamer and tea. When he gets back to the basement, Asher is back with a pile of clothes.

“Eden’s dad got home early, so she had to go to bed,” he explains, sifting through the rumpled pile. Underwear, mismatched socks, a couple of dresses and a rather faded sweater that Rivas remembers Eden wearing constantly when she was ten or eleven. “I brought all the stuff, though. I was worried she might snitch, but it seems like she really wants to keep this quiet. Helps that the Professor is probably asleep.” Heliaca, sucking quietly on a juice box, examines the clothing.

“Don’t you know how clothes work?” asks Cody. He starts pouring honey into his mug of hot water until Rivas reaches over and wrestles the squeeze bottle away from him.

“I know,” she says, putting down the juice box and picking up a sock. “I’ve seen Earth people wear all these things. I’m just not normally so small.” She pulls the sock on, upside-down, and then puts a second one on correctly. “You have so few hands,” she adds casually, which is a little worrying in implication.

“Hey, Father, can I have the honey?” asks Asher, leaning over to try to take the bottle out of Rivas’ hand. He, at least, has actual tea steeping in his cup and not just boiling water.

“Yes, fine.” Rivas is picking up one of the dresses to hand to Heliaca– she can’t keep wearing Asher’s coat forever, after all– when a sharp knock sounds on the door upstairs.

Not likely to be continued. But maybe; if I do continue it I'll put links to the other parts down here.

#inklings challenge #inklingschallenge #team chesterton #genre: intrusive fantasy #theme: clothing #story: unfinished #theme: food

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riacte · 1 year

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I can’t believe it’s gonna be a year since 2022 r/place? Like what the hell lmao 😭

Honestly I don’t expect r/place to come back this year for Reddit’s yearly April Fools joke because it’ll be predictable and it hasn’t been five years yet… although they could possibly add a twist to it (like how 2022’s ended with a white void unlike 2017). But I know people have been speculating and digging into the code and have found “evidence”. Oh well.

In any case, some thoughts from someone who was very chronically online during 2022 r/place and wrote long update posts daily:

1. If you’re part of a fandom and want to contribute to a mural, it’s very likely that some sort of central organisation has been set up on the subreddit and / or on Discord. And you should probably check it out before you do anything about the mural.

Organisation and diplomacy is key to r/place. Just because you personally want to expand doesn’t mean the central organisation wants to because it risks angering allies. Last year I saw people getting frustrated over “rogues” not following the instructions determined by the central organisation, which threatened our harmonious coexistence with a much bigger group (in this case it was Brazil).

I’m not trying to gatekeep but it’s honestly easier if you do want the crowd wants you to do instead of doing it on your own. Especially if you’re a smallish fandom trying to survive.

2. As a follow up to the above point, instructions from central organisations are often fluid and change very quickly. This is due to the ever changing geopolitics of r/place. Allies can become enemies, enemies can become allies. But I think usually people are pretty good at spreading information around.

3. It can be quite easy to get sucked into the virtual world of r/place. I severely needed to touch grass after last year’s craziness. It can be fun, but it can also be very taxing, both mentally, emotionally, and physically (if you’re the type to stay up late). So remember to take care of yourself!

I genuinely think r/place is fascinating. It’s like a microcosm of the world, with its geopolitics, borders, alliances, creativity, and all of that is over pixels on Reddit. Everyone is so serious over unserious things. It’s also extremely funny when you hear stuff like “Love Live wants to nuke Macedonia” and “Sexy Sex requires our help”.

I also like how people have different recollections of this event because naturally people are in different subreddits, timezones, experience things differently, but it all comes together to form a collective story on r/place. And it’s crazy how long the impacts can last for. Like I still fondly think about those four-ish days when Reddit collectively lost their minds. It felt like a fever dream. Truly one of the experiences of all time.

#ria.txt #r/place #if this somehow breaches containment #yes i am a blog about block people #I was peak online back then 😭 writing my long posts channeling my highschool history student essay writing energy

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crownleys · 6 months

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Have you noticed any trends/patterns in what makes you 'fannish' about something? (Particular mediums, character dynamics, aesthetics etc.) Also, is there anything you love but don't feel the impulse to engage in fandom with?

This was a really interesting question, and I had to sit and think about it for a while before feeling like I had some good conclusions to share with you, Anon! I think in general there's three things that have to be in the mix that get me feeling 'fannish'/involved in the fandom for something: 1) Regularly engaging with the source material 2) A good community 3) Space to play

I'll put the rest under a cut because I'm sure I'm about to ramble for a while

So, with regards to point one, it feels relevant to mention that I don't particular feel like I've been a member of too many fandoms. I'd say two, exactly -- Zombies, Run! and The Wayhaven Chronicles. I've dabbled with things like The Locked Tomb Series and Dragon Age of course, but I never necessarily felt like part of the fandom, just because it was so large and multifacted, and I only briefly engaged with it as someone who contributed to those respective fandoms. But with ZR and TWC, they're both things that have stuck around longer, mostly because I've continued to play them for a very long time. I got started with ZR about 10 years ago. When I was my most active with it was when I was going out literally every day and listening to missions, which helped keep the story and characters really fresh in my mind. It also helped me constantly think up new themes and ideas I really wanted to explore within the setting and with the characters. Similar with Wayhaven -- I played through all the books when Book 3 came out in April and I've more or less had a play-through going since then. My actual play-throughs have fallen a little on the wayside just because of life things but I'm still thinking about it & engaging with the source material a lot. So I guess my point is, to truly feel 'fannish' about something I need to be a little bit obsessed, lol!

As for my second point, I've truly felt my most 'fannish'/part of the fandom when I find a good community to interact with. One of my favorite parts of being a fan is actually getting to talk about the material in question -- play with it, theorize, etc. The Zombies, Run! Fandom when I joined was amazing for that, and there continued being a really good group constantly discussing meta on their Rofflenet website the entire time I was a player. There was even a weekly zoom book club to discuss the current releasing missions! It was awesome! And with Wayhaven I feel like I've found a really nice circle of mutuals to sit and talk about the books with (and also obviously, my dearest Delucadarling, who I constantly talk about it with). Which brings me to my last point, is I really like having a lot of space to 'play' and feel fannish. With ZR, it has a huge sprawling universe of a zombie apocalypse, and only a very small portion is shown to the players via the audio. It leaves a lot of room to imagine what happens around the missions. And with Wayhaven, since only a portion of the story is out, it leaves a lot of room to imagine with happens next to all the characters. That is the sort of thing I really find motivating! And there's for sure plenty of things I love that I don't really engage with the fandom for, or engage pretty lightly. For example, I've really been loving Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks, but I haven't really done more than chat with a few friends about it. Similarly for a lot of the books I read -- I'll talk about them with a friend or two but not really seek out a lot of online content for them. I also watch a lot of cooking competitions, lol, so that's different for me to. If you've stuck with me for this long thank you! I really appreciated the question and I hope you have a great day <3

#she speaks #ask and answer

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helenadurazzo · 3 months

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The Lord of The Underworld and His Lady of Spring Part 1

In this story for the HPHM x Twisted Wonderland AU, Vil, Rook, Epel, Deuce, Ace, Asteria, Jamil, Kalim and Helena are talking about their recent performance at a competition and their shortcomings due to be tired from dealing with an overblot in the midst of it. However as things start to look for the better, even with Grim’s location unknown to the girls temporarily, they turn south faster than one could imagine.

Asteria belongs to @princess-of-pearls-and-stars while Helena belongs to me. These stories are Inspired by Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of Book 6

One minute, they were talking about their recent concert appearance and shortcomings. The next, Ramshackle shook in a way that Helena and Asteria were both convinced the old and archaic building was going to collapse. It had been abandoned for years after all and was a wreck when they first moved in.

Epel was the first to bring the suspicions everyone was thinking into words, “Was that an earthquake?”

Rook looked out the window in an attentive way just like a hunter, and his eyes widened when he found his target. “No it isn’t, look out the window.”

Kalim rushed over to the window and followed Rook’s eyes towards the sky with his own, “What in the world!? There’s a bunch of guys flying through the air! Are they on hoverboards.”

“Technology like that means it might be related to Ignihyde.” Asteria did her best to remain calm.

“I’ve been to Ignihyde many times to watch animes with Idia.” Helena reminded her sister, “And while I believe they have a handful of these hoverboard things, it’s certainly not that many. And those don’t even look like students.”

“That’s not possible…” Vil breathed, not really paying attention to the girl’s words it seemed not that it mattered all that much. “This school has a magical barrier to keep out intruders. And it is always up as long as we don’t have a special event going on.”

“Maybe that sound was the barrier getting breached!” Jamil theorized.

“But how?” Vil reminded him, “It is complex magic.”

“Some are coming this way!” Rook called out to alert the group, “Let’s see there is one, two-!?” He then did a 180 degree turn and faced the group, “EVERYONE GET DOWN!”

Large sounds followed as figures crashed into the structure of Ramshackle. Soon enough they were all on the floor trying to get cover. Helena barely even noticed Asteria’s protective arm around them.

“Asteria! Helena!” Deuce called out first, rushing over. “Are you both ok?”

“I-“ Helena was about to respond before she was silenced by the sight in front of her. There were at least three guard looking figures in some sort of technologically advanced armor. It was a metallic grey with a couple of its accents being a glowing blue. They appeared to be quite hostile and heartless, nothing like Ortho, well, at least when he wasn’t trying to shoot the school down with a laser beam to save Idia from a crazy ghost bride that is.

Once they regained their footing, Jamil jumped in front of his Housewarden, “Kalim get back!” He firmly instructed as he looked at the guards the same way Helena did. “I’ve never seen that kind of gear before…” He muttered to himself, although Helena could just barely hear his words and assumed others could as well to some extent.

“Hepta team coming in.” One of the mysterious intruders started, seemingly alerting their master of a discovery, “We’ve got visuals on subjects D, E, and G. Moving in for capture.”

“I haven’t the faintest idea who these people are.” Vil began as he tried to examine the guards from a distance, “but crashing through windows shows an appalling lack of manners.” He turned to the rest of the group with a firm expression, “I hereby declare this an emergency! By my authority as Pomefiore Housewarden, I authorize the use of magic on the intruders!”

“Oui!” Rook seconded as the vice housewarden.

“I do the same for Scarabia!” Kalim mustered in his most authoritative voice. “Prepare for battle!”

Vil’s eyes turned to Deuce, Ace, Epel, Asteria, and Helena, “Freshmen, stay back, and do not get involved for your own safety. Heartslabyul students, call your Housewarden!”

“Yes sir!” Deuce, Ace, Epel, and Helena said in unison, however Helena could see out of the corner of her eye that Asteria was frustrated by sitting on the sidelines. But surely she knew that their magic only seemed to work half the time in this world, right?

The same robotic guard spoke again, “Subjects D and E exhibiting hostility, Subject G showing signs of retreating. Requesting permission to engage.”

“Permission granted.” A voice over the robots intercom sounded. “Execute capture plan C”

~~~

“They’re all struggling…” Epel observed as the battle commenced.

“Those oar-looking staffs can churn out spells real quick!” Deuce pointed out with a great amount of perception.

“AUGH!” Vil exclaimed as said oar-looking staff-thing shot another intense concentration of magic.

“VIL!” Rook called out as Vil collapsed on the ground, and by the looks of it, also lost consciousness.

“Subject E is subdued.” The robotic guard sounded. “Securing now.”

“GAHHH!” Jamil screamed out as the same thing that happened to Vil moments ago occurred to him as well.

“JAMIL!” Kalim panicked.

“We have also secured Subject D, all that is left is Subject G.” The robotic guard informed its instructor or head of operations Helena theorized. “Tetra team has already captured Subject F.

Once the last capture is complete we will rendezvous then return to HQ.”

“Where are you taking them!” Kalim frantically requested, “WAIT!”

“Whoa…” Ace breathed, “The housewardens and vice housewardens went down in seconds.”

“And it’s not over yet…” Asteria pointed out, “They were talking about a Subject G, perhaps that’s Kalim or Rook? But why did they stop if that’s the case?”

“didn’t they say that ‘Subject G’ was retreating? If we assume it is someone in here then it has to be one of us.” Deuce determined.

“But who would that be?” Epel pondered.

“Heck if any of us know.” Helena snapped. “We should just stay low.”

“Tetra team has regrouped with Hepta Team.” The intruders sounded again.

“What in Tarnation!” Epel exclaimed again as he looked up, “They are hauling a cage. Wait… ain’t that…”

“LEMME OUT! GET ME OUT OF HERE!”

Helena and Asteria recognized the voice even before they saw who it came from. As they looked simultaneously through the rubble and dense amounts of people. They spotted Grim, being carried in a cage with tight bars as he attempted to escape his prison. How did he end up in such a predicament after the Shrouds helped with retrieving him earlier?

“GRIM!?” Asteria called out frantically.

“Ace! Asteria! Helena! Deuce!” Grim cried out.

“We need to stop them!” Epel got on his feet, “Come on, I ain’t doing this on my own am I?”

“Right!” Deuce agreed, “Hold on Grim! I’ll save you!”

“Dude, Vil just told us to stay back.” Ace tried to remind them, “Helena has a point you know, if we fight we will loose, we should just stay low, and come up with a plan when we can have, no offense, a stronger team?”

“Don’t be such a coward!” Asteria quickly got on her feet pulling out her wand, with Helena reluctantly following suit.

“OH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!” Ace pleaded, but presumed he had no choice.

~~~

Asteria noted how the battle was practically over before it started, and somehow ending up as the last to emerge in their line of fighters despite Ace and Helena’s initial reluctance. She couldn’t doubt that it was a disturbing sight to behold.

“Argh.” Ace mumbled mindlessly. “Didn’t stand… a chance… urgh.”

“Urgh guh…” Deuce moaned.

“Dagnabbit.” Epel muttered.

Yet the only voice Asteria didn’t manage to hear, even in a soft tone, was that of her own sister. Her eyes frantically scanned the room and eventually spotted her figure. And panicked when she saw her sister not moving.

“HELENA!” Asteria frantically called out, trying to rush to her but the robotic guards beat her to it, taking her sister.

“Subject G is secured.” The robotic man sounded, “Reporting Back to HQ.”

“Lemme Go!” Grim pleaded, “I don’t want to go! Asteria!!!” He called as his paw reached out to her.

“GRIM! HELENA!” Asteria called out, practically screaming as they were taken away.

“VIL! JAMIL!” Rook and Kalim did the same in nearly identical tones to Asteria.

Rook growled then did a few meditative breaths before turning to Scarabia’s Housewarden, “Kalim, we must tend to our injured freshmen. I will take them to the infirmary.”

“But Jamil…” Kalim stammered, “Jamil’s been…”

“KALIM.” Rook asserted to get his attention. “You must calm yourself. Jamil has been abducted. You need to step up and fulfill your Housewarden duties by yourself.”

Kalim only reluctantly sighed, however it seemed to be more out of concern for Jamil than the idea of added rightful responsibility, “All right, I’ll go summon the other house “wardens.”

Ace grunted again, “…didn’t pick up…”

Asteria rushed to Ace’s side, his mumbling did not sound promising, nor did his grunting. And he seemed to be wincing from pain.

“Huh?” Rook raised an eyebrow.

Ace attempted to speak again, wincing against the pain as Asteria looked at him with widened eyes trying to tend to him and Deuce the best she could, at least Epel seemed to be in a better state, although that wasn’t saying much. “Called…Housewarden Riddle…but he didn’t…pick up…”

“Oh no!” Kalim exclaimed as realization hit his features and he turned to Rook, “Do you think?”

“There is a likely chance.” Rook determined, “We don’t have much time, we must warn whoever we can.”

#HPHM #Hogwarts mystery #Twisted Wonderland #twst #twst book 6 #Asteria Othonos #Helena Durazzo #Helena Othonos #Grim #Vil Schoenheit #Rook Hunt #Epel Felmier #Kalim Al Asim #Jamil Viper #Ace Trappola #Deuce Spade #Styx #The Lord of The Underworld And His Lady of Spring

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