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aparticularbandit · 4 months

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Instigation: Chapter Two

Summary: Steve sends Wanda to seek out an old witch he once knew, and eventually, Wanda brings said old witch back to meet her family.

Wanda Maximoff/Agatha Harkness

Chapter Rating: T. Fic Rating: T.

AO3

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End of July, 2015.

Wanda clomps her way up the staircase to Agnes’s apartment complex, shoves open the doorway (there should be a lock, but she suspects it’s broken), and then clomps further down the hallway and up the many flights of stairs to Agnes’s apartment, dripping all the way. A part of her hopes that the water dripping off of her will actually clean the carpets enough that the stench of dust and mildew and, eventually, smoke will go away, but the longer she stands in one spot, just outside of Agatha’s apartment, waiting for her to answer the door, the more she’s aware that the water is somehow making the already horrible smell worse, like it’s activating some sort of long hidden mold.

It’s somewhere between the middle and the end of July, and it should be devastatingly hot outside, even in the storm, but it isn’t, and it’s even colder in here, where weary fans beat stagnant air and, somehow, cool it. Wanda shivers. Wraps her arms around herself in an attempt to warm herself. Remembers that her clothes are just as soaked as she is and thus not only don’t provide more warmth but, somehow, only make her colder. She raises her hand to rap her knuckles on Agnes’s door again only for that door to open at just the right moment.

Agnes catches Wanda’s fist with her hand and gently strokes her thumb across Wanda’s fingers. “Didn’t you hear, hon? Storm’s coming. No training today.”

“Storm’s already here, Agnes,” Wanda croaks out. She coughs once – twice – and regrets tugging her hand from Agnes’s to cover her mouth. “I....” Her gaze shifts away from Agnes’s curious, searching one. “Your complex is shit,” she finally says in her rough accent. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Oh, hon.” Agnes’s tone aches in a way that draws warmth from Wanda’s chest, which should help her feel better but really only serves to make her feel more nervous. “I’m a witch. I’ve lived through much worse.” Then she leans forward, hides her lips behind one hand, and whispers to her, as though anyone else in the empty hallway might be listening, “And what with the Sanctum next door…they tend to take good care of their neighbors.”

Wanda nods in acceptance of her own foolishness. She tucks wet strands of hair behind her ear, pulls her fingers away wet. “I…I should go. You have everything taken care of.”

But as she turns to leave, Agnes grips her shoulder. “Don’t you dare, super star. It’s raining cats and dogs out there, and you’re already wet as a drowned shrew!” The last word catches in her throat, sounds slightly more frantic than the rest, but it’s one word in a whirlwind, and while Wanda notices it at first, it gets lost in the shuffle, especially as Agnes tries to tug her into the apartment.

“Hey!”

Agnes’s face falls as Wanda whirls around, and the spark that normally lights up her bright blue eyes fades. “You don’t want to stay with me.” The words aren’t bombs, but the wounded way Agnes says them might as well be, the way it sinks into Wanda’s skin so much more easily than the rain soaking her does.

The problem is that Wanda very much does want to stay with Agnes. She’s wanted to stay with Agnes pretty much every day since the moment they met. But despite Steve’s insistence that she track the Agatha Harkness who no longer lives here down, and despite his more than excessive joy that she’d found someone who could teach her witchcraft (as Wanda now knows her “power” truly is), even he had still been hesitant about the idea of Wanda staying anywhere other than the complex, even if Agnes is her teacher. She knows that hesitancy has less to do with her and more to do with Agnes, but sometimes….

Sometimes, Wanda feels like the other Avengers only act like they trust her. Like maybe, in reality, they only kept her because she was powerful – not because she had nowhere else to go, but because she was just another person with powers that they couldn’t let slip through their grasp, because if they did, maybe she’d turn on them again. And Agnes – even if she’d been honest about her, they have no way of knowing that and no way of knowing Agnes well enough to trust her.

Not more than they already are, of course.

Sometimes, Wanda thinks she can just catch a glimpse of Natasha outside, spying on them. But there’s no way that could be true. Sure, Natasha might be spying on them, but if she was, Wanda would never catch her. Still, it’s…it’s the idea of it.

“There are…there are people waiting on me,” Wanda stutters out, her gaze dropping to Agnes’s hand where it’s fallen to her side. “They’d….” Her head tilts to one side. “They’d be upset if I didn’t…if I stayed.”

“You tell yourself that, hon, but don’t expect me to believe it.” Agnes lets out a disheartened sigh. She glances out the nearby window, and while Wanda doesn’t follow her gaze, she can still see the still darkening storm clouds gathering in the sky. “You should get going,” she says, gaze dropping even more. “Storm’s only going to get worse before it gets better.”

“Agnes.”

Agnes just shakes her head. “Don’t mind me, hon. Get going before you get stuck here.”

Before I get— Wanda’s eyes light up. She takes Agnes’s hand in her own and gives it a gentle, if slippery, squeeze. “Agnes, you’re a genius.” She wants to kiss her for it – to kiss her forehead, to bring the hand in hers up to her lips, to kiss her the way she’s wanted to kiss her for a while now and simply hasn’t – but despite that longing, she doesn’t. In spite of herself, though, she does let her fingers trace Agnes’s chin before tilting her head back so that she can meet her eyes. (This only makes her want to kiss her more. She suppresses that feeling.) “If I’m stuck,” Wanda says, trying desperately not to grin, “I can stay.”

“Wanda, dear, I don’t want you to be stuck if you want to—” Then Agnes’s eyes light up, too, as though suddenly understanding what Wanda is saying. A grin spreads across her lips, the sort of smirk that always happens just before she gets into mischief. “We’ll just have to make sure you’re stuck as a pig.”

Wanda blinks twice. “I don’t know what that means, but I hope it’s good.”

Agnes just winks, takes Wanda’s hand in her own again, interlaces their fingers, and tugs her into her apartment before shutting and locking the door behind them.

“What does she mean she’s stuck?”

Wanda presses her lips together in a thin line. For all that she hopes Steve doesn’t have her on speaker phone, there’s absolutely no assurance that he doesn’t – and even if he doesn’t, he has very clearly updated the others around him to her situation. That particular quip came from Sam, with whom she has a fairly strained relationship. She hears other voices in the background – loud enough that she can make out Vision and Natasha, but not so loud as Sam, not so loud that she can make out exactly what they’re saying.

Finally, Steve says on the other end, “We’re coming to get you.”

“No, you’re not.” Wanda’s gaze grows steely, even though that doesn’t help when she’s on the phone. “I will be safe here with Agnes, and if something happens, the Sanctum will take care of it.” Again, the noisy silence as Steve relays what she’s saying to the group around her, and this time, before he says anything, she tells him, “You can put me on speaker phone, Steve.”

“I’d rather not.”

Wanda takes a sharp breath in. She resumes her pacing, going back and forth in Agnes’s kitchen, wet pants slapping on the now quite slippery tile. “Steve,” she hisses, her accent growing heavier in her frustration. “Ask Natasha. I know she’s been casing the complex.” She ignores how the other end falls into complete silence. “Tell him, Natasha.”

There’s a muffled sound as the phone changes hands. “You weren’t supposed to know.” Natasha’s voice, much warmer than Steve’s, but not any better at this moment.

“I’m not a child.” Wanda lets out a little huff. “You might give me a long leash, but it’s still a—”

“There’s a difference between a leash and being careful, Wanda.” Natasha cuts through before she can finish. “We don’t know this Agnes—”

“—and Steve doesn’t know Agatha, either,” Wanda snaps back, “but he didn’t mind my seeing her.” Her gaze lifts just enough to meet Agnes’s, too late to notice the glimmer of amusement at the mention of the other name.

Agnes sits perched atop one of her kitchen stools, a cup of tea in one hand. There’s the slightest possibility that she’s only listening to Wanda’s side of the conversation, but in all honesty, if Steve doesn’t want to keep their conversation private, then Wanda doesn’t particularly either. As she looks, Agnes lifts her fingers just enough to tap next to her eyes, but Wanda shakes her head. Sure, she could try to influence them through the phone, but then she would fall into exactly what she knows they’re scared of her doing. Agnes just gives a little shrug and returns to sipping her tea.

“Wanda,” Natasha says, “if you want to stay, I won’t stop you.” There’s a squabble in the background, but there’s also the sharp click-clacking of heels on tile, the squabbling growing softer as Natasha appears to walk away from them. “You’re an adult. You can make your own choices.”

“Thank you—”

“But I expect,” Natasha continues as if Wanda hasn’t said anything, “the next time you want to stay with your friend, you don’t use some excuse like being stuck.” Her voice grows soft and dark. “Don’t lie to us. We deserve better than that.”

Wanda flushes with a shame that she knows Natasha can’t see, just like she can’t see the stern look she knows Natasha would be giving her right now, if she were there. “I understand.”

“You are an adult, and if you want to spend time with someone—”

“I understand,” Wanda repeats, her gaze dropping. She stamps her foot on the tile, and it catches on the puddle beneath her before she rights herself. “I’ll…I’ll see you tomorrow. After the storm passes.”

Natasha gives a little hum. “After the storm passes.”

Wanda flips her phone shut and stuffs it into her pocket. She takes a steadying breath, hoping it will calm her, and turns on her heel to—

To do nothing, because she immediately slips on the wet tile and falls backward.

Before her head hits the harsh tile floor, however, strong – Wanda didn’t realize how strong – hands catch her. She looks straight up into Agnes’s bright blue eyes, breathing heavily, and thinks…. Well, it doesn’t much matter what she thinks.

Agnes offers her a smug, yet somehow soft, smile. “I’ve got you, twinkle toes.” She gently rights her, and when Wanda slips on the wet tiles again, she holds her steady, both hands on either side of Wanda’s waist. Then she chuckles and leans close enough to whisper with her breath hot on Wanda’s ear, “Falling for me, hot stuff?”

“Um.”

Wanda swallows hard before she turns in Agnes’s grasp, and she bites her lower lip hard before she looks into Agnes’s eyes again. “You. Um.” Her lips press together, and she shakes her head, unable to get any words out.

“Well,” Agnes purrs, “why don’t we get you out of those sopping clothes and warmed up?” She seems to ignore the flush suddenly scarleting Wanda’s cheeks as she gently – and carefully – leads her out of the kitchen, holding Wanda in place whenever she slips again. “I think a nice hot shower would be good for you, hon.”

“I don’t have anything to wear.” Wanda turns to Agnes, blushes, and drops her gaze. “I-I-I don’t have anything to wear,” she repeats. It’s the worst thing of all, how sometimes when Agnes touches her – even when they’re practicing – she falls all apart like this.

But Agnes gently lifts her chin and gives her a wry smile. “We’re witches, dear. I think we’ll be able to come up with something.”

In the shower, Wanda has a lot of alone time to think.

Well. Not a lot. But enough.

So when she gets out of Agnes’s singular bathroom, wearing one of Agnes’s shirts (perhaps the one she’d worn when Wanda first met her), wrapped in the sweet scent of Agnes’s soap and shampoo, Wanda makes a decision. Perhaps it isn’t the right one. Perhaps she’s simply tired.

But Natasha was right. Wanda is an adult. If she wants something, she should say it, and she shouldn’t manipulate circumstances to try and get things the way she wants without doing something about it first. That certainly isn’t the way she likes people to treat her, and it’s certainly not the way she should treat other people.

Especially not people she thinks she might like.

Wanda finds Agnes sitting on her couch, a cup of tea set on the table next to her, and sits down next to her. When Agnes turns to her with bright eyes, Wanda places a finger over her lips, stopping her from saying anything. This is supposed to help. It should make it easier for her. But it doesn’t.

She should say something.

Wanda tries to – the words get caught in her throat; her mouth opens and closes, and nothing comes out. Then her gaze drops. She takes in the light smattering of freckles across the bridge of Agnes’s nose, so light that she wouldn’t be able to see them if she wasn’t this close, and then her gaze drops lower, focusing on Agnes’s lips as they spread into a smirk.

“Here, hon,” Agnes whispers around Wanda’s finger. “Let me help you.” She kisses it gently, and Wanda pulls her finger back, gaze returning to Agnes’s eyes and searching them gently. Then she sits up a little straighter, lets her own gaze drop to Wanda’s lips, and then tilts her head to one side before kissing her.

Agnes is surprisingly gentle.

When she breaks away, Wanda can’t stop herself from leaning in for another kiss, hungry for the taste of her on her tongue. She smiles when Agnes hums for her. “This is okay, then,” she murmurs, brushing her nose against Agnes’s, “is it?”

Agnes just chuckles, a deep, throaty sort of thing. “Wanda, hon. At some point, you were going to need help with this attraction between us.” She kisses her again, a soft peck of a thing. “Why do you think I conjured the storm?”

“You…?” Wanda’s eyes widen with understanding, and then she, too, laughs. “You’ll have to teach me that one.” Then she snakes her hair through Agnes’s wild hair the way she’s wanted to do since they met, tugs her toward her, and kisses her the way she’s wanted to be kissed, the way she’s wanted to kiss her.

And when Agnes kisses her back, it feels like the only good thing that’s happened in a very, very long time.

#bandit fic #december banditnanza 2023 fic #instigation with wanda and co #mcu #wanda maximoff #scarlet witch #agatha harkness #steve rogers #natasha romanov #vision mcu #mcu vision #sam wilson #harximoff #wandagatha #wagatha #agatha harkness x wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x agatha harkness

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lakesbian · 1 year

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Train Guys in Worm: Presuming all the train passengers Could Trigger, and presuming that their crossroads moment either IS or is CLOSE TO their Trigger, what powers do you think they'd get?

oh damn i guess there is train/worm crossover! win for me (guy who was obsessed w/ train right before i got Into into worm).

obligatory disclaimer: these are all just what i think are The Coolest Options, not firmly set in one universe or the other. just roll with any discrepancies/take them as they are. this is gonna be long, and i'm not in the mood to concept-edit for internal logic.

[cracks knuckles]

tulip: too much of a support system, not at enough of a low, can't trigger

lake: escaped case 53. brute 5, thinker 3 - made entirely of an unknown highly-reflective metal. exceedingly high breaking and melting points. weighs approx. 1,000 pounds. is only about as strong as an athletic 13yo girl, but, like...if that athletic 13yo girl couldn't feel pain or physical exertion and was also capable of throwing 1,000 lbs of body weight around. running on "has enough adrenaline to lift a car off a trapped family member" physical capability 24/7. doesn't need to eat, drink, or breathe. - unconscious minor precog presenting itself as particularly strong mental impulses towards decisionmaking which minimizes the chances of harm coming to her. this functions largely as a defensive combat thinking ability--if she could climb up that nearby pipe to dodge containment foam and then land an elbow slam from it, she's gonna get the idea to do it. very good at "coincidentally" stumble-dodging a power she's never seen in use before by an inch. this adds a solid point or two to her brute rating because of how effectively it enables her to throw her weight around and avoid attacks. she occasionally gets impulses towards what the next steps she could take in a plan to avoid large-scale/impending danger are, but there's not necessarily a guarantee the entire plan will work out--it's just a nudge onto the right path. (think the many times she dodges a sander by an inch in canon + her getting the idea to go to the engine despite having no idea what she'll do when she gets there.)

my sweet sweet SWEET darling boy whom i love jesse: pressures his little brother into doing Something dangerous his shithead friends think will be funny. it goes bad, and nate is sent to the hospital with some serious injuries. panicked, guilty, and terrified that he still doesn't feel prepared to drop the masks he puts up, jesse runs away from home. he runs into his shithead friends, makes a poor attempt to stand up to them & tell them off, and that goes bad as well. when they turn on him, it quickly becomes both devastatingly mentally and physically dangerous. the worst part is that, in the moment, he doesn't wish that he had been better at standing up to them. instead, he wishes that he had just been better at pleasing them, better at finding a way to keep everyone happy with him. trigger.

master, threat rating pending. anyone jesse perceives as needing to like him--whether because they're a physical threat, or simply a threat to his deep insecurities--will begin perceiving him as a friend, with the nature of this perceived friendship adjusting to be indiscernible from how it would appear if it had arisen naturally. this is an ironic reflection of what caused him to trigger in the first place: everyone likes him, but no one likes him for him.

the power is uncontrollable and always on. he is not aware of how it functions, and currently retains his typical desperate people-pleasing behavior.

alan dracula: the PRT thought that the weird deer was jesse's master minion. as it turns out, it's not. in fact, nobody has any fucking idea what it is. there are some theories that it's a really fucked up case 53, but...as anyone in-the-know knows, cauldron has no idea what the fuck that thing is, either. in fact, all signs point to it genuinely being a minutely-smarter-than-average regular deer, but with superpowers. the PRT has given it another name, but jesse and lake loudly insist that his name is alan dracula. alan dracula cares about 1. grass and 2. jesse and lake, in that order. jesse and lake do not at any point explain when or how they met alan dracula. attempts to probe into His Deal are met with a very condescending explanation that he's a deer, and also their friend. this is not because he's using any sort of memory or behavior altering power on them--he's just a deer, he has no reason to do all that.

changer 12 (trump 12, blaster 12, stranger 12, brute 12, mover 12). alan dracula could kill an endbringer. alan dracula isn't going to kill an endbringer, because there's no grass involved. alan dracula only ever releases a fraction of his power, and for this, we should all be grateful.

(i maintain that there's literally no possible way to good-faith translate alan dracula into worm without going this route. if you wormify train characters and you don't make alan dracula a weird fucking deer, you're doing it wrong. alan dracula could beat the shit out of contessa, i don't give a fuck. he's alan dracula.)

grace: her life was going great, right up until she met hazel and started changing. reconsidering things. it hurt when tuba died. she feels like she's desperately spinning plates, trying not to drop any, trying to keep simon happy and hazel safe. it starts taking more lies, more manipulation, just to keep the most basic social interaction going smoothly. she almost thinks she has it, thinks she can make room in her life for hazel without having to give up the apex. but then, without really thinking, she lashes out at hazel to keep simon happy. she didn't realize how horrible it would be until the words had already left her mouth. and then, in the midst of her confusion with herself, hazel leaves. she couldn't live up to any of the roles she was playing. she was trying so hard to be what simon expected, but now she's realizing she can't live up to it--and she doesn't want to live up to it. she dropped all the plates, and there's nothing left for her in the shards. she's watching hazel leave, sobbing, feeling simon stare at the back of her head with raw hatred. trigger.

changer 5 (stranger 3, master 6). ability to alternate between a silver, highly translucent form w/ a face akin to a tragedy mask and a metallic, solidified golden form w/ a face akin to a comedy mask. - in the silver form, people are simply inclined to find her boring, and this is aided by the fact that she's made near entirely see-through. people looking at her feel like they've been watching paint dry for the last hour. trying to remember her long enough to communicate her location feels similarly uninteresting. this feeling of boredom is also mentally parsed as a completely normal reaction, making it difficult to rationally recognize it as a sign to call her out--people experiencing it have a tendency to simply start paying attention to something else, instead. - in the gold form, she's unreasonably interesting. praise from her feels superhumanly good. it's like you're a little kid and she's your favorite person in the whole world, your biggest idol, compelling you to do just a little favor for a pat on the head. she's gorgeous and sweet and you want to do whatever she asks of you. (this is the weakest one, imo, probably because i just made it up on the spot. i Don't Love It and would appreciate alternate suggestions from anyone else familiar w/ her character. it might count as breaker states instead, but i don't think so? who gives a shit. anyway yeah if anyone has an idea for how best to get smth out of the identity struggles + unwanted attention from simon + isolation/betrayal while stirring a bit of cult leader swag into it Let Me Know. my idea does nooot ironically tragically reinforce her issues enough!)

simon: grace was everything he had. they were a team. they were grace and simon. for ten years, it was them versus the train. and then she starts acting weird. normally, they communicate in effortless, unspoken code--but now she's sending off smoke signals he doesn't know how to read. she keeps telling him to hold off on killing the gorilla null for no good reason, and sometimes he swears it feels like she and the new kid are a team versus him. he watches her memory tape to get to the bottom of it, and--yes. she's been lying to him. throwing away everything they built for a null. trigger.

master 6. has the ability to generate a single, extremely strong, and extremely agile brute minion. it looks like an abstracted ballerina with locs and a golden mask. it is, transparently, a replacement for grace. a regracement, if you will. this is the grace in his head, the grace he's placed on a pedestal, the real grace that would scoff at the void that fell from that pedestal when she lied to him. it doesn't speak, because he never really cared to listen. the important part is that, unlike grace, it can never think to leave him.

ryan & min-gi: not sure! i know they'd both realistically trigger separately, but i do like the idea of a cluster trigger for them. they're assigned soulmates at train via the same numbers, i wanna see them assigned kiss cluster dynamic at worm. my main barrier here is that i'm struggling to think of a compelling cluster trigger event + fun music-themed powers. (are two person clusters even a thing? i have not read ward nor will i read ward.) suggestions welcomed.

amelia: amelia is a very smart, talented engineer. she has been since she was a little girl. and she's still spent her entire life getting fucked over by misogyny. her parents and her teachers trying to coerce her into doing things little girls should be doing, her college professors favoring their male students over her, the men in her workplace feeling threatened by her and discriminating in response. the only thing she has going for her is alrick, her fiance. he's impressed by her, treats her as an equal, he sees her in a way no one else does. he stands up for her. he was awed by her work as a child, stood with her in college, works at the same place as her and does his best to make it better for her. she loves him more than anyone. and then he gets into an awful accident and languishes for days in the hospital. she feels like her heart and head are going to explode, watching him lie there. she needs his support. but he dies anyway, and she realizes she doesn't know how to live without her person. she's about ready to go jump off the roof of their old college, and then--trigger.

tinker 10. amelia can build pockets in reality, and she can build entire worlds-in-miniature in those pockets. every pocket world has an entrance to the outside in the form of a red door w/ a golden handle, indestructible and immovable. she can build denizens for those worlds, and those denizens can reproduce. the only guiding rules for her worlds are: - although they're based on elements from reality, they're easier to build the more divorced from reality are, and significantly more difficult to build the more realistic they are. - attempts to intentionally design a car--particularly a realistic one--vs letting her instincts take the lead inevitably result in elements from her unconscious leaking into it. turtles are particularly common, and it bothers her that she can't figure out what object from her subconscious is causing it. - she cannot build people. the more humanoid a denizen appears, the more difficult it is to make.

despite the above, she has furiously dedicated herself to attempting to rebuild a better version of her old life, alrick included. she's stolen a wealth of tinkertech in the hopes that something will help her overcome her limitations. her violent methods of doing so, and her refusal to stop making self-replicating denizens, quickly landed her a kill order. she doesn't care. she has everything to gain and nothing to lose.

the last anyone heard of her, she'd sealed herself in a pocket world and locked the door behind her. all attempts to open the door from the outside have proved fruitless. it remains under perpetual watch. no one wants to find out what she's been making in there, or what she plans to do if, or when, she emerges.

cape name suggestions also welcome for all of these. will be real i am not very good at coming up w/ cape names. compelled by "Your New Best Friend" for jesse--i love clunky, long-ass cape names--and something w/ 'killed god and took his place' connotations for amelia. just straight up "deicide"? who knows.

#ask #infinity train #worm #parahumans #actually i kind of went with some of these. some of these are fun. please enjoy.#also please feel free 2 ask follow-up questions or make suggestions if you have any

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starcrossedjedis · 5 months

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HI! Please tell me everything about Sun/Mira, including her fave food, does she ever get sea sick, if she has a hobby and does she see any of the crew as family and if so in what roles? (like adopted brother, son, daughter, sister, etc).

I had every intention to do this for both Mira and Sun, but the brainrot is real and Mira's part got sliiiightly out of hand and I had to stop myself at right around the time that her father dies (22 years prior to the show) which means there's probably a lot more to say, but this got LONG... 😅

so here is a whole lot on our favourite Mary Sue and her flaunting herself at Shanks and Buggy 😈💜

Gol D. Mira - "Beyond the Horizon"

A baby girl

actual pirate princess and the apple of the whole crew's eye

Her favourite food is kimchi ramen and things that you miss first on long sea journeys like fresh fruit (her favourite is mango). She also has a sweet tooth and loves chocolate and cakes. Same ballpark - light weight as she is, she can drink with the best of them, very probably because of her Devil Fruit that comes with a side of extra endurance

Mira doesn’t get sea sick, she's been born to be at sea - which makes it extra sad when she learns that she can't go in the water anymore because she ate a devil fruit

since she grows up on her father's ship, the crew is pretty much made up of all uncles - except for two special boys

Her mother was expecting when Roger found infants Shanks and Buggy at God Valley (a few years earlier than they did in canon, simply because I want them to be older for obvious Nora Roberts Tribute Act reasons). He thought it would be great to have other children around once his "little mate" arrived.

He also didn't think this constellation would grow to come with complications when it turned out his little mate was a girl, but oh well ^^

For the most part of their childhoods Mira, Shanks and Buggy grew up like siblings probably would in a living situation like that.

But there were plenty of things that always served as reminders that they were not, in fact, siblings / the same. While they would share a lot of the chores on the ship, there were certain things (🤢 like scrubbing the toilets 🤢) that were simply not asked of the captain's daughter (she would still be a trooper and at the very least keep her boys company though) and she also had her own cabin on the ship whereas Buggy and Shanks slept with the crew. Naturally everyone was extremely protective of the captain's daughter in a way that the boys didn’t know and that suffocated her to a point that had her look to break away and ultimately lead to her kidnapping.

Things between the three start to change when Mira comes back after her long abduction. When she was taken all of them had been slap in the middle of their awkward teenage years - Mira was all comically long, skinny legs and a changing body she tried to hide in baggy clothes, the boys' voices sounded absolutely hilarious, Shanks was all extremities and knobby knees and it seemed that no matter what, Buggy wouldn't stop sweating. But now they're all grown up. Mira is devastatingly beautiful - curtesy of good genes, but also of that Mythical Zoan she had forced on her in captivity - Shanks is all tall and dreamy and poor Buggy doesn’t sweat as much anymore, but is pretty damn aware that he has mostly grown into the third wheel in this new explosive mix.

They are also not as tight knit anymore after Mira's return. The boys had to spent a long time without her and it turned out that she used to be the glue of their little group, which results in the boys' relationship being a lot more strained when she comes back. And no one really knows what happened to Mira when she was gone - not even herself, except for some flashes and nightmares - so a lot of effort is made to find out more about her Devil Fruit and its powers and to help her deal with whatever changes this brings. And she doesn’t want her boys to know about what she is now or what she can / might be able to do with it, so this puts a distance between them that wasn't there before.

and then "tragedy strikes" for the whole sibling dynamic - Mira and Shanks fall in love. And adventurous, happy go lucky Shanks for once is too terrified to do anything about it. Being in love with your Captain's pride and joy is scary enough as it is, but what would this do to their little found family of three? What if it doesn’t work out? What if it does? Mira on the other hand feels increasingly alienated from herself ever since her change and her feelings for Shanks are a lifeline in this, because they tie her to the Mira she was before and so when she realises that he has no intention to shoot his shot, her pride and stubborness get the better of her and she begins to come up with increasingly more infuriating ways to try and make him break first.

Eventually ofc they do end up together and are very much, very sweet and very... appealingly 😏 in love.

After some initial "how do we break this to Buggy?" drama the dust settles and to their dismay and mild annoyance, Buggy developes a devilish joy in trying to get the two of them caught.

He might or might not have "accidentally" started a fire during night watch in the hope that people would catch Shanks sneaking out of Mira's cabin when the alarm went off xD

#gol d mira #shanks #red haired shanks #buggy #buggy the clown #my ocs #ask #asirensrage #THANK YOU HUN!!!❤️

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vividxp · 1 year

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Part 3 of Liveblogging my second watch of IWTV Ep 5 because I need to process and get it all out

Part 1

Part 2

So the reveal that Claudia has been trying unsuccessfully to turn humans into vampires. She demands for Lestat make her one, otherwise she’s going to go and find other vampires.

Louis finally gets angry at Lestat and tells him to shut the fuck up. Like dude, same. Like is Lestat right that other vampires are most likely bad news? Probably. Is he still being shitty? Yes. Like...his resentment of Claudia is pure and strong. He really has deluded himself into blaming her for the downfall of his relationship with Louie. The delusion is powerful. Everyone knows this isn’t true, everyone knows Louis straight up left him...that as much as Lestat wants to blame Claudia for ruining things, it was Claudia who managed to salvage scraps out of the burning trash heap of their relationship. And what does Claudia get in return? An eternity of horrors.

Claudia asks Louis again, “He treats us like shit and you take it, why is that?”

Girl, I’d like to know too.

The reveal that Antoinette is still in the picture is shocking to me. Like what the fuck is so special about her that she’s still in the picture? Is it the fact that Lestat knows that it would hurt Louis? That Louis showed jealousy for the first time over her?

“He’s gotten tired of us Daddy Lou, the housewife and a mistake”

I will now transcribe my reaction to Lestat daring to open his mouth to speak words after this bomb was dropped. “Shut the fuck up, no seriously, shut the fuck up, don’t even try it. just shut up.”

And then he’s like “I’ll kill her soon.” Bitch, fuck outta here. The fuck?

Claudia tells Louis to think about his decision to turn her. And I agree with her. Actually you know what, I’m Team Claudia this episode. Like even though she is being reckless, the way that her new family has treated her has been bad and I commend her trying to make something out of her situation.

Louis’s examples of explanations for his actions were all bad. “Vampires were born out of trauma”. Yeah, but like she said, she could have lived if he truly cared about her well being. She could have died. There was a line that Lestat says at the end of the episode and it rings devastatingly true “it was never you”. It was never about Claudia it really wasn’t. That’s the tragedy.

Daniel telling Louis that he and Lestat are boring and annoying and that Claudia’s story is what’s going to get the people going. Which judging by reactions so far seems to be correct. I saw someone mention that Daniel’s remark that "once you put it out there, they decide what it is” is something that fans have to keep in mind when viewing this episode.

I absolutely disagree with that sentiment. IMO this feels like a meta commentary on the writers themselves. Are we not seeing exactly what Daniel is saying play out? Whatever the writers’ intentions were with this episode, viewers are deciding what is it for better or worse. This self awareness does make me believe that the writers know what they’re doing with this turbulent ride of the episode. I don’t know how they’re going to be able to land the plane but I’m willing to see the attempt.

We’re getting to the halfway mark of the episode. I think this is a good spot to end this for now.

#iwtv spoilers #iwtv episode 5 #iwtv reaction #interview with the vampire #spoilers #my thoughts #recap

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boethiahsboytoy · 3 years

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I have not Mentioned This Here but im OBSESSED with the idea of sethsa getting a boyfriend and he's this ordinary dude. Like.........not a thief, no special Talents, nothing Unique about him at all he's literally Just Some Guy who loves his scary thief Demiprince gf SO fuckin much

#AND HE KNOWS ABOUT HER. he is WELL AWARE that she is a devastatingly powerful demiprince and a member of the thieves guild #he knows shes responsible for the murders of the black briar family he knows thay she occasionally works with the db he Knows #anyways he Might be one of my beef's ocs or ill make her a random guy bf bc its just SO fucking funny 2 me #i love the trope of one partner being Fucked Up Scary Powerful and another being Just Some Person #its kind of like that woth daro/hjorvar/sybilla/rynn with rynn being hircones son #daro is hircines champion #but hjorvar?? hes literally just some dude like Yea he was a companion but even THEN he was At His Core just a guy #and sybilla asode from being an extremely talented priestess i think is Alsp like just a Lady #like jo'safiir names her the arch mage before he retires but its not like how He was made arch mage lmao #VYRTHAAL AND KILI R LIKE THIS TOO I JUST REALIZED ALSKDKFKG #vyrthaal the son of auri el. slayer of lord harkon who defeated molag bal. renowned and terrifying vampire hunter.#and kili is just :3 #Yes kili is an extremely skilled master alchemist but i hc that as being very common in the falmer like kili is Also just some guy!!#idk why im going on abt this. but i love this trope its one of my favorites.#im gonna give all my fucked up powerful ocs partners who r Just Some Person #i'm miraak and you're watching disney channel

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mcgnagallsarmy · 2 years

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Masterlist of Spuffy fics by episode (S1-S4)

1x01 - Welcome to the Hellmouth:

Against the Odds by Puppet [PG-13]

What if Buffy had decided not to wear the cross necklace that a weird stranger had given her? Captured by the enemy, with no hope for escape, perhaps help will come from an unexpected source? Welcome to the Hellmouth, and then goes AU.

Change Partners and Dance by dreamweaver [NC-17]

What if when Buffy first arrived in Sunnydale, instead of a souled Angel meaning to help her, she was faced with a soulless Spike, looking to cause trouble and kill his third Slayer?

1x04 - Teacher's Pet:

Teacher's Pet - Twisted Spuffy Style by Bloodshedbaby [NC-17]

Ok, so the bug lady needed virgins, right? Well, what happens when Spike and Buffy are thrown into the mix? (Or into the basement with Xander and Blayne, if you want to get technical)

1x05 - Never Kill a Boy on the First Date:

Take Care of the Rest by Cosmic Tuesdays [PG]

Following Never Kill a Boy on the First Date and realizing that funeral homes are a hotbed of vampire activity, Buffy decides to find herself a job at the Sunnydale Cemetery Funeral Home.

1x07 - Angel:

Fluffy Angel by Hils [PG-13]

FluffyFile version of Angel

1x12 - Prophecy Girl:

Find Your Truth by Puppet [PG-13]

One Shot. Buffy thinks about her past and all the changes she has been through, in such a short amount of time. Good and bad.

Five by Five by Puppet [PG]

Five different moments that Buffy went back in time to change, after given a reward by the PTB, and the consequences following those changes.

Fluffy Prophecy Girl by Hils [PG-13]

FluffyFiles version of Prophecy Girl

Welcome to the Hellmouth! Part Deux by OffYourBird [NC-17]

It's been 20 years since the Hellmouth closed, and Buffy has realized that awakening the Potentials has had a vicious side effect. Or rather, several. Left with the choice to either lead or follow as the current present gets erased, Buffy risks everything to go back to the Hellmouth... and back to the one being she thought she'd never see again.

2x03 - School Hard:

Calling My Name by MillennialCryBaby [PG-13]

Spike's been called a lot of things since he met Buffy.

Dreamscape by Holly [NC-17]

While her nights are occupied fighting evil, her dreams are haunted by a devastatingly sexy if not totally evil vampire. But how thin is the line between dreams and reality? More importantly: how thin does she want it to be?

Every Letter That You Write Me by othellia [R]

In a world where soulmates have the ability to write on each other's skin, Spike finds himself shackled to a five-year-old Buffy who--for once--listens to her mother's advice about not handing out personal information. With no way of tracking the annoyance down, Spike is forced to endure a decade of unavoidable communication. When Spike finally arrives in Sunnydale and discovers his soulmate is none other than the slayer, he revels in the notion of a destined death match, but the Powers That Be have other plans...

Eyes Open by EllieRose101 [NC-17]

Many fics have it that Spike loved Buffy the first moment he laid eyes on her – he just wasn’t aware of it, at the time. Well, this story explores what might happen if he was.

Glitter and Blood by untouchable [PG-13]

During "School Hard," Buffy catches Spike watching her dance.

One Step Away by flootzavut [PG-13]

He was supposed to be here to draw the Slayer out, to recce her fighting style and ability, but now he was watching her, he was loath to interrupt...

An AU of School Hard where Spike gives in to temptation at the Bronze.

Prologue to Life/I Know You by slaymesoftly [NC-17]

This takes place immediately after the collapse of Sunnydale; the rest of the rather long story takes place mostly in Sunnydale and begins in Season II. There will be brief glances into a post-Chosen world in which Buffy never moves to Rome or dates the Immortal.

School Hard, Spike Harder by fauvistfly [NC-17]

Buffy finds herself enthralled and quite attracted to the bleached blond vampire new to Sunnydale. There's a huge fight going on in the school, but there's a more passionate fight going on inside of her.

The Silence by DragonLdy [NC-17]

There must be balance. When Buffy is resuscitated she comes back deaf. How will her new condition affect her friendships and relationships with others including a certain bleach blonde vampire?

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Sunalso [Adult Only]

Buffy has fallen into darkness and been forced to become a ghost in her own past. Only she didn't come back alone. What will it take to overcome depression, obsession, and death so that she can learn to live, love, and laugh again.

Word to the Wise by EllieRose101 [PG]

Spike imparts some advice to his younger self.

2x06 - Halloween:

A New Sheriff in Town by kats_meow [R]

Thanks to Halloween night, a frightened town, and enchanted costumes courtesy of one Ethan Rayne, Slayer and Slayer of Slayers were magically thrown together. Now, no matter how much either of them claims to hate it, their partnership must continue if they hope to stop a full-fledged reign of Chaos on the Hellmouth. Look out - Buffy Summers is gonna lay down the law. Part of the EF July 2021 Scooby Mystery Challenge.

Dinner For Two by sweetprincipale [R]

Spike decides that Drusilla needs a good dose of romance and remembering happier times to shake her out of her melancholia. As Halloween looms and evil gets the night off, he decides it’s the perfect night for a romantic evening for two, complete with a nod to the holiday. Buffy’s thinking the same thing, only she’d like to catch a distant Angel’s eye. Spike and the Slayer happen to be at the same “chaotic” costume shop at the same time, but neither has quite the evening they expect once the costumes are donned.

Fluffy Halloween by Hils [PG-13]

FluffyFiles version of Halloween

The Halloween Series by spike_spetslayer [NC-17]

Buffy and Spike make an unbreakable pact during their first real confrontation in Season 2.

Lost Little Lamb by Sigyn [R]

Things go differently in the episode Halloween. Giles loses his fight with Ethan, and the Janus spell is never broken. Buffy the Vampire Slayer no longer exists, just a helpless young woman from 1775. But that’s… wrong. Even a vampire knows it. Can a vampire just take it upon himself to retrain a slayer as the slayer?

Wicked by Holly [NC-17]

Buffy’s choice of Halloween costume might have been whimsical, but she wasn’t quite prepared for it to be life-changing.

2x07 - Lie to Me:

It's Not Love by Sigyn [G]

“Yeah, Spike always was a romantic,” Angel said with scorn. He glanced at Buffy. “It’s not love,” he pointed out. Buffy and Angel spy on Spike and Drusilla out and about.

Now and Then by Ashlee [PG-13]

Buffy and Spike spend most of their time trying to kill each other. When Spike and Buffy from 200 years in the future come back in time to play matchmaker, the two enemies start to wonder how it’s possible that they become the bickering married couple that they see before them.

You Learn by bramcrackers [Adult Only]

When Buffy learns about Angel’s history with Drusilla, she can’t ignore how he seems to keep everything about his past to himself unless forced. How can she love someone she doesn’t even know? A trip to a local mage later, she’s plunged headfirst into Angel’s entire sordid history in a series of visions. And dealing with all of that would have been a hell of a lot easier if Spike hadn’t somehow been pulled into it, happy to add the color commentary.

2x16 - Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered:

Fatal Charms by Ashlee [NC-17]

On a quest to win back his dark princess, Spike plans on resorting to magic, if that's what it takes. What he doesn't expect is for something to go terribly wrong, causing the spell to target the one girl he's meant to hate. How will Buffy react when the spell is lifted and she finds herself in a compromising position?

Fluffy Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered by Hils [PG-13]

FluffyFiles version of Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

2x17 - Passion:

In the Midnight Light by Holly [NC-17]

A brokenhearted vampire discovers that the truly important things in life often come from surprising places, and even more surprising people. Suddenly, Spike finds himself in a crisis of faith—the better angels of his conscience battling the restraint of his demon, all for the love of a girl he shouldn’t want. A girl he’s drawn to, even beyond his own reckoning.

2x18 - Killed by Death:

Nights in White Cotton by Rabid1st [PG-13]

Spike and Buffy discovering their mutual attraction.

2x19 - I Only Have Eyes for You:

Moonlit Nights by EllieRose101 [R]

The sun sets, and she appears. Seven cemetery meetings between Spike and Buffy.

(Never) Let Me Go by talesofstories [G]

When Buffy stakes Angelus after defeating the Judge, life goes on as normal as possible for the Hellmouth. But then ghostly lovers show up at the school...

Strawberry Fields by Holly [NC-17]

Heartbroken and determined, Spike sets out to form a truce with his mortal enemy to take down Angelus once and for all. The last thing he expected was a couple of restless spirits interrupting his sales pitch, or to find himself in a magic-induced liplock. And one taste of Buffy Summers, he finds, is nowhere close to enough.

2x22 - Becoming, Part II:

Ars Poetica by Lirazel [R]

The story of her life with Spike, Buffy realizes, is written in poetry, not prose.

Ashes to Ashes by HappyWhenItRains [R]

Buffy sent Angel to hell. Spike’s about to find out Dru can’t live without Miss Edith, or Angel, apparently. Vignettes set during and directly after Becoming pt 2.

Betrayed, Forgotten, Abandoned. by Loup Noir [NC-17]

In the aftermath of her battle with Angelus, an injured and emotionally shattered Buffy comes to the realisation that she has nothing left: her mother has disowned her, her friends have abandoned her and Angel, soul newly restored, has left her alone as he flees for the scene of his crime. Spike's unlife is left bereft of purpose now that Drusilla is gone, thrown into Hell by his hated grandsire. The two broken souls realise that all they have are each other and desperately cling to the last, fragile connection as they take their leave from Sunnydale. Perhaps the two mortal enemies can rebuild that which they have lost...

Dreams and Desotos by Bloodshedbaby [NC-17]

An alternate end to Becoming where Spike and Buffy leave Sunnydale together and wind up in a small New England town where nobody knows their secret identities. But the past has a way of finding them when they least expect it.

Fluffy Becoming by Hils [PG-13]

FluffyFiles version of Becoming

In Our Grief by sweetprincipale [NC-17]

In our grief, do we know what we're doing? Maybe. Maybe not. Buffy and Spike share a moment of escape and realization. A single-shot twist on the ending of S.2.

Only If For A Night by alittlemoretime [R]

After defeating Acathla, Buffy gets an unconventional ride out of Sunnydale.

Scarlet and Midnight by Lirazel [R]

The world is remade in shades of scarlet and midnight, and all that's left is each other.

What the Bloody Hell?!? by sandy_s [PG-13]

What if Spike got halfway out of Sunnydale and realized that Buffy could be killed by Angelus and the world could end? What if he then turned right back around to go help her?

Winter Wonder Hell by Synefred [NC-17]

Shaken by the memories that flooded through him when his soul was returned, Angel took off into the night, leaving Buffy and an ever growing portal to a hell dimension behind him. With no other choice, Buffy stabbed Spike, condemning him to an eternity in Hell. The only problem was that as he was sucked in, he pulled Buffy in with him. Buffy always expected Hell to be full of fire and brimstone, but now she is trapped in a twilight realm, where the cold bites and the darkness waits. As she and Spike battle their new reality, and each other, the lingering question is, what will they do when the snow finally falls?

3x01 - Anne:

Anne by Erics Valkyrie [NC-17]

Set at the start of the 3rd season. What if Dru had left Spike earlier and he ran into a certain waitress while searching in L.A.?

Claw Marks by untouchable [NC-17]

Set after S2. Buffy never returns to Sunnydale. She stays in Los Angeles as Anne, working at the diner and running from her past until, one night, her past runs into her. Can two desperate broken-hearted people find some relief in the arms of one another, or will Buffy and Spike just tear each other apart?

3x06 - Band Candy:

Fluffy Band Candy by Hils [PG-13]

FluffyFiles version of Band Candy

3x08 - Lovers Walk:

A Time to Every Purpose by Inevitablethief [NC-17]

During Lovers Walk, Spike goes ahead with having Willow cast a spell to bring Drusilla back to him. When a Buffy who appears to be from a future where she has fallen in love with Spike and then lost him shows up instead, questions are raised, secrets are revealed, and surprises are around every corner.

And Then There Was Buffy by amidtheflowers [NC-17]

Buffy lands herself in detention on a Friday night, which should have been bad enough. Certain bleach-haired vampires just had to keep raising the bar.

Beginnings by Sunalso [NC-17]

Spike's back in Sunnydale and Buffy is really tired of listening to him whine.

Beloved in Blood by Holly [NC-17]

Spike returns to Sunnydale to kill the Slayer. He’s just too drunk to do it properly, and ends up getting himself into the deep without even realizing it. Perhaps worst of all, he has no memory of his actions the next day.

Fluffy Lover's Walk by Hils [PG-13]

FluffyFiles version of Lover's Walk

Frenzy by simmony [NC-17]

Spike is back in Sunnydale and making Buffy's life even more stressful than it already was. Not only has he abducted two of her best friends in a desperate attempt to win back his wacko girlfriend, he is also about to kill two other Scoobies, right in front of her. So Buffy does the first thing she can come up with to distract the evil vampire: She kisses him.

Gestalt by OffYourBird [R]

A love story in pieces and parts.

Letters to a Friend by ginar369 [PG-13]

Spike makes a different decision during Lover's Walk and finds friendship, acceptance and even love. Eventually Spuffy.

Lovers Wish by honeygirl51885 [R]

In the throes of his troubled affair with Buffy, Spike inadvertently makes a wish that finds him reliving the day he drunkenly crashed back into Sunnydale. But what changes can he set in motion? And, will it help him back in the present?

Off the Leash by Soulburnt [R]

Spike never has behaved the way Buffy expected... not even when he's a feral demon. Buffy wakes up weak, injured, in chains, and at the complete mercy of her mortal enemy. Yet instead of torturing and killing her, Spike frees her and tends her wounds. She can't ask him why, because he's nonverbal. She has no choice except to believe the unsouled, feral demon cares for her. The two of them form a bond, depending on each other to escape. By the time Buffy and Spike get free of the Mayor's clutches, everything between them has changed... as has everything Buffy thought she knew about demons.

3x09 - The Wish:

Granted by Hils [R]

Buffy and Spike are sent to the Wishverse where they run into some familar faces.

3x10 - Amends:

Fighting On by Lilachigh [G]

Spike and Dru have left town and Angel wants to kill himself! Oh what fun it all was.

The Sun Always Rises by Ashlee [PG]

Unable to save Angel from meeting the sunrise, Buffy slowly begins to sink into a depression. When Spike comes to town after a realization, he knows that he has to bring back the girl he once knew.

This Year's for Me and You by fortes775 [R]

Angel's losing it, Buffy’s losing her patience, and Spike's just plain lost. Must be Christmas on the hellmouth. What’s a vamp gotta do for a cup of cocoa around here anyway? A Spuffy rewrite of Season 3.10 - Amends.

Until Then by Holly [NC-17]

Every Christmas, without fail, Spike finds himself drawn to Revello Drive. Every Christmas, without fail, Spike gets caught.

3x12 - Helpless:

Cupidity by Holly [NC-17]

Book I of the Yellow Brick Road series. An alternate version of Season 3's Helpless, in which the Council locks a drugged and powerless Buffy in with a certain bleached-blond vampire who already has two Slayers under his belt.

The Cyrano Factor by medievalchic [PG]

For Buffy's eighteenth birthday, Angel gives her a book of poetry. This is the story of a book that meant something and a message written inside that meant less than it appeared.

Fluffy Helpless by Hils [PG-13]

FluffyFiles version of Helpless

Helpful by sabershadowkat [PG-13]

What if it was Spike who rescued Buffy?

Overcome by KittenOfDoomage [NC-17]

Helplessness is the worst of all emotions and sometimes the people we least expect, see us through the most difficult obstacles we have to face.

3x14 - Bad Girls:

Want, Take, Have by EllieRose101 [NC-17]

When Faith encouraged Buffy to let loose and take what she wanted, she wasn’t expecting the object of her desire to be Spike.

3x17 - Enemies:

Nemesis by Holly [NC-17]

Book II of the Yellow Brick Road series. While trying to cope with mixed feelings and brewing resentment over the fact that Spike screwed her and vanished, Buffy finds herself increasingly suspicious about Faith's close relationship with Angel. Just as things can't get any more confusing, a blond vampire she was sure she would never see again decides that it's time.

3x18 - Earshot:

If You Could Only Hear by sabershadowkat [NC-17]

Buffy is able to hear people's thoughts and finds Spike's most amusing.

3x20 - The Prom:

Beneath the Surface by The Danish Bird [NC-17]

Spike returns a little earlier to find his gem. The mayor decides that shooting Angel with a poison, which only Slayer blood can cure, is simply too risky for his Faith. And suddenly, Buffy finds herself locked up in a strange underground room in the company of her mortal enemy and the vampire who just broke her heart. But maybe it isn’t all bad. Maybe, this way, Angel will see that this idea about leaving for her own good is bad. Right? Spike, he just wants to get out, but if that’s out of the question, well then at least he’s going to try to have some fun!

L'Amour by Holly [NC-17]

Graduation Day nears. Spike learns that some things are not better left unsaid, no matter how perfect the unlife is.

One Perfect Night by spikeslovebite [NC-17]

Just because Angel won't go to the Prom, doesn't mean Buffy has to be dateless; especially when Spike - Angel's most hated family member - shows up drunk and amenable. A jilted Buffy seeks the best revenge and gets more than she ever bargained for.

3x22 - Graduation Day, Part II:

A Mother's Plea by slaymesoftly [PG]

Angel has almost drained Buffy and takes her to the ER where he's surprised to find Giles, Joyce and... Spike. After apologizing to Joyce for apparently killing her daughter he leaves. Joyce asks Spike for a rather stunning favor...

Born to Be My Baby by slaymesoftly [NC-17]

Buffy is adjusting to her new status, while preparing to prevent the Mayor's ascension. But there have been some changes in her life... A sequel to A Mother's Plea.

4x01 - The Freshman:

Drive by Holly [NC-17]

Freshly turned and very grumpy about it, Buffy finds herself in a weird place. One where her friends smell like food, her former mortal enemy smells like heaven, and the so-called love of her life has made it clear that killing her is on his to-do list. Throw in some overly zealous army guys and this is not Buffy's idea of a party. So she and Spike decide to hit the road at least long enough to figure out why neither of them can hit anything else. And since they're both single and free, well, Buffy wouldn't say no to a distraction from the never-ending laugh riot that is her life. And Spike can be very, very distracting. Good thing soulless vampires can't fall in love or she might be in trouble.

Life Has a Funny Way of Helping You Out by MissLuci [R]

Buffy wasn’t the only one who went to Sunday’s lair to kick butt and take names… and retrieve her wardrobe of course.

Match Made on the Hellmouth by assthorn [NC-17]

On the first day of psych class Buffy is assigned to be nice to someone she hates. Who will she choose? Spike. Definitely Spike.

The Spuffy, the Witch, and the Utility Shed by bewildered [NC-17]

When Buffy encounters Spike at her college orientation, the last thing she expects is to be hurtled with him into a demon dimension. Now they must battle together against hordes of unnatural creatures, talking beavers, and… is that a lion?

4x02 - Living Conditions:

Big Bad Boyfriend by bewildered [NC-17]

Slayers don't get weepy when their One True Love rides off into the night for good. They get mad, and then they get even. Buffy's determined to kick off college by finding Mr. Normal, just like Angel wanted -- and then rubbing her new True Love in Angel's face. She's got the perfect normal guy all picked out, until an unexpected encounter at a party gives her a better idea. After all, who could make a worse Bad Boyfriend than Spike?

Compact by talesofstories [PG]

When Buffy decides the reason all her relationships have either blown up or never gotten off the ground is because every guy she's ever tried to date has been too stupid tall, she realizes there's only one person who will fit her dating qualifications: Spike. Now she's just gotta convince him of that too.

4x03 - The Harsh Light of Day:

Anything We Want by scratchmeout [NC-17]

Spike returns to Sunnydale determined to prove one thing: he is absolutely, 100%, not at all, in love with the Slayer. But then he sees her again. So he decides he needs to spend as much time with her as possible. Starts in season 4 and then who knows! A free-for-all, really, in drabbles (and a couple of dirty vignettes). A complete reimagining of season 4.

Bait & Switch by JaneRemmington [R]

Cuts in during Season 4 The Harsh Light of Day. Spike finally manages to kill the Slayer. He should be happy, right?

Blue is the warmest color by Miss Marisol [R]

"The secret to getting someone to want something is to convince them that someone else wants it more." When Parker makes it clear to Buffy that she was just a notch in his belt, she unexpectedly receives help from the last person she would have suspected...

Chosen After Death by Jackofspikes [NC-17]

The essence of the Power that was used to create the First Slayer has rested within Buffy since her first death at the hands of the Master - It's about to make itself known.

Coming Together by EllieRose101 [NC-17]

The sexual tension that has been building between Spike and Buffy since their first meeting finally comes to a head when he returns to Sunnydale for the Gem of Amara and doesn't give it up so easily. In the aftermath of a day of passion, both Buffy and Spike struggle to move on. Now they must decide if they want to have an actual relationship, and how that might work in a world where the odds are stacked against them.

Dreamer by Gort [NC-17]

Buffy might dream of a normal college life but she got stuck with an annoying vampire instead. Spike’s found the Gem of Amara, but he won’t kill her and has taken to lurking around campus. Things go from bad to worse when they’re both captured by The Initiative and Maggie Walsh takes a special interest. Is Buffy crazy for relying on a vampire to help her put a stop to the professor’s genetic experiments, or is she discovering that normal might be overrated?

Golden Hour by kennedynoelle [R]

Spike never came to Sunnydale during the first few seasons. The first time Buffy sees him is during The Harsh Light of Day, sunbathing on campus adorned with the Gem of Amara. Oh no, she thinks, the pit of her stomach dropping and sending tinglies all over, he's hot. They start dating, Buffy unaware that her new boyfriend is a member of the undead. Of course, she has to find out eventually...

Her Protectors by maryperk [R]

When Spike returns for the Gem of Amara he finds out some unsettling news.

I Would Still Have Loved You by slaymesoftly [NC-17]

Post Chosen Buffy and AtS season 5 Spike are sent back (separately) to prevent Glory from opening the portal that resulted in Buffy's death and resurrection, thus triggering the rise of the First Evil. Neither one knows about the other, and the story was intended to be humorous as they stumble around trying to maintain fictional personas. That lasted only as long as it took them to have a face-to-face argument. Which changed everything... The fact that they've been dropped into season 4 of BtVS means they have to get though an entire year without causing any major changes to the time line. Which could be tricky, given that it's already changed just by their being there where/when they are.

Not Heads or Tails by bramcrackers [NC-17]

Spike Turns out the Gem of Amarra is more complicated than just a get-out-of-death-free card and as soon as I put the bloody thing on, I find myself compelled to play the white-hatted hero. And the damn thing is stuck on my finger. Sodding magic. Buffy Riley is perfect, right? Normal, cute, way into me. Not involved with anything that goes bump in the night. So yeah. Perfect. Except I'm not so sure his white-picket-fence future is one I want. In fact, it kind of makes me ill thinking about it. And Will’s will-be-done spell, and the very naked things that happened during it? That did not help. Riley I can handle Buffy being the Slayer. Really. But she's my future wife and I'm not letting a tacky Billy Idol wannabe of an HST drag her into the darkness.

Ruthless Night by Ashlee [NC-17]

Buffy’s date with Parker ends up taking a turn for the better…

4x05 - Beer Bad:

Geopolitical Ramifications by Sunalso [NC-17]

S4. AU during Beer Bad. A vampire walks into a bar...

4x06 - Wild at Heart:

Summer's Lease by Iamblichus [NC-17]

Buffy thought it would be just another night of slaying lame-ass campus vampires, but one green demon, some unexpected help from Spike, and a spurt of fluorescent blood later, she finds that her world has acquired a novel complication.

4x07 - The Initiative:

Hostile 18 by AlloSpoike [NC-17]

Buffy just can’t seem to shake that dream. The 314 project is off the table and Maggie Walsh has her sights set on something a little closer to home. Somehow Buffy finds herself turning to the enemy in her hour of need, with complicated consequences.

4x08 - Pangs:

Appeasement by Girlytek [NC-17]

This time, Willow gets the fresh peas. Too bad they were grown on the Hellmouth.

Dutch Courage by Sunalso [NC-17]

Buffy's stuck cleaning up after Thanksgiving dinner and babysitting an obnoxious (yet sexy) vampire. At least someone appreciates her enough to send flowers.

Leftovers by Sigyn [PG]

“I know I’m already destiny’s bitch. If destiny’s really destiny, it can work itself out, can’t it? Doesn’t need a slew of bells and whistles. But I guess Angel’s destiny is special, eh? Needs help and coaxing and lots of praise? Not like us poor ordinary sods.” Buffy is furious at Angel making everyone lie to her in Pangs. So she makes one small decision, which might just change the course of destiny….

Served Cold by bewildered [NC-17]

What do you do when your vampire ex-boyfriend comes to town, stalks you with the help of your so-called friends, and then leaves without saying hello, much less goodbye? Revenge sex, obviously!

Something New by dreamweaver [NC-17]

What if things had gone just a little differently when Spike came to Buffy for help after he was chipped?

Something Redux by dreamweaver [NC-17]

A year after Spike’s death in the Hellmouth, Buffy is flung back in time.

Thanks by Holly [PG]

An entire siege. You'd think one of you would bleed a little.

When the World Ends, Where Do the Brave Ones Go? by Puppet [G]

The gang are enjoying a calm night in Giles' flat, when something unexpected occurs. What will this mean for their future?

4x09 - Something Blue:

A Time You Forgot by Grief Counseling [NC-17]

Buffy and Spike are getting married! Sound the wedding bells! After having a sexy make-out session in the bathroom to celebrate their upcoming nuptials, an unexpected turn of events thrusts Buffy two years into the future where she meets a dejected, but still incredibly sexy Spike. Of course, they’re still together in the future! Except, why does Spike seem so sad, and how can Buffy make it all better? It starts mid-Something Blue, jumps to mid-Dead Things, and goes off-canon from there.

Aftermath by slaymesoftly [NC-17]

After "Something Blue" there appear to be some lingering effects of Willow's spell that Buffy and Spike have to deal with. Or maybe not...? Those effects might lead to other problems... and the Initiative is, as always, the main big bad.

Cause For Alarm by OffYourBird [NC-17]

Spike’s chip doesn’t react quite the way it did in canon. In fact, toward Buffy, it doesn’t react at all.

The Consequences of Magic by TammyDevil666 [NC-17]

Buffy and Spike are left wanting each other after the spell in "Something Blue." After some persuasion and help from a friend, they decide to see where these newfound feelings could lead.

The Duplicitous Dead by Micrindle23 [Adult Only]

At the end of Something Blue Willow's reversal spell uncovers something unexpected.

Floodgates by EllieRose101 [NC-17]

Willow’s engagement spell ends, but Buffy and Spike don’t want to let each other go. Now all their feelings have been brought to the surface, it’s like they can’t stop them. If anything, the feelings are getting stronger. But would being swept away be really such a bad thing?

It's a Nice Day by Sunalso [R]

What if Riley recognized Spike's name in Something Blue? A very fluffy retelling of everyone's favorite season four spell gone wrong.

Just a Little Spell by slaymesoftly [NC-17]

Summary of prologue - Short, sort of mild pwp, from Buffy’s pov during Willow’s spell. Followed by Spike’s pov of the same time frame. Non-canon, right from the beginning. Spike and Buffy get a bit more involved than they had a chance to on the show and must learn to live with the consequences. The rest of the story is about how they adjust to their new relationship and how it affects both their lives and the lives around them.

Pumping Away by Ashlee [NC-17]

“Look at my poor neck. All bare and tender and exposed… all that blood just… pumping away…” Did she really think he wouldn’t take advantage of that?

Pumpkin Spike by Sunalso [R]

Willow's spell goes awry in a most unexpected way.

Something Blue's Clues by cawthraven [PG-13]

Willow is just fed up with the way Buffy and Spike act around each other. What are they, five?

Something Blue-ish by Lenore [PG-13]

Willow's spell works on Buffy but not on Spike. Buffy is chasing around a terrified Spike demanding he marry her.

Somethings by Ashlee [NC-17]

It’s never a good idea to claim a Slayer when under the influence…

Stay by holetoledo [NC-17]

What if they'd gone all the way? Rewrite of 'Something Blue'.

Taking Chances by sandy_s [R]

Someone dies and has a regret. The regret requires fixing. That fixing involves Spike and Buffy. Of course, it all goes haywire. Or does it?

True Blue by bewildered [NC-17]

Something Blue with a twist. Because we all know if Willow hadn’t Will-Be-Doned them into engagement, they were totally going to angry-kiss anyhow. Warnings for debatably-dubious consent and smut. Seriously, no nutritional content.

Truth Be Done by Sunalso [NC-17]

S4 AU In which Willow actually shows up to cast the truth spell on Spike.

Wedlocked by OffYourBird [NC-17]

When Buffy wanted to get married immediately (without abandoning a blind Giles), what was a smitten vampire to do but find a way to make it happen? Now, six weeks after the Will Be Done spell, the consequences of their application for unholy matrimony have caught up to the de-spelled pair.

4x10 - Hush:

Hush Now by MillennialCryBaby [NC-17]

As he fell to his knees, Spike even had the arrogance to hold his pointer finger up to his lips as if to say: shh, love—don't draw attention. A smutty take on "Hush".

Loud by bewildered [NC-17]

Now that they have their voices back, Buffy and Spike have a lot to say.

Of Doom and Bondage by Girlytek [NC-17]

Nights are getting longer, demons are getting more demonic, the commandos are popping up everywhere and… Buffy really doesn’t have time for another prophecy. Begins at Hush, but it’s not The Gentlemen that come to town.

Silence Speaks by Eowyn315 [R]

A rewrite of Hush, branching off from the end of Something Blue. Spike and Buffy can't quite shake the feelings stirred up by Willow's spell. Can they express themselves when no one can speak?

4x11 - Doomed:

A Marriage of Convenience Isn't Always Convenient by jhiz [R]

The Scoobies believed they averted the end of the world by stopping the final Vahrall death in the ritual Sacrifice of Three. Unfortunately, magic doesn't seem to work in the favor of the Slayer when the Hellmouth is involved.

A Wonderful Awful Idea by The Danish Bird [NC-17]

With nothing apocalyptic looming on the horizon and hoping to avoid a certain thick-headed commando, it seems like the perfect opportunity when Giles mentions a monster terrorising the good people of Lake Tahoe. What could be more merry than a Christmas trip to the mountains to investigate? The gang is all coming along, defanged vampire in tow. Buffy should totally be able to deal with the demon, ignore Spike and their recent “engagement,” enjoy some resort-town shopping, and be back with Mom on Christmas Eve. Right? What could possibly go wrong? Set in season 4 at the beginning of Doomed.

Quake by Holly [NC-17]

Following Tutor. Riley's kiss did nothing for her, which clearly means her night with Spike didn't take. But since the world is probably ending, Buffy decides one more lesson couldn't hurt.

4x12 - A New Man:

Big Night Out by ashcrashed [R]

Because what was a Buffy Birthday, without derailed party plans thanks to damn vampire nonsense?

Chaos Bomb by bewildered [NC-17]

Ethan Rayne had grand plans when he returned to Sunnydale in 1999, but when it came down to it, turning an ex-something-or-other into a demon really wasn’t grand enough for a wizard of his caliber. Not when he and Ripper could team up to unleash a little chaos on the government’s boys instead…

Closure by Eowyn315 [NC-17]

When Buffy finds herself assaulted after a Lowell House party with no memory of what happened, she turns to an unlikely ally to help put the pieces together and find the person who attacked her.

GTFO by Girlytek [NC-17]

Spike doesn’t take the extra hundred bucks to be the decoy. Ethan doesn’t hang around to gloat. With the Initiative on their tail (just a little one), and Ethan needing a good being killed, Spike and Fyarl-Giles get out of town. There’s nothing like a road trip to put your demons in perspective.

4x13 - The I in Team:

A Different Kind of Love by Wonder and Ashes [PG-13]

An off-hand comment from Spike about Riley gradually makes Buffy realize that she’s the Slayer, and doesn’t need a boyfriend hanging around to make her life more complicated. If she’s going to fall in love, it’s going to happen all on its own without her trying.

4x16 - Who Are You?:

All Quiet on the Summers Front by lex_hex [PG-13]

Spike reflects on the past year he's spent in Sunnydale as he reads Dawn's take on the same events.

Call Me Betty. by scratchmeout [NC-17]

Spike meets someone newish.

Like Warm Champagne by slaymesoftly [R]

A sort of fill-in-the-blanks that begins with the scene in the Bronze when Faith/Buffy puts some moves on Spike, then leaves him hanging. It goes rapidly Spuffy from there and has a schmoopy and unrealistic ending. But happy.

On The Steps by MillennialCryBaby [NC-17]

They had to stop meeting like this.

One Step Away by violettathepiratequeen [PG]

Spike knows the way she dances. Not even Faith in Buffy's body can fool him.

Sex and Candy by sweetprincipale [NC-17]

Riley's unintentional infidelity creates a chain reaction. One act of camaraderie sparks one night of passion between Spike and Buffy.

Switch by Holly [NC-17]

Following Tutor, Quake, and Blow. Sure, Buffy's propositioned him before, but never in public. Too much risk of discovery and all that. Something’s not right, and Spike’s determined to find out what. Even if he hates her. Which he does.

4x17 - Superstar:

Somewhere In Another World by Miss Marisol [NC-17]

During the episode Superstar, Jonathan has incredible skills as a relatonship expert and counselor. So it's only natural that he doesn't bring Buffy and Riley closer together again, but reveals an unpleasant truth to them, right?

Superstar Revamped by kantayra [NC-17]

With her friends brainwashed, Buffy must turn to an old enemy for help. However, soon she and Spike find themselves fighting a losing battle against the irresistible attraction between them.

4x18 - Where the Wild Things Are:

Bruised by Holly [NC-17]

Following Tutor, Quake, Blow, and Switch. Riley hasn't gotten the memo that they're broken up. Buffy knows she needs to set him straight, which is the only reason she goes to the stupid frat party in the first place. But tell that to a bunch of sexually repressed poltergeists.

Possession by Holly [NC-17]

Spike and Buffy find themselves under yet another spell, one that seizes their bodies and not their minds, and forces them to get uncomfortably close, regardless of how much they hate each other.

Uncontrollable by sweetprincipale [NC-17]

Buffy and Spike end up being trapped in the Lowell House during the peak of the sexually driven "manifestation." Short Smutty Spuffy. Something not too heavy, just read and enjoy.

The Very Definition by Girlytek [NC-17]

Buffy and Spike get stuck in a closet during Where the Wild Things Are.

4x19 - New Moon Rising:

Landed by Holly [NC-17]

Following Tutor, Quake, Blow, Switch, and Bruised. No matter that things didn't go the way she planned, Buffy made a deal and she has to honor it. Thankfully, Spike has come up with a way to get the chip removed and him gone sooner rather than later. Kudos to him for figuring out the hard part. It'll even help in her fight against Adam, which, bonus. Then he'll be out of her life for good and that's what she wants more than anything. Really.

Muzzled by slaymesoftly [PG-13]

What if, instead of leaving town, Oz had been captured by the Initiative and thrown in with Spike who hadn't yet escaped? Would they bond or try to kill each other?

Rising by DarkVoid116 [NC-17]

When Oz returns to town, Buffy makes some changes to her life. Including where Spike stands.

4x20 - The Yoko Factor:

The Truth by Wonder and Ashes [PG-13]

Spike decides to try and split Buffy and Riley apart as part of his plan in “The Yoko Factor”.

4x21 - Primeval:

In Enemy Hearts by KittenOfDoomage [NC-17]

As Buffy faces off with Adam, the spell is performed but the demons break through. Buffy gets distracted and tries to save her friends, but fails. Spike gets her out and they battle their way out of the Initiative. Adam assembles his army and the world is doomed…or so it seems.

#Buffy The Vampire Slayer #btvs #spuffy #ficrec #spuffy fic masterpost #long post

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jalapeno-princess · 3 years

Text

Something There

Prince Mark X Princess reader

Genre: Angst (fluff and potentially smut in the future chapters but this specific chapter is just full of angst).

Word Count: 6.5K

Summary: Ever since you were a little girl, you have been groomed to follow the ways of being royalty. Being a princess had it’s perks; you got to attend all of these fancy balls and parties, you lived in an enormous palace with your family and your best friend just so happened to be a prince of a neighboring kingdom. Everything was seemingly perfect. You barely had any worries other than what you would be like as queen once you would take over the family reign from your parents. You were still so young to be considering what your life would be like in the future, but your parents don’t give you much of a choice once you find out that they have given your hand away in marriage without your knowledge or consent. Although you knew it was going to happen sooner or later and you’ve accepted your fate, you weren’t ready to find out just who you were going to marry--and when it turns out that the man you are meant to spend the rest of your life with just so happens to be the same man you hate with a burning passion.

“Y/n! Are you ready yet? The Parks will be here any minute!”

You giggled softly to yourself at your mother’s hasty words as your chambermaid helped you with the final touches on your hair. That word never set well with you seeing as how Elizabeth—or Lizzie was more like a second mother to you rather than someone who was meant to work for you and do as she was told by your parents.

It wasn’t as though your family was ever mean to her or treated her as a servant. In fact, she was practically family; all of the people who worked your your family were more than just servants and it didn’t feel right calling any of them that. When you were first born, Elizabeth was hired to be your nanny and it was only for up until you were old enough to go to school. However, you quickly grew attached to her and her sweet, gentle and kind-hearted personality.

There were times that you felt as though she was more of a mother to you than your own mother and since you hardly had any friends, she was your confidant and seemingly your best friend. She finished curling the last piece of your hair and playfully squeezed your side as she noticed the wide grin that hasn’t left your face since you heard of the news that Jinyoung was coming over to the palace.

“You look beautiful as always my dear. I’m sure Jinyoung won’t be able to take his eyes off of you. He never seems to every time he comes over.”

If the blush wasn’t already extremely prominent earlier, now you were sure you must have been as red as a tomato. With the last few touches of powder on your nose; although it really wasn’t needed, Lizzie helped you in to your gown, and gave you a sweet smile as she took in you and all of your beautiful glory.

“Time to meet Prince Charming.”

Right as your mom had her hand the doorknob, ready to twist it open, you barely spared her a glance or even a polite greeting before storming past her in to the hallway. You mentally cursed yourself for not asking where the older boy was beforehand; your humble abode or so your parents referred it to was in more or less words gigantic. There were a lot more rooms than your family of five really needed. Twenty-five bedrooms, eighteen baths, three kitchens, a garden, six libraries—honestly you would have been content living in a simple three bedroom house.

You’ve been living in the palace from the moment you were born. All you have ever known was this life. Being a member of the royal family—but not just any member. The heir to the throne. You were the oldest sibling of your parents children. Your sister Angelina was fourteen and your brother Theodore was only seven. It was only natural for you to be the next in line for queen. However, you were growing tired of this life.

Sure, you were extremely grateful for the many blessings that you had because of who you were. You had a roof above your head, you had a great education, a family that loved you, people who took care of you and people who adored you—you were very lucky to be who you were. However, if you had the choice, you would run away; run away with the wonderful man you were only moments away from reuniting with after going weeks without seeing him.

The thought of settling down, moving in to a quaint little farmhouse and starting a family with Jinyoung never failed to make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. You’ve known Jinyoung for almost your entire life. In fact, both his and your parents barely gave either of you enough time to learn how to talk before having you play with one another.

Since you were a little girl, Jinyoung was one of the only people your age that you could call a friend. It wasn’t until less than a year ago did your friendship with the handsome prince develop in to something more. You weren’t necessarily dating; Jinyoung claimed it was because he was aware of the fact that royals never got to choose their life partners—parents would decide who their children would spend the rest of their lives with.

Normally, it was with the child of another royal family and in most cases, the eldest child of either family would get married first. You were hoping that your parents brought the two of you together as friends for a reason; so that maybe one day you would become Mrs.Park Jinyoung. Sure, deep down you knew that it wasn’t exactly the most plausible situation but you were hoping and sometimes you’ve prayed that your dreams of marrying Jinyoung would one day come true.

You were still considerably young to be getting married; twenty-one was still an age of adolescence yet you were anticipating your parents giving you away to a future king in less than a year. Until then though, you and Jinyoung were selfish and began to see each other in secret. There were times where you’d sneak out through your window to meet him at a nearby park somewhere or he’d climb a tree just outside your bedroom and you’d find yourselves reading a bunch of books, stealing kisses from each other and just basking in the presence of the other.

As much as you didn’t want to say that your life was rough just because you had everything you could ever want and need—life as a royal could get very rough. There were so many eyes on you; everyone seemingly judged your every move and kept up with all the members of your family. If anyone were to find out about your secret rendezvous with Jinyoung, you were confident that you’d be the talk of the entire town. Plus, you were afraid of the consequences that came with going against your parents wishes or what was considered tradition.

Whenever you’d look at Jinyoung or even just think about him, it was in those moments that you wish you were a common person. The number one thing your heart desired was to spend the rest of your life with the person you loved, not the person your parents set you up with just so that your families would receive social gain and growth in power. You were miserable—not being able to choose your own destiny was heartbreaking and extremely unfair.

Jinyoung was verbal about how unhappy he was that he couldn’t be to you what he wanted to. No matter how hard either of you could try to hide it, there was no ignoring the fact that you and Jinyoung were simply not meant to be. That never stopped you and Jinyoung from doing whatever it was that your hearts desired together. Wherever life ended up taking you, he would always be your first true love.

You were racing down the hallway and wasted no time in guessing where the Parks could have been. The party being held tonight had been planned for months now; neither your father nor your mother went in to detail about what this party was for, but then again your parents were notorious for throwing parties without any actual reason behind them. People would come from near and far, all around the country just to be able to say they attended one of your family’s parties.

Your parents would have entertainment, music, delicious food, beautiful decorations and just nothing but the best ambiance and atmosphere. Once you finally made your way in to the ballroom, your eyes immediately landed on his devastatingly handsome features. God, Park Jinyoung was just the definition of perfect. He was currently dressed in a black suit and a red tie; a combination that you’ve mentioned to him a few times that you found very attractive. It brought a smirk to your face knowing that he was probably thinking about you while deciding what to wear tonight.

He had yet to notice you since he was kneeling on the ground, having a conversation with your younger brother. Watching the two of them interact and hearing the little boy laugh at what you were sure had to be a corny joke of his, you could feel your heart growing heavy. Jinyoung was such a gentleman and took care of both your siblings as if they were his own. He was also extremely kind-hearted and generous towards your parents. They would always ask when the next time he would come over was. He blended right in with your family—you were hopeful that maybe, just maybe your parents would find it in their hearts to break that stupid tradition and allow you and Jinyoung to be together.

You didn’t realize that you were so focused on the current state of your relationship with Jinyoung to notice that he was now walking towards you. The gentle squeeze of your hip broke you out of your thoughts as he dragged his fingers along the side of your cheek; causing goosebumps to raise on your skin.

“Hey princess. I’ve missed you so much. Have you missed me? You look stunning by the way. Simply gorgeous. How’s my favorite girl doing?”

If you weren’t in the middle of the grand ballroom where anyone could have seen the two of you interacting, you probably would have kissed him. His lips looked so soft and so pretty and with he way he was eying you up and down, licking and biting his bottom lip—you wanted to show him the effect his unwavering gaze was having on you.

“I’m doing a lot better now that you’re here. I’ve missed you too Jinyoung. You look very handsome.”

He sent you a flirtatious wink and motioned towards the direction of the library you frequently visited. Any time he hinted towards being intimate with you, you could physically feel your heart beat against your chest. Right as the response of agreement was on the tip of your tongue, a soft voice interrupted any plans you were moments away from having with the older boy.

“Y/n! You look beautiful sweetheart! How have you been? Jinyoung hasn’t stopped talking about you since our last visit—oh, sorry dear, I didn’t mean to—well, it’s not like you try to hide your excitement anyway. It’s so nice to see you again. Where are your parents?”

Mrs.Park pulled you in to a hug and allowed you to greet Mr.Park. To your dismay, in your peripheral vision, you could see the last person you felt like interacting with tonight. The sight of him made your skin crawl and you were sure that if you were to see yourself, you’d be wearing a scowl on your face.

“Mark, sweetie. Aren’t you going to say hello?”

You absentmindedly rolled your eyes at his mother’s curiosity. By his not so subtle scoff and the way he looked around at everyone and everything but you, it was clear that he had the same feelings of disgust as you were currently experiencing. Mark Tuan—he was Jinyoung’s older brother. The oldest of the Park siblings. Why he had a different last name than your best friend; you had yet to understand but you never asked since it wasn’t your business. You just assumed that maybe he took his mother’s maiden name while Jinyoung took their father’s last name.

You’ve known Mark for as long as you’ve known Jinyoung—but unlike the close knit relationship you held with his younger brother, you wanted nothing to do with the sarcastic asshole that was Mark Tuan. Honestly, you could tell by his actions alone that Mark hated you. He had to; there was no real explanation as to why he was so cold towards you and why he made it his responsibility to ignore you and pretend as if you didn’t exist.

When you were younger, you, Jinyoung and Mark often played with each other whenever you’d visit their castle or when they’d come over to your palace. At one point, maybe when you were six and Mark was eight, you considered yourself closer to him than you were with Jinyoung. He was a lot more fun and outgoing when you all were younger—but time was a bitch wasn’t she?

When he turned fourteen, that’s when he ended up cutting you from his life completely. It’s been almost ten years and you still had a difficult time comprehending his rough and crude demeanor towards you. You’ve asked Jinyoung on multiple occasions why Mark changed out of the blue; was something going on at home that seemingly changed him in to such a prick that lived to displease you?

Was it something you said or did that you didn’t realize back then? You weren’t going to lie, you missed Mark. Well—you missed the old Mark. The Mark that would read chapter books to you before you could even read on your own. The same Mark that stayed up till three in the morning with you because you had a nightmare and were too afraid to go back to sleep.

Sure, you should have asked him yourself what led him in to turning against you so that maybe, you’d be able to move on from it and stop blaming yourself for something that was out of your hands. But you were a coward and you were afraid that his behavior was all in your mind. Before anyone could say anything, he stormed past you and made his way in the direction of the kitchen. His mother gave you an apologetic look before bowing in remorse.

“I’m so sorry about him y/n, he’s had an exhausting day but that’s no excuse. We’d better go look for your parents. There’s a lot we need to talk about. You two go have fun. Jinyoung sweetheart, maybe later you can go keep your brother company. We all know how he feels about these parties. It’s always a pleasure seeing you y/n.”

You gave the older lady a gentle smile and allowed both Jinyoung’s parents on their way before motioning him towards your favorite hideaway. You were tempted to reach for his hand which was practically second nature to the two of you, but you were afraid of someone seeing the sudden movement of affection and you refused to allow someone get the two of you in trouble just so they could make a couple more bucks.

It didn’t take you long to make it to the library but once you finally did and locked the door behind you, Jinyoung wasted no time in pulling you against his chest. He swiftly shoved his face in the crook of your neck and left a couple of sloppy kisses against your jaw before looking down at you with a sad smile. His hand was cold as he cupped your cheek and as soon as his lips melded perfectly with yours, all the hostility you felt from earlier with that unnecessary interaction with Mark disappeared. All that mattered in that moment was the beautiful boy who’s embrace you were currently in.

“I’m sorry he’s such an ass. You don’t deserve that kind of mistreatment.”

Out of all the things Jinyoung could say or do, something about the way he cared so much about you and showed you as much as he would tell you made you feel as though your heart was about to jump from out of your chest. If you had it your way, you would have ran away with the boy in question and got hitched a long time ago. It was like this every time you’d be around his entire family. More so whenever Mark was around.

He always seemed to apologize for his brother’s brash actions and responses and you weren’t exactly fond of him anymore, but you did think about him every now and then. You wondered why things ended up the way that they were now—if he ever thought about you in a way other than disgust and hatred, and if he wished your friendship was what it used to be when you were kids. It didn’t matter though; you had many other things to worry about like one day ruling your kingdom and preparing for marriage.

“Hey, everything okay?”

You failed to realize that you were dozing off at the thought of Mark to listen to whatever it was Jinyoung was probably telling you. He continued to give you a look of pure curiosity but you refused to let him know what was going on in your mind. As much as you trusted Jinyoung with your life, you didn’t think he would understand why his brother was now taking up the capacity of your thoughts.

“I’m fine. Shall we go to the library—“

“Not so fast you two. The last time you snuck off to the library, nobody could find you for hours. There is meaning behind tonight’s party and a very important announcement will be made. Let’s go.”

A soft sigh fell from your lips; but it was quickly replaced by a child like grin and blush on your cheeks at the thought of what you and Jinyoung had been doing that warm summer day and why none of the staff nor either of your families could locate the two of you.

By instinct, Jinyoung reached for your hand—one of his favorite things to do with you was hold your hand. On multiple occasions, he has told you that holding your hand made him feel safe and at ease. You were his own personal security blanket. Unfortunately, it was as if he remembered that you weren’t alone. He was quick to retract his hand as he was to reach for yours and it sent a rush of sadness to your chest. If only you could be affectionate with him without having to worry what others would say or think. Hell, you couldn’t give less of a shit if the town were to talk about going against your parent’s wishes to be with the person who owned your entire being. Every time you thought about the future; living in a castle somewhere in the country, having a bunch of kids running around and ruling the Kingdom—Jinyoung was always right there by your side.

“Maybe we can sneak off later once my parents make the announcement.”

He hummed in agreement, but didn’t turn to look at you which was odd. With every chance he could get, he’d look at you while you talked or did practically anything. He just really loved looking at you. Now, his shoulders looked slumped and his excited demeanor from earlier was no longer. This made you wonder if he was upset that the both of you couldn’t get your alone time or if there was something weighing heavy on his mind.

He didn’t seemed bothered when you practically threw yourself in his arms not too long ago but then again, Park Jinyoung was the king of poker faces. If something ever did bother him, you could never tell because he’d never showed it no matter how troubled he was. As you walked in to the dining room, you were surprised to see just how beautifully it was decorated. Sure, your parents would set up the entire palace to look amazing with every party and event that your family held, but something about tonight was different and it worried you that you couldn’t put your finger on it.

“I forgot to tell you, you look breathtaking as always. I can’t seem to take my eyes off of you.”

You looked up at him and smiled fervently—grinning cheek to cheek. Every time he complimented you, you’d feel like a little school girl who had been flirted with by her crush. Jinyoung always knew exactly what to say to make you feel like the most important person in the room. When you entered the ballroom, all eyes immediately turned to face you. You were surprised to see just how many people your parents invited.

Whatever reason they were throwing this party had to be a pretty big deal. You recognized some of the guests to be fellow kings and queens with their families—there was also a couple of dukes and duchesses, governors, mayors and just a lot of important and very powerful people invited. However, you had a feeling with the way everyone seemingly turned their attention to you that this party had to do with you in some way. It wasn’t your birthday, nor did you think you accomplished anything worth celebrating. So why did everyone seem so interested in your sudden appearance?

“Jinyoung.”

“Hmm?”

“Is it just me, or is everyone looking at me?”

He gently squeezed at your side while leading you towards the table that your families were sitting at. The sight of Mark also gazing at you caused your stomach to tighten. As a princess, you were used to this kind of attention—but that was only when you knew the meaning behind it. Right now, you felt uncomfortable and that was an understatement. Mark wasn’t helping with the blank expression on his face. Thankfully, Jinyoung’s presence was taking your mind off of the anxiety building up in your chest.

“You’re the most beautiful girl here. That’s why. I can’t stop looking at you either. Don’t worry about it too much okay? Let’s just enjoy tonight. When we think everyone is distracted, then we can dismiss ourselves and have our own party. How does that sound?”

As much as you wanted to be excited at the thought of finally being alone with the older boy, you couldn’t push back the thought that something bad was about to happen. It was hard to put your finger on it, but something just didn’t feel right. You nodded slowly in agreement, just so that he wouldn’t ask you any more questions. You began to come up with different excuses to leave, but you didn’t want to hear it from your mother.

To your surprise, the night went off without a hitch; although you were still very anxious for reasons you didn’t even know yourself. Since you spent most of the night talking with Jinyoung, you were unable to witness the way Mark was sending daggers across of the table but you could feel him staring at you. As the night went on and it neared the end of the party, you slowly began to relax. Whatever reason the party was thrown for had yet to be made known of, so you assumed your parents either forgot or the reason wasn’t too important.

“Jinyoung.”

“Hmm?”

“I think they’re all distracted. Everyone is either drunk or exhausted and what better time to go than when everyone is—“

“Everyone. I have a very important announcement to make. Please gather around.”

You released a frustrated sigh as all the party guests gathered around the dining hall—filled with curiosity as to what your mother had to say. The suspense has been eating you away at the seams this entire night. Although you had yet to find out exactly what your mother had planned to confess, it didn’t take a genius to know you were involved in the announcement somehow. She grasped at your fathers hand and pulled him next to her; the look of worry on her face didn’t go unnoticed by you. In fact, you had a gut feeling that she probably wanted him there by her side for moral support.

“You all know, that in every royal family the first child is the heir of the kingdom. Our beautiful daughter y/n is going to be twenty-two soon. Although I do believe she is still so young, her father and I have decided that it is time for her to settle down and get married in order to continue our family name for many generations to come.”

As those words fell from her lips, you could feel your throat drying up. Nobody—neither your mom nor your dad said anything of the sort to you. Marriage? Your mom said so herself, you were still so young. Why were they having you get married and why didn’t they talk about this with you before humiliating you in front of hundreds of your guests? This is why she seemed tense the entire day; you should have known there was more to this party than just a simple celebration. Never does she worry about your timeliness like she did earlier. It was all making sense to you—she was worried that you were going to make a run for it if you were aware of what was going to go down tonight.

“Y/n—“

Your parents turned towards you and you completely ignored the look of remorse on your father’s face. How could they do this to you? Jinyoung’s hand slowly made its way up your arm and you were grateful he was trying his best to calm you down because you were only seconds away from having a panic attack. The idea of marriage didn’t bother you. You’ve always dreamt about getting married for such a long time now, but you weren’t ready yet. Especially because you were well aware that the beautiful man who was attempting to take your mind off of your unfortunate situation would not be the man you would call your king—your husband. To your dismay, it only got worse from there. Your mother’s next words made your head spin and you were ready to throw up.

“My husband and I along with the Park family have decided to unite as one in order to better control and take responsibility of our two kingdoms. Our two kingdoms will now become one on marriage. Since they’re both the eldest, Y/n and their oldest son Mark are set to marry in two months—“

You couldn’t even let her finish before storming out of there completely. The atmosphere was suffocating and you were on the verge of passing out. Just at the sound of his name with yours in the same sentence as marriage made your head spin.

There was no way—no way in hell that you were going to marry Mark Tuan. They couldn’t force you to marry him. You haven’t had a genuine conversation with him for over nine years and every time you did have to talk with him, his words were always filled with malice and disgust. You were extremely vocal about the fact that your friendship with Mark was no longer what it used to be when the two of you were kids. Your mother knew all about your grudge against the older boy and how he always tried to make you feel bad about yourself, so why did either of your parents feel like setting up an arranged marriage with a man you were sure wanted nothing to do with you?

Did you do something to anger them? Did they just so happen to find out about you and Jinyoung and were angry with the idea of you sneaking behind their backs and going against royal tradition? How could they force you to marry the brother of the man who was the rightful owner of your heart? There was no way you could do it.

There was no way you could ever see Mark in a way other than disgust. How could you spend your life with someone you’ve spent more time bickering with and insulting than having an actual decent interaction? You can’t even remember the last time he said hello to you without throwing in a crude comment. Once you made it to your room, you slammed the door and sank to the ground while tears built up in your eyes.

Since you ran without hearing the entire announcement, you failed to learn all of the details behind the marriage but you didn’t care. You were set on running away—or at least you weren’t going to give up without a fight. You were old enough to make your own decisions. As much as you loved your parents, you couldn’t help but think that marrying you off to Mark was to bring more power and wealth to both his family and yours.

Bringing up the idea of marrying Jinyoung was weighing heavy on your heart—you would still be becoming one kingdom, but just with a different son. Your parents brought you and Jinyoung together all those years ago for a reason didn’t they? Was it not to get the two of you to become close so that you’d get used to one another and end up agreeing to marriage? God, you wanted to scream to the top of your lungs but nothing was coming out. You felt defeated—broken, helpless.

You didn’t know how long you were sitting on the ground for, but when you heard the soft knock on your door you were hoping that it was the only person you wanted to see right now. Knowing how he could be though, there was a chance it wasn’t Jinyoung. He was the kind of person who wanted to give you your space for a few moments before allowing you to lean on him and as much as that was a quality of his that you admired, there was nothing you wanted more than for him to hold you and to tell you that everything was going to be alright. You were met with disappointment when you opened the door to Lizzie, but that was only because she wasn’t Jinyoung.

Jinyoung.

How was he feeling at the news? The two of you might not have been an actual couple, but there was a mutual unspoken agreement that you belonged to each other. His heart was yours just as much as yours was his. He was the man whose wedding ring you wanted on your finger. He was the man whose arms you wanted to fall asleep in and whose kisses you wanted to be waken up with in the morning. You wanted nothing more than to have mini Jinyoung’s running around the palace and you wanted to rule the kingdom with him by your side.

Due to tradition however, you accepted the fact that the life of your dreams would never happen. The two of you kept sneaking around and ignoring the fact that the chances of the two of you actually ending up together were even more slimmer than the chances of him becoming king one day. However, you held on tightly to the hope that one day, your parents would come to the conclusion that tradition is stupid and there’s no legitimate reason as to why royal families continued to follow it.

Did he know about this? There’s no way he could have. He would have warned you wouldn’t he? Both you and Jinyoung told one another every single thing that went on in your life. Whether it was good news or bad—he’d celebrate with you if something good happened and he’d comfort you if the world wasn’t on your side. If he even had the slightest hunch about his parents along with your parents wanting to marry off you and Mark, he would have told you about it. Or at least, you would want him to. But you couldn’t read minds; you didn’t know what he was thinking and this now made you wonder—what did Mark think? Did he know about the arranged marriage?

Was he as hurt and disturbed at the news? Did he run away like you had not too long ago or was he currently trying to get his parents to change their minds? Everything was just too much and your mind was racing. Thankfully, instead of saying anything, Lizzie pulled you in to her arms and softly began to run her fingers through your hair. She didn’t say anything as she consoled you which is what you preferred. It boggled your mind sometimes; she was more of a mother to you than your own. Your parents were always so busy with their duties to really pay attention to you and your siblings.

Lizzie practically raised you, which is why you weren’t surprised that she knew exactly what to do to get you to calm down. You couldn’t even count on two hands just how many times you’ve cried in front of her and how she got you to settle down before things got worse. When you felt her run her thumbs right under your eyes, that’s when you were made aware that you were crying. Though, who could blame you?

Sure, you’ve been groomed to do whatever your parents told you to and you were aware of the fact that it was highly likely for your hand to be given away in marriage to someone not of your choice since you were old enough to grasp the idea of marriage. Yet—you weren’t prepared to go along with any of this. Once Lizzie felt as though your sobs slowly silenced, she led you over to your bed and had you sit down before taking her place right next to you. With all the energy you could muster, you placed your head on her shoulder as a exasperated groan fell from your lips.

“I know I should have known something like this was coming, but I don’t think I can do this.” The comforting touch of both her hands on either sides of your arms relaxed you quite a bit, but you were still so frustrated.

“I know sweetheart and I’m so sorry it has to be this way—but you and I both know you have to. There’s no getting out of this.”

She was right; you’d never have enough courage to run away and you were confident that even if he did care about you and wanted to be with you, Jinyoung loved his mother too much to do such a thing like that. You too loved your parents too much to dishonor them by not going along with their wishes. However, you wanted to be selfish. You wanted to choose yourself first this time. From the moment you realized you were a princess, you followed every single one of your parents orders no matter how much you disagreed with it. This time around was different. This time—your heart desired to put yourself first and there was no way in hell you were going to take Mark’s last name and move in to the same palace as him.

“But Lizzie—“

“No buts my dear. I know, trust me. I wish things could be different, but this is an example of why being a royal isn’t all that people assume it to be. Yes, you have privilege and luxury, but at a cost. In your situation, you can’t be with the person you love. Hey, Mark seems like a nice guy and he’s very good looking—“

“Haha, very funny. Mark Tuan? Nice? I don’t think those three words belong in the same sentence. He’s the biggest asshole I know. He hates my guts. You don’t see the way he looks at me Liz, it’s like I’m the scum of this earth—the dirt underneath his fancy dress shoes. This marriage will never work.”

She got up from the bed and you looked up at her in curiosity but she didn’t give you any chance to ask what she was doing before the older lady made her way over to your closet. A tiny smile rose on your face as you saw her preparing your nightgown; you were ready to call it a night after the mess of events you just went through and you could only pray neither your parents were going to come find you and bring you back outside. As she helped you out of your dress, you released a sigh of comfort. One would think being a princess was so much fun because you got to dress up for parties, but if you had the choice you would wear a pan suit.

“He doesn’t hate you—and before you give me that look, I actually observe the way he looks at you. You on the other hand, I don’t think you get to see the way he looks at you. You’re too busy ogling his younger brother to even notice him at all. I don’t think it’s my old eyes deceiving me, but I think he looks at you—well not at you, but he looks at Jinyoung in jealousy.”

You couldn’t help yourself; a sarcastic chuckle came from the back of your throat at her revelation. Mark? Jealous? Of what? What was there for him to be jealous of? By the knowing look on her face, and from past experiences of how slow you were whenever it came to realizing things, she opened her mouth and spoke before you could even ask what she was referring to.

“He really has no reason to be jealous. You’re just being silly. Why would he be jealous of Jinyoung?”

As much as you admired and loved Lizzie, you couldn’t believe one word that was coming out of her mouth. There was no way Mark would ever see Jinyoung as competition and they weren’t exactly close, but at least they were civil.

“Why would he be jealous? Well, there’s a lot I don’t know about their relationship but what does Jinyoung have that Mark doesn’t?”

“You.”

#got7 imagines #mark tuan #got7 mark #got7 #mark tuan imagines

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oreoambitions · 4 years

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Part 7 of 9

Parts 1-3 // Part 4 // Part 5 // Part 5.5 // Part 6 // Ao3

Lena handles the bouquet like it’s a talisman, like these sprigs of white mountain flowers might shield her from the inevitability of Kara’s decision. She stands on the porch feeling suddenly inadequate in the clothes Sam picked out for her: red button down, red converse, black slacks, black blazer, hair plaited. She should have gone for something dazzling, something that shows off her body, something that implies sex and grace and power. But Sam said, "Something comfortable, classy, and red. Let’s go for something understated. A Kryptonian wedding is not about the dress."

Lena has long been accustomed to wearing dresses like armor, and so she feels naked now under Kara's gaze, the bouquet her only protection. Sam's done her best to prepare her for this moment. She knows that if Kara means to go through with the wedding she will remain silent until the vows. She knows that if Kara means to break from the plan she can end as easily as greeting Lena when she returns from her contemplation in the woods. And perhaps that would be for the best, but there is a preemptive feeling of loss and grief in Lena's chest that has nothing to do with the fear of what might happen to her if she gets caught out for lying under oath.

So when Kara approaches the porch, brow furrowed, and opens her mouth to speak, Lena rushes forward and presses the flowers into her hands.

"I gathered these for you," she says, stumbling over the last porch step in her urgency. "Before dawn. I couldn't find red, but..."

Kara's expression softens. She spends a long moment admiring the flowers, and longer still studying Lena. Then she looks up to where Clark is standing by the kitchen door, watching, and she nods just once.

There will be a wedding today after all.

They stand in a circle in the woods behind the cabin, all seven of them: Kara and Lena to be married, Clark to marry them, Alex, Nia and Sam to witness, and, ostensibly, Rao to bless the union. Lena doesn't miss the way Kara's eyes keep drifting to that empty space in the circle, to the sky, to her own feet, to the flowers carried by Alex now so that Kara will have both of her hands free for the ceremony.

"Are you ready?" Sam whispers in Lena's ear.

No. "Yeah," she breathes. "Anything else I should know?"

Sam makes a noncommittal gesture. "I really hope not."

How reassuring. And then Clark is clearing his throat, and Sam is taking her place again with a guilty expression, and Alex is nodding slowly to Kara as if to say this is going to be okay, and Lena is cursing every Krpytonian who ever said there had to be silence between communion with Rao and the offering of the vows because all she wants on this whole Earth is to ask Kara if she's sure. She settles for flashing Kara a shy smile. Kara smiles back weakly, and Lena's stomach twists as the ceremony begins.

Clark speaks slowly and clearly, his voice even though his hands tremble. The ceremony is in Krpytonian, and so Lena understands only a word or two here and there but she tries to listen anyway, tries to feel the gravity of the moment. She wonders idly whether Sam or Kara have told Alex and Nia what to expect. Clark has gone over this with Lena in exhaustive detail, and so she recognizes the steps: the summoning of Rao, the official announcement of Clark's intention to bind Kara and Lena, the blessing of the witnesses. There is no opportunity given for an objection; only Rao or the couple themselves may put a stop to this now.

And then there is the exchanging of the bracelets. Lena silently wills her body to stop shaking as Kara approaches, shy and soft in the morning light, holding out a band of braided metal. This is the first of two opportunities to back out: Lena can reject Kara's gift here and now in front of everyone and call the whole thing off. But she is still as Kara meets her eyes, as she fits the bracelet to Lena's left wrist with a silent reverence that raises the hair on the back of Lena's neck. And Kara is still in turn when Lena offers her the bracelet Sam has helped her to acquire: a simple thing, slim and flat so that Kara can hide it under her watch at work if she should wish to.

Clark is moving on, but Lena is caught in that moment, her eyes lingering on a promise made physical, a band across Kara's skin that marks her as Lena's and Lena's only, and she almost misses the transition into the binding. Almost. And then Kara is smiling at her, laughter in her eyes though she remains silent still, the fingers of her right hand weaving through Lena's left. Clark fastens a single thread to Kara's wedding bracelet and then he waits.

There is a silence over the woods so profound that Lena wonders whether all the world is holding its breath. Kara's lips part, but for a long moment she doesn't speak, her eyes darting back and forth between Lena's as though she's still deciding. This is the second and last opportunity to back out: Kara could refuse to say the vows.

But the words that fall from her lips are familiar to Lena, ancient and well worn, melodic in Kara's first language. Clark wraps the thread around their wrists as Kara speaks. To you I make this promise, my love, before Rao that it may be the truth this day and all days to follow. From the moment of this binding your needs will be as my needs, your blood my blood, the desires of your heart my desires too. We are to be no longer two strangers on the road, but one traveler bound to a common destination and a common cause. This in Rao's light I freely swear to you.

Lena wants to look to Sam for reassurance but she feels caught in Kara's eyes. Clark's hands have paused in their work, three and a half turns around, and Lena knows she's supposed to speak now. Sam's words echo in the back of her mind, reminding her that she can always give the vows in English if she's afraid, and she is afraid afraid afraid, but not afraid enough to let Kara commit to this alone. She licks her lips and swallows. Kara's eyes dart down to her mouth for a split second, and Lena is suddenly aware of how close they are.

"To you I make this promise," she begins, Kryptonian words a little more awkward in her mouth than in Kara's.

Kara's eyes go wide as Lena speaks, a gasp slipping unbidden from her lips. Lena can see the tears gathering, can feel Kara trembling, and enough doubt creeps into her mind that she very nearly trips over her own tongue. But Lena didn't survive a Luthor upbringing for nothing; she's not about to let doubt interrupt a well prepared speech. Clark finishes as Lena does, seven turns of the thread around their hands, and fastens the end to Lena's wedding band.

"In Rao's light, so may it be," he intones.

Sam has gone over this particular moment with Lena a couple of times, double and triple checking that she’s emotionally prepared, because on Krpyton as on Earth the vows are sealed with a kiss. And Lena is expecting something chaste, something simple and symbolic. Nothing has prepared her for Kara to step suddenly into her space with a dark expression and tears in her eyes. Nothing has prepared her for Kara's unbound hand tangling in her hair, holding her still as Kara hovers devastatingly close, her nose just brushing Lena's, her breath unnaturally ragged for a being who could break the very Earth apart with her hands should she choose to.

The kiss is, if not chaste, respectful. It's slow and deliberate and Kara doesn't pull back so quickly that Lena doesn't have time to put her own unbound hand on Kara's waist, to kiss Kara back, to feel the barest brush of Kara's tongue against her own before they part.

"In Rao's light, so it is done," Clark says.

And so it is. Lena doesn’t want to move, lost still in Kara’s eyes. All that's left now is to survive the relentless teasing of their witnesses until sundown, whereupon the thread binding them symbolically together can be undone and they can return to their lives. Lena will go home to L-Corp and await the inevitable legal complications against which this marriage is intended to protect her. Kara will return to her dual life as CatCo’s star journalist and Earth's bright eyed champion. They'll have lunches and movie nights and never speak of this outside of the public appearances they'll have to make once in a while for credibility's sake. And that, Lena tells herself, swallowing down the lump that has suddenly appeared in her throat, will have to be enough.

But Kara leans forward, lips brushing against her ear, to whisper in Krpytonian words that are not unfamiliar to Lena after these past few days with Sam. "I'm sorry, my love," she says. And then, to Lena's horror, she pulls away. Not just out of Lena's personal space, but away from Lena altogether, snapping the thread that binds them as she goes. And it's just a symbol, doesn't impact the validity of the marriage, but Sam has warned Lena in advance that breaking the thread before sundown is considered a dark omen or, in some cases, a curse. Lena isn't superstitious, but something in her sickens as Kara stalks across the circle to stand face to face with Sam, a little too close, her eyes faintly aglow, her right hand clenched.

"It was you," Kara says. There's no question in her tone. "You taught her the vows."

Sam meets Kara's eyes, unflinching, her expression impassive.

"You had no right," Kara hisses.

"I had every right," Sam replies.

Kara reaches out and for one terrifying moment Lena thinks she might strike Sam, but all she does is rest a hand against Sam's chest as if she's going to shove her, as if there's going to be a fight right here in the middle of what should be, if not a beautiful moment, at least a moment of relief.

And then Kara turns and walks away back into the woods without another word, and Lena feels as though her legs are going to give out beneath her.

#I apologize in advance #fake marriage au #supercorp #supercorp fic #supergirl #supergirl fic #kara danvers #kara zor el #lena luthor #sam arias #ficlet

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playlistmusings · 3 years

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Everyone knows you're the way to my heart (Chapter 4)

(1) Prologue (2) Yelled down the hall, but nobody answered (3) Always surprised by what I'd do for love, Some things I'll never expect (4) But I feel something when I see you now (5) And I've never seen you smiling so big

Chapter 4- But I feel something when I see you now

Jude didn't know whether she loved or hated the pendant. On one hand it was proving to be immensely helpful so far, over the past week the longest it had taken her to find Cardan was thirty minutes, but that had more to do with the way he was sprawled in the grass of the gardens nearly a mile away from the throne room where she started looking than anything else. On the other hand, it was absolutely burning her. She couldn't figure out why a simple tracking charm would ever need to have such powerful, insistent heat, after all it was pretty easy to figure out that he was right there. At first, she told herself the pain was manageable enough, that the burning on her sternum could be ignored, but very quickly her resolve broke down, causing her to sometimes wish that she didn't need to be with Cardan, that she could avoid the heat blooming across her chest for just a moment, even if it meant giving up her very unstable control over the kingdom.

But no matter what she wished about getting rid of the heat and telling herself that she could just search for Cardan like she always has, whenever she got close to lifting the small chain from around her neck something in her stopped her, and she couldn't do it. This was ruining her. Cardan was ruining her. At first with his annoying games, then his refusal to listen or help her, and now with something entirely more than that, something that he technically had nothing to do with. If Jude was honest with herself, which only happened occasionally, while she was alone at night, she could admit that the pain was manageable, but the way it caused her to focus on Cardan even more than she already did was what made things truly unbearable. Because when she really focused on him, it was really hard to remind herself that she hated him.

-----

The worst day, the catalyst some might say, started out normal. Jude woke up and organized her things for the day, making a mental list of all the things she had to do, making a written list of all the things Cardan needed to do, and then set out to finish a few small tasks before a meeting with advisors.

It was only when the time of the meeting neared and she needed to find Cardan that things started going downhill. At first, she followed the rising heat of the pendant to find him lounging on his throne. For anyone else it would have been a wonderful sight, Cardan sitting on his throne, crown precariously balancing atop his hair, a golden glass of wine in one hand, a parchment in the other, the look of resolute focus spread across his face-- he looked positively kingly (and devastatingly handsome). But not to Jude, definitely not, she reminded herself, Cardan is an asshole, a pain in my ass, a--

And then he looked up, locking eyes with Jude, a foreign look gleaming in his dark irises, as if he had some secret that only he knew, like he could make Jude give into anything with a single glance-- it took Jude a moment longer than she'd like to admit to tell herself that she decidedly would not give into Cardan's wishes just because he looked at her like that.

And as soon as their moment-- if that's what you would even call it, Jude's mind commented-- began, it was over, and Cardan was walking towards Jude, causing the pendant against her chest to heat so much that she thought it must be glowing. When he reached her, he was perfectly polite-- almost too polite-- asking her if she was walking to their meeting, if she would care to walk with him and saying he had read the new reports and wanted her opinion on them before his other counselors tried to change the truth. It was absurd, it was enough to make Jude almost forget that he hated her, that she hated him.

But as terrible as that walk was-- Cardan's lilting voice carrying two sides of a conversation about some thing or another, his steps falling in line with Jude's no matter how she tried to change the pace and the necklace burning her chest-- Jude should have known it'd get worse during the meeting.

Initially, it was nothing new, just Cardan lazing in a seat while she tried to focus on the words of various counselors, but then he got so close. Cardan's chair was pushed right next to hers, in a way that made her wonder how no one else was noticing it, in a way that made the necklace seem to pulse with stifling heat that drew her attention away from everything that wasn't him.

It was awful. It was painful. It was so much and somehow, some dark and spiteful thing that controlled Jude's mind commented, it wasn't enough. Because he was right there and yet he couldn't even do her the favor of just doing something, anything. Not a brush of his fingertips or a knock of his foot against hers-- nothing. It was a special type of hell that Jude never knew she had to worry about.

And then, right when some advisor was droning on about something that she should've definitely been paying attention to, his fingers grazed her thigh. It was barely there, something so soft that she could barely feel it with her clothes in the way, almost as if he was trying to hold himself back. It was barely there and yet Jude's world felt like it had frozen, like it had stopped spinning on its axis, as if this was it. It all felt so dumb to her, was she really that caught up in all of this, in Cardan, that just a touch could make her feel like her whole world had so drastically changed. But then it hit her, right as his last finger left her leg-- she was vague aware that he was now gesturing airily and talking about something, probably whatever this meeting was about, she couldn't even remember anymore, but that wasn't important anymore, what was important was the way the heat returned to her sternum the second his fingers stopped touching her. A heat she hadn’t noticed had ever gone away until it came back. Because somehow, in that brief moment, Cardan's touch somehow took more of her attention than anything else, so much that she couldn't notice that something that had been bothering her for days had gone away.

And, now, in the middle of a Goddamn meeting, Jude was focusing on how much she wanted him to touch her again, trying to convince herself it was for the sake of getting rid of the heat instead of just because, just because she wanted to feel like she mattered to him, just because in that moment she felt like she could stop shoving all her feelings down. It was truly hell. Some sort of special hell, made just for Jude, taunting her with the one thing she would never admit had complete control over her. Because right then she let herself realize that it didn't matter if she had a geas to protect her and she could order Cardan around, he would always be in control, he would always have this hold over her.

Jude tried to clear her thoughts of Cardan and focus back on the meeting, but only got as far as realizing that everyone had left the room before her mind went blank again.

Well, not exactly blank, she had one thought-- a thought that felt oddly reminiscent of that paper she had found all those months ago, with her name written over and over again-- it was just Cardan, Cardan, Cardan over and over in her mind.

His hand was on her leg again. Firmer, more confident than the last time. Less of a self-indulgent brush of fingertips and more of a grasp, of a purposeful action meant to get her attention. Jude felt like she was going to internally combust. This would be her downfall, Cardan's hand on her thigh, thoughts of love and attraction and everything in between filling her head. And then she looked up into his eyes and knew she was doomed in the best way possible.

@jurdanhell @yourlocalautisticoverlord

#fanfic #tfota fanfic #jurdan #jurdan fanfic #the folk of the air #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jude x cardan #jude duarte x cardan greenbriar

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omgrachwrites · 4 years

Text

Tell a Tale of You and Me - Chapter Two

Pairing: Sirius Black x Reader

Summary: You knew that making a bet with Sirius Black was like making a deal with the devil but you just couldn’t help yourself. You had never been a heavenly woman.

Warnings: fluff, lil bit of cursing

Words: 2559

A/N: I would like to say a massive thank you to all you guys who have supported me with this fic, you are all just the best people!! I really hope you enjoy this and please let me know if you would like to be tagged! I love each and every one of you very much! xxx

Chapter Two

You smiled as the blustery wind blew through the trees of the dark forest; the wind was so strong that the leaves trembled as they threatened to fall. You were certain that the glass in the panes would be shaking in the Gryffindor dormitories. The material of your coat was thick and warm as you huddled into it; you had grown accustomed to getting up early over the summer and taking a stroll around the village. You thought that it would be nice to do so once you were back at school and you were right, it was nice.

Glancing over in the direction of Hagrid’s hut, you noticed that he was just leaving his home and he was struggling with his many bags. Hurrying over to him, you smiled at the wild looking man and you picked up a couple of bags, “let me help you Hagrid.”

“That’s very kind of ‘yer, Y/N,” he beamed at you from beneath his beard, “how’s your brother doing?” he asked as the both of you began to drag the bags.

You grinned to yourself, “it’s only been a couple of weeks but it’s very plain that he loves it here. He’s in his element,” you were very grateful that Dumbledore had still let Finn attend.

As you and Hagrid walked towards the forest paddock, he was saying that he could really do with an assistant, “you should absolutely get a dog,” you grinned and he let out a booming laugh.

“That’s a fine idea, Y/N.”

As you got to the paddock, you bid Hagrid goodbye and you turned to walk back to the castle before breakfast began. When you walked into the dormitory you giggled when you saw a pair of shining emerald eyes peering at you, “good morning sleepyhead.”

Lily groaned sleepily and threw a pillow at you, it missed you by about six inches, “I can’t believe you’re up and dressed this early, Y/N.”

You rolled your eyes at your friend before running a comb through your hair, “well, you know what the muggles say. The early bird catches the worm.”

She grumbled at you as she got dressed in her uniform and tied a green ribbon among her red curls and you both traipsed down into the common room. They discovered that a crowd of people were gathered around a notice.

“Excuse me, please. Thank you very much,” Lily laughed as she gently nudged a tiny little first year out of the way. You also pushed your way to the front and read the notice.

As Gryffindor’s Quidditch Captain, James had put up a notice that try-outs would be held in about a month’s time. You felt warm fingers link through your own and you looked to see that the pretty redhead was grinning at you; “you should try out, Y/N.”

You scoffed with a giggle as you led Lily through the portrait hole. Perhaps if she was away from the notice then she’d drop the subject all together, you really didn’t want to talk about it, “yeah, I don’t think so, you remember what happened in second year, thanks though,” you shuddered at the memory.

In your second year, the Slytherin Captain had aimed a bludger at you; it had hit you and broken your nose. As a result, you had slid off the end of your broom in front of the whole school. The laughter still haunted you; it had been so humiliating that you’d pretty much lost all of your confidence in Quidditch.

Lily sighed and rested her head on your shoulder, her hair smelled of vanilla and honey, “maybe you’ll change your mind.”

The Great Hall was positively full of amazing smells; breakfast was your favourite meal of the day. You looked down the long table and spotted Remus nursing a mug of something. You smirked and plucked a marshmallow from the bowl in the middle of the table, apart from flirting with Remus, messing with him was one of your favourite things to do. As you and Lily neared the marauders, you took your aim and fired the marshmallow straight into Remus’ mug.

He looked up and rolled his eyes as he chuckled at you, his hazel eyes shining, “good morning to you too, Y/N.”

You giggled, “good morning sunshine,” you sat opposite him and piled toast and eggs onto your plate.

With a charming smirk, Sirius turned round at the sound of your voice. The girl he had been talking to looked very offended, “my, don’t you simply look radiant today?”

You smirked at him as you took a gulp of orange juice, “my, aren’t you an extraordinary flirt?” you teased back, causing him to pull a tongue at you.

Lily laughed and James piped up, “yes, flirting and sleeping around are his only personality traits, Y/N,” he chuckled and lowered his voice, “did you see the notice for try-outs?”

You nodded, smiling at your friend, “yes James, I saw it.”

“Won’t you come?”

You sighed as you placed your knife and fork onto your plate, “are you and Lily in cahoots or something? I’m gonna kill her. No, I won’t come,” your tone was uncharacteristically harsh so you shot him a sweet smile.

“But, you were so great when we played it over the summer!”

“Well, there’s a huge difference when I’m just playing with you guys, and besides, that wasn’t actually proper Quidditch” you ruffled his hair and he smiled at you.

You looked over at Remus as his hazel eyes lingered on a pretty but cold Slytherin girl named Ursula as she walked by with Narcissa Black. You smirked and raised an eyebrow; you wanted to see Remus happy, even if it was with a Slytherin. He was such a sweetheart. You were about to ask him about it with a teasing grin but Sirius interrupted your unspoken words.

“What have we got first?” he asked through a mouthful of scrambled egg.

His friends looked at him in disgust, “ugh, we’ve got double potions with the Slytherins, you should really learn our timetable,” you rolled your eyes.

“But, why would I need to do that, if I can just ask you sweets?” he winked at you and you kicked his shin underneath the table.

In potions class you were brewing an Elixir to Induce Euphoria, which induced a sense of inexplicable happiness upon the drinker. If the potion was made too strongly then the mere fumes made the brewer extremely happy and giggly. It was a really good lesson. Unfortunately, you had made your potion much too strong and the fumes dissolved you and poor Lily into fits of giggles. It was a really nice feeling.

You looked over at Sirius and discovered that he was watching you with a shit eating grin on his face. His smile reached his eyes, causing crinkles around them and there were dimples in his cheeks. You had always noticed how devastatingly handsome he was, though you didn’t dwell on it much. Not anymore. Though, you had to admit it was entrancing the way his grey eyes sparkled in the low lights of the dungeon. But, that was probably just the potion talking.

“You really are beautiful, Y/N,” he smiled and you flushed at the older boy’s words.

“You’re sweet Sirius, who would have thought it?” Sirius chuckled, almost looking disappointed as he placed a lid on your cauldron which cut off the fumes. The effects gradually wore off.

You looked up and noticed that Slughorn was making his way over to you, his eyebrows set in a frown, “shit,” you cursed beneath your breath, you were nervous. You were sure that he was about to reprimand you for making your potion too strong.

“Miss L/N,” he whispered, placing his hand on your shoulder and you gave him a confused look, “Professor Dumbledore has made me aware of your brother’s affliction. As head of his house and the Potions Master, I will do everything in my power to help him.”

You were very touched, Slughorn was so kind, you blinked annoying tears out of your eyes and smiled, “thank you Professor that is very kind of you.”

As you had been explaining to Hagrid earlier, Finn seemed to really enjoy Hogwarts so far and he had a little group of friends. He wasn’t hanging around with Malfoy which you were very thankful for.

Later on that evening, the boys – minus Peter, who seemed to be going off on his own a lot – smuggled second helpings of dessert out of the kitchens. In your earlier years, you had thought that it was very impressive when your friends managed to smuggle food. You had since discovered that the house elves were only too happy to give it away.

You smirked, licking vanilla icing from your fingers – you didn’t realise that Sirius was watching you – as Lily everyone the embarrassing story of how James had asked her out. The first years giggled when Lily got to the part where James had danced and sang his way across the teacher’s table, in front of everyone. Dumbledore had seemed to really enjoy James’ little performance.

James hung his head and tried but failed to change the subject. It was eventually Sirius who interrupted Lily’s story and changed the subject. He did it by whistling at a passing 6th year, she simpered and giggled as she walked slowly, swaying her hips as she went. You scowled, wishing that she’d have a bit of respect for herself. You mimed being sick as Lily and Remus smirked at you, you didn’t really want your dessert anymore.

“You’re such a pig Sirius. It’s a waste of that pretty face.”

“So, you do think I’m pretty? I knew it!” he smirked as you gave him the finger, he was so annoying sometimes, “jealous are you, L/N?” he challenged, narrowing his eyes. There was silence as everybody waited to see what would happen next.

You laughed, Sirius was someone that you could never be jealous about, he just made his friends look bad by the way he acted, “no, there’s nothing to be jealous of but maybe James was right, sleeping around does seem to be your only personality trait.”

“Please don’t bring me into this,” James mumbled.

Sirius scoffed as he leaned back on the couch, dragging a hand through his tangled hair, his eyes alight with challenge, “please, I can go without dating or sleeping around for longer than you think, Y/N.”

“Prove it,” you weren’t so sure why you were so bothered.

“Fine,” Sirius smirked, “I bet that I can go until New Year’s Eve without dating or sleeping around, it’s gonna be a challenge for me. If I can’t then I guess you’ll have the satisfaction of being right about me.”

You knew that making a bet with Sirius Black was like making a deal with the devil. However, you were undeniably competitive and everybody knew it and you wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to humble Sirius. You were sure that he’d lose. Satisfaction of being right about him was all you really wanted.

“And, how would I know that you haven’t been with some poor girl in private?” you asked with a raised eyebrow. Sirius couldn’t go for long without messing with girls.

Sirius smirked and tweaked your nose and you scowled in annoyance, “my girls can’t help boasting when we’ve been together. They don’t abide by lies; you can trust the gossip where I’m concerned.”

You nodded with a mischievous smile, you knew that he was right though you didn’t like to admit it, “fine,” you relented, “you have got yourself a bet, Black,” you smiled at your friend and you shook on it. Your deal was sealed; you even had witnesses to confirm it.

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

About a week later, the marauders were patrolling the grounds, close to the pumpkin patch at Hagrid’s hut. They were finalising their plans for their newest prank and were consulting the marauder’s map. The boys chuckled as a dot labelled, ‘Marlene McKinnon’ and a dot labelled ‘Dorcas Meadowes’ were walking side by side.

“They’re so cute,” Peter sighed wistfully.

Sirius chuckled, “at least I know now why she rejected me,” Marlene McKinnon had recently come out as gay which made sense to Sirius. He was sure that a straight girl would never reject him.

James slapped him on the shoulder and snickered, “it’s been a week and you’re still sticking to the bet that you and Y/N made. I’m proud of you mate, I didn’t think it was possible.”

“Thanks Prongs,” Sirius chuckled; he was going to prove Y/N that she was wrong about him. Remus simply smirked at him knowingly. Sirius ignored his best mate as he huddled further into his jacket and looked ahead to the dark thicket of trees. He saw a familiar figure on a broomstick and he got an idea, “I’ll catch up with you lads in the common room, okay?” he didn’t wait for an answer as he strode off across the damp grass.

As he got closer, he noticed that Y/N’s hair was loose and wild, the wind whipping it around her face. Sirius decided that he liked it like that, “practising for the try-outs are we?” he called up to her, his voice getting lost in the wind.

Pretty, sparkling eyes looked down at him warily as she landed gracefully on the ground. Y/N looked away from him as she got off her broomstick, tucking it beneath her arm, “I wanted to try out for the position of seeker, I really did but after what happened in second year…” she trailed of, still refusing to look at him. This was very unlike her, she was normally snarky and cheerful.

Sirius chewed his lip; they often made fun of each other, their personalities clashed like fire and ice. But, he saw that this was important to her and he was in a perfect position to help her out. He walked over to her and took her hand, her fingers were like blocks of ice, “Y/N, look at me,” she sighed and looked up at him warily, and Sirius smiled, “I’ve decided not to join the team this year but I can help you with your confidence. I will help you become the best seeker that Hogwarts has ever known.”

Y/N slipped her hand from his and stood with her back against a tree, wrapping her arms around herself and she looked at him with narrowed eyes, “and, you would help me out of the goodness of your own heart?”

“Of course I would, you’re one of my best friends and that will never change,” he smiled, “and besides, I need something to do if I can’t date or sleep around.”

Y/N ducked her head and giggled, shooting him a pretty smile, “fine, every Friday and Saturday, leading up to the try-outs. Except for full moons, because of Remus,” she added quickly with a funny look on her face.

“Alright then,” Sirius beamed, he felt like a good Samaritan.

“Thank you Sirius, you’re not so bad after all,” she teased, back to her usual self as she pulled him into a hug. The scent of lavender and rose hung in the air long after Y/N had left the paddock and Sirius took a deep breath of it.

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

Taglist: open

@approved-by-dentists @thefuturelawyer @a-miserable-hufflepunk @firelordmillie @seriouslysiriuss @sleep-i-ness

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misssunflowersandsangria · 3 years

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Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Naruto Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Nara Shikamaru/Temari Characters: Nara Shikamaru, Temari (Naruto), Yamanaka Ino, Sai (Naruto), Akimichi Chouji, Karui (Naruto), Nara Clan Additional Tags: Mafia AU, Romance, Eventual Smut, BAMF Nara Shikamaru, Explicit Language, Smut

Hello deers! I absolutely love Mafia AU's so I got inspired to write one for ShikaTema. It gets pretty steamy from the beginning and this theme will pretty much carry through the whole story. Still, I hope that you enjoy it!

I’m going to be updating this post as I add new chapters. :D

Summary:

Money, power, and women were all at Shikamaru's fingertips as the head of the Nara Crime Family. He had all that he could wish for as he ruled his empire with an iron fist. An encounter with a troublesome blonde was enough for him to risk it all on one night.

Chapter 1: Opening Move

Chapter 2: Queen’s Gambit

Chapter 3: Luck

Chapter 4: Castling

Chapter 5: Protecting the Queen

Chapter 6: Deflection

Chapter 7: En Passant

Chapter 8: Capture

Chapter 9: Checkmate

Shikamaru’s midnight eyes surveyed the crash of sweaty bodies moving and pulsating to a heavy beat. He took a long drag of his cigarette overwhelmed by the sheer number of people and heavy bass. It wasn’t often that he made the trek out here. Typically depending on his associates to check on their businesses. His father told him though that it was important for the king to be seen by his people.

For so long his family had to operate in the shadows. That was no longer the case. The Naras, Akimichis, and Yamanakas ruled this area. Government officials, police officers, “powerful” people were all on their payroll. Very few things happened in this city without them knowing. Everyone knew who they were and they no longer tried to hide it.

When he was younger he’d complained constantly that this was a drag. He never wanted to become the head of the Nara crime family. It wasn’t his choice, it was his destiny. Still, he grew into the role and had accomplished more than they’d ever dreamed. Their empire was now strong and vast. Power and money were his. And yet there was an emptiness in his chest.

He didn’t delight in the benefits of being an infamous crime boss. The club was far too loud. The women who threw themselves at him were too troublesome. A lot of strings and losses came with power. And it was all becoming far too tiresome.

His eyes continued to scan the room before they fell upon one person in the crowd. His heart began to beat wildly and an excited shiver ran through him. From where he stood he could tell she was a striking blonde but there was something different. Like a beacon drawing him in. A feeling unlike he’d ever experienced before.

He studied her for a while. She was clearly a good worker never taking a minute to rest between drinks. He typically didn’t involve himself in the day to day operations of their various businesses. He trusted his associates to do thorough background checks and to hire the best. Once he got a name he’d have to check through her file.

Shikamaru became increasingly frustrated as she flirted and smiled at the club patrons. They didn’t deserve her attention especially when all of his was on her. His hands clutched painfully around the balcony railing as he tried to keep his anger in check.

Shikamaru called his security detail over.

“The blonde bartender, bring her to my office.”

“Yes sir.”

Shikamaru continued to stare as she gazed up towards him with a confused glare. Part of him hoped that when they met she would bore him like the rest. She’d be good for a quick fuck and then he could send her on her way. The intellectual side of him knew that wouldn’t be the case.

Temari took a deep breath as she followed the large man down the dimly lit hall.

She’d only started working at the club for a few weeks now. It was an easy enough job. She was able to make a pretty decent amount of money, especially from tips. It was amazing how easily these men opened up their wallets when a pretty girl smiled at them.

She couldn’t imagine what she had done in such a short time to gain the interests of the Nara clan head.

When she applied for the job she had already been well aware of who actually owned it. Their family owned everything in this town. She wasn’t worried though. What interest could they have in a regular bartender? As far as she knew it was just a popular club with lines out the door on most nights. It was a veritable pot of gold. She needed the money for herself and her brothers. So whatever reason that Nara had for summoning her she knew that she needed to play nice.

This was despite her natural inclinations. She had to remain calm and quiet lest she enrages the infamous mob boss. Their reign and crimes had been known far and wide and she didn’t want to be a victim of his anger.

The room was small but well furnished. Despite the fear in her bones it was warm and inviting.

Temari looked up, finding him sitting in a large chair with a cigarette pressed between his lips. She’d never known what he actually looked like but he was undeniably handsome. Sharp features with a hint of darkness around him. His hair was pulled back away from his face as his deep eyes studied her. The expensive well-fitting suit framed him perfectly. He seemed to be younger than her but his eyes held a lifetime of painful memories.

The Nara wasn’t what she expected at all. She’d imagine some sort of large overweight cartoonish figure that wore an obnoxious outfit. This dark and dangerous man was like something out of her fantasy.

A delighted shiver ran through her. Unlike the fear she had experienced before there was a tinge of excitement and want.

He placed his cigarette down in favor of leaning forward to stare at her, his chin resting against steepled fingers. She could see dark swirls of a tattoo peeking from beneath the shirt cuffs.

“Your name?” Even his cool voice was making her wet.

“Temari, sir.” Surprising her he grinned.

“I have enough yes men in my life. You are allowed to speak freely here, on my honor you will not be harmed for anything you say.”

“You mean your honor as a criminal-” She bit her lip feeling her stomach drop. Her father always told her that her mouth would get her in trouble.

Surprising her yet again he chuckled in response. “I have no shame in what I do or what my family has done. Criminal might be an overestimation. Your elected officials, police officers, those who are meant to uphold the law. They are all under my command, so who is the greater criminal? The one who knows the crimes that they commit or the ones that believe themselves to be above them?”

“I doubt that you came here to discuss ethics.”

He smirked at the response, this interaction so different from what he was familiar with. He strode over, his shadow falling over her. “Are you not afraid of me?”

There was now hardly any space between them and the once warm room felt far too hot. He was too close and she could smell the cigarette on his breath. “If you were going to kill me, it would have been done already.” She replied breathlessly but instantly regretted it.

Despite his promise, she knew that she should still watch her words. The self-preservation part of her was too slow to stop her mouth. Or perhaps she was becoming drunk off his intoxicating scent of pine trees and smoke. She took a deep inhale wanting to commit the smell to memory.

“You’re sharp.” Temari breathed a sigh of relief that he seemed to be amused by her.

“You have to be growing up the way that I did. If you don’t mind, I am on the clock and the time that I am wasting here I could be making money.” She needed to get away. This devastatingly attractive man was doing something to her and she wouldn’t be able to take care of it till she got home.

“How much do you typically make a night here?”

“On a good night $300.”

He pulled out a stack of bills from his pocket before placing it in her hand. “Here, there’s at least a grand. Is it enough to stop you from trying to leave?”

Despite needing the money her arms crossed. “I’m not some hired whore.”

“I never said that you were. Seeing that I am technically your boss, I am just paying you for any lost wages.”

“Do you always have something to say?”

His lips curved into a grin. “My mother always told me that my mouth would get me in trouble.” For some reason imagining that this larger than life man had a nagging mother made him seem...normal.

“So, why am I here?” She prayed that it was for the same reason that she wanted.

“I don’t quite know myself. I saw you there and something just made me want to meet you.” His fingers casually trailed over the length of her throat along to her shoulder. Traveling over the skin her dress left exposed. Goosebumps erupted where his hands moved. He’d barely touched her and she was already soaked.

“Why?” She breathed as his hand came to take a possessive grip on her waist. “I’m no one.”

“I highly doubt that. Even speaking with you for just 5 minutes has shown me that you are really something quite special and I've learned to read people quite well.” He replied as his face buried itself into her hair as he took a deep breath. She smelled like an ocean breeze and it was disorienting.

“Do you do this to all the women who work for you?” Temari demanded trying to keep her wits about her.

“Jealous?” He asked as his fingers trailed beneath the hem of her dress.

“Of course not.” She replied sharply trying to fight back a moan at his warm hands traveled to grab the swell of her ass.

“Good, because you’re wrong. This is the first time someone has ever interested me in this way.” Flutters erupted in her stomach at the idea that she could have captured the attention of someone in his position.

Taking her own chance, her hands moved up his chest to cross behind his head, her fingers playing with the stray hairs at his neck. Lust and want were pushing her. How long had it been since anyone had made her feel this way? Had anyone even come close?

“So what now…”

His lips traced along her throat as he pulled her flush against his chest delighting in her gasp of shock. She was surprised to feel how hard he was and had to still her hips from moving against him.

“It’s up to you.” His voice was hot and desperate against her skin. “Because of the position that I am in I don't get to imagine tomorrows. So all I ask is just for one night.”

“Just a night” She panted as he continued to layer kisses along her skin from her shoulder towards her exposed cleavage.

His tongue and lips left a wet trail along her skin.

“That’s all. No strings, no expectations, just us. Whatever your conditions are is fine. I need to fuck you and It’s pretty obvious that you want me too.” She felt his smug smile between her breasts. His thumbs rubbed the tight nubs. She held her breath as his hands massaged and manipulated her sensitive tits.

In spite of herself, she couldn’t help the moan that fell from her lips.

“Fuck, you don’t know what that sound does to me Trouble.”

“More, please.” She begged thoughtlessly and his hands made quick work of pulling her dress down below her tits.

“You’re so fucking beautiful.” He breathed before his mouth descended over her. She cried out as he bit and sucked at her heavy chest. She arched up chasing that delicious feeling.

Despite what she actually wanted she managed to ground out. “Wait.”

Shikamaru immediately released her, taking a step back. “Sorry, Temari-”

She shook her head before pulling him back. “No trust me that was perfect and I do want you.” At the admission, he returned to worshiping her heavy mounds.

She had to bite back a moan to get her point out. “But if this is really just going to be a one-night thing let’s make it interesting.”

“How so?”

“Let’s go out, get something to eat.” Temari couldn’t believe what she was asking for. Yes, a quick fuck would be more than enough. For whatever reason though, she didn’t want the night to end.

He was in shock and just a bit of awe at the situation. Most women easily spread their legs if he showed any interest. Why did he relish in challenges? Why was he entertaining the idea?

“I don’t just go out or go on dates. I’m not a good man. I could easily take what I want from you. Why can’t I?” He groaned against her flushed chest.

“You tell me. You seem to have an answer for everything. Here’s what I think. When I asked you to wait you did. You’re a criminal but you’re not a monster.” She told him with a soft smile with her fingers in his hair. That smile could bring him to his knees.

“You think much too highly of me. Trouble.” He replied taking deep inhales in her hair.

“I don’t think that I do.”

“A date.”

If he was right and they did only have one night together Temari was going to make it last.

“That's what I want to do. And you said that any of my conditions were fine with you. Maybe get to know each other just a little bit first.”

His finger slowly grazed her face before drawing her gaze back up. It was like those teal eyes could see right through him. “You might not like what you find.”

“Let me be the judge of that.” He met the challenge in her eyes with his own steely glare. She was so damn troublesome and it would be much easier to find some other willing woman to help him get off. That person wouldn’t be Temari though.

“Fine Trouble if that’s what you want. We will go out but if you think that this silly attempt at keeping me from what I want is going to stop me you’re mistaken.”

She made a show of fixing her dress before drawing him into a kiss. His lips were hot and demanding against hers but she responded in kind. Aggressive and lustful, her tongue slid against his. She felt him walk them back. Her back hitting the door so he could put his full weight against her.

Shikamaru very rarely kissed his conquests. Fucking could be emotionless and raw. Kissing felt far too intimate. Kissing Temari though he couldn’t help but crave. She was so soft and pliant against him. It had been so long since he’d had anything so sweet.

“Are you just used to getting what you want immediately?” She teased him, her lips still against his. He hiked her leg around his waist grounding his erection against her overheated pussy.

“Most people know better than to push me.” He groaned, taking quick bites along her neck. His cock was already so hard in his pants and this troublesome blonde was only making it worse.

“Don’t be a cry baby about it. Maybe waiting will make it that much sweeter.”

“I can’t imagine your pussy being any sweeter than it already is.” He replied with a grin as his fingers moved up her thigh and towards her wet cunt teasing her hard clit. Wanting to draw out those sweet cries from her.

“We don’t have to go out to eat. I can eat your pussy right here.”

She pulled him back into a demanding kiss. It wasn’t a bad idea but she’d already made her move. “Fuck, your mouth won’t get you in trouble. That tongue will.” She cried, throwing her head back.

His thumb rubbed against her kiss swollen lips. “And that’s exactly where I’ll expect it to be later on tonight.”

“Come on, let’s go.” After a few more heated kisses Temari was able to pull back wanting to see her request through. Needing just a little space. This man was far too disarming.

“Well you’ve sucked my tits and felt me up, I think that I deserve a first name Nara.”

He threw his jacket over her shoulders before leading her back down that dimly lit hallway. His arm wrapped protectively around her waist.

“It’s Shikamaru.”

“Shikamaru.” She repeated back and the sound of his name on her lips sent a shudder through him.

This Temari was dangerous. He knew that she couldn’t actually physically hurt him but the damage could be much worse. Still, when she looked at him with that all too charming grin and excitement in her teal eyes he couldn’t help but want to take the risk.

Once they reached the streets she stopped him to pull him into another kiss. It was far more gentle than the lust-fueled ones that they’d shared. A genuine smile crossed his lips when she looked up at him.

“Be careful, a date with me can be quite a drag.”

I was going to write this and keep it to myself but I loved it too much and I hope that you do too!! I have another story for Sai/Ino and one in the works for Chouji/Karui that will all happen in this same universe. It's going to go fast because I have no patience or energy for a slow burn. There will be some twists and turns though! Thanks for reading! Love, love you all!

Update: I have a Stalemate/ShikaTema playlist on spotify but is there a way to share it but it’s not associated with my personal account? Hmmm either way if I decide to share it I’ll add a link here.

#shikatema #shikatem #shikamaru x temari #mafia au #mafia romance #naruto fanfiction #naruto fanfic #naruto #sangriaslips #sunflowerstalks #complete #omg i cant believe i finished it #im updating this while on a work meeting #thanks babes for all your support #this one was tough but its done so I hope that you all enjoy it

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where-s-all-blue · 4 years

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Okay so I've entered the Alabasta Arc now (I am actually pretty close to the climax in my rererewatch) so here's some thoughts:

Reverse Mountain:

I personally adored the mishaps the crew has on their way to the GrandLine, and the entire reverse mountain is very intriguing to me to this day. One day, I'll figure out just how on earth that thing works.

Laboon's story, tear jerking, absolutely devastating. Luffy being able to talk sense into a WHALE tells all you need about his ability to befriend beings. He also was the first one to hear Laboon, foreshadow for his later on found ability to Hear All Things or Haki?

Whiskey Peaks:

Ahh the time Vivi tried to be a villain. And Mister 9 is an absolute sweetheart. Honestly they made a pretty good team even if neither of them actually knew how fighting works. Personally I would've loved to see more of them, Mister 9 and Miss Monday seemed like interesting characters.

I keep forgetting about Zoro having supersonic speed in these, I kind of miss him just disappearing only to reappear right in middle of the group to mock their reaction of looking at the place he just was sitting on. The speed of him and his ability to momentarily cut through things he later on can't pretty much just tells you that he does have it in him, but it just isn't conscious thing yet. Also unconscious usage of haki spotted?

Vivi being The Vivi Nefertari is one of the more interesting and intense sequences in the pre-timeskip era, even if it takes less time than for example the Arlong Park does and shows just how devastatingly strong both Luffy and Zoro are. I can't believe that these idiots would retort to a fist fight mid battle.

Mister 5's ability is very unhygienic and I'd like to drown him in sanitizer, Miss Valentine needs to be silenced forever, her laughter creeps me out and she honestly doesn't add any value into the conversation. This is a duo I'd like to murder slowly.

Igram blowing up still gets me, the reactions of the characters, the devastated facial expression of Vivi, the sound design, the shocked looks, it's just so well executed.

Vivi's reaction of mixed feelings regarding Miss All Sunday/Robin, albeit just, is very confusing for me. I remember when I met her the first time and all I could think of was "She's a nice person" just based on her facial expression and the words she used.

I forgot that Luffy broke the eternal log pose Robin gave them. Not because he didn't trust her but because the choice Vivi would've been forced to make after the shock of loosing Igram would've been too much. Also because he didn't want anyone to dictate HOW they get there, he's the captain and as such it's his job to make the final decision, he also appears to have been convinced that this way Vivi would be safe.

Little Garden:

Aah, Little Garden, the island I'd simultaneously love and hate. Love because dinosaurs, hate because loud and probably insects large enough to use me as a quick caffeine filled pick-me-up. I might have a problem.

The fact that I can understand the thought process of these giants concerns me greatly. Is this the power of the Monkey Brain?

Mister 3 would be an amazing character if only we could see his self proclaimed genius in action and hear him go through plans etc. I feel like he's just trying to compensate on his lack of battlefield knowledge and experience. Miss Golden Week is highkey a mood and I love her. I, too, want to paint whatever I want and get paid for it.

Zoro actually started to hack through his own leg because he wanted to fight so badly, what a mad lad. Usopp honestly is flexing with his quick thinking and reflexes here. We love that for him. Go you funky little sniper.

Luffy might've used observation haki instinctively in the Mister 3 crowd.

Sanji managing to outright fool Crocodile to believe that he is Mister 3 indicates that Crocodile has never heard the voices of his underlings before and just assuming that the man who answered is Mister 3. The two also apparently have similar sense of humour. That Crocodile is aware of based on what Robin has told him.

Sanji both taking down the Unluckies without any hesitation nor stopping to think about where they came from really tells volumes about him. He also apparently lied so convincingly that Crocodile was 100% sure that it was Mister 3 fighting Luffy and not a chef beating up his long distance murder pets.

Nami was bitten by a bug, which was the carrier of a rare, nearly dead disease. Based on the amount of time one would usually need to wait for the sickness to develop, I'd say that they were about a week on the ocean before Nami developed the fever.

None of the crew members, Vivi included, thought about doing a full body check on her to see if there were any other symptoms than fever, ie her body actively fighting against the infection/sickness. Also her sickness isn't apparently something that spreads, so it's very unlikely for it to be virus based or spread similar to flu.

Drum Island/Sakura Kingdom:

Nami is capable of sensing the weather, and act upon her feelings, under 40C fever. If I have any level of fever, I am rendered near vegetative state until my fever either goes down or raises past certain level. What I'm saying is that Nami is some sort of Goddess or superhero because of being able to do anything with that fever.

Vivi needing to think about whether or not she can afford waiting extra days for being taken to Alabasta or to change the course to find a doctor is one of the stupidest things ever especially since the person who is sick with such a high fever happens to be the navigator.

Warm welcome by residents is warm. And by warm I mean freezingly cold. I can't believe that Luffy thought about yelling to the person before Vivi bowed her head prompting Luffy to do the same (though heavily "encouraged" by Vivi). Vivi saying that Luffy isn't fit to be the captain reflects very strongly her own views and beliefs, but she keeps forgetting something very simple, yet important. Background. She has no idea about Luffy's past nor how he grew up, she hasn't been long enough with the crew to be able to tell just why people follow Luffy, nor is she aware of how he communicates with people. She doesn't realise that when it comes to Luffy, humility isn't a word to describe him with nor that he would be able to set his own pride aside just yet, Luffy is a 17 year old, a mere child, who has just set out on the sea few months ago, who only knows the harshness of the world, where to survive, you must take things with force or be aggressive. She also isn't familiar with Luffy's way of helping others and going all in no matter the situation.

It's interesting to see how from the time Vivi is with them, Luffy is clearly paying attention to how she does things and how she presents herself, the mannerisms and the likes. It's not as clear idolisation and wish for being equal/better than someone as it was with Katakuri's use of haki, but he is striving to learn. If not because he acknowledges how important manners and humility are, but because it makes things easier on certain places. He especially starts to pay more attention to it once Ace joins them.

By the way the sickness Nami is struck with? It's most likely the same as the one that cost the life of Captain Yorkie of the Rumbar Pirates. After all, the ship doctor couldn't heal it, he didn't know how to, he could only prolong his death for a little while, few days max.

Chopper is a joy to have around and I'd physically fight Doctor Kureha at first sight because WOMAN! YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ATTACKING YOUR PATIENTS JUST BECAUSE THEY GOT OUT OF THE BED! What if they need to use the restroom. I don't care if you're a youthful 139 year old lady, you can't just do that. Also how the hell are you still able to move that well? Most people I see start to slowly loose their mobility at 60 as their joints are starting to wear out causing pain and their muscle mass is lowering due to the inability to move as much as during their prime.

I am surprised that a reindeer even cares about something like a blue nose. The devilfruit thing? Yeah sure, but not the blue nose. These local reindeer are dicks with human level of obsession to look like the "norm". News flash, there is no default anything. Your appearances are purely dictated by a set of genes that decide to either activate or deactivate as they please without any warning and genes can skip multiple generations. That's why I apparently look identical to my great grandmother.

Nami is kind towards other women and animals. Men not so much, my assumption is that she is carrying a trauma from the Arlong time that she hasn't yet processed and as such she is even now a bit guarded against the rest of the crew.

Hiriluk's character is closer to that of a mad scientist or a very enthusiastic chemist who keeps forgetting that people aren't test subjects. His curiosity and and enthusiasm are something to strive for even if his methods are questionable, all he does want is to bring people sense of hope, wonder and awe. Though I can't help but to wonder about his story. The thief (him) having a serious incurable heart condition and seeing cherry blossoms that cured him. A metaphor for his past self being relentless and uncaring while thieving, but the indescribable beauty of the scenery he saw changed his heart to be more generous and kind?

Hiriluk's death is one of the most important ones in the series if you ask me, it defined Chopper and who he became; Doctor hoping to be capable of curing any disease there is.

#one piece #onepiece #One piece rewatch #One piece commentary #one piece meta #long post #meta commentary #r talks #laboon #Reverse mountain arc #Whiskey Peaks Arc #Little Garden Arc #drum island arc #Sakura Kingdom Arc #op spoilers?#op spoilers

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doof-doofblog · 3 years

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"Our Family's Alright - That's All That Matters!"

Friday 21st May 2021

Hello again everyone! Hope you're all doing well! Today I'll be reviewing Friday's episode, before I do however I know I missed Thursday's episode so I'm going to give you a quick debrief on what happened during that episode. Needless to say that everyone was more than excited when they learnt that Sonia's Dad, Terry, had arrived on the Square! It seemed that he had made quite an impression on Tiffany specifically, she seemed more excited than anyone. But I do have to mention the iconic quote she said to Dotty, after over a decade since she last quoted it, Tiffany told Dotty where to go ... "You're NFI - Not Flippin' Invited!" ... absolutely iconic!! However, after Terry making a good impression with Sonia's family, Sonia couldn't help the feeling that it was too little too late for her Dad to be walking back into her life. As politely as she could, she informed Terry that a simple drink isn't going to make up for long lost years without her Dad. Understanding her completely, Terry left informing her that Jack has his number if she ever wanted to call him and reach out to him to possibly rekindle their relationship. Sonia watched as Terry turned away and walked off into the night.

Meanwhile, Martin makes a fool of himself and lashes out Zack after believing Lily's lies about Ruby cheating on him with Zack. After punching Zack in front of Sharon and Ruby in the club, Ruby puts him straight that his daughter is lying to him and how it hurts that he believed his child without even talking to Ruby first. Is Martin now in the dog house? What is he going to do make it up to Ruby? But also, how are they going to deal with Lily and her lies?!

Elsewhere Mick was preparing himself for court, Frankie still feeling the pressure of her Mum asking her to give a character reference for her. Although I can understand how Frankie must be feeling like piggy in the middle at the moment, she wants to be there for Mick, but I don't know, even though she loves her Mum, she can't stand by her after what she's learnt.

Anyway focusing on Friday's episode, I'm going to begin with Sonia and Dotty. I guess it's fair to say Dotty and Sonia have always had a rocky relationship, they've never really seen eye-to-eye. Does Dotty really get a thrill out of slagging off Sonia? I feel there is more to it really and in this particular episode, I think Dotty gives Sonia some food for thought.

After having a bit of a row at home, Dotty leaves and heads to the club, but Sonia follows to check if she's alright, it here that Dotty admits to her that she'd give anything to have one last chat with her Dad, how can she stand there and watch willingly as Sonia just let's her Dad walk out of her life. At the beginning of the episode, Sonia claims that she's surprised that Tiffany believed everything that Terry had said about his life, in Sonia's eyes - why should she believe this man who, even if he is her Dad biologically, he is a bit of a stranger to her. She knows nothing about him and he knows very little about her, as far as she was concerned, it's too little too late to make up for lost time.

But I think after Dotty admitting that she's give anything to be with her Dad again, Sonia takes these words on board. I think she probably will reach out to her Dad and slowly begin to build a relationship with him. What do you guys think? I'm not 100% sure whether Terry is going to be a permanent role in the soap, but it'll be interesting to see what he brings to the Square, what friendships he'll make and whether we'll find out anything about is past?

Elsewhere, Sharon has informed her brother that regardless of him not actually sleeping with Ruby, he's not as innocent as he makes out, as he has been continuously flirting with the married woman, purposefully winding Martin up and instructs him to apologise and take him for a pint. But, Ruby seems less than impressed with her husband's actions as we see he has been sleeping on the sofa. As he wakes, Ruby walks in informing him that she's been up since the early hours of the morning looking after his children, almost kind of giving them guilty treatment. She mentions how she was looking forward to him coming home from Dubai, how much she had done for his children whilst he was away and he throws it back in her face by listening to Lily's lies. It's fair to say that Ruby is deeply hurt and informs Martin that he has to confront his daughter and stop her from saying all these horrible lies, otherwise Lily or Ruby herself will be moving out.

Realising the seriousness of his mistake, he gives his word to Ruby and eventually gets his chance to speak to Lily. I believe that Lily is still holding a grudge against Ruby for putting her Mum in prison for something she didn't do, so feels she needs to get her own back in some way. Is she really trying to split her Dad and Ruby up to maybe teach Ruby a lesson? However, even though she's a kid and she's missing her Mum, what she is doing is really out of order, making up lies about Ruby just to get back at her.

Martin confronts his daughter and informs her that she needs to stop the lies and give Ruby a break. But it's not just the lies she's been saying, even cutting up her deceased Mum's wedding dress. Even though Lily claims she didn't know it was Ruby's Mum's, she still shouldn't have done it. This is an interesting one though, who's side are you on? Ruby's or Lily's? As Martin instructs his daughter to be more respectful to his wife, Lily leaves the house without saying a single word, although it's clear she's not very happy about it. Later we see her sat at the allotments calling her Nan, asking whether she can move back in with her.

Of course Jean isn't going to see her Granddaughter out on the streets, but I feel that maybe Jean will start to ask questions about why Lily is wanting to return to live with her. Actually speaking of Jean, I happened to notice that maybe two or three times in this episode, she complained of stomach pains - although she used the excuse of having prunes for breakfast and it has made her slightly windy. But something is telling me it could be more than that. Could it be the cancer? I have to be honest, I am still stunned to realise that no one in her family knows about her cancer and only Ruby is aware about how terminal she is. If Jean takes a turn for the worse, surely Ruby is going to have to inform them about what she knows? I swear though if EastEnders come to the decision of killing Jean off, I will be deeply upset!!! (Let's hope it won't come to that!)

Now of course the main focus of the episode was Mick and his family. Today was the day that they had been dreading, but yet they had all been waiting for. It was the day that Mick would finally face Katy in court. Even though he is twitching his leg with nerves, he's looking as ready as he'll ever be as the cars pull up outside the Vic, ready to take him and the family to court.

As everyone gathers in court, Frankie is trying to tell both Mick and the rest of the family something, whatever it is it seems really important, but she's never given the opportunity to say what she needs to say. As The Carter family make their way into the court, you can't help but feel for Mick as he comes face-to-face with Katy, the person who abused him as a child, one last time. Frankie is sat beside her Dad as she tries one last try to attempt to tell him something really important, but unfortunately the moment is taken from her a second time.

As statements are read out in the court, it becomes clear what Frankie was so desperately trying to tell her Dad and his family. It turns out that Frankie did give her a Mum a character reference, regardless of what she did in her past, Frankie cannot deny that she was a good Mum to her. Katy looks over to her daughter with a smile as the Carter family look over to Frankie in shock. Frankie almost looks as if she feels she's betrayed her Dad's side of the family, but Mick does the most honest and decent a thing a Dad could. He takes a firm hold of Frankie's hand, informing her that he completely understands her giving her statement, at the end of the day, Katy is her Mum and she gave her a happy childhood, regardless of her crimes.

As the court goes into recess, The Carter's confront Frankie about her decision, informing her that she could've jeopardised the length of sentence that Katy could receive for her crimes. Shirley more so than anyone is voicing her disappointment in Frankie, but Frankie defends herself. Do they really have wanted her to be a victim of Katy's also? Frankie cannot deny that her Mum gave her a good childhood, and Mick interrupts the discussion claiming that Frankie did the right thing and he completely understands and supports his decision.

During this whole interaction, Nancy makes herself scarce and gets some fresh air. But as the court is called in to hear the final statement and the verdict, Mick goes to search for Nancy as the rest of the family enter the courtroom. As he makes his way outside, he's faced with the terrifying scene of Nancy having a vicious epileptic fit in the middle of the road. Mick acts fast and stays with his daughter, putting his jacket under her head so she doesn't get any lasting brain damage from bashing her head against the gravel. Devastatingly, the rest of the Carter family have no idea what's happening as they're waiting for Mick to return to give his victim statement.

But Mick knows he cannot leave his vulnerable daughter in this state and desperately calls an ambulance. Linda then informs the judge to read out Mick's statement on his behalf. Now I have to say how this moment played out was really powerful, the words used in Mick's statement were so moving that it brought both Linda and Shirley to tears. But hearing these words about how much he was made to feel embarrassed and how it affected his anxiety and relationships with his family, he claims that without Linda and the strength of his family he wouldn't have been able to carry on. While hearing these words, Mick stays with his Nancy until she slowly comes round from her seizure.

Eventually Nancy is helped by paramedics and she slowly comes round from her horrific seizure. Together they walk back into the courtroom, just in time to hear the sentence Katy is given. A total of 10 years in prison! Now I have to be honest, how this episode ended was absolutely perfect, touching and powerful. As the Carter's leave the court and step out into the fresh air, Mick grabs each daughter, Frankie and Nancy, from both sides and hold them ever so tightly. The air is blue and bright, the birds are singing and Mick takes huge breath in. I absolutely LOVE that Julia's Theme was used for this ending, after a horrendous couple of months that Mick has had to endure, it's all over. Katy has been put away for her crimes of child sexual abuse and Mick can now sleep easy knowing justice has been done.

Together as a family, Mick, Linda, Shirley, Nancy and Frankie leave the court together. A untied front showing full well that nothing could ever bring The Carter Family down! With Katy now behind bars, the can carry on with their lives as a family. An absolutely beautiful and moving ending to a deeply devastating storyline! I can't applaud everyone enough for their performance in this storyline - Danny Dyer, Kellie Bright, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Linda Henry and Simone Lahbib! They've all been absolutely incredible!

What did you guys think of the episode? Was it a satisfying ending for you or do you think Katy should've got a longer sentence? Did you enjoy the use of Julia's Theme? I'm really excited to see what happens with the Carter family now, I'm hoping and praying that Frankie will now become a firm member of the Carter family. Thank you all for reading! Please feel free to leave me any comments or messages regarding any of the current storylines happening in EastEnders right now. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Love you all xXx

#eastenders #soniafowler #tiffanybutcher #dottycotton #terrycant #sharonwatts #zackhudson #martinfowler #rubyfowler #lilyslater #jeanslater #mickcarter #lindacarter #shirleycarter #nancycarter #frankielewis #katylewis #soapblog #soapfan

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atlas-of-a-human-soul · 4 years

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Fix Me (doctor/soulmate AU) {7}

Summary: Dealing with the truth isn’t easy, especially when there’s a soulmate bond involved.

Warnings: angst, fluff, swearing

Word count: 4000+

Fix Me (doctor/soulmate AU) series Masterlist

A/N - heavily inspired by Grey’s anatomy, my own experiences and thoughts, but also by songs: Birdy - Not about angels, Bear’s den - Fortress, Matthew and the atlas - Out of the darkness, Harry Styles - Falling, Kodaline - Wherever you are, Isak Danielson - Love me Wrong, Dove Cameron - Remember me, Tom Odell - Can’t pretend, The XX - Angels, Coldplay - Fix you, Coldplay - The scientist, Elvis Presley - Can’t help falling in love.

I really hope you guys like it! Feedback is always wanted and appreciated, no matter how small or big it is!

If you want to be tagged for future parts, reply down below.

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Ikari (noun) - anger/strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility

Very few moments in our lives are time-stamped, just frozen in one particular second of an achingly long minute of a horribly long hour. That's when time stands still and we're left with a choice - to be the force that makes it move or be a victim of the one who does and Ethan wasn't sure what to choose.

Taking her quivering lips and trembling chin into account, those beautiful eyes of hers clouded with doubt and hurt but not hate...even then she couldn't hate him. Love and hate are the same train, only in forwards or reverse gear. Her chest rose quickly with each breath, her exhales coming out as huffs instead of proper airflow and her hands laid at her side as defenseless as she must feel. She has blood in her eyes while blood drains from his face.

He doesn't feel like he deserves to be the one to end the silence. It's not as if he wouldn't be happy to be a father now or many times after as well, but it's the way it's come to be and it's the deceit that had forced this moment of reckoning.

"Nothing to say? Because I have plenty. To. Say." She spat the words out like they're poison collecting on the tip of her tongue, her eyes narrowing as tears begin to spill and Ethan really has no words to say because what the hell could he ever say that would make it better? And she’s fighting for the good memories of them to remain unaltered, to remember the reasons to be kind. She’s fighting to keep herself empathic even as every terrible thing she had predicted is coming true in this instant. For Y/N, that's the betrayal, Ethan’s lack of willingness to fight the negative thoughts and think the best of her, to recall her soul as it was when they first met instead of loving the soul that evolved by his side.

"You kept this from me for six months, Ethan! You watched me squirm whenever I asked about your soulmate and you said NOTHING!" Her hands bawl into fists and the veins in her neck become prominent and while he swallows thickly, Ethan prepares for the worst of it. She's just starting and she has every right to get it off her chest and onto him. He deserves it all.

"I've been haunted by a soulmate that doesn't exist! God, Ethan, do you even have any idea how fucking distraught I've been over that?! And then this!" Pointing at the positive test at his feet, Ethan can tell her hands are shaky but so is her entire body. Her emotions are completely in control, her rage at its peak, but he can't help the tiny bit of joy inside him at the fact that she's still there. She may be screaming at him, but she's there, not running away like she would have done months ago but staying long enough to at least argue.

"I've mourned our children, Ethan!" Her voice is raspy and devastatingly painful, his heart desperately flailing inside his chest as her grief overcomes her and he can't touch her, he can't make it go away. This time, he's the cause instead of being her cure. In her pain she thought he’s the bad guy, yet in truth he’s drowning in a sea of uncried tears too.

"I've mourned the children I thought we couldn't have! I've let that go, given up on it entirely because I wanted you more than -", her voice breaks and a sob fills the pause that wrecks Ethan from inside out and his own tears fall uncontrollably and while he knew it would be better if he stays on the other side of the room, he had taken a step closer and she didn't take one back.

Swallowing a lump inside her throat, she shakes her head at him and speaks again, no longer screaming but her quiet tone is making it worse. It hit him hard. Her words are like nails and hammers breaking his heart apart.

"I would have given it all up for you. I didn’t give a fuck about the soulmate I might have, because you're all I can see. I would have given up having children of my own, for you. I would have forgiven you for lying to me all this time, Ethan, I would have. I was going to." Wiping her tears off, she rubbed her nose absentmindedly before her gaze fell on that test again, her own heart aching.

Did she want kids? Yes.

Did she want Ethan's kids? Definitely.

But like this? It wasn't quite the way she imagined it at all and not at a time where she's finishing her intern year. There were far too many things she wanted to do differently, to make it special. Who even gets pregnant by accident in this world anyway? She felt like a cosmic joke.

"I didn't even fucking care that you lied, I was just happy you were finally mine and then I remember the times you insisted on condoms and I though why not fuck with him a little?” Chuckling in disbelief, she actually smiled through the tears but it was far from happiness on her face.

“Just to relieve some the tension and I don't even know why I took the test, probably because of what Grayson asked today, but no matter how badly I wanted kids with you, this isn't the way or time I wanted it to happen." Moving to the bed, Y/N let herself sit on the edge, folding her hands in her lap as she lets out a long, heavy sigh. Her sigh was of a softly deflating, it was as if a tension had lifted yet left her with a melancholy instead of relief.

"I love you. I really fucking do. I just don't like you right now."

Moira - a person’s fate or destiny

Ethan couldn't stay away any longer after finally hearing her say those words and mean them, no shooter with a gun to her head, no nothing. In fact, she said it after he royally fucked up, that's got to mean something, right? Moving toward her as if gravity itself demands it of him, Ethan knows this might end badly for him, but it's a risk he has to take. For her, he has to.

Kneeling down, he got in her line of sight and while she rolled her eyes at him at first, she fixed her gaze on him after.

"I was scared you'd leave me. That you'd run and I'd never see you again. And I fucked up, I should have told you and I just...the longer it went on, the harder it was to...justify it all. But none of it was justified, because I never stopped being afraid." Daring to lay his palm on her thigh, Ethan nearly smiles when she doesn't tense up or move away, allowing him a mercy he didn't feel worthy of. Fear is an incredibly powerful influence, it is also a disguised demon. But Y/N? She’s always been too kind, too patient and he never really knew why up until now – she loves him just as much he loves her.

"I understand why you didn't tell me. I do. I just wish you had more faith in what we share...in me. You were everything and I don't know how to go back to that? Was I ever just a girl you love or was I always the soulmate you felt the obligation to love?" And that hurt him. That insecurity, the doubt, the unwillingness to believe she is without a doubt the only woman he would ever love, it broke him.

"With or without it, I'd have lived a thousand years if it meant you'd be waiting for me in the end. There is no one, past or present, I would put before you. I love you, with everything I am - heart and twenty one grams of soul." Sniffling, Ethan laid his other palm on her leg as well, holding onto her as if she's his sole anchor to the world.

"And I fucked up, big time, and I'd love nothing more than to make it up to you and it's not how I planned it either, but I think we have a chance to make something beautiful here. If you’ll have me, I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you", leaning toward his nightstand, Ethan opened the drawer and pulled out a tiny black box. Never in his life had he felt like he couldn't breathe, as if his lungs are burning for their dying breath, but when her eyes widen as he adjusts his position, making sure he's on one knee as he should be, Ethan forgot how to breathe.

"Marry me." Mustering the words with the last of his strength he watched her in hope, aware this is yet another thing he didn't want to do quite like this but it felt right. If she needed to know how much he loves her, he would go the extra mile.

Most soulmates don't get married because why would they when fate had sealed their fates together anyway. But he wanted to do that. He wanted to show her his love is stronger than anything and that she isn't just his soulmate, but the love of his life - his best friend and lover and his favorite person. Without her, he didn't see a future at all.

“You want me to”, she paused, trying to say the next words calmly instead of freaking out as openly as her heart is, “marry you?”

Seeing him nod had only fueled the last bit of anguish inside her, but then he smiles so nervously, revealing just how scared he truly is and she doesn’t want to make it worse because she doesn’t even know what she wants to do with everything that had been revealed. It’s always been impossible to truly resist him, feeling as if it might kill her, but this time she didn’t want to resist. Y/N didn’t want to fight anymore. What she needed is Ethan, even if he’s the last person she should care for right now.

Reaching for the box, she takes it from him gently. Taking a moment to look at the beautiful ring, she swallows thickly before closing the box altogether. His lips part open as a quiet gasp leaves him, his eyes forming more tears as she sets the box back on the bed and turns to him.

“I don’t think we need to make major decisions right now. If it’s alright with you, I’d rather just go to bed – no talking, just you and me.” And he can hear just how defeated, how drained she is and he can’t even imagine what it is for her and how heavily the baby must be affecting her, so he doesn’t challenge her. Swallowing every word he wants to say, biting back his tongue, Ethan just nods as he sits up, next to her.

Wrapping an arm around her, Ethan pulls her into his side, holding tightly as her arms circle around him and hold him closer. He doesn’t wait, moving them back onto the bed, not leaving her for a single second. It might as well be the last time she allows him to hold her so close, so intimately that he can feel her heart beating against his chest and he won’t waste the chance. He didn’t care about anything but her love - he’d have her love him wrong if she can’t love him right. Anything, but to be away from her - this night or any other.

Instead of creating space, he kisses her forehead and while she tried her best not to, a fleeting smile appeared on her lips. Draping a leg over his, she hides her head just under his chin, resting it on his chest as his fingers thread through her hair at the back of her neck. And just like that, in their silence, Ethan and Y/N laid together until emotions settled and their eyes closed for the night – too in love to let each other go.

Metanoia (n.) - the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, way of life

When morning came, Y/N was surprised to find herself alone in bed. She figured Ethan must have been paged and while a pang of hurt, jealousy even, followed, she couldn’t be mad at him for that. After all, she understands it comes with the job and while she hoped he’d take the day off to figure things out and make a definite choice on what they will do moving forward, she sighed. He’s got her devotion, but she really hates him sometimes.

She doesn’t want to fight him, nor sleep alone ever again, but this isn’t just like any other fight – this is a big deal, possibly the biggest of them all. How can she forgive him? Is it fair to crave him like the very air she breathes at the same time as her heart is wide open, bleeding because of his actions? But then her hand lingers on her stomach and she almost smiles with the thought of a small part of him being with her now, even when he’s not really there.

Flinging an arm to the empty place beside her, she finds herself wishing his beautiful smile was there to make the day lighter. Even now, she wished for his arms around her, to hear him say he loves her most ardently.

Groaning, she shakes her head at her own stupid self. Perhaps now when she had experienced soulmate love, a part of her forgave her parents for the way they acted – not with her but each other. Her mother forgave his father for the worst of sins, something Y/N couldn’t fathom at the time, but she’s now in a similar situation and it’s exhausting being angry with him…especially when new life is growing inside her and it’s a part of the person she loves most in the world. And no matter how sudden and unexpected it all is, she would never be like her parents. Her child would never feel unwanted or abandoned, she swore it. Even if it’s probably just a clump of cells, she fell in love with the baby. Ethan fucked up, but this baby isn’t guilty of any sin. The baby is a gift, she decided. And she’ll make him suffer, but Ethan is a gift as well and eventually she’ll forgive him. She’ll be graceful, forgiving, become his warmth in the cold of his long, lonely life. People think that forgiveness is weakness, but it's absolutely not; it takes a very strong person to forgive and if anything, Y/N had become a strong individual with so much love to give and she’d give it to him…and their baby.

Yawning, she stretched before sitting up, a little woozy but in need of food. She had barely had anything to eat yesterday and her growling stomach wasn’t shy about reminding her of that fact. However, as she put his shirt on, she found herself missing him dearly. Resting her cheek on her own shoulder just to feel his scent better, she realized just how ridiculous she is, yet she enjoyed it anyway.

Tiptoeing to the kitchen, she quickly realized she was sorely mistake. Ethan didn’t abandon her this morning at all, he was just trying to be… for the lack of a better word, Ethan.

The table is set, her favorite flowers in the middle, stacks of pancakes already prepared. She tilts her head to the opened fridge and a man’s ass being the only visible thing at this point and she’d know his ass anywhere. As the fridge closes, she’s met with a peculiar sight – his hands are full with different dressings, he’s even got a pack of cream in his mouth and she can’t help but shake her head at him fondly, gracing him with a small smile.

“Ey”, he manages something resembling a greeting, his eyes wider as if he got caught doing something he shouldn’t be doing. She’s fast by his side, grabbing the pack from his mouth before she says “Hey” too. He can’t help but notice his shirt on her, but he thought it would be safer not to comment on it.

“Since eggs make you sick, I thought you might like pancakes.” Ethan shrugged with an innocent, but hopeful smile. Exhaling through her nose, Y/N raises an eyebrow.

“I’m fine with eggs, E. It was part of the…joke. But I won’t argue, I love pancakes.”

And so they ate, glancing at each other awkwardly and while it’s completely unacceptable, Ethan wished he’d let him touch her stomach. The baby’s merely a blob at this point, but he really wanted to feel her stomach, to feel connected to both of them.

“Do you think Grayson is free today?” Y/N breaks his inner monologue. Blinking fast, Ethan nods, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

“Yeah. Why?”

“Because I want to do a checkup. I want to know everything is in order.” And that’s when Ethan stopped blinking altogether. In fact, he barely swallowed the last piece without choking.

“You want my brother to”, he stopped before he made things worse but Y/N picked up on what he means easily, rolling her eyes at him in irritation.

“I want him to do the ultrasound if it’s possible, a few labs, not a vaginal examination. I’ll ask Addy for that.” She explains, making it very, very clear she had no intention of letting Grayson anywhere near her lady parts.

Nodding, Ethan texted Grayson immediately, making it clear he’s to clear his schedule if he needs to and right when breakfast was over, the pair got ready and went into the clinic.

“Can I be happy for you?” Grayson whisper shouted in excitement as he lead them inside the room, all but clapping like a little kid, trying his best to ignore the glare Ethan is trying to kill him with.

“I’m still very angry with you. What you can do for me is do an ultrasound.” Y/N sent him a glare of her own, definitely more dangerous than Ethan’s, enough to make Grayson pipe down and press his lips together to hide any possible excitement as Y/N laid down and bared her stomach for him. Ethan settled on the chair beside the bed, his hand taking hers, interlocking their fingers and while she did glance at him in surprise, she didn’t fight his touch, rather tightened her hold on his hand in response.

“Did you draw blood?” Grayson questions as he starts the examination, trying to ease the tension that suffocated him. It’s evident she isn’t happy with either of the twins, but he didn’t expect to take so much heat for this. They’ve been friends this entire time, he thought it would have eased her anger but it seems that’s exactly what fueled it. He should have pushed Ethan to tell her sooner rather than later, maybe then they’d be laughing as they’re doing something so significant, something he’s dreaming of. He can’t wait to meet his soulmate, to fall in love and have kids and be more than what he is now. It’s nice to have more time to travel the world and find yourself, but the past fifty years have been too much. He’s been ready for a while now, he just can’t wait for her to be ready too.

“Yes. It will be back in a few. They did me a favor and put it first for testing.”

“I know you’re mad at me, princess, but this is the first baby Dolan and I’m still excited to be an uncle.” Grayson points out, only making Y/N confused.

“Didn’t you say your sister found her soulmate and is happy in Australia?”

“She did. But she isn’t romantic with her soulmate. They live across the street, but she’s married to someone else. They adopted three kids though. But it’s been a while since she died. Cameron found her soulmate when she was thirty and they had fifty two years together. We see her grandkids though.” Ethan responded, somber as he remembers the sister he loved dearly even if they didn’t always get along. She was always closer to Grayson and he struggled most when she passed even though they watched her grow old and she was very, very happy. That’s the curse of living so long – you see those you care for find their happiness and die while you’re frozen at twenty. It’s what Grayson fears the most – watching his brother grow old and die while he’s stuck as he is now.

Grayson nods, confirming Ethan’s words before licking his lips and his eyes narrow, making Y/N frown. Something doesn’t feel right. Grayson is never quiet, even if he’s trying not to get himself killed by her and maybe it has something to do with remembering his sister, but he’s too focused on the screen and his forehead is starting to glisten from sweat. The guy didn’t shut up the whole time as he did a breast ultrasound, so why did he quiet down now?

“You’re quiet. I don’t like it.” She spoke up, craning her neck to try and see the monitor and Ethan did the same.

Clearing his throat, Grayson turned to her with a small smile.

“Just need more gel.” Adding more of the cool gel on her stomach, Grayson emerges himself further into the ultrasound just as a knock on the door makes Y/N gasp.

“It’s Addy, I have the labs.” It’s time for Ethan to sweat because while Y/N may be perceptive and see that his brother is acting weird, he’s been with him for over a hundred years and he knows when something is off right from the start. Ethan sighs as the doctor enters. The sigh that came was a signal, not of his resolve leaving but of the level his tension had reached. Doctors aren’t usually ones picking up results, especially not experienced ones like Abby. Perhaps it’s special treatment because it’s Y/N and well, him, but he couldn’t help the odd feeling inside his chest that something’s amiss.

“Hello, dear. I got the call from the laboratory, so I thought I’d pick these up for you.” She smiles sweetly at Y/N and only then notices how serious everyone is. Seeing Ethan’s hand in Y/N’s only makes her smile wider, showing just how happy she is for Ethan to have found someone like Y/N. Addy wouldn’t comment on it, but she was wishing them a bright future.

“Thank you, Addison.” Grayson nods at the iPad, gesturing for her to hand it over and she’s quick to do so before excusing herself, leaving them alone.

“I swear to God if you don’t start speaking, I will start breaking things.” Y/N’s voice is low and threatening and her eyes are hard, but it doesn’t make it easier for Grayson at all.

“Your blood-work shows higher levels of Beta HCG, something that would show in a pregnancy.” Grayson starts, only to get interrupted with a very relieved chuckle from Ethan who was getting worse at hiding his joy over the pregnancy with each passing moment.

“You scared me. I thought there was something wrong.” But Ethan’s smile died down when he noticed Grayson’s gloomy face. There was no hints of joy on his face at all, just confusion and worry.

“There is something wrong, isn’t it?” Y/N forced herself to say it, to hear herself admit it. She wants this baby so bad, even if it isn’t the right timing nor way, but she does want the baby. Just this morning she felt…lucky for being able to get pregnant after thinking it wasn’t in the cards for her. She felt hopeful, and she didn’t feel lonely anymore. With Ethan and a tiny Ethan around, she saw her future filled with smiles and now? She couldn’t grasp it. It felt like she lost everything.

“Say it.” She insisted, because she needed to hear it. She needed to know. And though he knew he shouldn’t, Grayson said it.

“I can’t find the heartbeat.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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Anyone crossed out wasn’t able to be tagged, probably an issue on Tumblr’s side, sorry.

#dolan twins #ethan dolan #grayson dolan #ethan dolan x reader #ethan dolan fluff #ethan dolan fic #ethan dolan fanfic #ethan dolan fanfiction #ethan dolan angst #ethan dolan au #ethan dolan doctor soulmate au #ethan dolan doctor au #ethan dolan soulmate au #ethan dolan series

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inkspiots · 4 years

Text

and the car door opened and a man stepped out

"You're early," Persephone hissed, eyes lit up with disdain as she watched her husband step from the train car to solid earth. She could almost picture the cracks his feet could cause if he exerted the least bit of force to his steps (he wouldn't, she knew, but she could still picture it). He was early, by at least two months, and they both were well aware of that. Why in the name of hell are you so early, husband? The goddess seethed silently, maybe knowing that she wouldn’t be getting a straight answer in the slightest, no matter what she thought to ask.

"I missed ya," he replied, and held out his hand in what she knew could either take as a plea to come with him or a demand to continue this everlasting arrangement like they were meant to do. She wasn't sure which it was anymore, hadn't been sure about it for at least three hundred years now. When she didn't take a step towards or away from him, when she didn't attempt to close or increase the distance between them, his hand dropped.

She could feel Hermes' eyes, old and tired as her favorite brother was of her always coming and going. She never stayed for long anymore, and she knew without a doubt that it was taking a toll on her friends ; on the mortals with whom she had spent years with, but she also knew that there was nothing she could do about it. Persephone stepped towards her husband with a resigned sigh, and climbed into the train car with all the force of a winter wind.

Her husband said nothing, even as he closed the car door behind them. The ride to their home, to his kingdom, was silent. It was the longest damn train ride of her immortal life.

Hades still hadn't said anything, even as they descended the last of the stairs that led into his realm. Then, she asked, with a voice that somehow sounded both curious and annoyed to his ears, "In the coldest time of year, tell me, why is it so hot down here? Hotter than a crucible ; Hades, it ain't right and it ain't natural."

“Lover, you were gone so long, and, Lover, I was lonesome.” He began, and Persephone had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. It wasn't so long ago (to her, at least) that he'd called her by her name, not merely Lover or Wife or something of the sort, but it still seemed like many more years than it really had been. "And so, I built a foundry in the ground beneath your feet."

The Goddess of Spring and The Dead and The Underworld shook her head softly, letting her coat drop to the ground. She didn't think she had it in her to respond without the underlying regrets of years gone by seeping through the cracks.

Her office is empty now that all the spirits and shades and the sort have gone back to their working in the mines, and there's a half empty glass of bourbon sitting on her desk, so she shakes off the feeling that there's something she really should be doing to stop this whole damn thing before it inevitably gets worse -- and it will get worse, she knows, because it always, always, does. She opens a desk drawer to refill her glass and instead of copious amounts of alcohol meeting her gaze, Persephone is met with the sight of a younger Hades with eyes brighter than any morning sun she ever saw as a child.

She picks up the photograph with fingers that shake as hard as they did when she was young and in love and the taste of fresh freedom rested in the hollow of her throat. It's a simple picture, really -- her husband isn't doing much in it, just looking to the side at something that she can't see but remembers so clearly it's almost like she's back there, in that back room of their old -- their first, from when they were still newlyweds -- house that she hasn't stepped foot in years. Persephone rests the picture on the surface of her desk like she can't bear to hold it anymore and downs the rest of her drink like she's a woman dying of thirst.

She slams her glass onto the desk with enough force to shatter it, and tries not to remember the sight of her oldest son's face as he died.

The twins are their only children to be born in the house of her mother. He comes first ; her son is born silent and she fears for all of a moment that he is dead, but then he takes a breath and the world rights itself on its axis and she remembers that even gods -- even gods that are born of the long dead and the recently deceased and the still dying -- take a moment to really come alive. The first thing her son sees, when he opens his eyes for the very first time, is the soft face of his grandmother before she wraps him in a blanket and lays him gently to the side to welcome his sister in the same way.

The girl is born quiet, too, and she waits until Demeter has set her beside her brother before she starts to cry. The sound seems almost out of place in the small room of her mother’s cottage, and it takes Persephone all of ten minutes to find in herself the strength to sit up and ask her mother if she might hold her children now ( she’s tries to ignore the distinct emptiness of the space beside her, the space that should be taken up by her husband ). Hades wasn’t aware the twins had been born yet, and he shouldn’t be, really ; they weren’t due for another month at least. Her mother gently lays her son in her arms, and Persephone shifts her body weight as though that may help her get a better hold on the sleeping babe she’s cradling. “Hey there, love.”

“What’ll you name ‘em?” Her mother asks, voice soft and Persephone feels the bed dip as Demeter takes a seat on the other end of the mattress, the little girl resting easily in her arms, and it takes the goddess a few moments to answer.

“‘M gonna call him Zagerus,” she begins, and doesn’t take her eyes from the crown of her son’s head. "And her name'll be Melione."

The sight of her mother's smile as she presses a soft kiss to the top of her granddaughter's head does something to ease the crushing phantom weight of feeling in her own chest. "Perfect."

When Makaria is all of eleven years old, her stark white hair ( a courtesy of her father, because his hair has always looked like it's dusted in snow and ash no matter what age he appeared ) reaches to her mid - back and she takes a pair of gardening shears that her mother kept in the outdoor cabinet and chops it off to her shoulders. Her older brother laughs at the sight of her uneven locks and pushes her gently towards their father's office, where not a soul does anything to stop her from opening the large oak door. Even the Moirai, who watch her with devastatingly blind stares, say nothing as she uses the full weight of her body to shove the doors open wide enough to get through.

"πατέρας*?" The youngest goddess of the underworld says, even though her father is looking directly at her when she walks up to his desk.

Hades raises a single eyebrow at his youngest child and leans back in his chair without taking his eyes from her. It takes a moment for her to realize that he's laughing before the sound actually leaves his mouth. Then, he breathes, "Lord, child, what have you done to your hair?"

"Well," she starts, and she can feel the heat of a sun that doesn't exist down in her father's place spreading across her face and neck. He can see it, too, she bets. "Mama's always complaining that my hair is too long to mess with, like hers is, so I went and made it shorter. I think Meli likes her hair long, but I don't get why. Long hair doesn't feel nice ; it's too heavy."

And she's taking a million miles a minute like her mother did when she was nervous and Hades reaches a hand over his desk to brush the stray bangs from Makaria's face as she shuts her mouth. "Go on home, girl, and we'll even out your hair when I get back, alright?"

Makaria nods slightly, and when she opens the door to leave, she is met with the sight of Thanatos and Hypnos about to knock against the wood. The boys look down at her ; Hypnos runs a hand through his own white hair and grins at her, but Thanatos just smiles and says, "nice haircut, Maka."

She's down the steps before the twins step into her father's office, and when her mother comes home a month later, the woman laughs as the sight of her daughter's hair before pulling her into a tight hug.

The boy is screaming so loud that he's sure his father can hear him down there, in his place of factories and machines below the soils of the Earth. His uncle's hand is hot against his face, burning his eyes up from the inside out ( that is, of course, what Zeus intended to do ) and when it is removed, Ploutos Adonius, god of the wealth inside the ground and the things that grow up on the soil, finds that the only thing he could see was darkness. "θείος**? θείος, what have you done to me?"

And the Lord Zeus, husband and king and uncle and brother and tyrant, lets out an ever so slight hum, and his hand comes down on Ploutos' shoulder with a sort of weight that wasn't there before ( he does notice, however, that the heat is gone ). "Ploutos Adonius, of the Agricultural Wealth of Earth, you will give out your riches not by the biases of the world clouding your mind, but you will only go by the actions of man."

He says it like it shouldn't be the first thing he went by, like it wasn't going to be the first thing he went by, and Ploutos feels his hands ( his hands, that which are pale from a lack of real sunlight in his childhood home and that which are scarred from a life digging through the roots of his mother's garden filled with thorns ) start shaking. He stills them by sheer power of will, and tilts his head towards the sounds of his uncle's movement. "Ain't no reason to blind me, Uncle." He says, and there's a moment where the throne room of Olympus, where his grandmother sits ten feet away from him and where his father is not allowed, goes absolutely silent.

"Ain't there?"

"I woulda been fair to them mortals, Uncle. I woulda been right, there was no reason to blind me."

And the Lord Zeus laughs, like the concept of being fair and being right is oh - so - foreign to him that he can not tell that Ploutos is being deadly serious. "You're a god, boy," the king of the sky says, and his voice sounds like the beginnings of a storm, "you ain't ever gonna be fair."

The door of his office closes at the same moment he shuts the cabinet, and Hades lets out a breath so ragged it’s a damn wonder that he’d held it in so long. The songbird had just walked out of his office with nothing on her mind but the food she was bound to get sometime soon, after her first day’s shift was over and done, and the Lord of the Underground and the King of the Dead could not find it in himself to step away from the window that looked out to his factories and his Wall. He was getting too old for this, wasn’t he?

He drags a hand down his face as he sits back down in his desk chair, bracing his arms against his knees as he leans forward. It’s been one hundred, two hundred, three hundred and more years since the god of the long dead and the still dying has felt like the world is slipping out from under his iron grip, and for half a second of pure self pity, Hades Aidoneus ( first born son of the mother - made Rhea and the tyrant - overthrown Kronos ) wishes for the presence of his wife. He knows, he knows, that he will not get it -- that he will not get it every again, for as long as he may live, from now until forever -- but he wishes for it all the same.

When Spring rolls around again, and the poet in the story is all but dead, there is a boy sitting on the ground out by the railroad tracks. His uncle stands guard over him with a hand braced on his shoulder like the comforting weight of a blanket, while his own hands are pressed flat against the soil, listening. "The train's almost here, Unc. The ground's shaking over it."

And Hermes, god of travelers and traders and thieves, starts to laugh. "That it is, boy."

His hand leaves the boy's shoulder as the train chugs right up to the platform and he descends to open up the train car door for the Lady of Spring. The boy on the ground tilts his head back to the sun with his eyes shut tight and listens to the sound of his mother's footsteps still when she sees him, lounging in the dirt.

Ploutos Adionius, god of the riches below the Earth and the crops that grow above it, gives her a smile, and says, "Hey there, Ma."

"Ploutos," Persephone says, and there's a sad sort of smile to her voice when she speaks his name, "Won't you get up off that ground and give your mama a hug, boy?"

He's up on his feet before she gets finished talking, and there's a sort of force to way he barrels into her, arms going around her middle even though he's just as tall as his father now, and ducks his head against her shoulder. She can't tell if his shaking is from tears or laughter, but she suspects it might be a little bit of both.

"Where have you been, up here? I ain't seen you in years, Love." His mother asks him, and it takes another moment of his head tucked against her shoulder before he finds it in himself to step back and focus his sightless eyes on where he thinks her face to be. She tilts his chin down a bit with the tip of her finger.

"I've been a little bit of everywhere, Mama." He says, and he smiles again like he can't really hell himself. When was the last time he'd spoken to any of his family, much less his mother? "'Course, I don't think anyone takes you very seriously when you can't see them. Them mortals some places think just because I can't see them means that I don't know what they say about me.

"I'm blind, Mama, I ain't deaf." And he pauses, like there's something else he's supposed to say in that moment and he doesn't really know what it is. Then, he asks, "how's Da?" and he hears it in the way her breath almost catches and he feels it in the way the fingers resting against his cheek still for the briefest of seconds.

"Your Da's good. He's working." And her son laughs, like he should've known better than to ask. "'Course he is. Ain't he always?"

Hermes appears at their sides, then, slinging an arm over his sister and his nephew and grinning down at the Lady of Summer. "Welcome back to the land of the living, sister. It's been awful quiet without you around."

"Glad to be back, brother." She replies, and wraps her own arm around his shoulders, reaching out to ruffle her son's hair. Ploutos smiles again, and his mother laughs.

The ends of her white hair are dusted with red from the seeds the god of Death has been throwing at her for the past five minutes, turning it a sudden shade of light pink, and Makaria can barely stay sitting up with the force of her giggles. She catches one in her mouth, finally, and Thanatos grins at her with teeth white as bone. "Took you long enough, didn't it?"

"Be quiet!" She says, and shoves her hands ( stained red like blood or wine or a mix of the two with juice ) against his chest -- he leans forward, with no regard for the fact that she's getting his shirt dirty, and presses his mouth against her cheek with a laugh of his own. "I'd really rather not, πριγκίπισσα***, if that's alright with you."

She rolls her eyes fondly and pulls him down with one juice coated hand on the back of his neck to kiss him on the mouth. When he leans back against the tree they've set themselves under, she follows him forward on instinct alone.

"You could, at least, do that somewhere you can't see from the window," comes a voice from the garden's gateway, and Makaria leans her head back until she's looking up at her father and he's upside down, and says, "and, you don't, at least, have to watch us."

Thanatos leans his head forward against her shoulder, shaking with barely silent laughter, as the Lord of the Dead looks down at his youngest daughter with almost a smile and a shake of his head, and turns and goes back into his mansion of stone.

Then, the boy rests his chin on her shoulder and says, "Next time, lover, we're going to my house, not yours." The blessed girl lets out a laugh, and he kisses her again.

TRANSLATIONS:

* Father

** Uncle

*** Princess

fin.

#alexis writes fanfic #hades and persephone #hadestown #hades #persephone #makaria #thanatos #melione #zagerus #plutous #hermes #this was written a while ago #i love it tho #zeus is an idiot and we hate him

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