#and I could’ve spent more time with him if my brother in law didn’t knock on the door for no reason this morning :( | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

beifongsss · 4 years

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doubts [zuko]

Pairing: (Fire Lord) Zuko x reader (i’m such a simp for Fire Lord Zuko)

Requested?: Yes! By a marvelous anon!: “hi! so i was thinking either a zuko x reader or sokka x reader please, where it's the night of your wedding and you're not ready and then he gets mad but fluff at the end :) if you can't do it i totally understand, thank you !!”

Summary: It’s a day before your wedding and you find yourself in Katara’s room, worried about your duties as the Fire Lord’s spouse. I tried to keep it gender neutral!

.masterlist.

You had met Zuko way before Aang had defeated Ozai, back when he was still the banished prince. The start of your relationship was rough, especially when you remembered how the two of you had constantly been at each other’s throats when he finally joined Team Avatar.

Eventually, the scathing remarks and backhanded compliments faded away to teasing comments and shy smiles as the two of you shared many sleepless nights under the stars. It was during these nights that the two of you opened up to each other, Zuko finally revealing information about his childhood and how he got his scar and you telling him all about your own upbringing and how you ended up traveling with the Gaang. You had ended up sleeping in each others’ arms that night, Momo snuggling in between the two of you.

That night changed your whole dynamic and after Ozai’s defeat, Aang forced the two of you to confess your feelings for each other. Your relationship bloomed quickly, the events you had been through only making your connection that much stronger. It wasn’t a relationship built only on attraction; it was one built on mutual trust and respect, and the confidence of knowing that you were there for each other no matter what.

That was what had led to Zuko proposing marriage at a young age.

When the words came out of his mouth, you had been shocked. To be honest, you had always thought that you’d be the first to bring up the idea of marriage. You had also expected to talk about it once the two of you were older and Zuko had gotten used to his duties as the Fire Lord, not when the two of you were on the edge of seventeen. Despite your surprise, you had agreed after making him promise to wait until the two of you were eighteen.

He had agreed, stating that he was certain that you were it for him.

Now, two years later, you found yourself smiling as the Gaang arrived at the palace. They were there for your wedding, which would be taking place in two days. Zuko had kept his promise and now that the two of you were eighteen, he didn’t want to waste any more time without you at his side.

The first day the Gaang was there was spent catching up with each other. Zuko had even managed to get the day off by asking Iroh to attend some meetings in his place. You had taken them to the city, giving them a proper tour now that they weren’t wanted criminals.

The Gaang spent most of the day silently fawning over the way the two of you treated each other, Zuko buying you snacks that he knew you liked and smiling when you kissed his cheek in thanks and you making sure that he was comfortable being surrounded by so many people. You truly were the perfect couple. Your action-packed day came to an end with a picnic in the royal gardens, lounging around as Aang played with the turtle ducks.

The next day was the day before your wedding, and you didn’t get the chance to see Zuko all day. You spent the day in the library with Sokka, who claimed that he wanted to learn more about the history of the Fire Nation. It felt nice to have a calm day, especially knowing that after tomorrow you would be married to the Fire Lord. Your stomach flipped uncomfortably at your thoughts and you swallowed nervously as Sokka turned to you.

“So?” he asked, a book in his hand as he stared at you. “How does it feel knowing that after tomorrow you’re no longer single?”

“I’m not single now,” you replied blandly. “I’m dating Zuko.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Sokka said, waving off your words. “But after tomorrow you’re like, bound to him. How does it feel, knowing that you’re going to help him run the Fire Nation?”

You visibly paled at Sokka’s words, causing him to put the book down immediately and approach you.

“(Y/N/N)? Are you good?” he asked, gently grasping your shoulder. You didn’t look at him as you nodded.

“I-I’m great Sokka,” you replied quietly, shooting out of your chair and heading for the door. “I just remembered I promised Katara I’d visit her.”

Sokka’s worried gaze followed you as you darted out of the room. He stood there for a moment before shrugging and sitting back down.

“Wow, those pre-wedding jitters must be pretty intense.”

Katara gasped and whirled around as you burst into her room. She was about to scold you when she noticed the panicked look on your face and the tears welling up in your eyes.

“(Y/N)? What happened?” Katara asked, rushing to you and wrapping you up in her arms. She tried to kick the door closed as she led you over to her bed but failed, leaving the door open an inch. You didn’t say anything as she sat you down, your face contorted in a grimace as you thought about Sokka’s words.

“Sokka said something and it made me panic,” you finally breathed out, turning to look at Katara. She snorted.

“Don’t listen to anything my idiot brother says.”

“No, he asked me if I was ready to help Zuko rule the Fire Nation,” you clarified, nervously fidgeting with your fingers. “And I’m not. I’m not ready Katara.”

Katara rubbed your arm as she looked at you understandingly. “It’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it?”

“That’s an understatement,” you mumbled. “I love Zuko, so much. But I’m not the right person to rule by his side. It should be Mai or someone else who knows the proper etiquette and laws of the Fire Nation.”

“You can always learn (Y/N/N),” Katara said softly. “Zuko wants you by his side. We’ve all seen the way you act around each other; he wants you by his side because he trusts you to help him out whenever he needs you to. And you’re gonna do a great job!”

You sighed before replying. “I’m just so nervous Katara. I’m not good enough to marry royalty. I feel so inadequate here, and I don’t know how to change that! How am I expected to help the Fire Lord when I can barely help you cook?!”

Katara chuckled at your words before falling silent. She didn’t know what to say.

Elsewhere in the palace, Zuko was getting out of his last meeting for the day. He walked off in the direction of your bedroom, determined to surprise you with a romantic dinner before your big day. When he didn’t find you, he checked the library, knowing that it was one of your favorite rooms in the palace. The only thing he found was a reading Sokka, who only mumbled that you had gone to visit Katara before he focused on his book once more.

Sighing, Zuko made his way towards Katara’s room, pausing slightly when he noticed that the door was open. He was about to knock when he was halted by the sound of your voice.

“Katara, maybe this marriage isn’t the best idea.”

Zuko felt his heart drop at your words, his throat closing up slightly as he registered your words. Before jumping to any conclusions, he waited a bit, wanting to hear Katara’s response

“(Y/N)? What do you mean?” Katara replied. “Zuko loves you, he’s been waiting for this day for literal years.”

“I know,” came your reply. “But I can’t go through with it. Especially not when I’m having all these doubts.”

“Ok, wait,” Katara spoke again. “Let’s think this through first.”

“Let’s not,” Zuko said, finally stepping into the room. The two of you stared up at him, Katara’s mouth dropping open in surprise as your eyes widened in shock. “If you didn’t want to marry me, you should’ve just said so.”

Katara stood up immediately, her cheeks blushing with embarrassment after Zuko’s sudden appearance. She awkwardly bowed to the boy before heading to the door. “I’ll uh, I’ll let you two sort this out.”

“That was weird,” you spoke first, breaking the silence. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her bow to you before.”

A smile twitched at Zuko’s lips before he remembered your earlier words. You glanced up at him, flinching slightly at the hard expression on his face. “Zuko, I-”

“We don’t have to get married (Y/N),” he spoke bluntly, no emotion present in his voice. “You could’ve just told me and I would’ve called it off. In fact, let me go do that right now.”

“Zuko, no,” you replied, standing up. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, I just didn’t want you to-”

“You didn’t want me to what, (Y/N)?” Zuko snapped, causing you to flinch and take a step backwards. He was angry, that much you could tell. “You didn’t want me to find out that you had no intention of staying in my life, that you had doubts about being with me? What have these past few years meant to you? Because if you were planning on leaving me at the altar you could’ve just told me you didn’t love me anymore.”

“W-What?” you asked, gasping lightly at his words. That’s why he was angry; he thought you wanted to call off the wedding because you didn’t love him anymore. You stepped closer to him. “Zuko.”

He pulled away from you, trying not to look at you as tears pricked at his eyes. His thoughts ran wild as he tried to pinpoint the moment you had lost feelings for him. He knew it was his fault, he didn’t spend enough time with you or buy you any sparkling jewels or-

“I’m so in love with you, Zuko,” you whispered, interrupting his inner turmoil. You sidled up next to him, reaching out to gently brush away the tears that had escaped his eyes and were now trailing down his face. He turned away from you and scoffed, a harsh expression still on his face.

“No you aren’t.”

You felt your heart leap into your throat as you took him in. You held your breath as you turned his head back towards before pressing your lips against his. Zuko’s hands went to your waist instinctively and you could taste the tears he had shed as his lips molded against yours perfectly. You tried your best to pour as much love as you could into the kiss. He pulled away from you first, tears still falling as he looked at you in disbelief.

“My doubts weren’t about my love for you Zuko,” you spoke quietly, your eyes never leaving his. “I have never doubted my love for you. In my heart I have always known that you’re the one for me, as cheesy as that sounds.”

Zuko swallowed as he searched your eyes, finding nothing but the truth. “Then w-why-”

“I was having doubts about myself,” you whispered, cutting him off. “I love you so much that it hurts, but I’m not good enough to rule by your side. You deserve someone better; someone who knows how to deal with Fire Nation issues and help you make the best decisions that will benefit your nation. That’s not me. I barely even know who the Fire Lord before Sozin was!”

“You’re more than enough,” Zuko replied, his voice rough as he reached out to hold you. “You’re all that I have ever needed or wanted and you’re gonna do an amazing job by my side.”

“How can you be so sure?” you asked softly, melting into his touch.

“You can always learn about your duties as the Fire Lord’s spouse,” he replied, causing your mouth to twitch up as you remembered Katara’s earlier words. She had said the same thing. “You’re a quick learner. Besides, I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

You sighed softly as you leaned against him, his anger and insecurities fading as he held you tightly.

“If it makes you more comfortable, we can always postpone the wedding,” Zuko mumbled. You hummed lightly as you snuggled up against his chest.

“No, you’re right,” you replied quickly. “I’m gonna have to learn about my duties anyways, there’s no reason for the wedding to be postponed.”

The room went silent for a while.

“Did you really think that I would leave you?” you whispered, your heart sinking as you realized how upset Zuko was when he thought he would lose you.

The Fire Lord cleared his throat before speaking. “I uh, I- yes.”

You looked up to see him hanging his head in shame.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I just, I could understand why someone like you could stop loving someone like me. You’re too good for me.”

“That’s ridiculous,” you replied, looking at him in disbelief. “Zuko, if anything I’m not good enough for you! I love you so so much. You’ve shown me what it’s like to love and be loved and you’ve always respected me, which is all I could ever ask for. You mean the world to me and I never want you to forget that.”

Zuko stared at you for a minute before leaning down and pressing a kiss to your lips. You responded eagerly, tangling your hands in his hair and causing the royal headpiece to topple to the ground. He backed you up against the desk in the room, breaking the kiss to look down at you.

“I love you too,” he said breathlessly. “More than you will ever know.”

“I can’t wait to marry you,” you mumbled as he pressed his lips back to yours. He smiled into the kiss, only responding by pulling you closer to him.

“So, I’m guessing the wedding is still on?”

The two of you broke apart to see Katara leaning against the doorframe, a smug smile on her face. Your face turned bright red as Zuko’s head dropped onto your shoulder in embarrassment, only managing a small nod. Zuko nodded along with you as he straightened up, intertwining his hand with yours as he began to lead you out of the room.

“Yeah, it is,” he said as he passed Katara, knowing that she was about to go tell all their friends about what she had witnessed. He could deal with the teasing just this once. After all, how could he be angry when he was about to marry the love of his life.

The two of you were halfway down the hall when Katara poked her head out of her room, holding out the royal headpiece in her hand.

“Hey! Aren’t you two forgetting something?”

~ taglist!

@musicalkeys, @mywigglybaby, @bubblebars, @iguessthefloorislava, @dekahg, @boxofteenageideas, @bottledcostcowater, @butterflycore, @coldlilheart

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extremelyblackandwhite · 3 years

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a year in the life | mob boss! s.s.

pairing: mob boss!sebastian stan x ingenue!reader

main work: handmaid

season: winter ❄️

- Elizabeth! - Sebastian sighed as he followed his two year old daughter who was running around the couch with her white dress stained in blue watercolours. Out of all the days in week of the year his daughter could’ve gotten her clothes dirty, it just had to be when his father-in-law was in the town. The same father-in-law who was still not very friendly with him. Turns out marrying and knocking up his actual daughter was where he drew the lines of niceties. The last thing he needed was to hear another snide remark “Doesn’t my daughter have enough money for you to buy my grandchildren some clothing or has your side of the business gone wrong already?”. Of course, Mr. Forrest seemed to forget children weren’t particularly known for keeping things tidy, specially when 2 of them were still very young.

- Seb? - Y/N walked into the living room, dressed in a white tweed dress and low heeled shoes, holding Ollie against her. - Elizabeth, stop running away from your father and go change.

- But mummy ...

- No. - Y/N interrupted her daughter, one hand on her waist and the other one still holding Ollie. - You have five minutes to be here with some clean clothes or you’re not going to the Winter Fair.

- Grandpa wouldn’t let that happen. - she pouted.

- Wanna bet? - Y/N cocked her head slightly to the side.

Lizzie dropped her act and walked past her mum to go back inside her room. Sebastian sighed out of relief, walking over to his wife to kiss her forehead. He didn’t understand why she was so afraid of taking hold of her father’s spot in the family at some point considering she was very good at taking leadership in the home. Heck, if there was someone who couldn’t control her children without even trying it would be her. Forget the many years he had had controlling way more complicated and dangerous people, when it came to his children, he had as much authority as a soft pudding.

She settled Ollie back on the ground who immediately rushed to the toys on the ground, happy he could play without his siblings around. Y/N wrapped her arms around her husband, playfully swinging around as if they were dancing. The winter season was always incredibly romantic for the two of them, mostly because her family tended to come into town and want to spend more time with the children which meant the two of them had more time together. The door bell rang and chaos irrupted as Elizabeth and Nate rushed over to the door. Y/N rolled her eyes, following her children to the door.

Ollie stepped forward, hugging his father’s leg as he always did whenever someone who wasn’t Y/N or Sebastian rang the door bell. There was no missing the extended family with the four year old, which Sebastian greatly appreciated as no one in her family, either it being her mother’s side, her father or her half-brother cared much for him either. Her father walked into the apartment, greeting the children before he started to inspect everything as he always did. Turns out if his daughter is not living in a gold palace which 10000 servants, it is not good enough.

- Oliver, you’ve gotten bigger. - Mr. Forrest said in the tone he sparred only for Y/N and his grandchildren. Ollie tightened his hold on Sebastian’s leg, slightly pushing on his trousers so he could be held up. Sebastian lowered down to pick him up. - Sebastian, I assume you’ve gotten the business deal with the Carranos. My family has a reputation to uphold.

- Dad, no mob talk in the house. - Y/N crossed her arms, coming over to Sebastian’s side. - No mob talk in front of the children either.

- I’m sorry, sweetheart. It’s important business, you know that. - she moved her attention to Ollie who had his head on Sebastian’s shoulder. - It’s okay, bubba. It’s just grandpa. Don’t you wanna go with Nate and Lizzie to the winter fair?

- No. - he turned his face away from his mum, hiding in Sebastian’s shoulder.

- Aw bud, what about Santa? Don’t you wanna see Santa?

- Is Santa gonna be there, daddy?

- Of course he is. - Sebastian bolstered. - You have to tell Santa what you want for Christmas.

- And make sure Lizzie doesn’t ask for a lot? - the four year old commented before being put on the ground. Sebastian chuckled, wrapping his arm around his wife as the three children were met by Dan.

- They need to be here before 9, dad. Not 10 or 11. - Y/N pointed out. - Lizzie is in a running phase so hold her hand at all times and Ollie gets overwhelmed with big crowds. Nate can calm him down but it always shakes him a bit.

- It’ll be fine, sweetheart.

Sebastian kept a tight hold on Y/N as they said goodbye to the kids who all left with her father and Dan, leaving the two alone in a now very silent penthouse. They didn’t like not having the children around, mostly out of overprotectiveness. The two of them hadn’t had particularly healthy relationships with their parents or idillic childhoods and Y/N had just started to have a relationship with her father and mother’s side of the family, so the two liked to spend their free time trying to make their children’s childhood as good as they could.

- They are going to be fine, angel. - Sebastian kissed her temple.

- But Ollie ...

- Ollie is gonna be fine. He’s like his mumma. - he pulled her away from the door and into an embrace. - Besides, when was the last time we spent some time just the two of us?

- How old is Lizzie? - she teased. - You know my dad, he always talks about ... mob stuff.

- Angel, it’s fine. He’s not exactly gonna give them a Ted talk on the mob.

- I know but you know how the kids are. Ollie doesn’t like big crowds and Lizzie is always running.

- Nate is there. He’ll watch over them. I might be starting to think you just don’t want to spend alone time with me.

- It’s not that. I love you. - she leaned forward. - It’s just ... it’s gonna be my birthday soon which means it’s gonna be my mum’s ... you know the anniversary of it. I keep thinking about the kids and if they’re safe and if something was to happen to them, I just, I couldn’t bare it.

- You think I’m gonna let anything happen to you or to my children? - he cocked his head to the side. - They’d be dead if they even thought it. They’d be dead if they even made one of my kids cry. You got nothing to worry about, okay? Besides, your dad would probably let people kill me first then touch you or the babies.

- Don’t say that. I don’t want anything to happen to you either.

- Angel as long as you’re married to me I’m not going anywhere. Even if you weren’t ... I’d probably not go anywhere either.

- Stalker, much? - she joked.

- Oh, yes, I am obsessed with you. - he kissed her. - What should we do today?

- Do you have any candles?

- Are we going to summon the spirits?

- No but you could drip wax over me.

- Angel, you’re toying with me.

- Not really, I was hoping you’d toy with me.

#sebastian stan #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan/reader #sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan/you #sebastian stan x y/n #sebastian stan/y/n

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fallen-gravity · 3 years

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Cheap Thrills and Expensive Snacks

Mabel grins. “Grunkle Ford, do you want to go on a road trip with us? One last adventure before we have to go home?”

Ford’s smile softens with sadness. He’d gotten so caught up in reveling in Bill’s defeat that he’d almost forgotten the kids were heading back to California at the end of the summer.

Ford shakes his head. “I would love to, but…” he frowns. “I’m not sure we have enough time”

The young twins exchange grins, like that’s exactly the response they were waiting for.

“I wouldn’t say that, Grunkle Ford” Dipper grins, looking like he’s struggling to suppress a fit of giggles.

“We have all time in the world” Mabel finishes Dipper’s sentence for him, and in perfect unison the twins pull out a roll of measuring tape from their pockets.

Notes: Here's my belated entry for Week 3 of Forduary: Road Trip!! I absolutely love the road trip trope, and highkey wish Ford could've gotten to see some of Stan's competitors just for the sake of how awful they were compared to the Mystery Shack. C'mon! Give Stan some credit.I also wanted an excuse for Ford to bond more with the kids before they went home, and what better way than through a never-ending roadtrip that somewhat breaks the laws of time and space?

@forduary

AO3

Ever since Ford heard the first bird chirping the morning after Weirdmageddon’s conclusion, he’s felt like a thirty-year old weight has finally been lifted from his shoulders. For the first time in decades, Ford has found himself able to sleep, able to eat, able to do and say anything he pleases without having to speak in hushed tones or cast a cautious glance behind his shoulders.

For the first time since his childhood, he truly feels like himself again, and no longer like a marionette whose strings are always on the brink of snapping under pressure.

It was that first morning after the war, upon waking up before others (out of habit, mostly), that he allowed himself to truly sit and ponder on everything he’s been missing since shutting himself out from the world in his early twenties. He quickly came to the conclusion that the things he missed most were always the things he’d always had just outside of arm’s length; He missed the thrill of discovery, of exploration, the passion for his life’s work that had faded into thin air the moment that fateful first test run of the portal had failed.

Most of all, he missed companionship.

As much as he hated to admit it to himself, Ford needed other people in his life more than anything else, even more than Ivy League schools and research grants and all the knowledge in the universe.

He told Stan the reason he wanted to take a boat out to the Arctic was to track and contain the remnants of Weirdmageddon that had begun to spread outside of Gravity Falls. But truth be told, he would’ve asked Stan if he still wanted to travel world with him regardless, because Ford found himself wanting nothing more than to chase their childhood dream and never let it go again.

There’s a light knock on his study door as he’s scribbling down navigation notes and he’s half-expecting to see Stan when he turns to the noise. He’s instead met with Dipper and Mabel, standing side by side in his doorway.

“Got a minute?” Dipper asks.

“We have something super important to ask you!” Mabel beams.

Ford places his pen down on his desk, and smiles. “I’m listening”

“Well,” Dipper starts. “We’ve been thinking about how we didn’t get to spend a whole lot of time with you this summer because...” he shrugs. “Well, because we didn’t know you existed until a few weeks ago”

“And that’s totally unfair to you!” Mabel throws her arms up in the air. “It’s not your fault you missed out on all the fun because you were trapped in another dimension”

Dipper nods. “And that got us thinking of all the time we spent with Grunkle Stan, and the road trip he took us on a few weeks ago without you. I don’t know if that was because he asked you and you said no, or if he left without telling you out of spite, or something”

“And that’s when a super genius idea came to us!” Mabel grins. “Grunkle Ford, do you want to go on a road trip with us? One last adventure before we have to go home?”

Ford’s smile softens with sadness. He’d gotten so caught up in reveling in Bill’s defeat that he’d almost forgotten the kids were heading back to California at the end of the summer.

But…a glance to the calendar hanging by the doorway tells him it’s August 29th, and the twins are set to leave after their birthday party ends on the 31st.

Ford shakes his head. “I would love to, but…” he frowns. “I’m not sure we have enough time”

The young twins exchange grins, like that’s exactly the response they were waiting for.

“I wouldn’t say that, Grunkle Ford” Dipper grins, looking like he’s struggling to suppress a fit of giggles.

“We have all time in the world” Mabel finishes Dipper’s sentence for him, and in perfect unison the twins pull out a roll of measuring tape from their pockets. Before Ford has even a moment to wonder what they could mean, they each pull on their tape, high five each other, and disappear into thin air.

Ford stumbles to his feet, nearly knocking his chair to the ground. Between one blink and the next the kids reappear, both of them wearing period piece costumes. The measuring tapes in their hand crackle with blue lightning.

Ford gasps. “Time tapes! Of course!” He approaches the twins in the doorway. “How did you two get ahold of these?”

“Let’s just say we have an inside to these sorts of things” Mabel replies, kicking her costume off and placing her time tape back into her sweater pocket.

“So what do you say?” Dipper steps forward. “Do you want to come with us on a road trip? We can literally go whenever we want”

“You mean when--” Mabel pauses, backtracking. “Oh, wait, you did say that”

“So what do you say, Grunkle Ford? One more adventure for the road?”

Ford’s chest fills with warmth. He’d love to; he really would, but…

“What about Stan?”

“Y’gotta give me some credit, poindexter” Stan’s voice rings from behind the corner. If Ford had to guess, it’s probably because he was waiting for his response. “Someone’s gotta tag along to babysit you three”

Ford wants to glare at his brother at the insult, but his excitement overtakes it and a grin spreads to his face instead.

“Let’s go,” he says, with all the wonder in his tone that he’d been missing for years.

Dipper and Mabel exchange nods, and take each other’s hands. With their free hands, they stretch their measuring tapes out the same length. Stan grabs on to Mabel’s shoulder, and after he and Dipper share a silent, knowing glance, Ford places his hand on Dipper’s shoulder.

Dipper and Mabel release their tape in unison, and a large flash of white light overwhelms Ford’s vision. When it finally fades, the four of them are still standing exactly where they’d been a moment ago, the only indication that anything changed being the sparks of blue lightning crackling from their clothes.

Dipper’s the first to step away from the huddle. “See?” He gestures at Ford’s wall calendar, which now displays June instead of August. “It’s practically the beginning of the summer all over again!”

Mabel breaks away to stand beside Dipper. “Now we can go anywhere we want! We could go to Portland, or Vegas, or the lost city of Atlantis, or anywhere in the world, because this bad boy prevents us from missing our bus ride home for as long as we want!”

Stan chuckles, shaking his head. “Not so fast, Mabel. I love the enthusiasm, but I’m not sure my old RV can handle driving into the ocean. Not unless Brainiac over here is willing to do some modifications on it” Stan throws an arm around Ford’s shoulder, squeezing it tightly. “Besides, I’ve already got a plan!” Stan’s gaze shifts to Ford, and the grin on his face could split it in two. “If you think my attractions look fake, just wait ‘til you see how bad my competitors look compared to me!”

“I dunno,” Dipper frowns, scratching at his chin. “Don’t you think going back to the place where you were almost eaten by a giant spider lady is a bad idea?”

“Hey, time travel rules mean that I never met her in the first place, right?” Stan crosses his arms. “Besides, it’s not like I’m gonna fall for her tricks all over again just because she offers me discounted tickets, or something”

Dipper and Mabel exchange worried glances.

“Mmm, okay,” Dipper says. “But we’re keeping an eye on you”

“That’s the spirit!” Stan exclaims, and slaps Ford on the back as he backs out of the room. “I’m gonna go pack. I doubt you have anything to pack, Sixer, but we’re reconvening in the gift shop in an hour. Go…take a shower or something. I don’t wanna spend next twelve hours driving with someone smelling like that.”

Ford glares at him, but before he has time to respond Stan’s already gone. The kids must’ve slipped out close on Stan’s heels, because when Ford turns he’s alone in his room. Rolling his eyes, he walks to his couch and kneels on the ground, reaching underneath for his emergency exploration pack. It’s a backpack torn and worn from age, and comes already packed with water bottles, nutrient bars, sunscreen, and just about every brand of monster repellent known to mankind.

A nostalgic sort of smile threatens to tug at his lips. He hasn’t seen this bag since his early research days with Fiddleford. He slings it over his shoulders, and pats at his trench coat pocket to make sure his journal is still safely tucked inside. He doesn’t necessarily plan on making any more additions, but he supposes that old habits die hard.

It’s a very bulky RV, much bigger than Ford was expecting. He’d assumed that Stan calling it an RV was just an exaggeration, and that the four of them would just be piling into the Stanleymobile as they tugged some tiny trailer along that they would only would only step foot in for sleeping. But as Ford approaches, he can see Dipper and Mabel chatting at a small table through the window, and Stan rummaging through a cupboard above them, and it looks as though there’s still plenty of room to walk between them.

Mabel taps on Dipper’s shoulder, points in Ford’s direction, and both of them wave frantically out the window at him.

“Took you long enough,” Stan suddenly appears in the doorway of the camper. “Now get in. The last thing we need is to run into the past versions of those two and get bombarded with questions” He gestures with his thumb towards Dipper. “Especially him. He sees that journal sticking out of your pocket and we’re done for”

Ford chuckles. “I can only imagine,” he says, and climbs aboard behind Stan. He’s about to take the passenger side seat besides Stan when the kids frantically wave him over.

“Grunkle Ford, over here!” Mabel beams, and hops down from her seat across from Dipper. “Come sit with us!”

“This is a road trip about spending more time with you, after all” Dipper nods. “What good will it do for us if you’re sitting way up front with Stan?”

“Yeah! No good interrogation ever happens from across the room!” Mabel exclaims.

Ford raises an eyebrow, but smiles at the pair as he takes a seat across from them. “Interrogation?”

“Yep!” Dipper grins. “We already know all of the heroic scientist stuff about you…”

“But we want to know the fun Grunkle stuff about you!” Mabel finishes his sentence for him. “You favorite ice cream flavor, your first kiss, the most illegal thing you’ve ever gotten away with…you know, just the basics!”

Ford blushes. “Well, I don’t know about that…”

“Aww, I’m sure it’s not that bad! Dipper’s first kiss was with a merman he had to give reverse CPR to!”

“Mabel!” Dipper squeaks, his whole a dark shade of red. “That’s not fair! You know I didn’t have a choice!”

Ford can’t help the fond smile that spreads to his face. It’s moments like these that he’s going to miss the most. Sure, he’ll have anomalies, and treasure, and the whole world to explore, but he just knows that none of that is ever going to compare to time alone with the kids.

Once Stan gets the RV up and running, Ford knows there’s no going back. He and the kids swap childhood stories for hours, only pausing when Stan pulls off the side of the road to fuel up on gas and snacks. Dipper tells him of the time him and Mabel shaved their heads after a bully stuck gum in Mabel’s hair on photo day, and Ford tells them of the time that he and Stan swapped clothes on photo day just to see if they could get away with it. (They could, and Ford still has the yearbook where their photos are mislabeled as each other hidden away in his study to this day).

It’s eye opening, honestly. The young twins really are a mirror image to himself and Stan when they were kids.

“We’re here!” Stan grins, screeching the RV to a sudden halt. Upon looking out the window, the only thing Ford can see is a gift shop about the size of an outhouse and a ball of yarn about three sizes bigger than the RV. Stan stands from the driver’s seat, stretching. “You think I overcharge for my tours, Sixer? This woman charges double the price of my admission just to take a picture of this fuzz ball” He reaches underneath the driver’s seat, pulling out a large hook attached to a thick rope. “We’re only doing her a favor by stealing it! Starting from scratch with a new attraction could do her some good”

“Hmm, I dunno” Dipper shrugs. “Don’t you think that doing the exact same prank on all of your competitors in the exact same order is just gonna result in them, I dunno, pranking you again in the exact same way?”

“Nonsense!” Stan brings his hand to his chest like Dipper had offended him. “The only reason they got away with it last time is because we left poindexter here home alone in the basement. There’ll be dozens of tour groups coming through the shack today with my past self taking care of the place for me.” He taps at his forehead. “Besides, wasn’t this whole road trip your idea in the first place?” He smirks. “Are you telling me that your own idea is dumb?”

Dipper opens his mouth to argue back, realizes he has nothing, and pouts grumpily as he hops out of the RV. Stan cackles, and hops out of the RV after him. Ford rolls his eyes, and hops out after them to take a look at his surroundings. Stan really wasn’t kidding; everything really is contained to the one parking lot with nothing to show for it but the giant ball of yarn and a converted outhouse with tie-dye tee shirts hanging from its roof.

“Don’t just stand there gawking at it!” Stan slaps him on the shoulder, grinning. “Either help the kids out or talk the old woman’s ear off long enough to distract her” he gestures with a thumb towards Dipper and Mabel, giggling and poking at each other as they tie the rope end of the hook to the RV. As Mabel walks to attach the hook to the large yarn ball, she notices Ford watching her and waves hello.

“Hey Grunkle Ford!” she shouts. “If there’s enough left over from this mound after we drag it home, I’ll knit you a sweater with it!”

Ford laughs as he approaches to help her. “I’m counting on it.”

As it turns out, she wasn’t joking. As soon as they’ve all piled back into the RV to head to the next tourist trapped, Mabel already has her sewing needles in hand and a tangled ball of multicolored yarn sitting on the table in front of her. It’s amazing watching her work, clicking the needles together so quickly yet delicately, not missing a single fold. Ford’s never seen someone pour so much love into something so particular since the early days of his research.

Ford doesn’t want to interrupt her focus, so he turns to Dipper instead.

“How long has she been able to do that?”

Dipper glances at his sister beside him. “Oh, you mean sewing? Our grandma from our mom’s side of the family taught her when she was about six.” He rolls his eyes. “Our parents tried to buy her an electronic sewing machine for our eighth birthday, but she flat out rejected it because she insisted there wouldn’t be enough love in her creations if she didn’t make them by hand”

“It’s true!” Mabel exclaims, not looking up from her sewing job. “I’m not gonna sit around and let some machine do all the work for me! How are my friends and family supposed to know I made them their sweaters with love if I didn’t sew my blood and sweat into the threads myself?”

Ford hopes she’s being metaphorical, but the sentiment is still there. “So you’re telling me that every sweater you’ve worn this summer is homemade?”

“Yep!” she beams. “All the way down to the embroidery.” She holds up the skeleton of the sweater she’s working on into the light. “You’re real lucky, Grunkle Ford. This’ll be my first sweater I’ve ever made out of stolen materials!”

Her use of the term first rather than only makes Ford laugh. The more time he spends with them, the less he wants to say goodbye to them. Stan must be the bravest man alive, being willing to send these kids home after three months with them, because if it were up to him he’d already be signing adoption papers to make them legally his.

“Stop two!” Stan yells from the front of the RV, and hops out as soon as they’re parked. Mabel places her work gently on the table, and follows Stan out without any effort. Dipper, on the other hand, takes one look out the window at where they’ve stopped and pales.

“Oh no”

Ford follows his gaze. It’s just a single story home turned on its head, absolutely nothing about it giving Ford the impression that there’s anything scary about it.

“What’s wrong?” Ford asks. “Do you get motion sickness? I learned quite a few tricks on how to deal with just the thing in the Spinning Top Dimension! You’re going to need a few things first, but I’m sure we’ll be able to find them around here somewhere-”

“N-no, it’s not that” Dipper cuts him off, face turning a dark shade of red. “The last time we were here I tried asking Grunkle Stan if he had any advice on how to talk to girls. And there was this one really cute girl, and we hit it off, but…” he rubs at his arm. “I acted like a total jerk. I treated her like she was just a number and I feel awful about it”

Ford frowns, getting down on one knee. “You’re not worried you’re going to run into her again, are you? This time loop should be stable enough to prevent her from showing up early”

Dipper’s gaze falls to the floor. “No, it’s more like…I’m so afraid of being myself that I feel like the only way I can fit in is to act like something I’m not. I just wish I could figure out a way to talk to girls without forcing myself to act like I’m better than them or something”

Ford smiles. “Dipper, I may not have any sound advice when it comes to girls, but I’ve only known you for a number of weeks, and I think anyone would be lucky to have you. You’re kind and caring and so brilliant for your age” Dipper opens his mouth to protest, but Ford shakes his head. “Some of the most brilliant minds in the world suffered from anxiety and depression, my boy, and look where they are now. I have the upmost confidence that the same thing is bound to happen to you”.

Dipper’s eyes are big and wide, like he’s about to cry, but the waterworks never come. Dipper throws his arms around Ford’s neck in a hug, and Ford hugs him back. Once they pull away, they hop out of the van to join Stan and Mabel outside to prevent Stan from coming back in to yell at them. This stop is a bit less complicated, just a simple walkthrough to make sure there isn’t a hoard of tourists inside before running back out to tip the whole house right side up. It’s a lot of laughing from Stan and sprinting back to the van, and once they’re out of the parking lot and back on the highway it’s as if they never stopped at all. Mabel gets right back to working on her sweater, and Dipper gets right back to chatting up Ford for life stories.

A good portion of their stops go equally as smooth. The kids convince Ford to go on the log flume at Log Land with them which he absolutely does not throw up on, thank you very much, and Mabel nearly gets lost in a corn maze, but otherwise there’s nothing much of interest. Ford’s starting to suspect that Stan must be right, that the Mystery Shack really is the most interesting tourist trap in the entire state, until a giant mountain looms over the horizon.

“There she is,” Stan says, as if he could read his brother’s thoughts. “Her first year of opening I lost over half my usual revenue and I’ve sworn revenge on her ever since” He balls his hand into a fist and smacks the top of the steering wheel. “Our biggest mistake last time was getting too attached. I say this time we run in, grab as many mummies as we can get our hands on, and book it back to the shack before Darlene notices.”

“Don’t you mean that was your biggest mistake?” Dipper quips. “Besides, didn’t we find out last time that those mummies are real dead bodies?” He shivers. “I’m not sure how comfortable I’d feel about stealing them”

From the rearview mirror, Stan raises an eyebrow at Dipper. “What, you afraid their souls are gonna follow us home and haunt us? Work on your moral compass later, kid, this is about revenge” He adjusts the mirror. “Besides! What’s the chance we rescue someone who isn’t dead yet, just slowly suffocating in that nasty tasting web?”

Dipper opens his mouth to say one thing, pauses, and starts again. “Grunkle Stan, are you telling me you tried to eat the web you were trapped in?”

Stan shrugs. “Hey, I’m no stranger to chewing my way out of things. I’m just lucky I didn’t break any teeth on it, like I did with that car trunk”

As if that doesn’t raise more questions than it does answers, Stan drops the conversation entirely and doesn’t say another word until the RV pulls into the parking lot. Ford can’t even see the mountain peak when he hops out, it’s so obscured by fog that he knows wasn’t there ten minutes ago. Fog is the number one trap produced by anomalies to hunt their pray, so it’s no wonder this place gives Stan the creeps. Ford can’t even begin to imagine the size of the spider monsters the others described to him.

A shriek nearly escapes him at the feeling of something spindly crawling up his arm, but when he whips around he sees it’s just Stan running his fingers along his shoulder in a quick, scattered pattern. When he catches Ford’s eyes, he laughs so hard that tears pour down his cheeks.

“You should’ve seen the look on your face!” Stan wheezes. “You were all oh no, mister spider half the size of my hand, don’t eat me!” he cackles, wiping at his eyes with his wrist. “C’mon, time is money, and we don’t have any to waste” he gestures to the kids, already waiting at the information booth. “If we don’t hurry the kids are gonna get on the sky tram without us”

Ford raises an eyebrow. “You? On a sky tram?”

“Dipper didn’t tell you?” Stan’s raised eyebrow matches Ford’s. “Mabel helped me conquer my fear of heights! Now I’m untouchable!”

Seventeen years of the boardwalk and all the cotton candy as bribe in the world couldn’t fix Stan’s fear of heights. Dipper and Mabel really do continue to amaze him the more Stan tells him about them.

“Right,” Ford shakes his head, smiling fondly. “Of course.”

It’s really no wonder this place boasts having the world’s slowest sky tram, because if it weren’t for the moving tree line Ford would almost think they weren’t moving at all. The bored expression on everyone else’s faces, a massive shift from the mischievous grins they’d been wearing before they got on has Ford choking down laughter. It’s about five minutes before there’s any sight of anything but tree bark, and the sun beaming directly into the glass car makes the whole thing feel like a sauna.

Still, it’s a dramatic shift in pace, and not one that Ford rejects. It’s really forcing him to slow down and think about his own feelings for once, a privilege he hasn’t had since he was in high school. Maybe it’s a little selfish of him to cherish the times he just gets to lose himself in his own head, rather than to spend so much of his time calculating plans to rescue others from danger, but-

“Whaddya think, poindexter?” Stan’s voice suddenly breaks through Ford’s thoughts, startling him.

Ford blushes. “What do I think of what?”

“The new plan!” Stan gestures to Dipper with his thumb. “Since this buzzkill is so against stealing ‘real dead bodies’,” he emphasizes with air quotes, “and since we probably couldn’t shove them all in this car anyway, we’re gonna go ahead with Plan B instead; Burning down Widow’s Peak!” Stan throws his hands in the air dramatically.

Dipper beams. “That way, they can’t make any more mummies for their mummy museum, and we might be able to save a few people from suffocating to death!” Stan and Dipper high five.

“It’s a brilliant plan, but…” Ford taps at his chin. “Where do you suppose we’re going to find the fire to burn it down?”

Stan cocks an eyebrow at him. “You tell me, mister ‘setting my face on fire is faster than shaving’. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had a lighter in your pocket right now. They have a bunch of prop torches in the caves, but if we pop the lightbulbs out of them and light them they should work good as usual” Stan’s mischievous grin is back on his face, a perfect reflection of when he was thirteen and pickpocketing a dollar from people��s wallets on the boardwalk to buy a box of saltwater taffy.

Turns out, it’s just as contagious now as it was back then. Ford reaches into the front pocket of his trench coat, and sure enough, comes up with a lighter. Stan erupts in laughter at the sight of it, and soon enough the entire car is infected with it. The rest of the ride up the mountain is much bubblier after that, with everyone swapping overdramatic stories of how the plan is going to go.

Widow’s Peak is much bigger than Ford was expecting. It’s a whole cave that looks like it stretches for miles, and there really are rotting skeletons hanging upside down from the cave walls and ceilings.

Ford shudders.

“Aww, c’mon, Sixer! I know for a fact this isn’t half as bad as the stuff in your journals” Stan jabs at his shoulder with his unlit torch. “Besides, didn’t you say in your own journal that most ghosts come from their old bodies not having a proper burial? He gestures at a skeleton hanging upside down from the ceiling, its left hand barely hanging on by a thread. “You think any of these guys look like their spirits were able to move on peacefully, or however it goes?” Stan shakes his head matter of-factly. “You really want some poor unsuspecting tourist to bump into a hoard of angry ghosts? Tsk tsk”

“Alright, alright” Ford raises his hands in self-defense. “I suppose you’re right”. He takes his lighter out of his pocket and tosses it to Stan. Stan lights up his own torch, helps Dipper and Mabel with theirs, and then he turns back to help light Ford’s.

“Alright,” Stan rubs his hands together the best he can with a lit torch tucked under his arms. “Everyone knows the plan. Burn as many mummies as you can find, rescue the poor suckers who are still alive, and signal if you hear Darlene coming. Since I don’t trust Sixer over here not to try and interview her and get himself in trouble again, I say I’m in charge of lookout duty.” He adjusts his collar and flattens down the wrinkles of his suits with a quick pat down. “I flirt with her just long enough to distract her, I throw my torch in her face, and then we book it out of here as fast as our legs can carry us”

Dipper still doesn’t look convinced. “I don’t know, isn’t that exactly how you got yourself tangled up in a web last time?”

“Oh please,” Stan scoffs, waving a dismissive hand. “The only reason that worked last time is ‘cause she cornered me when we were alone. Besides, where’s she gonna take me if she catches me that you can’t just throw a torch and rescue me five minutes after it happens?”

Dipper’s face darkens. “True,” he mumbles under his breath, which makes Stan laugh. Stan slaps him on the shoulder, and Dipper glares at him, but there doesn’t seem to be any malice in it.

It’s one final glance between the four of them, and they’re all running off in different directions of the cave. It’s not long before the stench of burning silk fills the air, mixed with the stench of something Ford doesn’t want to think too much about. The webs burn relatively quickly, and together they burn through half of the cave in a much faster time than Ford would’ve expected. He’s about to light up one that looks like it was left here fairly recently, until something inside it starts wiggling. Startled, Ford steps backwards until his back hits the cave wall, a soft oof escaping him.

“S’matter, poindexter?” Stan looks up from the fire he’s stomping out with his foot. “You see a widdle baby spider that freaked you out?”

Ford tries to glare at him, but the fear stabbing him in the chest doesn’t let it stick. He swallows hard, and points towards the wiggling cocoon with his torch.

“I think we have a live one” he whispers, stepping to stand beside Stan. Once Stan follows Ford’s torch with his eyes, something inside him tenses up.

“Ah, wh-what’d I tell you?” Stan’s voice shakes. “It’s probably just some poor sucker who fell for Darlene’s charms. Definitely not a gross sack of baby spider people or anything”

“R-right,” Ford swallows hard, and inches back towards the cocoon, rapidly waving his torch back and forth to potentially scare off whatever could be inside trying to break out. But the longer he waves the torch in front of the web, the more he can make out the silhouette of a regular human being.

Throwing all caution to the wind, Ford rushes forward and begins tearing at the web with his bare hands, just enough so that the man is free from the chest up. He takes large gasps of air, and upon realizing that his hands are free he begins tearing at the web himself. Once his feet are free and hit the ground, he takes one look at the Pines family, mumbles a startled thank you, and runs for his life out of the cave.

After that, the rest of the burnings go pretty smoothly. There’s significantly less living tourists in the cave than Ford would’ve expected from such a large tourist trap, and Ford’s not entirely sure whether he should find that reassuring or downright terrifying. He’s almost surprised everything went so well, until the four of them nearly collide with a woman on their way out of the cave.

She looks just as baffled to see them as Ford feels to see her.

“Can I…help you?” She asks in a thick Jersey-esque accent. The name tag pinned to her shirt reads DARLENE in large brick letters.

“No!” Dipper cuts in before neither Ford nor Stan can respond to her. He clears his throat. “I mean, uh, no. Uh, apologies if this is a restricted area, but we got lost trying to find our way back to the sky tram” he shrugs overdramatically, no doubt in attempt to show Darlene that his hands are empty. She squints at him, and for a moment Ford could swear he just saw her blink horizontally. The silence that follows, though it probably doesn’t last for more than a few seconds, feels like it drags on for ages.

Suddenly, she’s donning an overly sweet smile. “Well, why didn’t you just say so? Let me walk you back. We’ve gotten more than our fair share of tourists who’ve gone missing from wandering too far into our caves, and I’d hate to have that happen to such a nice looking family like yours” She grins, flashing her unusually sharp teeth. The four of them stay quiet until they’re all packed into their tram car, and Darlene is waving sweetly at them from behind.

They each collectively sigh. “Woof, that was a close one” Stan says, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his wrist. In a sudden shift of mood, he reaches over next to him and pulls Dipper into a headlock. “How’s about it for this guy’s quick thinking, huh?” he grins, and the four of them laugh until they hear a horrifying screech that makes their tram car rumble. They turn, and see Darlene emerging from the cave, the bottom half of her body replaced by that of a giant spider.

“My food!” she screams, shaking her first at the tram cars. “You burned all my food! Mark my words, I may not have gotten your names but I don’t forget faces very easily, you hear? If you ever show your face here again you’re dead meat!” She screams, yanking on her hair to reveal the rest of her spider-like body under her human disguise.

Stan simply cackles. “Yeah, we’ll see about that!” he mocks, knowing well enough that she can’t hear them from inside the car. He turns his attention back to the rest of the family. “Maybe we should go and warn our past selves to bring bug spray!” He exclaims, laughing himself to near tears.

Ford only rolls his eyes, but can’t help the smile on his face.

If only he’d known what he’d be missing when he turned down Stan’s offer to take this road trip with him and the kids the first time around.

The tram ride back to the parking lot is even more relaxing than the ride up. The sun is setting this time around, and even if the wind can’t really reach inside the car the whole thing just feels cooler. Most of all, he finds that the sound of the Stan and the kids’ laughter is far more welcome than any old conversation he could have in his own head.

When everyone piles back into the RV, they do not drive away immediately like they had at all the other stops. Instead, Stan turns around to face the three of them. “Well, that’s the end of that. That’s all I had planned, and we still have…” he pauses to count on his finger. “Two more months ‘til the kids have to go back home, technically. I’m all out of ideas, and I’m sure the kids have seen enough of the Gravity Falls weirdness for one summer”

He smiles to the kids, who nod and in turn smile at Ford.

“So where do you want to go now, Grunkle Ford?” Mabel says, with stars shining in her eyes. The grin spreading on Dipper’s face matches hers like two peas in a pod.

“Any place in the world. Wherever you want to go…” He pulls the time tape out of his pocket. “…For however long you want”

#my writing #gravity falls #forduary #pines family

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trashinaglass-archive · 4 years

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Sensitive

Y/n is worried their night was ruined

A/n: I was reading a Bucky fic that I cannot find again of course that kind of inspired this? It was about Bucky taking reader to dinner and then getting upset bc she flirted with the waiter so he revenge flirted with a waitress. Idk it was messy but somewhere along the way came this.

Family was the top priority in Chris’s life. But as much as he wanted to be, he wasn’t around his family near as much as he wished he could be. Filming kept him busy, and even when he could be home, it was difficult to find time where everyone could come together. It made you feel bad, whenever he couldn’t see his family, or they were there with some missing pieces.

Over the fall break, you wanted to have everyone show up, surprise Chris, and have a fun family reunion- something that has been long overdue. You spent months planning and prepping, and tonight was finally the night. The afternoon was spent making calls, positive that everyone was ready and at the restaurant when you showed up.

“What kind of restaurant is this?” Chris asked as he walked into the master bathroom. You were finishing up your makeup when he walked in, still in your favorite pajamas, waiting until right before you left to change. “I mean are we talking formal, casual? You going in that?”

You look up, making eye contact with him though the mirror, and roll your eyes as a small smile rose on your face. “I’ll wear mine if you wear yours,” you tease before changing to a more serious answer. “I’d say it’s a bit in between? I don’t think a suit is expected, but if you wore one, it wouldn’t be questioned.”

Chris looked thoughtful for a second before nodding his head. “I think I got it,” he said before turning and walking into the closet. You finished your makeup and made your way to the closet as well, moving to your side knowing exactly what you wanted to wear for the evening. It was your absolute favorite outfit that didn’t get worn often, but each time it was, you couldn’t get enough of it. “You look gorgeous,” Chris said, watching as you stand in front of the mirror.

You smile, moving to where he stood as his arms wrapped around your waist. “Thank you,” you whisper as you look down, you hands moving up his clothed chest. “This was a good choice, I like it.”

“Gotta keep up you somehow,” he joked. “Let’s go.” He held his hand out, allowing you to walk ahead of him. You checked your phone, noticing a text notification.

Scottie: If you’re not here in 3, I’m ordering without you❤️

You couldn’t help but laugh causing Chris to ask who text.

“My brother,” you told him, shaking your head. “He’s just an idiot.”

. . .

The drive to the restaurant was short, Chris ironically talking about something his sister said that was really funny. It made the excitement build even more, knowing how happy he would be once he saw everyone.

“Reservation for Evans,” he told the hostess once you were inside. She nodded, talking into her head piece before instructing you to follow her. Chris’s hand was on your back as the girl lead you to a private dining room.

“Surprise,” you whisper to him right before you get to the door. You heard Chris mutter a confused what as you quickly enter the private room, smiling to the Evans family before moving out of the way for Chris to enter.

“Surprise!” They all shout in unison, Chris jumping slightly before yelling back holy shit in excitement, immediately moving to hug his mom first. You smile, accepting hugs from everyone as well before finally getting seated. The waiter brought the menus out, now that everyone was finally present, and took drink orders. You sat back, watching as Chris and his dad spoke of some football stats they were obviously pumped for. The waiter came back shortly with trays full of drinks. You weren’t paying attention as he made his way to you, but you felt the cold liquid as it fell down your front. You saw the five or six empty cups on the floor after the waiter tripped over the rug. Chris immediately handed you his napkin, trying to help as best he could.

“I am so sorry!” The waitor exclaimed immediately, looking at you with concern. You were so shocked, you didn’t know what to say.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about,” you tell him, almost as if it were scripted. You felt as if you couldn’t look up from your top. “I’m gonna go to the restroom,” you announce standing from the chair.

“I’ll go with you,” his sister offered, beginning to stand as well.

“No,” you declined. “Don’t worry about. It’s fine, I’ll be right back.” You turn, asking where the restroom was before walking out the door, out of sight.

“There’s a sweater in the car,” Chris told them. “I’ll go get that for her.” He stood and walked out as well, moving as fast as he could without causing a scene to unknowing guests.

“I feel so bad for her,” Scott said, looking at his mother.

“I’m gonna go check on her, see if I can help,” Carly stood up. She maneuvered her way through the restaurant to the bathroom. She found you standing in front of the sink, using paper towels to get as much of the moister out of the fabric as possible. A single sniff grabbed her attention. “You okay?” She asked, placing a hand on your shoulder.

“Yeah,” you answered, but you couldn’t help the subtle shake to your voice. “I’m fine.” The presence of another person strangely making the tears come faster.

“Why are you crying? It’s okay.”

“I just.. I really just need a second to myself,” you tell her honestly. “I don’t want to be rude, but-“

“No, I get it. I’ll go,” she reassured you. “But I just wanted to let you know Chris went to grab you something else to change into.”

She turned, leaving you behind the door but bumping into Chris soon after. “Hey, can you take this to y/n?” He asked, not wanting to barge into the ladies room.

“No,” she answered honestly. Chris was taken aback, never expecting to hear it. She looked back at the door before speaking again. “She’s crying. I don’t know if she’s embarrassed or what happened, but she said she wanted to be by herself. You should probably be the one.”

“She’s crying?” He repeated, as if he didn’t hear his sister correctly. She nodded her head. “Ok, give us a second.” Without waiting for a reply, Chris walked past her, moving to the bathroom door. He gently knocked before peaking his head in.

“What’s up, buttercup?” He asked as he entered, knowing the cheesy lines always make you laugh. Usually. You didn’t even look up. “What’s wrong?”

You shook your head, not even wanting to talk about it. Chris placed a hand on your waist, waiting for you to say anything. “I feel like I ruined it,” you admitted to him, your voice barely over a whisper.

“Baby,” he sighed, completely shocked by your answer. “You didn’t ruin anything. None of this was your fault, it was just an accident. You could never have predicted something like that.”

You sniffle, catching your breathe. “I just wanted you to have a fun night with them, and not worry about me getting in the way.”

“Y/n, you are the absolute best women in the world. Doing this was incredible in itself, but this is a family. Mistakes happen all the time, especially when we’re all together. It easily could’ve been me or Scott. Preferably Scott, actually, that would’ve been a great laugh.” You finally turn your head to look at him, silently agreeing with his subtle joke. “The night was not ruined. One day we’re all going to look back; we’ll remember the fond memories, we’ll laugh about that clumsy waiter, and then we’ll smile thinking of how you made this all possible. You made this night, baby. Not the other way around.”

He reached up, gently wiping a tear from your face. He pressed gentle kisses all over your face, making you scrunch your nose, before capturing your lips with his. “I love you,” you declare, finding your voice.

“And I love you,” he repeated, placing one last kiss before turning his attention to the sweater slung over his shoulder. “Here- I grabbed this. Can’t have you uncomfortable at your own dinner party.” You tossed your top to the side, letting Chris help slide the bigger one over your torso. The warmth so inviting after being in a wet one for so long. “We can head back whenever you’re ready.”

You sighed, almost not wanting to face your in-laws again after being so dramatic, but you knew you had to. Grabbing one last paper towel, you clean yourself up. No traces of smeared makeup left on your face. You threw it away, and immediately walked into Chris’s arms for a hug. “Thank you.”

He smiled, wrapping his arms around you, rubbing your back soothingly. “It’s what I’m here for.” You pulled away, turning to grab your shirt only for Chris to take it from you, silently offering to carry it. You got back to the table, noticing two small glasses filled with clear liquid in front of your seat.

“Shots on me,” Scott announced when he saw you. “Figured you could use some alcohol after that.”

You laughed, appreciating his humor in the moment. “You know me too well,” you reply as you sit down. Picking up the first glass, you all cheers before downing the liquor, one right after the other. You notice the same waiter walk back in, this time with food. He made sure to be extra careful of where he was stepping this time. He stopped to let you know that he would bring you any dessert you wanted, on the house, for his mistake. You thanked him and watched as he exited the room, his right side bumping into the doorframe slightly, making him stumble.

“What a klutz.”

. . .

we’re leaving that last comment up for debate on who said it.

#Chris Evans #chris evans one shot #chris evans x reader #chris evans imagine #chris evans oneshot

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liquid-reign · 3 years

Text

Devil's Advocate

Tommy x Arabella

Word count- 1.8k

Trigger Warnings- None as such

A/N- It is kind of a rebuilt of a scene in S5 E1 when they all have a family meeting in The Garrison. I've included it just in the starting to form a base for writing the rest of it. I wanted to accommodate my OC in there because it felt right. And yes I always want Tommy to get some sleep. God knows he needs it.

The title is from "Devil's Advocate" by The Neighborhood. Felt good for a title to this. Though I wouldn't say the song itself fits in this scenario.

All settled in the old area of the Garrison when Lizzie spoke up "Can I begin this family meeting with a proposal? From now on we find somewhere else to meet?"

"Your boss believes that being seen mixing with the common people is good politics" said Ada

"Well if it's our campaign for socialism, perhaps next time, Polly, you won't wear earrings worth more than the pub" retorted Roslyn who found a place beside Polly to sit

Arthur occupied a table as well and Tommy took his place standing with a pillar, lighting a cigarette

"Right. Family meeting. First Item. This" Ada slammed a spent bullet on the table "Dug out of our Finn's arm yesterday by Aberama Gold, using your Gin and a razor blade"

"Finn?" asked Lizzie

"He says they were sent to Limehouse, Chinatown" Ada continued

"Sent by fucking who?" asked Lizzie, again.

"Sent by me" Tommy answered "I told Finn to stay outta this. He obviously didn't listen"

He was clearly annoyed

Roslyn just sat there and listened. It wasn't too surprising for her to see that her husband had sent his little brother to do something like that. But she hadn't known about this "What's in Chinatown, Tommy? What is going on?" she asked calmly.

Tommy sighed a little and answered "50,000 pounds, in cash"

"He said they were sent to Chinatown to kill somebody" Ada said

"The kid needs education Tommy, he really does" Arthur was irritated by his kid brother's inability to keep things confidential, ofcourse.

"It was a particular opportunity" Polly started

"A particular opportunity presented to me in confidence, I dealt with it in confidence" Tommy said as a matter of fact.

"How important was it?" Roslyn asked, her voice levelled

"Tommy told me there was a pimp in east London who sold kids" Polly defended

"Fucking kids, right?" Arthur came in

"This pimp was blackmailing a senior member of the house of Lords, a very wealthy man" Tommy tied to explain

"Now this pimp is lying in a ditch, covered in flies. The world is a better place" Arthur supported him, opening a bottle of whiskey

"Holy fuck so now your business is improving the world?" Ada scolded them, very mad that they had sent their little brother to do Blinder business.

"The man we did the job for is a high court judge. We received intelligence from a senior police officer in Scotland yard. I've made lots of friends in London, Men with influence. The Police felt the same way about this pimp as we did" he explained further, again, as a matter of fact "He wasn't worth a trial. The coppers cleared the streets for us. This work was commissioned by a High Court judge, by Scotland Yard and by the House Of Lords"

"It's a particular opportunity. It's not to be repeated" Polly defended him

"And it was the right thing to do" Tommy tried again

"Fucking right" Arthur joined him

"I can't be bothered with this shit" Lizzie muttered, irritated and mad, and left.

Roslyn was mad too, that they had been careless enough to send Finn for this job. But she knew this wasn't to be dealt with that easily "They're right, Ada" she glanced at Ada and then to everybody else as she spoke "If Finn is to take care of that side of the business he'll have to go out, witness and experience how it's done. Dangers and Bullets included, Isn't it?" she gave Tommy a side eye, talking in a dangerously calm tone "Anyway, he's a Shelby. Being afraid of bullets shouldn't be in him. It's only practical"

Tommy, Polly and Ada looked at Roslyn like she'd read verses from Satan's own holy book. Arthur nodded.

Roslyn got up "Now if you'll please excuse me, I am getting late for my train to London", she nodded once at Arthur and Tommy before leaving.

"What's wrong with her?" asked Polly, still a little in shock

The meeting went on till Tommy and Arthur were the only ones remaining, discussing bullets and Chinese

Tommy came home tired, straight from Westminster. The strange interaction with his son left him a bit more drained. Arthur had told Charlie it was in God's hands, the death of his favourite horse. If Tommy believed in God then maybe he would agree with this someday. But he didn't. Couldn't.

He asked for Roslyn the moment he came back inside. He wanted to talk to her about what she'd said in the meeting. It had left him angry and called-out.

He knocked on the door of her study. Walking in before she permitted him to, clearing his throat, found himself a place on the opposite side of the desk.

"Good evening, Tommy. How was your day?" she greeted him, without looking up from her papers.

"Why'd you say that in the meeting?" he asked, totally ignoring the greeting.

"Coming straight to the point, are we?" she said, still not looking up.

He just waited for her to answer.

Roslyn knew what he was here for and there was no use going around in circles.

Looking up, she started to speak, but for a second she noticed how tired he looked and almost wanted to take him to bed to just let him sleep comfortably in her arms. Oh how she wished, she could but they didn't work that way, did they?

"I meant every word I said in the meeting, Tom" she paused in case he wanted to react, but carried on when he didn't "If Finn is to handle that side of the business he will have to face the dangers. He can't sit here protected. No one comes out in one piece handling that side of affairs. You and Arthur, of all people, understand that don't you?"

He just stared at her. She shifted in her seat, leaning in, arms on the desk "Tommy, you and your brothers had to get into dirty business because you didn't have a choice. But Finn has a choice. He is very young and now his family is more than capable of giving him a better life than any one of us has had" she wanted to let it all out "I know you do not want him to get hurt, but if you keep pushing him he will get hurt it's inevitable. He's not like you or Arthur or John"

"What do you imply?" he asked, voice deep and low. Calm.

"I say we send him off to a good university. That's the only way to get him away from the bad side. I'm not saying we send him somewhere far away like America. I say we keep him in Britain. Oxford, Cambridge, London"

He hardly spoke but she could sense the gears of his mind working

"He will mingle with intelligent, brilliant and decent people there. See the world for what it really is. Away from all this dirt. He will take up Law or Commerce. Come back as an asset to the company. Tommy, it's not such a bad idea you know that" she knew he understood the language of profits better, so if she had to use that she would.

Now he nodded, his gaze had shifted down to the desk where her hands lay. He was thinking, gone in his mind.

"Think of him as an elder son of yours"

He looked up at her, hints of sudden anger but an overall understanding

She sat back. Roslyn had said everything she had wanted to. Now it was up to her husband to decide.

"We want people here" he quietly said "To keep the cash coming in"

"I know. But we have Mr. Gold and Isiah for that and we can hire more people. I can give you more of my business. We have alternatives" she said

He ran hand through his hair and face, fingers landing on his eyes. He was exhausted. Spent. From all the thinking.

"You're tired. Go get some rest we can talk about this some other day" she felt like she was talking too much anyway

He laid back in the chair, eyes closed, head resting on the back. Stayed there for a few seconds before getting up.

"I will consider this, Arabella" he said before leaving

"Mrs. Shelby, you could've called me if you needed anything" Frances said, a little worried, when she found Roslyn in the kitchen

"It's okay, Frances. You and the staff can retire for the day. Goodnight" She said with a polite smile. She liked Frances but also disliked her a tad bit because of how nosy she was sometimes. She was Tommy's personal informant in the house.

She nodded "Yes. Goodnight, Mrs. Shelby"

Roslyn had decided to make a calming tea for Tommy. She had it sometimes when she was too tired to sleep. The tea made her relax. She was hoping it would have the same effect on Tommy, though it was questionable.

She put in tea, some herbs she used, lavender and a dash of rum. She even made this tea for Alfie once and he slept like a baby for atleast two hours. A smile played on her lips when she thought of it.

She checked the library first. That was Tommy's sanctuary. She knocked before entering with the tray.

He looked up from his desk, confused, watching her as she kept the tray on the table in front of the couch.

"I made tea" she said, inviting him to the couch with a tilt of her head, while pouring the drink into her favourite cups.

Surprisingly he obeyed. He was a little taken aback because he didn't know she could make tea. Or be that homely. Or maybe he had completely ignored it till now.

He sat to her right. She shifted to the far left of the couch so they weren't too, at all, close.

"Here" she bent to hand him the cup.

They drank the tea in silence.

When they finished, she softly said, while getting up "I drink this tea to help me calm down. If you feel sleepy in a few minutes, just sleep, okay?"

Tommy looked at her get up, laying back on the couch.

She left, hoping Tommy would sleep a few hours atleast. Made a mental note to come check in an hour,

She immersed herself in work because she didn't want to sleep just yet. After fighting sleep for an hour, she finally made her way to the library, praying in her head for him to be asleep.

Much to her shock and relief, he had dozed off. He was sleeping, lying fully down on the couch. She was proud of her tea today because if it could make Tommy sleep, it could make anyone sleep.

She quietly left. Content that he'd atleast get some, if not much, sleep tonight.

#thomas shelby #tommy shelby #finn shelby #peaky blinders #peaky blinders fanfic #tommy x oc #arabella roslyn asheton

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beetlelands · 3 years

Text

okay hey besties!!! im gonna post some of my drafts. this draft was simply titled “say uncle” and is from december 2019. it's the one i mentioned about beetlejuice being lydia's uncle, but i bet you could've guessed that.

“Lydia! Can you get the door?” Delia called out from the kitchen. The teen girl groaned dramatically in response from her spot on the couch. “Please?” Her stepmom-to-be shouted.

Lydia rolled her eyes but heaved herself off the couch. She lazily walked over to the front door, which had been loudly knocked on just moments ago.

“If I get killed, it’s all your fault.” Lydia cheerfully announced towards the kitchen before turning to open the door. Upon opening the door, Lydia’s jaw dropped.

There stood her uncle- Lawrence Betelgeuse “Beetlejuice” Shoggoth. The bastard himself.

Her shock quickly wore off into anger. She slammed the door in his face, but he simply knocked again. She took a deep breath before opening the door once more.

“Why are you here?” She spat, crossing her arms.

“C’mon didn’t you miss me?” He smiled, holding his arms out for a hug.

Lydia rolled her eyes, going to close the door again. Her uncle scrambled to keep the door from closing, pushing it open.

“What do you want?” She hissed, eyes narrowed at the man.

“Lucy, I’ve got some ’splaining to do.” He joked yet his tone was somber.

Lydia sighed but opened the door wide enough for him to enter. She walked to the couch, leaving him at the open door. He caught on and closed the door behind him as he followed her to the couch.

She sat down on one end and he on the other. Lydia was sat cross legged, looking at him expectantly.

“You have every right to be mad at me.” He started, but was interrupted.

“I had to show up to the funeral despite wanting to mourn alone in peace, so why couldn’t you show up to your own sister’s funeral? Dude, even Juno called to give her condolences. Juno for hell’s sake!” Venom laced her words, her pent up anger bubbling over. “So yeah, I have every right to be mad at you.”

“I know that was extremely shitty for me to do, and I do not expect you to forgive me. All I can ask is that you hear me out.” He sighed. “When I heard that Emily was getting sick, I drove myself insane trying to find someone- anyone- to help her. But that just got me in way too deep with some terrible people. I was so obsessed with wanting to cure my sister that I missed her death and her funeral.” He dragged a hand down his face. “I can’t go back in time. I can’t get back that time I should’ve spent by her side through it all. I can’t get back the time I should’ve spent with you and your father- grieving with you.” He sniffled, looking down. Lydia was rendered speechless by the tears threatening to spill from her uncle’s eyes. He hastily rubbed at his eyes, as if embarrassed by his emotions.

“I don’t want to forgive you,” She started quietly, “but I don’t want to hate you forever.”

“Well that’s a good start.” He smiled a little, earning an eye roll from the girl. “You don’t have to forgive me anytime soon, but please don’t shut me out. I wasn’t there when I should’ve been, but I’m here now. I’m here for you, for Charles- for the only family I have left.”

Lydia had never seen her uncle be so open and emotional. Sure, he was occasionally too open, but that was about his wild journeys and not his feelings. The man could recall his near death experiences in gory detail without batting an eye, but here he was choking up as he apologized to his niece.

The girl hadn’t noticed her own tears brimming in her eyes until he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Lydia looked up at him, and his heart ached from the time he missed.

Wordlessly, she fell into his arms and let out a quiet sob. He rubbed circles in her back, hoping to provide a further sense of comfort for the girl. Her breathing slowly evened out.

Charles walked into the room after being told by Delia that someone had knocked on the door. He had full intent to ask Lydia who was at the door, but was stopped in his tracks as he noticed the man- his brother in law. His initial glare at the man softened as he noticed him holding his daughter. Beetlejuice gave Charles an awkward smile, which he didn’t return.

He gave Lydia a small pat on the back before quietly talking to her. “Your old man’s here.”

She tensed before sitting up. She turned her head to look at Charles. “Hey dad… Uncle Beej is here.”

“I’m aware, Lydia.” He sighed, walking over to the couch. “Can you give us a moment?” His daughter nodded hesitantly before leaving. Charles sat down, taking Lydia’s place on the couch.

“Okay Chuck, I know I’ve got a lot of explaining to do-“

“The hell you do. You just up and leave without another word when your sister gets sick. No one had any contact with you.” He clenched his fist. “When Emily was on her deathbed, she asked for you. Asked where you were. And I couldn’t give her an answer because I didn’t know where the hell you were!”

Beetlejuice placed his head in his hands. “I’m the worst. I know. I’m a terrible person, but more so a terrible brother.” He looked up at Charles. “I’m not going to sit here and play the sympathy card- telling you how fucking depressed I’ve been for the past few months because of how absolutely shit I am as a person.” He evened out his breathing. “I don’t expect you to forgive me for my absence. I should’ve been here and I know I should’ve been. I should’ve been there for Emily and for you and Lydia. I should’ve fucking been there.” He seethed, angry with himself.

“Can I just ask- why? Why weren’t you there? And why are you here now?”

“When Emily told me she was sick, I lost it. You know the old conspiracy theory of the government hiding a cure for cancer and other big illnesses like that?” Hesitantly, Charles nodded. “Well I heard about these guys who were selling that kind of shit- real black market level business going on. But I was stupidly determined to get a cure. I got into some deep, deep shit that I will not be sharing for your own safety. Point is, I became so obsessed with trying to heal Emily that I pushed her away. In turn, I pushed you and Lydia away. And for that I’m sorry.” He sniffled. “I’m so fucking sorry.” His voice cracked with his anger and sincerity.

Charles was somewhat shocked by the man’s apology and how he didn’t seem to have an ulterior motive. He was just… sorry.

“I’m here now to make up for my mistakes. I know I can’t get back that time. But I’m here for you and Lydia, and wanted to apologize for not being here when it really counted.”

“Lawrence, you messed up. Badly.” Charles paused, sighing. “But your heart was in the right place. Hell, even just coming here and apologizing shows me how you’ve grown.”

“I don’t expect you to forgive me, but-“

“I do.”

“I just- wait what?”

“I forgive you Lawrence.”

“Oh wow okay- I was not expecting that.”

“You meant well, and I know Emily wouldn’t want me to be mad at you forever.” Charles shrugged.

“Chuck I really want to hug you right now.”

With a laugh and a roll of his eyes, the taller man opened his arms to his brother in law, who launched into them. The two men embraced for a little bit before Charles tapped Beetlejuice’s back twice and he let go.

“I hope Lydia forgives me soon.”

“Was that not what that hug was about?”

“Eh not really. But she did say that she doesn’t want to be mad at me forever.”

“She’ll come around when she’s ready. She just recently came to terms with Emily’s death- not that it was an easy thing to do because trust me it wasn’t- but she’s mending and growing.” The man could’ve rolled his eyes at how much he sounded like Delia.

Beetlejuice nodded in understanding. He wanted Lydia to know he would be there for her, but would keep his distance if she wanted him to.

Time skip because I’m a delinquent

Beetlejuice made routine visits to the Deetz house. He didn’t know many other people in Winter River, and didn’t care to create connections in the small town. The only thing keeping him there was his family. When he wasn’t at the Deetz’s house, he was hiding out in the local motel. Sure, he would go out and explore every now and then, but he had no real drive to go out. Beetlejuice had gotten into the habit of laying low and was comfortable with the lifestyle. Plus, it’s not like he could go on with business as usual. He may have gotten out of everything, but that didn’t make him any less of a target than he was before. However, that doesn’t matter, as the man was more than content to lay low.

During one of Beetlejuice’s routine visits to the Deetz house, Lydia brought him to the roof. There they sat and talked for what felt like hours. She asked him about her mother, asking for stories of her. He smiled softly, a hint of sadness in his eyes, and launched into the story of Emily teaching him how to ride a bike. He kept to the lighthearted stories, despite the bittersweet taste they left in his mouth.

In between stories, Lydia spoke. Her words were quiet but meaningful. “I forgive you” she said simply, looking to her uncle for his reaction.

Beetlejuice smiled at the girl. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”

“I think I’m starting to.” She mirrored his smile. “Can you tell me just one more story?”

“Sure, kid.” He thought for a second before beginning another story, this one about the time they had secretly taken in a stray cat. It had to remain a secret as Juno did not approve of having pets.

He was describing their convoluted plan to keep the cat hidden from Juno when a car pulled into the neighbor’s driveway. He and Lydia both seemed to have been distracted by the vehicle. The girl waved at the man who got out of the car and he waved back- he also waved at Beej despite not knowing who he was. But Beej returned the wave out of general hospitality.

“Is Barbara home?” Lydia called to the man.

“Yeah.” He checked his watch. “She should just about be done with dinner if you want to ask Charles if you can come over.”

At that Beetlejuice’s brows furrowed. Why would a grown man invite a teenager to his house. Not that the bespectacled, plaid shirt and khaki wearing man seemed dangerous. But that didn’t make it less weird. Okay he did say to ask Charles, but unless Barbara was his teenage daughter he didn’t see any reason for Lydia to go to his house.

“Oh yes! I could definitely do without Delia’s cooking tonight.”

“She’s getting better, Lydia.” He said sincerely, almost reprimanding the teen for her comment.

“Yeah true. I’d rather (idk man some vegan food) than banana-carrot surprise.” She made a disgusted face at the memory of the casserole type dish.

“See!” The man laughed a little.

“I’ll be over in a few!”

“Would you like to bring your guest?” He asked, finally addressing Beetlejuice.

She turned to her uncle, “Wanna go?”

“Sure.” He shrugged, a protectiveness tightening his chest. He knew the man meant no harm, yet his ‘trust no one’ motto was strongly built into his mindset.

Lydia excitedly threw a thumbs up towards the man on the ground. “He’s coming with me.”

“Okay, I’ll see you two in a few.” The man smiled before heading inside.

Beetlejuice fully turned to Lydia, “Who was that?”

“Adam Maitland. He’s kinda been like a second father to me. Not that dad isn’t great, it’s just- when mom died we grew distant. Dad wanted to soldier up, and keep moving. I don’t blame him, but at the time it was hard. I was still mourning while he seemed to have moved on.” She twisted her hands together. “One day I did something I’d rather not talk about. And well, Adam and Barbara were there for me. I was sad a-and angry and scared and confused, but they just sat with me. They listened when I talked, they held me when I cried.” She shivered at the memory. “Adam and Barbara became second parents to me.”

Ah so Barbara was not his teenage daughter, but perhaps his wife.

“Well now I’m excited to meet them.” Beej smiled, standing up. He offered his hand to his niece and she grabbed it. He pulled her up effortlessly, yet still groaned as if she was super heavy. The two shared a laugh at his antics as they headed inside the house.

Unsurprisingly, Charles said yes to Lydia (and Beej) going to the Maitland’s house. So that’s where they headed.

Lydia knocked on the door, which was soon opened by the man from before. Adam.

Seeing him up close made Beetlejuice realize that he was… attractive? No, that’s inappropriate. The man has a wife, Beej reminded himself as he shook his hand and introduced himself.

They made it to the dining room, where Barbara emerged from the kitchen with a pan of lasagna. The woman was breathtaking, but Beetlejuice relented the thought.

She placed it in the middle of the table and took a seat. Adam sat next to her. Lydia sat across from Adam, leaving Beetlejuice to sit across from Barbara.

“Hi I’m Barbara Maitland.” She smiled, offering her hand as Adam began serving the food.

He shook her hand, “I’m Lydia’s uncle Lawrence, but you can call me Beetlejuice- or some variation of it. Everyone does.” He shrugged.

“Beetlejuice?” She raised an eyebrow, just as her husband had done,

“Like the constellation Betelgeuse, but most people just spell it phonetically. It’s uh- it’s my middle name.”

“That’s very interesting.” She smiled, tone sincere.

“How much would you like, Beetlejuice?” Adam asked, spatula over the pan in an estimated size.

“That much is fine.” He smiled, moving his plate toward the pan. Adam swiftly placed the lasagna on his plate before dishing some out to Barbara.

The group ate quietly for a while. Toward the end of their meal, Barbara spoke up.

“How was your day, Lydia?”

The girl looked up from her plate and to the woman. “It was pretty good- but it’s even better now.”

“Because you’re not eating Delia’s cooking?” The woman asked with a laugh.

“Bingo.” Lydia smiled.

“You’ve got to ease up on her, Lyds. You and I both know she’s trying and improving.”

“Yeah yeah.”

“I’ve actually been gathering vegan recipes for her, making her a personalized cookbook. Adam and I have tried out most of the recipes, and I think you’ll like them.”

“Well here’s hoping.” The girl smiled a bit, finishing up her lasagna.

Beetlejuice admired how the woman was going out of her way to help improve Delia’s cooking. Which will in turn help Lydia, who often complains about the woman’s food and asks her uncle to bring her something else to eat.

The group continued with the small talk and soon enough Lydia and Beetlejuice were walking out the door. They had been invited to stay longer, but Beej didn’t want to intrude and Lydia decided to just go along with her uncle.

But that certainly wasn’t the last time the duo would be visiting the Maitlands.

It had been a few weeks since Beej first went to the Maitlands house with Lydia. And he’d be lying if he said he didn’t think they were attractive. However, Beetlejuice wasn’t that daft. He knew they were married and knew not to impose. Sure, he once had a threesome with a married couple back in New York but that wouldn’t be happening here. Not only were Adam and Barbara clearly not the type for that kind of thing, but they were also far too close to Lydia for him to even begin considering acting on his attraction. Which was strictly that- attraction. No feelings- no strings attached. Just basic, hormonal attraction.

Beetlejuice shook the thought from his head, buttoning the last button of his shirt. He grabbed his coat and slung it over his shoulder before leaving to go to the Deetz’s house.

He was walking up the driveway when he was greeted by the neighbors. Adam held a pair of garden scissors in one hand, the other waving at the other man. Beetlejuice waved back. Barbara smiled at the man and called out a hello. He returned the

and hey? that’s where it ends. very abrupt ik, but that’s where past me stopped

#straight up didn't edit this #long post #draft #not quite a work in progress bc there’s no way i’m gonna finish it #a work out of progress #i suppose???#breaking the fourth wall #beetlejuice fanfiction #beetlejuice #lydia deetz #charles deetz #barbara maitland #adam maitland #beetlelands #kinda

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captcas · 3 years

Text

Screwed (A Destiel AU)

Screwed by capthamm (Part 1 of 2)

Dean inherits the old family inn and has to move home to fix it up for selling. When the work proves to be too much, he enlists in the town's only contractor's help– his neighbor, Castiel. Dean is short on time, stuck in a hometown riddled with old flames, and falling for the man who lives next door. He's screwed.

notes: I'm halfway through season 7 and missing Mr. Castiel on my screen so this poured out. I'm almost finished but here is part one. My first ever attempt in the Supernatural fan fiction world... please be kind. Thank to my lovely beta, Luke <3 (@bawley_bug) read on ao3

At this point, Dean’s left thumb had been hit by the hammer more than any of the nails and he was regretting every single choice he ever made that led him to this exact moment.

Why the fuck did he think he was cut out for restoring an inn? Not just any inn– the inn. The one John ran before he got too old and retired, eventually– well let’s just say Dean isn’t here out of any sort of living guilt.

Dean’s not sure why he’s here.

If he breaks it down, it’s because he received a letter in the mail exactly two months after the passing of his father detailing how Lawrence would have no choice but to tear down the old inn unless someone from his family claimed it.

Sam’s not going to leave his law practice and the life he built for Jess and the twins, out in California.

Dean’s the only one left.

So, taking things extremely literally, he’s here because a bunch of lawyers told him he needed to be.

Another slam into his thumb jolts his train of thought off its tracks and convinces him to pack it up for the night. He snaps the tools back into his massive toolkit and stands back to look at the old built-in shelves he decided would probably be the easiest to tackle on his own. Nodding at the good-enough outcome, he turns to scan the rest of the main floor.

Maybe the built-ins are the only thing he’s going to be able to do alone.

Dean doesn’t like the thought of teamwork– especially not with the grumpy prick who lives next door. His neighbor stopped by the day Dean arrived because apparently it was John’s dying wish that their neighbor offer his services when his estranged son eventually showed up to fix the inn. (Leave it to his father to leave Dean feeling inadequate from the great beyond.)

“No, thank you.” “Excuse me?” “You offered, I’m declining. Debt, paid.” "As you wish, Winchester.” Even wrapped in the neighbor’s deep lumbering voice, Dean winces at his last name– it feels just as constricting as it did when he thought he’d be stuck in this town forever, “Dean.” “Whatever.”

Dean thought that’d be the last he’d see of the guy until he marched away and slammed the door just across the small garden. That house used to be for whatever innkeeper his parents had hired, but when the inn closed they rented it out to whichever soul felt like a one bedroom one bathroom home was enough to live in.

Apparently that was this asshole.

They’ve seen each other three more times since then, but never long enough to even exchange names. Dean isn’t sure why he’s keeping track– each time just as unpleasant as the first. Sure, Dean could’ve been friendlier, but warning bells rattled through him every time the neighbor’s stormy eyes met his. Dean may have sworn off unnecessary human interaction for the foreseeable future, but he’s not blind and his neighbor isn’t hard to look at.

But his life has no room for attractive neighbors with an attitude problem.

Convincing himself there must be someone else in this town who knows their way around a fixer upper, Dean heads to the Roadhouse for dinner and hopefully the name of someone else to help him get the inn fixed up enough to sell.

Walking through the front door of the restaurant-meets-dive-bar, the familiar smell hits him like a breath of fresh air. He can’t believe he held out for almost a week before eating here. The Roadhouse is one of the few places left in the town left untouched by rotten memories and painful nostalgia. Nothing but good ever happens once he crosses this threshold and it’s that fact that allows him to relax for the first time since moving back to Lawrence.

He starts to order his usual and Jo winks signaling she remembers even after all these years– Dean can’t believe she runs this on her own now. Jo always swore she’d get out of this town, break the chains of her mother’s legacy, but nevertheless here she is– here they both are.

Jo looks happy, maybe even at home– Dean? Not so much.

The plate drops in front of him and Dean catches his old friend lingering a bit. He looks up and says thank you and that was all it took to spark some small town gossip from Jo. While he didn’t come back to rekindle any old relationships– friendly or otherwise– Dean doesn’t mind her company and before he knows it he’s laughing and taking his last bite of burger. The conversation starts to die and Dean remembers why he came to town in the first place, “Oh! Jo, I meant to ask. I’m fixing up the old inn and I need help. Do you have the number of someone who–”

“Of course, Dean! Chuck retired, but Castiel took over, after Gabriel ran off to Thailand.” Dean raises his eyebrow and Jo laughs, “ That’s a story for another meal. Here,” she hands over a napkin with a number scrawled across it, “Castiel is the best in town and will fix up that inn in no time.”

Castiel.

Dean racks his brain for any recollection of someone named Castiel from their childhood but the name doesn’t ring a bell— and a name like that definitely would ring a bell. He supposes people must move to Lawrence, just like any town, and resigns it to someone new since he left.

He can’t expect everything to stay the same while he spent the last 15 years trying to change in every way imaginable.

Thanking his friend for the help, Dean pays and heads home for the night. Finally having the name of someone to help has lifted a huge weight off his chest. He sighs as he crawls onto the old mattress in the first floor suite, thankful it’s dark enough that he can’t nitpick all that needs to be done. The sooner he can get the inn fixed up, the sooner he can sell it and go back to Sioux Falls and the life he chose rather than the one his parents forced on him.

Maybe it was the comfort of the Roadhouse or the knowledge that this process will move twice as fast with a little help, but Dean sleeps better that night than he has in years. When he wakes with the sun, he feels energized and ready to continue his work on his family’s property.

He decides to start with disassembling the kitchen cabinets and it doesn’t take long for him to find a rhythm in his work— four screws and a trip to the pile, four screws, trip to the pile. Lost in the easy monotony, Dean forgets his decision to call for help until late into the morning. Hoping to catch the contractor before lunch, he brushes the dust from his hands and digs in his pocket for the napkin Jo had written on last night.

He’s not sure why he feels so anxious as he waits for the man on the other end of the line to pick up, but he supposes it rests on the fact that this man only knows Dean by the reputation he left town with— John’s other son.

Sam was always the golden child— pretty blonde cheerleaders and a full-ride to Stanford are not even an exaggeration when it comes to his younger brother.

Dean, on the other hand, was always rough around the edges, emotional, and different — let’s just say he’d go for the cheerleader or the quarterback.

As soon as Dean was shoved out of the closet— his dad walking in on him and Benny not leaving very much up for debate— John shut him out completely. Dean brushed it off as his dad’s way of fighting every piece of homophobia he was raised with, but the fact is: it was more likely he was disgusted by his own son.

But that was ages ago and, from what Sam’s told him, John died swearing his love for both his boys.

Not that Sam would tell Dean otherwise.

“Hello?” A gruff voice breaks him out of his daze and he’s startled back to the present day.

“Uh, hi. Yeah, uh, is this Castiel?” It’s the first time Dean’s said the name aloud and he can’t help but notice how easily it rolls off his tongue.

“This is. How can I help you?” The man is all business, clearly not as affected by Dean’s use of his name as Dean was.

“Oh yeah, uh, I got your name from Jo at the Roadhouse? My name is Dean Winchester and I’m fixing up the old Winchester Inn and I’m realizing the job may be too massive to handle on my own.” Dean winces at his blatant request for help, never one to ask outright for assistance, but as he looks at the pile of kitchen cabinets which need to be sanded, painted, and rehung, he knows he can’t do this alone. He realizes the man on the other end of the line hasn’t said anything when he continues, “Uh, that is if you have the bandwidth for that…”

Another pause before the man, Castiel, speaks again, “I can be right over.”

Dean didn’t really know how to respond, he was expecting to bargain for payment or at least for a delay in starting the project. He’s not used to this immediate willingness to help a complete stranger. He’s about to stumble through a response when he realizes Castiel is no longer on the other end of the phone. He shrugs, and sets it on the counter as there’s a knock on the door.

Shit. The only way Castiel could’ve gotten here that fast is if he’s...

Dean opens the door to the man he’s now seen a mere four times despite his permanent residence on Dean’s property. His neighbor— Castiel— looks different today. The usual softness that accompanies the man overtaken by strong arms, an AC/DC t-shirt, and a tool belt placed perfectly on his hips.

Whoa, Dean.

“Uh, hi?” Dean isn’t sure how one goes about re-introducing themselves to apparently the only help in town after being an ass before. But he’s here and Dean introduced himself on the phone and he still came.

“Hello.” The man– Castiel– greets Dean so matter of factly as he glances around Dean quizzically, presumably taking in the whole of the inn. Dean is a little taken aback by this whole interaction and the way it’s entirely different than any they’ve shared previously. Castiel’s eyes meet Dean’s and Dean can’t help but notice a hint of playfulness before Castiel speaks again, “So you do need help?”

Dean rolls his eyes and Castiel laughs sending a shockwave through Dean he hasn’t felt in ages. He promptly ignores it before motioning towards the foyer and inviting his new contractor inside. They don’t exchange any pleasantries, but rather head right to work. Castiel asks questions about everything from the crown molding and stair railing to Dean’s plan for the half shattered French doors.

The man is thorough and he knows his stuff.

Maybe teamwork with him won’t be so bad.

They finish their walk through and Dean is relieved to hear that Castiel agrees the upstairs mostly needs some fresh paint. John left some money to fix up the inn, but not enough for a total overhaul. After working through the budget, they decide it’ll be more cost effective if it retains its original charm.

“Well, Dean, I like what we’ve got here and I think we can make something out of this.” Castiel slouches into one of the bar stools near the kitchen island as he surveys the room one more time. Dean does his best not to notice the sweat slowly making its way down Castiel’s collar bone and beneath the collar of his t-shirt, and the way he says Dean, and his implication that this is theirs . Dean hasn’t shared anything for most of his adult life– mostly because he hasn’t had anyone worth sharing something with.

But this inn feels like it’s meant to be shared, and Dean can’t seem to find any reason not to do so with Castiel.

“I’m glad you think so. I suppose we should discuss payment…” Dean trails off as Castiel’s gaze becomes confused.

“I don’t intend on charging you a dime, Dean.” Castiel’s matter of fact smile returns and Dean can’t ignore the way his gut flutters.

He’s not a nun, Dean’s been attracted to people for as long as he can remember being alive. From Lucy Jones in kindergarten to a myriad of characters in his adult life, he’s always been a people person loaded with an innate attraction for the kind of itches you scratch and forget ever existed.

Castiel is beginning to feel like an itch he’d like to scratch.

But that’d ruin everything, especially Dean’s plan to sell the inn for as much as humanly possible and then get the hell outta dodge.

“I appreciate that, but I have to give you something…” Castiel waves Dean off and he realizes arguing would be useless. “Thanks.”

Castiel nods before taking time to study Dean until it almost feels awkward. Dean is typically the one doing the studying, and he feels naked under this man’s gaze. They remain in a silence delicately balanced between comfortable and awkward until Castiel speaks again, “Well, best I get back to my place. I will see you tomorrow morning, Dean.”

As Castiel stands, he adjusts the toolbelt around his waist and Dean forces himself to look away, not willing to tempt himself with the flash of skin exposed during the adjustment. The contractor must notice because he smirks slightly before nodding his head in goodbye. If he didn’t know better, Dean would swear Castiel walks a bit closer to him than is necessary. He shakes it off before heading to the bathroom to shower off the grime of the day before checking in with Sam, Jess, and the kids.

. . .

They work surprisingly well together.

His new partner is a quiet but sturdy presence throughout the day– rarely chatting about more than the weather or whatever task needs to be done– but on occasion Dean will learn a bit more about him. He’s started to compile a list of Cas’s likes and dislikes– for example, Cas likes that Dean gave him a nickname.

“Hey, Cas, can you hand me the socket wrench?” "Cas?” “Uh, yeah, short for Castiel. You got too many syllables, man.”

Cas nodded and moved on with the task, but Dean can’t help but notice the small smirk everytime he has to call Cas by name. Cas also smiles whenever a screw goes in without a fight and when the first raindrop of an impending storm hits his forehead.

Dean likes it when Cas smiles. (Apparently Dean’s compiled a list for that, too.)

He’s tried to largely ignore the growing attraction for the man he’s working with for more than eight hours a day, but it gets more difficult with each glance to make sure the other is still in one piece and every accidental touch of hands when they pass off a tool.

At least Dean tells himself it’s accidental.

He hadn’t gotten enough out of Cas to even know if he “plays for that team,” as Sam likes to say. Dean is almost positive John wouldn’t have encouraged the two work together if Cas is gay, but there are moments that give him more hope that he deserves.

“Dean!” Cas’s steady voice startles him from the monotony of painting kitchen cabinets and his overflowing thoughts.

He puts down the paintbrush and walks over to the fireplace where Cas is supposed to be sanding down the mantle, “Yeah, Cas, what is it?” There’s that smile– sometimes Dean wonders if he uses his nickname for Cas just to get a glimpse of it.

“I’m hungry and I’m out of sand paper.” Cas looks up from the stool he’s been sitting on for hours with a hint of puppy dog eyes. Dean isn’t exactly paying Cas so he could definitely come and go as he pleases, but they tend to stick to a similar schedule everyday. Checking his watch, Dean sees it is lunchtime and agrees to head into town for a sandwich.

“I should probably get cleaned up a bit…” Cas trails off as he surveys his dusty jeans and sweat drenched t-shirt. Without trying to, Dean gets lost in the unfairly attractive mess of it all for a moment too long. He looks up to speak again and Cas is smirking almost knowingly.

Shit.

“Yeah, sure. You can use the shower here if you want but no promise there’s any hot water.” Dean scratches behind his ear nervously. This wasn’t any sort of purposeful invitation, but he can’t help but feel a wad of want fall into his stomach. Cas simply nods his thanks before heading into the main floor bathroom with a change of clothes he brought “just in case”. Dean laughed when Cas told him that he’s always that prepared and cited the fact that Cas only lives thirty steps away from the inn. He simply shrugged and said “You never know” and that was the end of that. Dean supposes Cas was right and the change of clothes had come in handy.

Though, not exactly how Dean thought they would.

As he hears the shower turn on, Dean goes back to painting kitchen cabinets in hopes of distracting himself from the very attractive, very naked man that is showering in the next room. It works for a while but eventually the knowledge feels stifling and Dean decides to clean up quickly and wait for Cas on the porch.

“What’re you waiting out here for?” Cas walks outside, resting his arm on the doorframe to only accentuate his bicep muscles. Dean knows if he looks at what is probably disheveled and wet hair from the shower it’ll take every piece of willpower he has not to jump the guy right then and there.

“Let’s go.” He leads Cas to his car without looking in his direction or answering his question. As Dean walks around the back of the impala he sees Cas smirk again.

Bastard.

They take the short drive into town before stopping at the hardware store. Dean needs to pick up some new screws so he can finish the cabinets and Cas needs some more sand paper so they decide to split up and grab what they need. Cas cuts right, beelining for the aisle like he lives here– now that Dean thinks about it, Cas probably does come here a lot– and Dean wanders to the left looking for the screw aisle.

He ends up finding them along with a confused pre-teen boy comparing screw sizes to an outlet cover. Dean laughs to himself before offering his help, “Anything I can help with?”

The boy turns to Dean, startled at first, but then relaxing when he doesn’t sense any immediate threat, “Yeah, that’d be great. My mom sent me in here twenty minutes ago, but I don’t know anything about this stuff.”

Dean laughs, “Well, your Dad should’ve taught you screw shopping at the very least.”

“How could he do that when he doesn’t know I exist?” The kid says it so matter of factly, Dean isn’t even sure he heard him correctly. He scans him for signs of distress, but whatever therapy he’s getting must’ve worked because the kid goes back to comparing screws without missing a beat.

“Fair enough. Here, you’ll want these ones,” Dean grabs a four pack of the screws the kid is looking for and hands it to him. “Then you’ll have extras in case you need to replace another one.”

“Awesome, thanks! My names–”

“Ben? What’s taking you–” Dean winces, he’d know that voice anywhere and the fact she paused means… “Dean?! What are you doing talking to… what’s going on here?”

“Mom!”

“Lisa…”

Ben (apparently) and Dean speak at the same time, both turning towards the woman Dean hasn’t thought about in years. They were something– more than something– for about a year, but John’s pressure pushed Dean out of town and Lisa refused to leave Lawrence... so now they're here, awkwardly looking at each other in a hardware store.

“Lisa, look, I can explain–”

“Dean, I found the sandpaper and I also grabbed some extra paint for that wall in the living–” Dean’s cut off as Cas rounds the corner looking down at the sandpaper packaging and clearly missing all the fun in aisle nine, “Oh. Hi!”

Then Cas waves , an adorable wave that if Dean wasn’t so goddamn turned around probably would’ve sent him spiraling. Dean facepalms to hide his smile and proceeds to rub his calloused hands through his hair trying to decide what to say next. But Ben must be oblivious to the absolute shit storm happening a foot above his current height because he chooses this moment to chime in, “I was confused about which screws to get and Dean offered to help, Mom. That’s all. And look,” Ben holds up the package Dean handed him what feels like an eternity ago, “Got ‘em!”

That kid just saved Dean’s ass.

Lisa still looks a little stunned to see Dean– his return had seemingly not reached the far ends of the town gossip chain quite yet– but then she glances back towards Cas… and then back to Dean.

He’s about to correct her when she surprises him with a hug.

They didn’t exactly end on bad terms, but he probably could’ve been nicer when he told her he was leaving.

Hence why the hug catches him off guard, as does what she quietly whispers in his ear, “I’m glad you found someone that makes you smile like that again.”

Dean can't even formulate a correction before Lisa’s telling Ben to thank Dean for his help and the pair is heading down the other end of the aisle. He turns towards Cas who is staring intensely at a speck on the floor by his feet, but seems to be smiling all the same.

Maybe Dean isn’t wrong about him.

They check out and head back to the Impala in silence. It isn’t until they get home after swinging through the drive thru that Dean even realizes he forgot to grab the screws.

#Destiel #destiel ff #dean winchester #castiel #deancas #castiel owns my soul #where the fuck did destiel come from?#capthamm #please be kind I've only watched halfway through season 7

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ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes · 4 years

Text

Blue Eyes Part 26

Summary: After the Garrison is shot up, the youngest Shelby daughter finds a new home in London. She strips herself of her last name and tries to live a peaceful life far away from her brothers’ chaos in Birmingham. But fate leads her right back into it after she runs into Alfie Solomons.

Part 26: Mosley’s interference with Ella’s family and her marriage is becoming more and more clear.

Ella did her best to forget the leering look that Mosley had given her. But even a week later, she couldn’t get his smug look out of her nightmares. Everything about the man gave her a bad feeling. She thought Tommy was thick for even making an acquaintance with him. But according to Ada, their brother was doing far more than that.

It took an unnatural amount of patience to not disown Tommy again. No matter how tempting it was, Ella knew it wouldn’t do anyone any good.

She was sure that if she didn’t have Alfie, she would’ve gone mad a long time ago. But her husband kept her sane, kept her grounded, and always reminded her what true love was.

One night, she decided to drop in at the bakery about half an hour before Alfie usually closed up. She needed to relieve some stress but didn’t necessarily need it to be in a comfortable way. Instead, she just wanted a good thrill.

Most of the men had already gone home by the time Ella came through the bakery, heading towards Alfie’s office. Everything was normal until she reached his office. There, she saw a woman standing in front of Alfie’s desk. Her husband sitting and listening to her. Something wasn’t right. Sure, Alfie could speak to other women, that wasn’t an issue. There were plenty of women in the community who knew him well. But Ella couldn’t think of any who would visit Alfie so late in the evening, unaccompanied.

Ella knocked on the doorjamb and pointedly cleared her throat. Her husband glanced up with a smile. The unfamiliar woman turned, her eyes going a bit wide.

She was beautiful. Drop-dead gorgeous, in fact. No one could deny that. It was almost as if she’d arrived right from Hollywood. A beautiful actress with pristine red lipstick, an alluring smoky eye, a figure-defining black dress, and shiny blonde hair.

“Miss Davis, this is me wife, Ella. Ella, this is Miss Davis. Your brother sent her along for a potential deal.” Alfie introduced and stood up to greet Ella.

“My brother?” That didn’t ring true one bit. Tommy wouldn't do that. On a rare occasion, he may have asked before doing such a thing.

“Mr. Shelby said your husband was someone to talk to about London business.” The young woman explained but there was a waver in her voice. A tell of a loss of confidence.

Ella knew she was lying. “What business are you in, Miss Davis?” She gravitated possessively toward Alfie.

“My late husband ran a successful law firm. I’m doing my best to keep it running.”

“And my brother sent you here to get help for that?” Ella questioned again.

“El, everything alright?” Alfie frowned.

The woman seemed shaken by Ella’s presence. “Well, it’s getting late. Perhaps I ought to send you a telegram instead, Mr. Solomons.” She smiled and backed towards the door. “I hope to hear from you soon.”

“Nice to meet you.” He nodded.

Ella’s eyes narrowed, watching the stranger leave. “What a load of…”

“Here.” He held up a small business card between his index and middle finger.

“What’s this?”

“It were stuck to the back of the fake business card she gave me.” He explained as she took it from him. "Like you, I found the exchange very strange. But that seems to offer some solution."

She read the information on the card and her blood began to boil. “That snake. What on Earth is he up to?”

“You should ask your brother.” Alfie shrugged. “They’re apparently close now, ain’t that right?”

Oswald Mosley. Why would Mosley’s card be in this woman’s purse? Why would she give Alfie a fake card? “He’s going to get this family in another situation where our lives are on the line.” Ella was so angry she began to pace, waving the embossed card in the air.

“I’ll try to talk to him, love, but you know what happens when I try.” Alfie folded his arms over his chest.

“He’s using dope.” She informed her husband. “I found it in his desk and he lashed out at me. That fucking hypocrite.” She made a frustrated noise and threw her hands up. “I went against my better judgment and started to trust him again. And this is what I get? His new ally is making plans with you and me?”

“Easy, El, maybe he’s got a handle on things.”

She turned around quickly to give him a look of disbelief. “Are you honestly defending him?”

“Not defending him, but he must have a reason.” He shrugged.

“That’s the problem, he can justify anything.” With a deep sigh, she walked around the desk and plopped down in Alfie’s lap. Pouting, she curled into herself.

He wrapped his arms around her and placed a comforting kiss on her hair. “It’ll be alright, love, I’ll talk to him. But don’t give up on him. If he’s using then I’m sure he needs you. You two are close, yeah?”

“If you said something like that a few years ago I would’ve thought you’d been replaced by a doppelganger. My Alfie, concerned about Tommy Shelby.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “You get more docile as you age, I s’pose.”

“Not him. He’s just running himself into the ground and taking us all with him.”

Alfie didn’t answer, he just hummed in acknowledgment and held her. “Why’d you drop in so late?” He wondered. "I were on my way home, you could've rang."

The question only made Ella’s frown deepen in disappointment. “It was meant to be a surprise.” She grumbled.

“Yeah?” He gently squeezed her hips. “Just popping in to make me day?”

Ella bit her lip and turned around to straddle his hips. Perhaps the moment wasn't lost after all. “I went shopping too.” She toyed with the buttons on her long wool coat.

Alfie perked up. “Oh yeah? What’d you get, love?”

“Something for you.” She leaned forward to kiss him.

He gladly accepted the kiss, inhaling her rose perfume. It always gave him a high that was unmatched. Sometimes it felt like he knew Ella’s body better than his own. How many minutes, hours, days, had he spent indulging in her soft skin, shivering when her dark hair tickled him, hypnotized by her blue eyes, and all of his nerves electrified? It never felt like enough. He could never get enough of her.

Pulling away from the kiss, Ella got up to close and lock the office door. She drew the blinds of the windows as well just in case. Alfie ran his hands over his thighs, licking his top lip in anticipation. “You’ve kept me in enough suspense love.” He protested.

She turned and began to undo the buttons of her coat, revealing the thin black nightgown with lace trimmings and stockings to match.

Alfie looked like he’d taken a significant blow to the stomach. “Fucking hell.” He dragged out, lust in his voice. He stood up with a groan and walked over to her. “Look at you.”

“I don’t want to think.” Ella wrapped her arms around his neck and touched her lips to his ear. “Just for an hour or two, I don’t want to have to think about anything.”

Her husband sensed the urgency in her voice. They all needed somewhere to escape. He was just glad she could escape to his arms. It made him feel he was doing something right. “What do you need from me, love?” He murmured.

“Just take me as yours. Make the decisions. Make me forget my own fucking name.” She begged quietly.

So, he did. And for a moment, Ella really felt like there was nothing outside the office door. In fact, the entire world was contained within that room. They were the only two people left alive. There was nothing to worry about except each other. Alfie held her so close, she gripped onto him so tightly. They both bruised.

The sun dipped below the horizon by the time they were spent. A little weak in the knees, Ella perched on the edge of Alfie’s desk to fix her stockings. His office had thoroughly taken a beating. Everything had been swept off his desk onto the floor, papers spilled everywhere. They’d knocked the desk chair into a cabinet, causing a bit of a dent in the metal. Alfie pushed Ella against the wall so hard that a picture frame fell to the ground, the glass and frame cracking.

But they were both too satisfied to care.

After dressing, Alfie came to stand between Ella’s knees. “I love you.” He murmured and kissed her softly.

“I love you too.” She smiled up at him. “I’m glad you weren’t swayed by that ‘Miss Davis’.” She grumbled and stood up to find her coat among the fray.

He scoffed. “I ain’t never had a thing for blondes. I much prefer darker hair.” He caught her around the waist from behind, pulling her close to his chest. “With blue eyes. Blue eyes like the fucking clearest topaz I’ve ever seen. Beautiful with a wit to match. Girl with the biggest heart.” He kissed down her neck.

Ella smiled and closed her eyes in bliss. She didn’t want to leave their little world, not quite yet.

~~~~~~~~~~~

It felt like an endless string of birthdays. First, it was Ruby’s, then Polly’s, and finally Lizzie’s. Ella didn’t mind, but she wasn’t in much of a mood for festivities. Especially when she got the invitation to Lizzie’s party, something extravagant and over the top. No doubt Britain’s elite would all be invited and if Tommy was keeping up his charade that meant Mosley would be attending. And that made Ella sick to her stomach.

But she was getting ahead of herself.

On the day of Ruby’s birthday, Ella packed the presents into the car and drove out to Arrow House. Alfie was working but sent along his well wishes.

The birthday girl was thrilled to see her aunt arrive. She ran outside as the car pulled up the gravel drive. “Auntie El, auntie El!” She squealed.

“Look at you all dolled up!” Ella scooped up her niece and kissed her cheek. “Did mummy get you that dress?”

Ruby nodded. “For my birthday.”

“You look like a proper lady.” She carried her inside to greet Lizzie. “Where’s Charlie?”

Lizzie’s face fell a little. “He’s still upset about Dangerous. Spends nearly all his free time in the stables.” She explained.

“Brother’s sad.” Ruby pouted.

“Want me to go talk to him?” Ella set her niece down.

“You can try.” Lizzie bit her lip. “But I’m afraid it won’t do much good. Will hardly speak to anyone, especially Tommy.”

“I’ll be back,” Ella promised and headed out back toward the stables. As she walked across the lawn, she remembered the time she spent at Arrow House in all the different periods of her life. It felt like ages ago when she arrived to celebrate her brother’s wedding to Grace. Her standoff with him in the stables about Alfie. It felt almost unfathomable to think about all the things she’d been through since then. A marriage, multiple losses, a miscarriage, an addiction, sobriety. For a moment, it didn’t even feel like she lived those events. Instead, they were someone else’s story. A drama that she had been watching play out from the audience. But no matter what, she woke up with the scars.

~~~~~~~~~

The stable was warmer than the chill outside as Ella stepped inside. She found Charlie sat on a step stool near the tack.

“I was sad you didn’t come out to greet me.”

The boy looked up. He appeared happy to see his aunt for a moment before the sadness in his eyes returned. “Hi, Auntie El.” He greeted gloomily.

She smiled weakly and found a bale of hay to sit on. “Mum says you’re still down about Dangerous.”

Charlie nodded absentmindedly, looking down at his hands.

“I know how hard it is to lose a horse.” Ella tried to sympathize with him. “I remember losing my first horse and I was very sad. But I promise things will start to look up.”

He shrugged half-heartedly. “Why did dad have to kill him?”

Ella winced. “It’s hard to understand sometimes. But Dangerous was in a lot of pain. Sometimes…sometimes it’s better to let the horse rest instead of living in pain. There are things that you can’t cure.”

“Dad said death is a kindness.”

Ella thought about her time at Margate when she was still addicted to the morphine. The pain that she suffered through when she was between doses. The strong urge to sleep. Go to bed knowing that she’d never have to wake up again. The thoughts came from such a dark place and it was alarming to recall them. Alarming because she realized that must be where her brother was. The dope was a good enough indicator but hearing Charlie recount what Tommy said was enough to give her concern. They were Shelbys after all. They were cursed.

“Let’s go inside, aye? I’ve got presents for Ruby that you can help her open.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ella planned on staying the night at Arrow House instead of driving back to London. When Tommy returned home, she requested to speak with him. They had a lot to talk about but she had a feeling he was going to be a pill about it.

After he settled behind his desk, she began. “I need you to be honest with me.”

“I’m always honest with you, El.” Tommy pulled out a cigarette to light.

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that to me so we don’t have to argue. Tom, I know how deep you’ve gotten. You’re drowning and you’re looking for a way out.”

“I don’t follow.” He was looking at her but avoiding her eyes.

“Let me just say that if anything were to happen to you. No matter what it was, you’d be leaving your entire family behind. The family that needs you for better or worse. This family can’t take another loss, we just can’t.”

It was clear in his face that he knew exactly what his sister was talking about. Sometimes he hated how intuitive she could be. “Okay.” He nodded.

Well, at least he’d heard her piece. Sometimes that was all she could. Make sure he heard her. “Secondly, we need to speak about your involvement with Mosley.”

“Your husband already called me about the matter.”

“That’s fine, now we can discuss it.” She didn’t care whether Alfie had talked Tommy’s ear off already.

Tommy cleared his throat and gestured for her to continue.

“He sent a woman to my husband’s office only minutes before closing. Whatever his intentions are, they’re evil. He’s looking to control you, Tom. He's looking to ruin this family. I think you of all people would be able to see right through his act.”

“Ella, listen very carefully to me.”

“Don’t take that tone with me.” She retorted with a warning.

He raised an eyebrow at her. “Are you going to listen or are you going to interrupt me.”

Disgruntled, Ella kept her mouth shut.

“You’re right, he’s an evil man with evil intentions. That’s why I’m doing this. Fascism won’t have a place here in Britain if I can help it. He’s the messenger. We kill the messenger; we kill the message.”

“What if he creates more chaos before you have the chance? You can’t just kill a member of Parliament and expect to get away with it.”

Tommy set his cigarette to the side. “All I can do is assure you I have a solid plan.”

“And I’m supposed to trust you.”

He simply shrugged. That was something he knew well. He couldn’t force anyone to trust him.

Ella took a step away from his desk with a sigh. “Frances is going to bring Ruby’s cake out soon.”

“Have you and Alfie ever thought about adopting?” Tommy asked out of the blue.

She looked surprised. “Erm, no. We haven’t talked much about children after…well.” She sighed. Despite her time with the Lees and with Isabel’s council, she found it difficult to talk about her miscarriage. “Why?”

“Just wondering.” Tommy stood up and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “C’mon.” He walked with his sister to the parlor.

Ella didn’t think too much of what Tommy mentioned after that night. Mostly because her curious thoughts were quelled by the arrival of Johnny Dogs and Aberama. Both badly wounded and shouting in the drive.

As Lizzie brought the children upstairs, Ella hurried out after Tommy.

“The man’s gone fucking mad, Tom!” Johnny shouted, clutching his ribs and trying to crawl away from Aberama.

“They killed him. My son!” Aberama shouted, holding a gun with one arm. “They shot him and put him up on a fucking cross and he’s fucking dead!”

Ella was startled in her path. The words were too chilling to be real. Bonnie wasn’t dead. He was perfectly fine. Aberama had just lost his mind. That was all. Just lost his mind. They’d all lose their minds at one point or another.

“I swear to God, I never told a soul.” Johnny moaned in pain.

“My fucking son! They fucking took him from me!” Aberama continued to rant loudly.

Tommy held his hands out, trying to calm him down. “Your shoulder is shattered. If you don’t get it fixed; you’ll lose your arm.” He spoke steadily as if talking to a spooked stallion.

“They crucified my son, for you!” His voice broke with grief.

That’s when it started to dawn on Ella. These were no ramblings of a mad man. These were the anguish cries of a father who lost a son. She was about to ask who did it when gunshots had her dropping to the ground. Instinct had her protecting her abdomen.

“Get away from my house!” Lizzie shouted.

Tommy walked over his sister and snatched the gun away from his wife. “Everyone, enough!” He roared. The night went silent again. A peaceful night in the countryside. He turned and helped Ella up. “Everyone quit it.” His voice lowered and he turned to Aberama. “If you want to take on the Billy Boys, you need me. Everyone fucking needs me.” He glared back at Lizzie. “Call an ambulance or a man loses his arm.”

Ella stood frozen in the driveway. Bonnie. Crucified. “Tom, who are the Billy Boys?” She whispered as he passed by her.

“Mosley’s foot soldiers.” He muttered as he helped Johnny up and to the house. Lizzie and Aberama entered the house as well, leaving Ella outside by herself. She looked up at the stars in the sky. She closed her eyes when she felt tears welling up. The sound of the gunshot echoed in her ears and made her stomach ache.

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Nightfall (Ch.14)

Synopsis: Pre-Resident Evil 1, slight-AU/Canon Divergence. Claire Redfield comes home to visit her brother Chris for the holidays but gets caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Albert Wesker, the Captain of STARS, after stumbling upon dark secrets. She can’t call the law; Wesker is the law, and she can’t tell Chris. She is trapped…Claire/Wesker & Slight Chris/Jill (There’s Wesker & William Bromance too lol). Rated M for eventual smut, language, violence, adult content.

AO3 Link

Chapter 14: On the Trail

The journey through NEST seemed to take ages this time. Claire was super lost now. How did these people know where they were going? The directions painted on the walls seemed alien to her.

She stayed close to Wesker, although the two barely spoke as he led her through the underground facility once more. That was fine by her. The redhead was still overwhelmed and distracted with what just happened. She tried not to think about it right now. It was something she'd need to process once she was back home, away from his scrutiny. As long as no one ever found out, especially Chris, she would be able to handle it.

The younger Redfield thought that was reasonable…until Dr. William Birkin stepped around the next corner, looking at some papers and whistling a tune.

Claire panicked inside. Wesker better not boast about what happened or she would kill them both…somehow. She remained calm on the outside, glancing up at Wesker. His expression was unreadable, except maybe it had eased up on his usual seriousness when spotting Will.

William looked up from his documents, noticing them. He took just one glance between the two of them before a wicked, all-knowing grin broke out on his face and Claire inwardly cringed. Could these two read each other's minds or what?!

She prepared herself for whatever cracks were about to come out of William's mouth.

"Dear God, it finally happened! Anne owes me fifty bu-" Wesker's hand smacked Will's face and knocked it back into the wall. "Ow!"

"Not a word," Wesker stated as his best friend rubbed the back of his head with a shit-eating grin.

This close, Claire realized the documents he had been reading were the same ones she had stolen from Raccoon University. She wondered what dark secrets they contained.

The eccentric researcher put up his free hand in mock surrender. "Okay, okay! I would never disrespect Claire that way...and expect to survive." His eyes found her and she instinctively balled a fist, ready to punch him where it counted. "Are you alright, Claire? I can castrate him if you wish. Unless you enjoyed it, of course."

Claire punched him in the gut. Will curled over, holding his stomach, wheezing. "So that's a no then...right?"

The redhead glared daggers at him as he slowly recovered from her punch.

"Never mind Claire, I deserved that, and Anne will kiss my boo-boo better tonight, so no harm done. I should thank you...", Birkin squeezed out, rubbing his abused belly.

"Dr. William Birkin, your presence is urgently needed in the incubation center," came the mechanical female voice on the intercom.

He hobbled away, mumbling to his partner. "She hits fucking hard. You're two are meant to be, Al."

Claire glared at his back as he went down another hallway, but Wesker got her attention by clearing his throat. "Shall we?" He looked amused by what had just happened, but Claire felt it was best to leave it alone. Once they made it up to the surface, Wesker surprised her.

"William is a complex man. It may not have seemed like it, but he was genuinely concerned when he asked your well-being." He opened the passenger door to his Jaguar for her, but she hesitated getting in.

"Your point?" Claire asked, looking him directly in the eyes, still disturbed and confused over all that happened tonight.

The STARS Captain half-shrugged, hand still propped on the open door. "Perhaps to spare him another of your retaliations, deserved or not, as much fun as they surely are. Besides, punishing him is my job."

She rolled her eyes and got inside the luxury sports car. Wesker shut her in and got in the driver seat. Claire stared out the window, flurries of snow falling in sheets now. It was just after 11p.m. according to the car's radio. She was ready to get home, bury herself in a mass of blankets and forget this whole nightmare. Boy, had she dug herself a hole so deep she could no longer see the light! She looked over at Wesker. The redhead cursed his good looks and silver tongue. But ultimately, she had done this to herself. She could've walked out that door. Could've said no, refused him. But no, she just had to prove to herself just how attracted to trouble she was...

As long as Chris doesn't find out…and he stays safe. That's all that matters.

For added measure, she wanted to take a whole week's worth of birth control, even if she had been diligently taking it for over a year. She couldn't imagine trying to come up with a story for that scenario if Wesker managed to knock her up.

It would probably come out looking just like him, blond hair, wearing sunglasses and all. No paternity test needed to explain that! She joked crudely, but soon dismissed it. Don't jinx yourself. He obviously didn't care about protection tonight. He got what he wanted.

"Something wrong?" Wesker asked, stirring her from her thoughts.

Claire blushed, realizing she had been staring at him, and hid her embarrassment with the first jeer to fly from her tongue. "For someone who doesn't like or want kids, you sure as hell didn't care about protection back there." Facepalm. Way to go, Claire, you fucking idiot.

A soft snort came from her brother's boss, and the sly smile that quirked made her heart do a funny flip. "You're on contraception, yes? Safyrallin?"

A strange, icy feeling bit its way into her spine. He knew what medications she was taking? Should she be surprised anymore? His satisfied half-glance her way confirmed he had revealed that knowledge with the sole intent to unnerve her even more. And it had worked.

"Don't act surprised, dear heart. I know nearly everything of all my quarries, including medical histories and prescriptions. Comes in handy where it counts."

I'm sure it does…

"Nothing surprises me with you and your lows anymore."

"Good. You're learning."

She shot him a glare just before they came to a stop at a red light. He looked at her, serious, piercing steel blue eyes freezing her in place. "I told you before I control most of this city and you thought I was bluffing. Do you still believe I am?"

Claire quietly shook her head. He smirked. His hand made contact with her thigh, caressing down and squeezing her knee. "I thought so."

The light turned green. His hand left her thigh, its burning, tingling touch slowly fading away within Claire's flesh beneath her jeans and she shivered.

Claire was relieved to finally see home come into view. Chris's truck was gone, but Wesker just pulled over to the curb. She was ready to get the hell out of that car, but her door was locked. She knew he would have one last thing to say to her, and so she turned to him, ready to get it over with.

"I'll be in touch soon, dear heart. The same conditions apply. Keep your stories straight and Chris nescient."

"I will," she snarked. "Now let me out."

Her door clicked, unlocking. Claire grabbed the door handle, but Wesker asked a question she wasn't at all expecting.

"Why did you use your mother's name tonight at the university?"

She wasn't shocked he knew her mother's name or that he asked her reasoning for using it tonight as her cover. But she was surprised by how he asked it. It was pure curiosity; no scorn, no teasing, no patronizing. Claire shrugged, not really knowing herself as she dug for an answer.

"I don't know. It was the first name I thought of. She went there when she was my age. Raced dirt bikes and motorcycles back when they had that." She stopped herself from rambling. "Why?"

"I would refrain from using family names in the future, especially one as unique as hers. It could get you into trouble. Always use fabricated aliases."

She nodded. "Okay." In a weird way, she knew he was advising her for her protection. She got out of the Jaguar and closed the door. The car sped away, the sleek black body disappearing into darkness, fading in flurries of snow.

It was nice to finally pull into his own driveway after most of the evening spent at the bar. Chris made sure Jill got home okay in her car. She had more to drink than him and the snowfall had picked up since they left. His partner told him to let her know if she was needed, in case Claire didn't come home. She also made sure to point out not to jump right in demanding answers for her supposedly being spotted with Wesker across town the other day. Well, no promises there. It had eaten at him more than he thought it would.

It was the moment of truth as he hit the front porch, stomping his boots to knock the snow off. He hoped his little sister had returned. It was nearly midnight! If she wasn't home, Chris swore he would hunt down this William Birkin fellow at his house. Just as he reached for his keys, hands frozen because he forgot his gloves (again), the front door opened. His heart skyrocketed. Claire! She was home! She was safe!

"Chris, get in here, ya goof! It's cold out there!" She grinned.

"Hell yeah, it is!"

He entered the warm house, stripping off his coat and boots and placing them near the door. He tossed his keys and wallet onto the nearby counter as he waltzed into the kitchen. Sizzling ham and cheese permeated the air. Claire flipped the grilling sandwich on the stove.

"You're hungry this late? Did you not eat at that guy's house?"

"I cooked a small meal for me and his daughter, but it was early. I didn't want to be rude and raid their kitchen waiting for them to get home while Sherry slept."

"Oh." That sounded honest enough. "So, how's the whole babysitting thing going?"

Claire's eyes dipped down, and she quickly made her plate. "It's been fine. Sherry's a real doll, and her parents are…nice." Okay, not as honest sounding, but maybe she was just tired.

Claire didn't bother sitting down to eat, just leaned against the kitchen counter as she took a big bite of her hot sandwich.

"Well that's…nice," Chris awkwardly replied. "Who told you about this job again?"

His sister chewed slowly, giving him a look. Chris' bullshit sensor went online immediately to filter her reaction for any dishonesty or half-truths, but she instantly was onto him. "Eh fren of eh fren."

"Don't talk with your mouth full."

She swallowed. "Don't ask me dumb questions while I'm trying to eat."

"I'm not! I'm just…making sure everything is okay with you. You've been gone a lot recently. And…honestly, I'm starting to think you're hiding something from me, Sis."

"Bro, come on. I'm fine. Look at me! Just babysitting! I'm not getting into trouble, Jesus! You should know me better than that!"

She was getting a little defensive. Which meant she was telling the truth and getting mad he didn't believe her, or she was lying and was trying to cover it up. It was hard to say with his headstrong sister at times.

The older Redfield sighed. He was just going to have to come out and say it. "Look, Kendo told me he saw you and Captain Wesker together the other day across town. You got into his car. I'm just…wondering why? And you never mentioned it to me."

Claire nearly dropped her plate taking it to the sink. She had scarfed down her small meal as quickly as she could, probably to sooner get away from him and avoid his questions. It took her a moment to face him, trembling slightly as she rinsed off her dishes. When she turned around, she looked as though that sandwich did not agree with her stomach.

"Yeah? I was with him the other day, so what?"

He was stunned. "Why?"

"Does it matter?"

Chris kept his temper in check. "It does. He's my boss."

"You think we're bumping uglies or something? That'll be the day..."

"What?! N-No! I, I…" Chris stammered, completely thrown off by her accusation…even if Forest and Joseph's teasing of that particular subject had gotten under his skin. "I know Wesker wouldn't do that, I just…"

Claire snorted a laugh, and he didn't particularly know why. "Are we really doing this, Bro? We really gonna fight over something this stupid? If you don't think anything bad is going on between us, then why so goddamn nosy about it?"

"Why so defensive, if it's so innocent?"

"Because you're pissing me off with your constant police interrogations! I'm your sister, not a suspect! And I'm an adult! You really want to know why I was with Wesker? I bumped into him while picking up some things before going to William's. He offered me a fucking ride because he was being nice and looking out for me. He knows the fucking guy! They're friends. Are you happy now?!"

Silence. Thick, unbearable silence.

"Sorry, Sis…I just…" He was relieved, but he was far from happy. Maybe he had gone too far. He had done it before…a few times. Still, even with all this new information at the cost of a fight with Claire, something still didn't feel right.

"I'm taking a shower."

His little sister was mad now. But she also had tears in her eyes. Claire didn't typically cry when she was mad. Maybe she was just really frustrated with this whole mess. She stormed out of the kitchen and through the living room, taking to the hallway to her room. The door slammed shut, echoing across the house and rattling some pictures.

Chris rubbed the back of his neck. Yeah…he done fucked up.

This night had taken its toll on her. Claire screamed into her pillow, frustration, dread, anger, all suffocating her. Chris was making this so much harder. It didn't matter if he was just protecting her. She could protect herself, he knew that! But more so, he was pushing them both closer and closer to the edge where she would no longer be able to protect him. She had to figure out a way to get Chris off her back before he found out too much. But she had no idea how!

The younger Redfield needed a shower, badly. Not just to wash away all this tension and stress, but to wash away all where Wesker had touched and kissed and claimed. She could still feel his seed oozing within her, leaking between her tightly pressed thighs. And his hands roaming her body, igniting every single nerve.

Claire jumped to her feet, stripping. Disgusted, she tossed her dirty clothes into the hamper and entered her bathroom. She looked herself over in the full-size mirror. Wesker had kept his promise to not leave any marks where anyone could see, but she did notice the light bruises from his grip around her hips. One of her breasts had a small bruise too…from his mouth? Maybe? When she turned, she saw the faint marbling on her lower back from hanging over the back of the couch. Yeah, she's gonna be feeling that tomorrow! She was already feeling a lot of it. Her pussy was sore from all the friction with Wesker's large member. Her legs were still questionable with walking and balancing.

She was soon distracted by cold seepage between her legs, courtesy of Wesker. Gross! Claire wrinkled her nose in displeasure and quickly grabbed up a sponge as she turned on the shower, getting it as hot as she could stand. Steam filled the bathroom soon after. She would clean every single inch of herself from him, if only to make her feel that Wesker hadn't somehow laid complete claim to her tonight. No, she would wash it all away, she would refuse him next time. And, by God, she would find some way to keep Chris from finding out the truth…

The following morning went as expected. Claire didn't get up to greet him good morning or join him for breakfast. Chris didn't let it bother him. After all, Claire could hold a grudge longer than he could. It was his fault anyway. He left her the key to his truck just in case and caught a ride with Jill.

"I told you! Didn't I tell you?!"

Jill berated him (and slugged him hard in the chest) as they got coffee and made their way to the STARS Office. The Raccoon Police Department was already a hustle and bustle.

"I know, I know! I'm stupid, okay?"

"I know you're just trying to be a good big brother," Jill reassured. "I know all the hardships you two have been through and you worry for her. But she is an adult, and you taught her how to take care of herself really well! You don't want to spend Christmas fighting, do you?"

He couldn't believe Christmas was less than a week away. "No…"

"Then make up with Claire and let go of whatever's making you obsess over something being wrong with her. She's fine!"

The partners dodged heavy foot traffic of police officers, civilians, detectives and desk workers, taking the stairs. On the second floor of the main hall near the Lion Statue, they spotted Chief Irons bitching at the Captain and Vice-Captain of STARS. Enrico looked tired, after all, he'd been here all night, and looked as though he toned out the Police Chief, dreaming about his bed instead. Wesker rolled his neck, apathetic of Irons's rant. He noticed them but didn't say anything as they walked by.

"Poor Wesker and Enrico. I don't know how they deal with that asshole constantly," Jill sighed.

"Enrico says he just hears the sounds that Charlie Brown's parents made," Chris joked. "And I'm pretty sure Wesker just thinks of all the ways he could murder him."

"Who hasn't?"

They both laughed.

Jill stopped to pet her favorite K9, Vance, in the hallway just down from their office. The RPD used Dobermans for their K9 officers over the more popular German Shepherd. The old red Doberman was close to retirement, having served six years so far. Chris high-fived the dog and they went on.

When they entered the STARS Office, they were greeted with the usual faces, but also a familiar one they didn't see as often. Barry, Joseph, and Brad were chatting with Kevin Ryman, an outgoing fellow police officer. Barry leaned on one desk, arms folded, grinning as Kevin exuberantly told a story about a disturbance call for a party.

"The guy was handcuffed to the bed with a horse mask and socks on only! He even had the gall to neigh when we were arresting him! Weirdest shit ever, I couldn't keep a straight face, man."

"Sounds like one hell of a party, damn!" Joseph laughed.

"Oh, so you weren't in the horse mask this time, Kev?" Chris ribbed.

Kevin noticed them and laughed, bumping firsts with Chris. "Redfield! You wish. You know I always use a unicorn mask, bro! Rainbow mane!" He flipped his dark hair dramatically.

"Oh lord," Jill shook her head, smiling.

"Badass Jill, looking lovely as always. How do you get through the day surrounded by these dweebs all the time?"

"Funny," Chris interrupted, knowing Kevin was just joshing, but he was a little defensive because he knew he was also flirting. "What're you doing up here anyway?"

"Oh, dropped off my paperwork again. Another STARS exam test coming up! I got a good feeling about this one!"

"Again?" Joseph asked, skeptical, but was smacked by Barry. He rubbed his arm in pain.

Kevin had tried the exam for STARS twice now, and failed both. It wasn't as though Kevin didn't have the necessary qualities. He was a great cop and a nice guy. But he was still inexperienced, and well, a little too carefree at times.

"Best of luck when the time comes, Kevin!" Brad encouraged. "You can do it."

"Yeah, just keep training," Chris said.

"And studying," Jill added.

Kevin nodded with a grin. "Will do!"

The door to the STARS Office creaked open and finally their Captain had escaped Irons' tirade. Chris just hoped it didn't put him in an awful mood. That always made for long days. Wesker glared at Kevin behind dark shades. The young police officer shrank a little under the scrutiny.

"Ryman! What are you doing in my office?"

"Uhh, sorry, sir! Just turned in my paperwork for the next exam. It's on your desk."

"You're trying...again?"

"Yessir! Third time's a charm, ain't that what they say?"

Wesker walked over to their huddle, coffee cup in hand. "Perhaps you should give yourself more time for training? Save face, yes? There's no shame in that."

Kevin chuckled. "Of course I'll save my face for the new STARS poster! Besides, I have no shame!"

Barry facepalmed for everyone.

With one eyebrow raised, it was obvious Wesker couldn't decide if Kevin was joking or just dumb. "Clearly..."

"Just you wait, Captain Wesker! In a few months I'll be the newest Alpha member!"

"Bravo. It's for Bravo...if you even bothered reading the memo."

"Oh...yeah." Kevin snorted. "I knew that!"

Wesker smirked. "Good. Then that means you also read the qualifications needed. Chemical science, pathology and toxicology. You know, chromatography, spectrophotometry, ballistics, post mortems, the simple things. Oh, and let's certainly not forget that they need to be a healthcare specialist as well."

Kevin gulped. "Uh, is that all?"

"The basics. I'm sure you'll do fine. You're a smart lad, after all."

"Yeah...okay." The young cop gathered himself up and cleared his throat. "Well, I better get back to my desk and get some paperwork filed. See ya guys later!"

"See ya, Kev."

Once the door shut, they all looked to their Captain. Barry scratched the back of his head. "Jesus, Wesker, you really go for the kill, don't ya? Did you have to humiliate the kid so much?"

"He'll be fine. Builds character. Besides, some people are impervious to humiliation. Look at Frost."

"Hey!"

"It was a compliment, you idiot."

"Oh…"

"So, it's true then? Kenneth's gonna retire in a couple of years?" Jill asked.

"That's the plan," Wesker answered after a sip of coffee. "It'll take me months to find someone promising, I'm sure, even with scouting outside the state."

Barry sighed. "If 'ol Ken does an early retirement, I might have to as well."

"Don't you dare, Barry," Chris threatened light-heartedly. "Although getting weapons supervisor would be pretty awesome."

Barry snorted a chuckle. "You sound mighty sure of yourself there, 'ol buddy."

"I already promised Chris he would get it," Wesker informed.

"Hey, no fair. Don't I get a say in who would get my spot?"

"Would you rather me give it to Frost?"

Just as Joseph grinned, Barry ruined the moment. "Hell no!"

Barry slapped his large hand into Joseph's back playfully.

"Okay then," Wesker said, glancing at his watch when the phone on his desk started ringing. "Besides Barry, if you retire early, I'd have to blackmail you to stay, and I currently have too many blackmailing affairs to manage another."

They laughed as he left them to answer his phone. Chris nudged Jill and they went to their desks to get to work.

"Sometimes he sounds a little too serious when he says stuff like that," Brad said, his chair squeaking as he sat down.

"I'm telling you guys, secretly a supervillain," Joseph joked as he signed into his computer.

Chris rolled his eyes. "It's called dry humor, Brad. You should know him by now."

"I know that! It's just...I don't know, sometimes I think he really means what he says."

They focused on their work for a while. Chris tried hard not to let his sister and their fight distract him, but he did find himself zoning off for minutes at a time. He stared at the picture he had of them together on his desk, CDs, pens, and change scattered around the small frame. A hand touched his as it hovered just over his keyboard, and he pulled out of his thoughts to look at Jill.

Her reassuring smile centered him quickly and he returned it. No soon after did their Captain emerge from his room, taking his shades off long enough to rub his eyes. He looked a little tired, but Chris knew that wasn't all that abnormal.

"I do hope you all remembered that today is marksmanship training? I have to turn in all the paperwork by the end of the day."

Brad groaned softly and made himself smaller, but that only caused Wesker to single him out faster. "Vickers, front and center."

"Yes sir," he mumbled, getting up and plodding over to the door.

The two left the STARS Office, presumably heading down to the B1 floor of the police department where the firing range was. Chris, Jill, Barry, and Joseph remained, typing reports for previous and ongoing investigations. As an elite force, the STARS was subject to ongoing training and development. It wasn't anything new. Usually, marksmanship training was an extra forty hours every year, give or take. There was also training in defense tactics, legal education, and rescue procedures, to name a few.

Over the course of the morning and early afternoon, Brad, Jill, Joseph, and Barry got their training and returned to the office, informing the next member to go to the firing range. Chris was last, nodding as Barry jerked his thumb over his shoulder towards the door.

He made his way down to the B1 floor, mind flooded with thoughts of Claire and how he would fix their situation, torn on burying his instincts and letting it go to make up with his sister, or continue following his gut to figure out exactly what he was missing here.

"Chris, am I happy to see you. Means I'm about done wasting my time for the day."

Chris chuckled at Wesker. "How'd the others do?"

"Fine, as to be expected. But they still don't shoot anything like you. So, why don't you be a showoff and ace the training so we can get out of here?"

Wesker was never one to beat around the bush. Chris respected the man more for his direct nature, even if he was an asshole at times. Though he was well mannered and professional around most, and even a little friendly to those he liked, the STARS Captain wasn't known for sugar coating or being amenable.

Perhaps that was why he and Chris bumped heads at times, as Chris couldn't help his own rebellious, straightforward nature that got him canned many a times for insubordination, including his career in the Air Force. The other STARS members may have joked that he was a favorite to their pragmatic Captain, but he wasn't a stranger to any of his rebukes or discipline. Still, Chris was grateful that Wesker allowed him on the team despite his history, and was willing to work with and advise Chris as he, well, grew up a little.

Chris nodded, faintly smiling. "Sure."

As he walked over to the selection of weapons on the table, he hoped he could suppress his worries of Claire and all that was going on long enough to concentrate on the marksmanship training. Then again, sharpshooting came as natural to him as breathing. So, he had nothing to worry about...right?

First up on the list was the W870. Chris fitted his earmuffs and walked over to his booth in the firing range. He used the 12-gauge shotgun to clear the targets in a quick amount of time, and also reloaded and took apart the gun. Wesker didn't say anything, and didn't even mark anything on the sheet, arms folded, bored. It was typical of Chris to ace the whole training, and so it wasn't anything new that Wesker took this time to be absorbed into his own thoughts. Although, Chris distinctly detected that the Captain seemed distracted today.

Chris dismissed it and grabbed the next gun. MQ11. Not his favorite, but it was a handy little machine gun. He taught Claire how to shoot one of these. She liked it a lot, he recalled. She also liked the GM79 he "accidentally took home but actually took out to the country to shoot on more than one occasion". She was a good shot with that thing!

Jill was right...He did teach Claire how to take care of herself, quite well. She was a good shot with all kinds of weapons, even ones not supposed to be in the hands of civvies. He taught her self-defense, and she was so smart. Smarter than he was at that age. So why was he so worried that something was wrong?

As he reloaded and took apart the small machine gun, he really picked at it. He at first thought maybe she was in trouble somehow, but now he didn't really feel that way. His gut kept telling him she was hiding something from him, but what? If she wasn't in trouble or danger, what could she be hiding?

He picked up the Samurai Edge next, the Kendo-modified M92F handgun all STARS were issued with. As he checked the gun over and lined up his sights, it finally hit him.

"A friend of a friend."

"He offered me a fucking ride because he was being nice and looking out for me. He knows the fucking guy! They're friends. Are you happy now?!"

He pulled the trigger, appalled by that connection - and completely missed his mark...

He despised days like these. Unfortunately, it was protocol, and Wesker needed to keep up appearances. The Captain supposed it could be worse. The stoic leader of Alpha team actually liked most of his subordinates. The marksmanship training was simple, but time consuming. It often made his mind wander, which he usually didn't care for. That is, if his co-workers didn't feel the need to be chatty with him as they trained.

While enduring today's lackluster training sessions, most of his thoughts consisted of something he wasn't expecting: Claire. He tried to focus on more important matters, like his and William's next step against Roth, or even the next set of experiments for G. But they would soon all go back to her. The way she sounded and moved underneath him, the way she tasted, the way she felt. That little taste was an addiction for sure, and he found himself craving to take her again.

Yet, he hated distractions. So why was he letting her consume his thoughts so much?

Seeing Chris was a relief. He was the last one for training, and he always finished in impeccable timing. Soon he could get out of this noisy dungeon and put his mind to something more productive.

Everything was going smoothly until Chris missed a target. Wesker did a double take to make sure he not only heard correctly, but saw correctly. Chris faltered, but the next few trigger squeezes came swiftly. He hit the remaining targets, but his aim was off. It didn't look like much, but to sharpshooters like Chris, it was concerning.

"Redfield, what's your problem?"

His point man flinched, staring across the way at the targets. He lowered the handgun, his eyes slowly turning his way. His usual, and occasionally annoying, aura of confidence was shaky now. Wesker didn't appreciate how Chris was looking at him.

Great, a heart-to-heart I have to pretend to care about. This day just keeps getting better by the minute.

"So-Sorry, Captain. I, uh, don't know what happened," he said when Wesker approached him.

"Do you wish me to write these marks down on your sheet?"

"No! I can redo it! I...I just had bad ammunition, is all."

Wesker grabbed the gun from the table and quickly fired one-handed down the range, emptying the remaining magazine. Five shots perforated the bulls-eye of one target. "Seems fine to me."

Chris looked away, rubbing the back of his head. It was unlike him at all. Wesker would've preferred that Redfield temper that usually tested him on the worst of days.

Wesker sighed. "So, let's hear it."

"What? I'm fine. I'm just having an off day…"

"You're distracted. I cannot have one of my best men in such a state. I need you focused. This team relies on you, and so do I."

Chris didn't say anything. Wesker contained his irritation. He hated his time wasted. Apparently, he needed to give him a little push, since Wesker had a suspicion he knew exactly what was bothering him.

"Let me guess, trouble at home?"

That wide-eyed, nostril-flaring stare told him he was correct. No surprise.

"How did you-"

"I have ears," Wesker cut him off. "You've mentioned it once or twice, not to mention Jill and Barry talk as well."

"Oh...right."

"You obviously need to vent. I'm here to listen and give advice, if you choose so. It is my responsibility to look after you and make sure you are fit to do your job - physically, mentally, and emotionally."

"Thanks, that's alright, Wesker. I appreciate it. You probably wouldn't understand...not having a sister and all."

"I do have a sister, actually."

At least, that is what they proclaim her to be…

He pushed those vexing thoughts aside. For now, there was a more pertinent problem at hand.

"You have a sister?" Chris didn't hide the disbelief in his voice.

"I'll give you the whole family tree one day, if you will just focus on you," he dismissed.

"Alright, alright." Chris sighed heavily, scowling. He gathered his thoughts, still perturbed. "Well, Claire and I had a big fight last night. I kind of...accused her of hiding something from me."

I detest insignificant euphemisms...

"You either did or you didn't, so which is it?"

"Okay, sheesh, I accused her! She blew up...she's got a temper like me."

As I've seen…

"What do you think she is hiding?"

Chris thought hard. "I...don't know. I feel it. I know her. It's been going on for a week now, ever since she went to that damn hiking trail. I-I thought maybe she got herself into some trouble, but now…"

"Time for some hard reality, Chris: your sister is an adult. She can live her life however she chooses. Do you really believe you should be able to have a say in every aspect of her life?"

"Well, I..."

It was a rhetorical question, you fool.

"Forgive my candor, but you are only pushing her away. If she is hiding something from you, perhaps it is because she fears your judgment or overprotective propensities. You should put more trust into her."

"I know that…"

Despite his agreement, the STARS Captain still sensed conflict within him. He wasn't particularly worried about Chris's instinct about Claire, but did find it impressive.

"If you know that, then why still so insecure?"

"Look...there's something else bothering me, and I hope you don't take this the wrong way...but Kendo said he saw you and Claire together the other day. She got into your car…"

Interesting. Wesker kept a straight face, knowing Chris would gauge his reaction. Little did his subordinate know, he was a master at this game.

"And?"

Chris's eyebrows furrowed, and he frowned. "I guess I'm just surprised you didn't say anything about it to me."

"Why would I?"

He didn't say anything, eyes shifty, fidgeting instead, like William often did when he was uncomfortable. Wesker sighed, deciding to push him even further.

"You asked Claire about it. It's what started the feud." It was a random guess, but the way Chris squirmed told him he was right on the money. This was almost too easy! "And what did she say to that?"

"N-Nothing really."

"Humor me."

"I guess she thought I was implying that something...indecent happened between you two. But I wasn't! I swear! I know you wouldn't do that!"

Don't lie, Chris! This had to be the highlight of his day, so far. It took a lot of willpower to keep himself composed.

"That's exactly what happened between us," Wesker said in the driest tone he could manage.

Chris grimaced and quickly shook his head. "No! Come on, Wesker, I didn't mean it like that, she just took it that way! She said you gave her a ride to William's to babysit after running into her across town. I didn't know you were the one who told her about the job!"

Oh, I certainly did give her a ride...

"I did. I overheard Barry say she watched his daughters and William needed somebody short notice. I'm sorry, am I missing something here? Was I supposed to leave your sister in a questionable part of town with only a cab?"

"No, no, of course not! I appreciate it, Captain, really."

"Then what is your problem, exactly? I can understand why Claire lost her temper. You seem awfully worked up over nothing, Chris."

Chris smacked a hand to his face, groaning. "I'm sorry, okay? It's this...gut feeling. I can't shake it."

"Instinct is useless when inhibited by emotions." Chris looked away, considering his words, still unsure. As frustrating as he was, Wesker had to commend his point man for his intuition. "You said this all started after Claire went hiking?"

"Yeah. She was fine until she came home that day. Hasn't been right since. I think something happened out there."

"Did you go out there and look for yourself?"

He shook his head.

"Why not?"

Chris shrugged. "I guess because I know I won't find anything, or that it's a foolish endeavor."

Wesker sighed. "Indeed, quite foolish. But I suppose we better get it over with."

"Huh? What do ya mean?"

"The sooner we go out to this hiking trail and put your worries to rest, the sooner we can put this behind us and you can focus on your job. Now come along, that's an order."

Chris trudged forward with a groan. "Yes sir…"

Chris was thankful for the sunshine when they pulled up to the Arklay Hiking Trails. The trails were open, but they were the only ones around. Most people didn't want to run or hike in freezing weather, although with the sun out it wasn't as bad as it's been. They got out of the STARS marked Ford Expedition and looked around.

"Please tell me you know which trail she took?" Wesker asked.

"Yeah." Chris motioned to the two-mile trail nearby. "This one. We walk it a lot."

"Lead the way."

The two men took to the pathway, straight into the woods. Chris checked his watch. It was lunch time. Hopefully, Jill wasn't too worried. He and Wesker had left straight from the gun range to the parking lot and out in the squad car, not bothering to tell anyone. Jill probably assumed he went home for lunch to see Claire. Although, if they found out he was with Wesker, it wouldn't be too out of the ordinary. Their Captain preferred to do his own thing on his lunch hour mostly, but he did eat lunch with them on occasion.

Chris was certain Wesker would've preferred utilizing his lunch break in a more practical way.

"You really didn't have to do this, Wesker. It's a stupid thing, I know. I shouldn't let home affect my work."

"Don't mention it, Chris. Really. Don't. Let's just focus on finding whatever you're looking for."

Yep, that was his no-nonsense boss. Most people would've taken his remark all wrong, but Chris knew better and took no offense.

They followed the forest trail. The sun reflected off melting snow and there were a lot of deer, birds, and rabbits. Chris told Wesker how Claire had made the comment about being freaked out by a dead deer out here.

"And you don't believe that?" Wesker inquired. "Seems plausible."

"Nah, Claire doesn't scare easily...and isn't squeamish."

They were probably a little over halfway through the trail, Chris about ready to give up, when he spotted something not far off the trail. It was easily missed, but he somehow caught it contrasting on a knotted root, soaked from melted snow, and glinting in the sun.

He broke away from Wesker and the road to get a closer look.

Chris's blind trust in him was almost too much. While they travelled the path, Chris doing most of the talking while looking out for any clues, Wesker weighed his options here.

Thanks to his brotherly instincts and innate perception as a cop, Chris was close enough on the proverbial trail that he could become a threat. Sniffing away like a hound hot on the scent. And he was close to baying. It was Wesker's job to shoot the hounds before they found the foxhole.

Wesker would actually hate to have to put this dog down. Such a waste. And so when Chris left the path to kneel next to a muddy mound of leaves and roots, he pulled his gun out from its holster and aimed it at the back of his head.

Too easy. Only a few people saw them leave together, and that was easily manipulated. The surveillance footage in the underground parking lot could be deleted with one order to Irons.

Perhaps he could throw him off the scent? He was an important asset, and yet Wesker actually liked him. Then again, this was business, and assets could change on a whim.

He itched to pull the trigger, to blow his unsuspecting subordinate's head to pieces just like the last fool he killed out here.

Why?

Claire, he finally admitted. He wanted her with no obstacles to stop him.

He ultimately lowered the gun, holstering it. Killing Chris now gave him no advantage, and wasn't beneficial in any way, especially with Claire. So, he would do this favor for her, and she would owe him for his mercy.

"Find something?" Wesker asked.

"A watch," Chris answered, standing up, looking it over, none the wiser of what could have been his end. "From who though?"

Wesker looked at it. He recognized the broken wristwatch. Ned Finley's, probably lost when he and William caught him out here alone. He had only killed the man a week ago, but this small item was missed by the cleanup crew. Luckily, it wasn't anything incriminating. People lost watches all the time.

"From your dead deer perhaps?"

Chris sighed, downhearted, and cast the watch away. "I don't know anymore. I must be losing it."

"Honestly, I just think you're conflicted, Chris. You know she's an adult, but old habits die hard, and you worry that you cannot be there at all times for her anymore. You think something is wrong, but there isn't. Just stress and emotions."

"Well, yeah, I know that. She's been living off on her own and doing her own thing for two years, so I'm used to it. I thought this was something different…"

Wesker crossed his arms, welcoming the chill on the wind. "It takes time to fully realize it. As she explores her life more, relationships, goals, and the like. Again, you just need to trust her more."

"I do trust her. I just...She's all I have...after what happened to our parents. I don't want anything to happen to her."

"That's the idea, isn't it?" Wesker asked. "If you don't let anything happen to her, nothing will happen to her. You take the good with the bad. Unfortunately, that is life."

Chris slowly nodded, taking in his words, finally pacifying. "You know what, you're right...Thanks, Wesker."

Wesker was relieved. Seemed like he was able to finally get through to him, and throw him off the scent. He was ready to put this behind them and move on. He clapped Chris on the shoulder. "Come on, we should get back. You have training to finish."

"C'mon Al, I neeeeeeeed details!"

"I've already told you all I'm willing to share. Is it still not enough?"

"No!"

"Quit chewing my ears off Will, I swear you're worse than Mike Tyson. And that's saying something..."

"You both are despicable." Annette typed away on a small laptop behind Wesker and William, logging recent findings.

Wesker tried to ignore them both and do his work. This whole day had been a complete headache to him, and he wanted to finish out the night with some worthwhile results. Although working beside his partner as he drooled for more details on his coupling with Claire, he doubted he would succeed. William's sly grin in his peripheral vision was highly aggravating and distracting.

"I will break your nose again," Wesker warned.

"Oh, come on! Was she just a fling…or, ya know…is it something more? I can tell you like her a lot. Is she the one? Because, I'm thinking…she needs to be."

Wesker pinched his nose, his headache inflating by the second. "I'm sure I'm about to regret asking, but what is that supposed to mean?"

"I'm just saying! Hear me out…I may - or may not - have gotten a sample of Claire's DNA and ran some tests. And according to my results that I, ahem, may have received, her genetics compliments yours greatly!"

Annette turned around with a glare. "William! Really? Didn't you do this with Anezka?"

Wesker clenched his jaw, hand closing tight on the pen he was trying not to stab into his best friend's jugular vein.

"SHHH, don't say her name!" William hissed. "You'll put Al in a sour mood! Besides, I did not! She…beat me up when I tried. So violent...Al sure likes 'em feisty!"

William's wife rolled her eyes, flipping the notes on her clipboard. "Get over yourselves. Both of you. We have much more important matters at stake here."

William waved her off. "Claire's good breeding for you, Al. Just saying. Besides, it's obvious to me that you like her. You just refuse to admit it, even to yourself."

"I'm concerned on multiple levels on why you are so obsessed with me procreating."

The Golgotha creator fidgeted under Wesker's glare, pulling at his shirt collar. "Hey! I beg to differ, buddy. I'm just trying to help you find love since you're absolutely hopeless at it without me!"

Wesker shook his head and turned back to his work. "Drop it. I made a point with Claire yesterday. That's all it was."

"Whatever you say, pal."

William sure was testing him tonight. Gratefully, he fell quiet after that and the three of them were able to start a fresh round of tests on William's new phase of the G-Virus. While Annette typed away behind them, the two partners worked in perfect sync, programming the computer to handle most of the work and watching the analysis onscreen.

"So, what else did Nikolai want in payment for his service besides money? You never told me."

Wesker flipped through some of William's notes to make sure all the sequences were matching up. "He wanted the Colonel's confidential list of Monitors in the UBCS."

"Why? That's not suspicious at all. Ain't Sergei his bestest bud?"

Wesker sighed. "Don't know. Don't care. I assume Nikolai wishes to have it in case he can use it to his advantage in the future. He likes to think ahead, like us."

William tapped his pen impatiently. "Yeah, well, as long as he stays out of our way."

The next hour played out smoothly, without errors or hiccups. They got a lot of work done, and Wesker was impressed with William's ingenious theses. His old friend was always a bit better at the scientific research side of things.

Wesker's headache was just about gone now that they were close to finishing up for the night, when the Birkins started up another conversation.

"Anne, did you hear Sherry say she wants to become a professional artist?"

"Really? When did she say that?"

"This morning getting ready for school. I mean, she is quite the artist, but she's definitely becoming a researcher."

Anne frowned, fiddling with her glasses hanging around her neck. "Ya know…I often wonder what Sherry will become when she's an adult. What kind of life she will lead. Who she will marry and have kids with. Don't you ever wonder that, Will?"

"Why? When I know she's gonna become a researcher like me?" Will snorted. "My beautiful girl is gonna follow in her daddy's footsteps!"

Anne sighed and turned to Wesker. "What do you think, Albert?"

"She'll probably end up with a cocky, foul-mouthed delinquent who gets her into nothing but trouble," Wesker made up. Anne's glare was worth it.

"...and have his pretty babies," he added with a smirk, just because he knew it would drive the Birkins nuts.

"Over my dead body!" William huffed. "In fact, no dating until she's like…thirty…maybe! She won't be having no miscreant's offspring either!"

Wesker snickered as his partner went off on an incoherent rant about Sherry's future love life. Annette tried to smite him with her eyes and then had to bring her husband to his senses.

"-and if he has a motorcycle, that's it, hell no. I'm getting the shotgun! No, scratch that, he'll become my next guinea pig!"

"Will, Christ, shut up. Albert's just busting your balls as usual. Can we please get back to work? I swear your two are even more pains in my ass when you're together."

"He started it!"

"Real mature, William."

"Just stating the facts, partner."

"If we're stating facts, you actually started it, old friend, with your incessant whining for more details of my personal engagements."

"I explicitly offered you to draw me diagrams instead if you're too embarrassed, but noooo…you still don't wanna share, ya prude old party pooper."

Annette groaned "I'm gonna kill you both."

A video screen popped up on William's computer, covering his work and showing the hallway just outside the laboratory. The word "Caution" flashed. It showed the guard standing by the door with a familiar face waiting impatiently. The guard's voice filtered through the computer's speakers. "Dr. Birkin? Sorry to interrupt but you have a visitor that's not on the schedule. A Miss Ada Wong?"

Wesker nodded at William, but not without hearing Anne's mutter of disapproval.

"Yep, send her in, Johnny!"

"Yessir."

Annette crossed her arms. "Is there a reason why you two are still allowing her in here to do business? Can it not be handled somewhere else?"

"Be nice, honey! Ada's on our side."

"I have a feeling one day she won't be."

"You worry too much, Anne," Wesker added. "As long as I'm around, you have nothing to worry about with Ada."

"Coming from you, that does not relieve me in the slightest."

The double agent entered the laboratory and instantly made herself at home when she found them in the back. She greeted them with her usual charm and grace. Birkin responded like a hormone-stricken adolescent, making his nearby wife roll her eyes and gather up her things.

"Excuse me."

"Dinner time already, Annie?" Ada teased.

"Definitely not. I've suddenly lost my appetite."

"Again?" Ada slyly smiled. "You keep that up, you'll shrivel up even more than you are now."

Annette didn't take the bait, and sauntered out of the laboratory. Ada shrugged, unimpressed from not getting any witty banter back, and turned to the two infamous partners in crime. Wesker could tell something was bothering Ada, but she kept it well hidden as she noticed William wriggling in his seat with a stupid grin on his face.

"What's your problem, Will?"

"Guess what - Al banged Claire last night!"

Wesker glared at his partner. William winced, expecting retaliation that he was about to deliver, but the way Ada subtly flinched intrigued him more. He temporarily let his old friend off the hook, if only to study the agent more closely.

"Would you like to announce it to Sergei and Spencer as well? Or how about her brother? Do I need to cut your tongue out and feed it to one of your less successful 'experiments'? Because you sure are tempting me tonight."

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself! Ada's good at keeping secrets, that's the only reason I told her."

Ada casually shrugged it off, but Wesker knew her half-smile to be not only forced, but bothered. It would have fooled anyone else. She was a great actress, after all. "And this is something I should know or care about because…?"

William expertly leaned just out of his best friend's reach. "No reason really, maybe just to see how you'd react."

"How would you expect me to react? I don't know the girl. I wasn't able to pick her up last night because of the change in plans. Nikolai picked her up, remember? I just know what you two have told me. It's none of my business what Albert does in his personal time. And same with you, William, because I don't think it's anything I want to know about."

Hmm, so his speculations were correct. Ada had met Claire personally, and the two of them were keeping it in secret. But why was Claire such an interest to Ada? So much that she exposed herself like so? At first, he considered maybe he should be concerned with her behavior, wondering if she was siphoning information to the Colonel behind his back instead of keeping him at bay.

Wesker soon dismissed it. Ada was clever. Such a situation with Sergei could expose them all, and Ada had too much at stake to risk dealing such a hand. Not while he had her under his thumb. And certainly not while Umbrella's rival had big expectations from them both.

More than likely, Ada met with Claire to get as much information as she could about her and why Wesker was keeping her alive. Not just because of the assignment Sergei had given her, but because of her own curiosity; to give herself the best odds at dissuading the Colonel's interest in the matter. Perhaps she had sympathy for Claire, or sought something to use against Wesker. The latter was unlikely, as the two of them were in the same boat, no matter what. Too useful to each other to kill and too detrimental to expose the other.

"If you want more details, you're gonna have to use your charm," William joked. "He's staying tight-lipped with me. And I'm his best friend! We're supposed to tell each other this stuff! Bros before hoes, Al!"

"No thanks," Ada declined. "Look, we have a serious problem on our hands. I trailed Roth last night and he met in secret with two men...one of them was Irons. Mueller joined them later and was complaining about something big, something about mass producing Tyrants."

William snorted a laugh. "What? You gotta be shitting me. The T-002 is gonna be a failure, even if they perfect the Epsilon strain. Those idiots won't listen to me...no offense. I know you like John and all. I wouldn't mass produce that thing. If they don't stabilize the mutagens within that strain's genome, it'll be Beta two all over again. The Tyrant's brain will deteriorate. They'll be lucky if it's smarter than those damn zombies. I mean, I could fix it for them in a matter of weeks...if it was my project. Then they would have a Tyrant that'll take orders and utilize secondary exposures for more Crimson Heads...win-win. Although, with a little modification, Crimson Heads can become something far more deadly." He paused, noticing their glares. "What? I'm just saying!"

Wesker looked to Ada, used to William's ramblings. "Who was with Irons?"

"Beats me. Didn't recognize him. Roth seemed to know him really well though. Also, I should mention, Mueller wanted out. He accused them of what happened at the university. He apparently doesn't want his secret project used in this mass production." Ada frowned. "What of Irons, you think? I have a bad feeling about this, Albert. He knows about Crawford, Finley, and Claire. He's been trying to set you up, just like Sergei. You're going to get cornered."

"You leave Irons to us. Find out what you can from Mueller, threaten him if you must, but we need him alive." He hated that speaking that last name still bothered him, even if it was spelled differently, even if it was a completely different person.

"And what of Sergei? I can't keep him at bay forever. Especially if Irons or Nikolai reported to him."

"Nikolai got what he wanted. He won't volunteer anything to the Colonel because I gave him knowledge that could cost him his life. Irons, on the other hand, doesn't have the temerity to say anything...yet. But William and I will remind him how that will be detrimental to his health."

"Yeah, an intervention you might say." William smirked, tapping his steepled fingers. "And he's long overdue for one of ours."

#resident evil #resident evil fanfiction #resident evil fanfic #claire x wesker #clairexwesker #Albert Wesker #Claire Redfield #chris x jill #Chris Redfield #Jill Valentine #William Birkin #sherry birkin #My writing #AO3 fanfic

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bedbellyandbeyond · 4 years

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Two Moons

(Story Post)

On wolf nights, Nathan still spent his time at APID but now Sydryn had arranged for him to have a family suite, one big enough for the twins to stay in and for Dax to sleep over. His worry about having Dax and the twins with the wolf slowly faded as Dax often recounted to him the majority of what happens when he turned, and it was mostly nothing. The wolf fed the twins regularly when they were hungry, curled up with them when they were tired. For the most part, they all shared the bed, and Dax even got to snuggle in behind his big fluffy boyfriend to get sleep for a decent amount of time. The twins were starting to get into the habit of turning at the same time as Nathan, but it wasn’t a sure thing and Dax would have to take over when they were human, as the wolf, though gentle with them in any form, could not change diapers.

At two months old, Grace and Gabriel were hitting their development milestones on time. Both could hold their heads up while on their tummies. Both showed interest in toy and noises around them, though grabbing wasn’t yet a thing except mostly by accident. As pup and cub however, they were growing differently. Grace was developing ahead of her brother in that regard. As a pup, she was already starting to figure out some crawling techniques, and could be found chewing her dad’s ear sometimes. Gabriel on the other hand, though bigger than her, wasn’t at all mobile and constantly wanted to be feeding, always curled up at the teat. They were both eating and pooping machines, and slept a lot. The majority of the time, Nathan spent inside with the kids, while Dax would go out and get food and any supplies they needed. The pregnancy group still happened on Friday’s and if Nathan couldn’t bring himself out to their meeting room for whatever reason, the group would always swing by his room to check in and hang out. It had been a few weeks since Dari and Fay had their twins, so they were missing, but up until then they’d been in group regularly. Yori was absent a couple of weeks before as his family had gone on vacation over the school break, but he was back again and eager to talk about his trip with anyone who’d listen. Despite not going outside much, it felt like Nathan’s little family was very popular. Even APID E faculty dropped by after class times to see the babies. Because of the frequency of visitors, Nathan felt like he had seen everyone still rather regularly. Apparently not. One afternoon while he was feeding the twins, there was a strong knock on the door. Dax was taking a nap and was apparently exhausted because he didn’t even budge. “Coming.” Nathan sighed and set Grace down in her bassinet since she seemed to be done. He pulled a robe over himself and Gabriel and went to the door. Opening it, he found his dear friend Wano, violet in the face (blue blooded version of red in the face) and glaring him down. “Wano, what’s going on?” Nathan said. “Are you okay?” “Two moons,” Wano said. “Two and almost another moon and you never come to the cafeteria.” “Oh. Um, I’m really sorry…” Nathan said. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been a little occupied.” Wano nodded in acknowledgment. “But you still need to eat. You should’ve come eat.” “Dax’s been bringing in food mostly,” Nathan said. “But, I’m sorry Wano. I didn’t realise our mealtimes meant that much to you. But you could’ve always stopped by.” “Am I not? I’m stopping by now,” Wano stated. “You appear healthy. Are you in good health?” “Well, that’s debatable, but mostly, yeah,” Nathan said. “Could be worse.” “Good. And you’re not likely pregnant since humans typically take time off that to raise their young for a bit, yes?” “Well, most do, sure. Maybe not Dari…” “Is that another race?” “No, it’s a friend. Never mind.” “Male?” “Yeah, why?” Wano narrowed his eyes. “What height?” “Oh, I dunno… Pretty short… Why?” Wano nodded approvingly. “Only friend sized.” “Sure?” “Good. So, being as your womb is vacant…” Wano produced a fistful of flowers from behind his back and shoved them towards Nathan. “I’d like to propose a mating partnership.” Nathan blinked and stared at the alien man. “…You want to…marry me?” Wano nodded. “Mostly, interspecies relationship is frowned upon in my culture, however humans are the originators. Your species is a precious part of the universe. To mate with you would strengthen my familial bloodline.” “Um…” Nathan couldn’t tell if it was sweet or insulting. “I’m in a relationship?” “With him?” Wano pointed to Dax still lying in bed. “I could fight him for you. I’d win. He leaves himself easily vulnerable.” “He’s napping. You’re not fighting anyone. That’s not how this works. I chose Dax,” Nathan said. “I’m happy with my choice. And it sounds like you want someone to start a family with, and frankly I’m pretty sure I don’t want to get pregnant again.” “Well, um…” Wano faltered for a moment. “It does not need to be a mating partnership… I hear your species fornicates for pleasure. Our partnership could be that.” “Wano, I’m not available for partnerships,” Nathan said. “Though your proposal has been…flattering.” “Oh.” Wano rubbed his neck. “Are you sure? I’d be a great partner.” Nathan nodded. “I’m sure. Can you accept that?” Wano lifted his chin in acceptance. “Should I go?” “No, no… Well, I mean, you should meet the kids,” Nathan suggested. “Come in.” “Oh…” Wano rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe not. I need to sleep.” “Alright. Well, we’ll catch up later, right?” Nathan said. “Maybe not.” Wano looked down and away. “Oh.” Nathan frowned, realising maybe the rejection had been harder on Wano than he thought. “Listen, I get that this isn’t easy for you, but I still want to be friends if we can be. It just takes time.” “Time is not something I have,” Wano stated. “My appeal hearing is tomorrow.” “To…Tomorrow?” Nathan blanched. “Why didn’t you tell me before? I could’ve helped you prepare!” Wano shrugged uncomfortably and motioned towards the babe in Nathan’s arms. “Right… The birth…” Nathan rubbed Gabriel’s head thinking for a moment. “I’m sure you’ll do fine though. Do you have a counsel?” “My case worker…” Wano stated, though he didn’t appear happy with that. “Well, that’s good. The case workers here are pretty good…” Wano just stayed silent, looking at his feet. Nathan placed a hand on the alien’s shoulder. “…Did you want me to be there?” Wano shook his head. “You shouldn’t want to be. You are a parent now. That is likely more important to you.” “No, well, yes… But I have Dax. He can watch the twins while I’m there. I can be a character witness, if you want that. What is the reasoning behind your removal?” “Criminal record,” Wano said. “It’s stupid… As if punching someone is a crime.” “Yes, it’s called assault,” Nathan said. “It was all the way back from when I got here. A guy looked at me weird. I punched him in the face.” “Yeah, and you don’t see a problem with that?” Nathan asked. “I know now…” Wano crossed his arms. “That kind of staring wouldn’t fly on my planet.” “Well, do you want to go back there or do you want to stay on this planet?” “Of course I want to stay,” Wano huffed. “My planet is hell.” “Then you need to win this appeal,” Nathan said. “And I’m going to help you.” “No, I—” “I know. You don’t want to ask for help. But asking for help doesn’t make you weak,” Nathan said. “In fact, I believe people only grow stronger when we work together. So, come inside.” Nathan took Wano’s arm and brought him into the suite. The alien tensed up nervously, unsure how to react to Nathan’s forceful kindness. Nathan got him to sit down at a table and went to check his calendar. “I don’t have much time since I’m still in wolf cycle, so we’ll try to cram… Dax!” The thunderbird stirred on the bed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Hm?” “I’m sorry, but I need you awake,” Nathan said. “We have company.” “Company?” Dax got himself up into a seated position, leaning tiredly on his arms. He locked eyes with Wano. “Oh. You’re the broccoli guy…” “Broccoli?” Wano scrunched his nose. “Why would you associate me with green vegetation?” “Remember, when you met, we were debating about broccoli and cauliflower,” Nathan explained, getting his laptop with one hand while he continued to nurse Gabriel. The cub just couldn’t be satisfied it seemed. “Dax, I need to help Wano with his deportation appeal tomorrow so I need you to watch the kids.” “Right… I can do that,” Dax said, leaning over and checking on Grace in her bassinet. She was sound asleep for now. “Are you going to the thing?” “Yes. Do you think you can watch them then, too?” Nathan asked. “I know you haven’t been alone with them yet…” Dax gave a thumbs up. “We got this.” “Thank you, Dax.” Dax smiled to him and got up to grab his yoga mat. “You do that teacher thing you do so well and help this guy not get deported.” At the sight of the rolled mat, Wano got defensive. “What are you doing with that?” “I figured I’d get some stretching in before Grace wakes up and Gabriel sucks the last drop out of Nathan,” Dax stated. “Stretching?” Wano frowned. “What combat are you…um…anticipating?” “The battle that is parenthood,” Dax stated. “But actually, yoga is really good for your health. You don’t need to be facing combat simply to want to stretch.” “Well, once we win this appeal, you can teach Wano all about it,” Nathan said. “Wano, I don’t know much about immigration law, but what are you most worried about in this appeal?” “…I guess, just…” Wano licked his tongue. “I don’t like being asked many questions with many eyes watching… It makes me mad.” “Okay, I can help with that,” Nathan said. “I’ve had a lot of kids in my class who are nervous speakers and don’t like getting up in front of the class. And it’s even worse when you’re not prepared for questions. But there’s some strategies we can work with.” Wano nodded. “Okay…” “Alright, let’s get started.” “Thank you…”

#lore #Wano #Nathan #Dax #Gabriel #Grace #werewolf #alien #thunderbird #implied mpreg

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the-hidden-writer · 4 years

Text

A Second Chance: Chapter 2

An Ace Attorney fanfic. Read on both AO3 and FF.net!

Summary: Miles learns the identity of his "dead" mother, and the aftermath of that revelation is a tricky one. Especially when his newfound little sister is trying to turn him into a spirit medium.

AKA Miles is a Fey. Miles also doesn't really know how to family properly.

[Chapter 1] | [Chapter 3]

Comments make my day! :D

The Sisters

Straightening himself and brushing non-existent dirt off his coat, Miles knocked on the door of Wright & Co. Law Offices. There was a buzzer, but Phoenix had requested him to knock instead. That way he wouldn’t freak out at an unexpected client.

It also meant he could take his time to answer the door.

Miles would never admit to being impatient… okay, he was. But this time he wouldn’t mind stalling. He kept his gaze on his shoes and tightened the grip on his briefcase.

He’d called in sick that day (per Gumshoe’s very adamant request) and had spent the morning thinking and composing himself. Also, he had been trying to work up the courage to come here. Once he’d made up his mind (and hadn’t changed it on the way to the car), he hadn’t bothered changing into something professional. So there he was in his white shirt, black overcoat, and brown trousers (he’d called them as such in front of Wright once, and the man had exclaimed “Jesus how much more British can you get?!”... he’d felt self-conscious about them after that). He felt like wearing his prosecutor’s suit may ruin the image of an older brother.

An older brother.

He couldn’t help but feel agitated, knowing he was the only one who knew the secret thus far. Well, apart from Gumshoe, but he hardly counted. He’d already spent too long thinking about Maya and Phoenix’s reaction that he didn’t want to waste any more of his heart going down that road again.

Finally, Phoenix answered the door. “Hi Edgeworth!” He said, with that charming smile he always seemed to wear.

“Good afternoon, Wright.”

He noticed that Phoenix look him over. He’d never come to their office in casual clothes before. He tried not to shuffle awkwardly, but thankfully Wright invited him in before he got the chance.

He had never been very good with people.

“What’s up?” Phoenix asked, once inside. He motioned for Miles to take off his coat, so he did and handed it to him.

Damn. This wasn’t the time to blush.

“Hey, are you okay? You look exhausted even for you.”

Wright looked genuinely concerned.

“I’m fine, thank you. I was working until rather late last night, that’s all. I’m not working today though.” Miles added after Phoenix raised his eyebrows.

What he couldn’t tell him was that he hadn’t slept a wink last night. He’d shooed Gumshoe away almost immediately after he’d calmed down, but it took a lot of convincing to get the detective to trust him to be alone. Every single second, right until morning, was spent thinking about his life, how it would have differed if he’d known the truth, and how he was supposed to announce the news that he was Misty Fey’s son.

“Wanna go get coffee or something? Or we could watch something, I’m not that busy.”

“Actually,” He said apologetically when Phoenix gestured towards the scruffy blue couch. “I’m here to talk to Miss Fey.”

If Wright tried to hide the disappointment on his face, he didn’t do a very good job.

“Oh… sure! She’s in the room over there.” He pointed to one of the few identical white doors. “I’ll come with you.”

“Um, actually,” Miles hated to break the man’s heart like this, but it was necessary. “Could we have some privacy? It’s rather important.”

Phoenix looked at the briefcase, and then back at Miles.

“That important, huh?”

A deflated Phoenix Wright was a scary thing.

“Sure. I’ll be here I guess… let me know if you guys need anything.”

Miles shot him a look of sympathy. “Thank you. But I’m warning you that it might take a while.”

Phoenix just nodded, that familiar smile returning, and then turned to continue… scrubbing the floorboards? Was he really that addicted to cleaning as the rumours said?

He took it as a sign to leave.

Gathering all of his courage, he entered the room.

Maya Fey was sitting at a small wooden table, engrossed in her work arranging… Limited Edition Steel Samurai Season 2 Silver Trading Cards?! He sincerely hoped his jealousy and awe didn’t show.

Alas, it did, and his eyes lit up. He had to refrain himself from asking about them.

Maybe this whole sibling thing wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Hey Edgeworth! What are you doing here?”

Maya was always so positive and cheerful. Miles had an awful feeling that he was about to shatter all of that.

“Good afternoon Miss Fey.” He replied, and suddenly the finalized speech that he had spent all night learning (yes, there had been many drafts) disappeared from his mind.

He blanked. And panicked.

With a deep breath, he knew he would have to improvise. He was a prosecutor for goodness sake, he knew how to think on his feet!

“I, um, came to talk to you about something. It’s important.”

The difference with improvising in court is that he could feign confidence. For some reason, he couldn’t do that here.

Luckily for him, Maya took the hint.

“Oh… okay.” She said, her smile wavering ever so slightly. She motioned towards the chair opposite to her. “Here, you can sit down if you want.”

“Thank you.”

As he sat himself down, he carefully placed his briefcase onto the table. Maya watched his movements like a hawk.

“So, er,” He began cautiously, “we searched Misty Fey’s residence.”

“Yeah, I heard.” Was all Maya said, then suddenly she opened her mouth in confusion. “Detective Gumshoe already brought me a whole box full of stuff this morning!”

He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at that. This may be the first time the detective acted so quickly. Well, the first time he ever succeeded in doing so.

Flashbacks of the horrid crunch of a car crash over the phone came to mind. He cleared his throat to try and rid himself of those particular memories. “That wasn’t the only box he found.”

“Really?” Maya’s eyes lit up. “What else is there?”

Miles sighed. It was now or never.

“Before I tell you, I would like to ask: what do you know about your father?”

This obviously took Maya by surprise.

“Oh… pretty much nothing, I guess. My Sis didn’t really remember him that well and said Mom never talked about him either.” She looked at him with a sudden determination. “Why? Is it to do with him? Do you know who he is?!”

“I-” He wasn’t sure how to answer. “He died. A long time ago. Not long after you were born, I’d imagine.”

As quickly as it arrived, Maya’s excitement died. Just perfect- he’d managed to crush the spirits of Phoenix Wright and Maya Fey in the span of 10 minutes.

Maya looked more miserable by the second. Time to move on.

He opened his leather briefcase. “Here, I’d like you to have a look at this picture.”

After warily taking out the picture of his- no, their parents, he handed it to her.

He hadn’t brought the entire box since he wasn’t ready to share that with the world, however, he’d brought certain items that would have served as evidence for his speech. But since the speech had been abandoned…

“That’s Mom!” She exclaimed, and he understood what she was experiencing. They’d lost their parents at a young age, albeit by different methods, and when Miles had first seen that picture he’d immediately focused on his own father. After having a very limited collection of photos to look at over the years, any new ones became a treasure.

Then Maya’s focus shifted onto the other person in the picture.

“Is that my Dad?” She asked quietly.

Miles nodded, preparing himself for that dreaded conversation. He may have forgotten his speech, but he’d faced worse in court. He could do this.

“Woah, he’s so handsome!”

What.

“Mom had good taste at least. I bet she was so sad to have to send him away!”

Maya’s enthusiasm had returned full swing, and she was practically clapping her hands with excitement.

“I, er-”

“They look so happy together!” She continued, oblivious to the heat in Miles’ cheeks. “Aw, this beats anything I could’ve imagined!”

Finally tearing her gaze away from the photograph, she looked up at Miles to see if he was sharing her joy. He wasn’t. He was confused, mostly.

Then Maya’s jaw dropped slightly. She looked down at the photo, then back at Miles. Photo, then him. Photo again, Miles again.

She laughed. “He looks a lot like you, y’know!”

Miles held his breath as the penny dropped.

Her head snapped down to study the picture again, and her grin began to wobble. “Wait is that…”

He stayed silent.

“H- That’s why he looked so familiar…” she whispered. “I remember that picture.”

Knowing exactly what picture she was talking about, Miles shuddered. It was the only photo she could have seen. The photo of his father's corpse, lying in that cursed elevator, blood streaming out of his gunshot wound. The photo that still haunted him to that day, despite knowing he wasn’t the cause of it.

Now it would haunt Maya too. He suddenly felt cruel.

She eventually looked back up at him. “My dad is Gregory Edgeworth?”

He nodded slowly.

“But that would mean-”

Miles brought up a finger to shush her. “Hold on a moment.” He said as he rummaged through his briefcase for the other photograph he’d brought, before handing it over to let her examine it.

It was a smaller photo that had been lying underneath the letter, so he hadn’t discovered it until later on the previous night. It was a picture of Misty Fey nursing a sleeping baby boy in her arms, with a young brown-haired girl peeking curiously over her shoulder. Though the baby seemed content enough, Misty had tears rolling down her cheeks. And yet she still had the small trademark Fey smile on her face.

Her expression was one that Maya wore now.

“Sis is way too young for that to be me. Is it…” She waited for Miles to finish her thought, but when he didn’t she continued. “...you?”

“I believe so, yes.” He said, voice breaking. Damn it, he was getting emotional now.

Maya leaned back in her chair and sat still for a few moments, mouth open and eyes wide. Her tears had stopped, but they had left their marks on her face. Miles felt anxious about her response but knew that it was his responsibility to tell her the truth. Especially as her-

“Oh my god, YOU’RE MY BROTHER!” Maya squealed, and he could hardly process how quickly she’d jumped out of her seat and ran around to squeeze him, and he flinched at the unexpected contact.

Almost straight away, she pulled back, as if realizing what she was doing. “You’re my… brother.” She repeated quieter, presumably as the implications sank in.

“I am.” He confirmed. She looked up at him.

“I just don’t believe it. All along! I wouldn’t’ve thought you were such a jerk if I’d known!”

Miles cocked his head. “Thank you..?”

Gently, he pushed her away from his side. “Now listen Miss Fey, I understand if you don’t want anything to change between us. We don’t even have to tell Wright. After finding out that you’ve lost your father, it may be better just to carry on as nor-”

“Are you kidding?!”

Miles blinked. “No?”

“Dude, you’re my brother! All this time I thought I was alone. My sister was murdered and then my Mom was murdered- I never even thought about my Dad really- and then I find out I still have a brother! This is awesome!”

Whatever reactions Miles had predicted in his mind, this was not one of them. Why was she being so supportive?

“Why are you so supportive of the idea? I tried to get you convicted for murder!” He exclaimed, genuinely shocked.

“‘Cause you’re my brother, duh!”

He wasn’t sure when the roles had swapped, but now he was the one who had eyes brimming with tears. It was contagious, and soon she began to sob again too.

When she hugged him again, he didn’t pull away. Instead, he held her tightly, if somewhat awkwardly, and genuinely didn’t want to let go.

This was his little sister. The universe definitely tried hard to take everything away from him, but it failed. Oh goodness, it failed. And at that moment, that one blissful moment of siblings embracing, he felt calm. Everything was going to be okay.

Maya jerked backwards suddenly. “I have to tell Sis!”

“Wait, what-”

“Hold on I’ll channel her, you need to tell her too!” She cried.

“No! There’s no need! She’s resting, leave her be!” She was dead, but that's the same thing, right?

But Maya wasn’t listening, she had already crossed her fingers and furrowed her brows in concentration. The Magatama thing around her neck started to glow.

Miles began to panic again. He’d only thought about Maya, and not even considered Mia Fey at all. Cursed spirit channeling!

He turned to look at the door and wondered if Phoenix was listening in. Probably not, since he’d been very interested in his own chores, but he couldn’t help but wonder nonetheless.

He’d planned a different speech entirely to tell Phoenix.

“Edgeworth?”

That wasn’t Maya’s voice.

He turned again to see a familiar face in Maya’s clothing, looking at him in confusion. He frowned- the last thing he wanted to do was to go through that entire conversation again.

“Hello, Miss Fey.” He said, shaking slightly. Though he’d seen this practice in court before, he doubted he would ever get used to the concept of spirit channeling.

“What’s going on? Maya didn’t leave a note, so I’m a little confused.”

She looked more than a little confused, but Miles wasn’t going to point that out.

“After searching your mother’s house, we found out that your father is my father, and I’m your mother’s son. I’m your brother.”

Wow, ripping the bandaid off in one go really does make it easier.

Mia appeared sceptical. “What?”

“See for yourself.” Miles replied, gesturing towards the pair of photographs on the table.

Mia pulled them towards her and studied them, her face scrunching up slightly as she did so.

She gasped. “You’re… you’re our brother?”

Her reaction was definitely less emotional and dramatic than Maya’s, but Miles could still sense the shock coming from her.

“I am.” He nodded, feeling a sense of deja vu.

“Oh… Oh god, I shouldn’t’ve said all those shitty things about you after our first trial!”

Like sister, like sister, even at his own expense. Wait…

“OH!” He shouted suddenly as he brought up a hand to cover his mouth. He looked away in shame. “The horrid things I called you… even in court…”

Mia raised a hand. “An eye for an eye. Never mention it again?”

He copied her action. “Agreed.”

And then they both laughed. And, for the first time in a while, Miles felt safe. It all felt unreal. This wasn't him, this couldn't be happening. It was probably a dream, so he'd enjoy it while he still could.

“I can’t believe it…” Mia said after they’d settled. “I knew our Dad was a defense attorney, and I’d even researched Gregory Edgeworth once I became one. God, it all makes sense! That’s why Mom agreed to help, and why it was such a big deal to her.” She held her head in her hands, and her stolen black hair fell in front of her face. “I’m so stupid,” she muttered, “I should’ve put two and two together!”

“In your defence,” Miles responded, “I didn’t either. And it is rather obvious now.”

“My Dad was a Brit.”

Miles chuckled again. “He was.”

Without warning, Mia’s embarrassed expression turned into one of sympathy.

“I’m so sorry Miles.”

Now it was his turn to be confused. “Why?”

“We all lost our father at a young age, but Maya and I never found out, and we didn’t really mind since we still had our Mom. But you had no-one…”

Miles was about to argue that he had Von Karma, but decided against it. It wasn’t the time to bring him up. It was probably never going to be, either.

“There’s nothing we could have done.” He said sadly.

Mia scoffed. “Yeah but…” she cut herself off with a smirk. “You’ve got a little sister to take care of now.”

“I already have a little sister-” He argued instinctively, then cringed. He shouldn’t have said that to his dead biological older sister.

Still, Mia seemed to show understanding. “Franziska Von Karma, right? She’s still your sister, just as much as Maya is. Maybe even more than her. But I'm warning you, Maya is a hell of a lot clingier.” She paused. “How did she take it?”

Of course, Mia wouldn’t know since she was busy being dead. “Not how I’d expected, but good. I think she’s happy.”

Mia smiled. “Good.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes, in which Miles wished he could have properly met Mia Fey while she was alive, but it was eventually broken by Mia herself.

“You should tell Diego.”

The happiness and warmth that Miles had felt began to dissolve.

“Wh-What?”

“Diego Armando. He told me he worked under Gregory Edgeworth briefly, and he never had a bad word to say about him. I think he deserves to know.”

Diego Armando was a defense attorney that he had faced off against in court a few times but never had the chance to meet properly in person. Even Miles struggled against him, though he would never admit it. The man was poisoned by Miss Dahlia Hawthorne and was in a coma for 5 years. When he woke up, he disguised his identity under the name “Godot”, and was recently convicted for…

A shaky hand was brought to his mouth, and he felt sick to the stomach.

“H-He murdered our mother…”

It was the first time that fact had really sunk in, and Miles hated it.

All of a sudden his shoulders were being gripped tightly. He was forced to look into Mia’s eyes.

“Yes, he did kill our mother.” She stated, matter-of-factly. “But he also saved our sister, whether that was his intention or not. He also mourned me, Miles. He may be a criminal, but he is nothing like Manfred Von Karma. Don’t you dare compare him to him. Deep down, he's a good man.”

“I-I won’t.” Miles replied and for the first time in his life, he genuinely felt like a little brother.

Releasing his shoulders with a satisfied look, she stood up and made her way to where Maya had originally been sitting.

“I’ll let Maya come back now. I’m sure you both have a lot of catching up to do, and I presume Phoenix doesn’t know yet either. You’ll tell Diego, won’t you?”

“You have my word.” Is what he said, but he still felt very hesitant.

“Good.” She said firmly. “I hope to speak to you again soon, Miles.”

Averting his eyes as her figure began to morph into Maya’s, he glanced at the door again. Mia was right, he was yet to tell Phoenix. How would he react, finding out that two of his friends were related? Would he break ties with him? Go into denial?

“Edgeworth!”

It was his turn to smile. This had all gone far better than expected. “Miss Fey.”

Maya (she was back to Maya now) frowned, and Miles immediately took back that last statement. “Dude, we’re siblings now, if you call me Miss Fey again I will end you.”

Once he was certain she was joking, he let himself laugh a little. Perhaps his little sisters weren’t that different after all.

“Alright, Maya.”

It felt strange on his tongue, but he could get used to it. Hopefully.

“Right, what are you up to?”

Both siblings’ heads snapped towards the door, where Phoenix stood with his arms crossed playfully. The pout looked quite authentic though…

He realized that the scene he'd walked into must look very odd, with one friend laughing hysterically and the other letting out a rare chuckle, both with tear tracks on their cheeks.

Now he had another hurdle to cross. Luckily he’d remembered his speech for Phoenix. He would have to be gentle in his delivery and be certain he had the correct order of facts. Reaching out to pick up the photos, he stood up and took a deep breath. It was time.

“We-”

“Guess what Nick?!" Maya yelled, startling him. "Edgeworth’s my brother!”

Oh.

Oh no.

#ace attorney #phoenix wright #miles edgeworth #wrightworth #narumitsu #maya fey #mia fey #detective gumshoe #a second chance

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falling-feuilles · 3 years

Text

Chapter 5

TW/CW: Discussions of abuse, major character death (kind of; if you know, you know)

Y/N woke late the next morning to a light tapping. She opened her eyes slowly, taking a deep breath before becoming fully aware of the knocking on her door. Sitting up quickly, she grabbed a robe and tied it around herself, careful to cover herself fully, and opened the door. Marya stood outside, dressed and ready for the day, looking conflicted.

“I’m sorry, N/N, I didn’t know you were still sleeping…”

Y/N rubbed the sleep from her eyes, shaking her head.

“No, no it’s fine, what is it?”

Marya, looked to the ground, seemingly debating whether or not to tell her.

“The Prince, he… I saw him and Madame Bourrienne…”

Y/N immediately understood, opening the door wide enough for Marya to slip inside. Marya sat herself down on one of the upholstered chairs in the corner, wringing her hands together. It was quiet for a few moments, Y/N allowing Marya the chance to speak before saying her piece. When Marya remained silent, Y/N sat beside her, placing a tentative hand on her friend’s.

“Men like Anatole Kuragin, they don’t deserve women like you. He is, to put it mildly, an absolute scumbag…”

Marya let out a quiet chuckle, lips turning up slightly at the edges.

“I’d hoped he’d changed since last I spoke with him. I should’ve known better, men like him don’t change…”

“I’m going to refuse his proposal,” Marya spoke, abruptly, looking straight into Y/N’s eyes.

“I think that would be wise.”

They sat in comfortable silence a few moments longer, appreciating each other’s company. Y/N’s mind began to wonder, considering whether or not she should disclose Andrei’s letter to Marya. She stood, gliding over to the leaves of paper on her desk. Feeling Marya’s eyes on her back as she sifted through them, searching for the familiar, irritatingly neat script belonging to her brother in law. Withdrawing the note from its parchment prison, she held it out for Marya to inspect, sitting back down.

“Andrei wrote… I’m not sure when the letter’s from, but he said he’s in good health.”

Marya’s eyes lit up, quickly scanning the brief note; she visibly relaxed, giving a small smile.

“I’m so relieved, I was worried sick about him. I’m’ guessing you aren’t going to tell Lise?”

Y/N furrowed her brows, thinking of how best to explain herself. She opened her mouth, before being stopped by Marya.

“I understand. If you think it’s best for her, then I trust your judgement.” Marya smiled, reassuring Y/N. With a final squeeze of her friend’s hand, Marya stood, excusing herself to the difficult conversation she would now have to have with her father and the two houseguests.

The days passed quickly in the country, allowing Y/N plenty of time to push away the problems crowding her mind. This day in particular, Y/N had elected to spend with her sister, thinking of the possible things they could get up to as she dressed herself. She finally felt safe enough to wear short sleeves again, the bruises on her wrist having faded to nothing more than an unnoticeable, indiscernibly-shaped discoloration. The dress was light, more practical than many of the dresses she wore while in the city.

Lise was easy to find; she usually spent the first part of the morning walking around the property, as was recommended by her physician. However, Lise had grown considerably larger since she’d first arrived; now, she spent her days sitting on the porch or placed in the study, making conversation with any who would join her. The former was where her sister found her that morning; sitting on a suspended swing, cushions on either side of her.

“N/N!” Lise beckoned her over, patting the space next to her, “Come sit with me, the weather’s so lovely!”

Y/N smiled, glad to see her sister in such good spirits. With little to no news from Andrei, Lise was prone to spiralling into consideration of all the possibilities of what could’ve happened to him. Y/N hadn’t told Lise of the letter, wanting to respect Andrei’s wishes. However, after receiving no letters from him since, even she began to worry.

“How are you feeling today, darling?” Y/N placed herself on the swing next to her sister, allowing Lise to adjust herself to face her.

“The little one’s been very active, kicking every chance he gets.” Lise grabbed Y/N’s hand lightly, placing it on her round stomach. After a moment, Y/N felt a small pressure on the palm of her hand. “He loves his aunt N/N.”

“As he should, I will spoil this child rotten, you know that don’t you?” Y/N laughed, wrapping her arm around Lise, placing her head on her shoulder.

“I’d expect nothing less, as long as you don’t pass on your bad habits to him.”

“Bad habits?” Y/N faked shock, placing a hand dramatically to heart. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Oh please, I know how many fights you got into when you first moved in with us. Remember that stableboy? Boris?”

Y/N contemplated the name for a moment, the memory resurfacing.

“He had it coming! The boy wouldn’t leave me alone!”

“You didn’t have to strike him! You should’ve just told father, he would’ve taken care of it.”

Y/N paled at the mention of their father, hand ghosting over the barest traces of the mark he’d left on her; she began to wish that she had worn long sleeves. Lise noticed her sister’s rapid change in emotions, seeing her hand on the faded bruises on her arm. This wasn’t the first time she’d reacted as such to the mention of their father. Lise had ignored it one too many times.

“N/N, what is it? And before you say ‘nothing’ just know that I’m more observant than you give me credit for.”

Avoiding her sister’s piercing gaze, Y/N opted to look at a loose thread in her dress, picking at it with her fingers.

“N/N, just tell me!”

Lise’s outburst shocked Y/N, forcing her to meet her sister’s gaze.

“Father, he’s… I didn’t want to tell you…”

Lise was confused. The last she’d seen of her father was at her wedding. As far as she knew, he was in as good of health as usual; maybe a little less physically active, but mentally sound.

“What’s wrong with father?”

Y/N let out a nervous breath, placing her hand around her wrist, matching her fingers with the location of her father’s. Although her hand was smaller than her father’s, the concentration of the bruise’s markings fit her own almost perfectly.

“He’s been… getting worse. His heart’s okay, for now, but his mind… Lise, I swear some days he doesn’t recognize me. Sometimes he thinks I’m my mother, but most days he just stares through me.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? He’s my father too, I could have-”

“I was worried for you!” Y/N was clearly losing the composed facade she had built up over the past months. Her breathing became less and less steady, her hand began to shake as it held her wrist. She moved closer to Lise, grasping her sister’s hands, desperately searching for some sort of anchor. “I knew if I told you you’d try to help and I couldn’t let him hurt you… Lise, he’s been… so different, I couldn’t let him-” Lise was growing more and more upset, trying to extricate her hands from the iron grip of her sister.

“He’s my father, he wouldn’t hurt me!” Lise wrenched her hands out from beneath Y/N’s, leaving her grasping for something, anything to hold on to.

“That’s what I thought!” Y/N’s voice broke. Despite her frailty, she sat straight, head up. She had to be strong, if not for herself, for Lise. Lise became quiet, realizing the truth of her sister’s words.

“I was so, so wrong…”

“Oh, N/N…” Lise wrapped her arms around her, cradling her sister close to her heart.

Y/N didn’t cry. She hadn’t cried since her mother died. But on this one occasion, she made an exception. Hot, salty tears fell freely from her eyes, distorting her vision. They ran down her face, dripped from her chin, and tracked down her neck, uninterrupted. She didn’t wipe them away, nor did Lise. They sat, Lise sheltering Y/N, murmuring soothing words as though she was a sad child. But, Y/N wasn’t sad, nor was she angry, afraid, or any other emotion one would normally associate tears with. She was relieved. That relief, however, was short lived.

With the immense weight of her struggles lifted from her shoulders, Y/N felt lighter, much lighter. Having passed the majority of the day with Lise, painting, reading, and the like, she was spent, moving upstairs to get some well-deserved rest.

The halls were quiet, filled with only the sounds of her light footsteps and the occasional creaking floorboard. As she moved past Marya’s room, she heard noises within. They sounded like crying. Y/N knocked lightly, hearing a quiet clatter from beyond the closed door. Marya cracked open the door, peering into the hallway. Upon seeing Y/N’s concerned face, she sighed with relief, opening the door to allow her inside. Marya’s room was simple, free from embellishments and luxuries, everything in its place. Everything save for the necklace Marya usually wore, left discarded on the floor. Looking to Marya, finally noticing the tear streaks on her flushed cheeks.

“Marya, what is it? What’s wrong?”

Marya took a moment before speaking, trying to form the words.

“Andrei… he…”

Oh… no… no, no, no, this can’t be happening…

Trying desperately to maintain her composure, Y/N placed a hand on Marya’s shoulder, looking into her red rimmed eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Marya… have you told Lise?”

“No… and I’ve told Father not to tell her either.”

“Good, that’s… good.” Y/N moved to the door, pulling it open with a trembling hand. “Good night, Marya…”

Before Marya could protest, Y/N shut the door, walking briskly to her room.

Hold it together, Y/N… nearly there…

Just as the facade began to fall, Y/N managed to get in the door, again grateful that it was far from any other room in the house. A wretched moan escaped her lips. Unable to move any further, she slid against the door, landing roughly on the floor. She tried to steady her breathing, regain the composure with which she protected herself. Her and Andrei had their disagreements, sure, but he was like a brother. Aside from Pierre, he was her closest friend.

Pierre.

Someone would have to tell Pierre. She would have to tell Pierre.

But that could wait.

#pierre bezukhov #pierre #war and peace #bbc war and peace #war and peace 2016 #xreader

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pocket-luv101 · 4 years

Text

An Unexpected Match || Part 2

Summary: Licht is an aspiring pianist but his cousin worries that he’s working himself too hard. In hopes of making him take more breaks, Kranz asks Hyde to help him. (LawLicht, Modern AU)

Part 1 // (Part 2) // Part 3

“What are you guys going to order?” Licht asked his friends as they walked to the bar. Misono earned a promotion at his job and Mahiru insisted they go out to eat and celebrate. They went to a club for drinks afterwards. “Drinks are on me tonight. I have to leave at ten because I have practise tomorrow. I want to finish the book I’m reading too.”

“Is it for the book club you told me about? I don’t know if you can call it club when there’s only two people. You should’ve invited Hyde to dinner so we could meet him.” Mahiru said. He was glad that Licht had found another friend who helped him relax. Between his busy schedule and quirky personality, he didn’t have many close friends.

“This night is for Misono. The next time we go out as friends, I can invite him. We have another book club meeting Friday so I can talk to him about going out. I don’t know if he’ll come though.” They would meet every week at the café and spoke over the phone. While they had grown closer, Licht didn’t know if he considered him a friend or simply someone he discussed books with.

“Since you’re going home early and Misono knocks out at twelve, let’s enjoy this night as much as possible.” Mahiru waved to the bartender and caught his attention. He heard Licht gasp sharply when the man stopped in front of them. The bartender appeared shocked as well.

“Hyde?” Licht’s eyes widened. He rarely saw him outside the café despite how they knew each other for a few weeks now. They had a casual friendship. “You told me you had a lot of part time jobs but I didn’t know you worked here too.”

“The world really is a small place. I actually have a lot of part time jobs so we would’ve met like this eventually. You’re lucky. I’m great at making drinks. I already know that Mahiru wants a tequila sunrise but what would you like.” He started to prepare the drink. “My shift ends soon so I’m glad that my last few customers are people I know.”

“You know Mahiru?” Licht didn’t know why he felt a little jealous. He knew that Mahiru was happily engaged to Kuro and nothing could come between them. He opened the menu in front of his face so they wouldn’t see the way he frowned. “I would’ve invited him to our book club meetings if you told me.”

“Hyde is Kuro’s brother. I didn’t realize the Hyde you told me about was my future brother-in-law. This is a big coincidence, isn’t it?” Mahiru mused. His explanation made Licht feel relieved but he didn’t linger on the feeling. Mahiru took the menu from him and laughed at his scowl. “We both know you can’t handle your alcohol, Licht.”

“I’m paying so I should be allowed to pick what I drink.” He pouted. Licht was prideful but he had to admit that his friend was right. Before he ordered, Hyde placed a blue mocktail in front of him. The different shades of blue blended together. He thought that the drink was pretty and took a small sip. “This is good. I never had a drink like this before. How do you make it blue?”

“Blue curacao. This drink is a blue lagoon mocktail so there’s no alcohol in it. I did add more sugar syrup in it because I know you like your drinks sweet.” He told him. Hyde decided to make the drink for him since its blue colour reminded him of his eyes. He turned around to make a drink for his friends. He was curious why Kranz would pay him to spend time with Licht when he could’ve asked one of his friends.

“Your shift is going to end soon. You should come to this side of the bar with us and have fun with us. Tell us about how you and Licht met.” Mahiru suggested. Hyde nodded with an awkward smile. He returned to his work and thought of how he could explain how they met. He doubted he could tell them that Kranz paid him to speak with Licht.

“We were both buying a book in the gothic novel section. He asked me for a recommendation and we formed a book club from there.” Licht said. He took another sip from the drink and hummed contently. “Did you finish reading Forever My Lord yet?”

“I’m on chapter twelve. Our book club meeting is in a few days so I still have a lot of time to finish the rest.” He gave Mahiru and Misono the drinks they ordered. Hyde also placed a third drink next to Licht. “This one is mine so don’t try to steal a sip, Angel Cakes. It has rum in it. Give me a minute to punch out and I can join you.”

After Hyde was gone, Mahiru leaned over to nudge Licht good naturedly. “We’re at a club so you should dance with Hyde. I wish Kuro and Tetsu weren’t busy so they could’ve joined us. All three of us would’ve had a date to dance with if they were here.”

“Hyde and I aren’t dating. We’re just book club friends.” Licht knew his friend was merely teasing him but he felt a blush rise on his cheeks. He drank his drink and hoped his friend wouldn’t notice. His drink tasted tart and he realized that he had accidentally took Hyde’s drink instead of his.

“Mahiru wasn’t exaggerating when he said that you’re terrible at handling alcohol.” Hyde chuckled. He lightly patted Licht’s back as he threw up. Since the restroom was crowded, he took him to the back alley to recover from the drink. “It’s good that I came back before you threw up on Misono’s shoes while waiting in line. I’m surprised Mahiru didn’t stop you from stealing my drink.”

“I wasn’t trying to, Shit Rat. Who drinks something that bitter?” He groaned and pushed away from the wall. Licht still felt a little dizzy and sick. When his balance started to waver, Hyde placed his hand on his back to help him. His hand was warm made the pain subside slightly. He let him go and held out a water bottle to him. “Thanks.”

“Do you want to go back in and get your friends or do you need to sit out here a little bit longer? I’m sure you would rather have them take you back to your home. I don’t think you should drive.” Hyde took a napkin from his pocket and gently wiped the corner of his lips. “Hopefully that one drink wasn’t enough to give you a hangover in the morning.”

“I threw up most of that disgusting drink so I should be fine.” Licht hated to show others his weaknesses so he turned away from Hyde. “I was looking forward to dancing and hanging out with my friends.”

“I don’t know if you consider me one of your friends but we can dance right now.” He offered. The music from the club flowed out to the alley and Hyde did a silly dance. Licht couldn’t help but giggle at the sight. He rarely laughed and the sound made his heart flutter. Licht didn’t know if it was the alcohol or Hyde’s charming smile, but he joined him.

They danced along to the music. Despite the setting, they both enjoyed themselves. When Licht stumbled slightly and Hyde wrapped his arm around his waist to stop his fall. Hyde grinned down at him and said, “I thought you would have better rhythm since you’re a pianist. If you’re sober enough, maybe we can go inside and enjoy the night with your friends.”

“That would be nice but I have to go home. I have practise early in the morning.” He sighed. Licht straightened but he didn’t move out of Hyde’s arms. He placed his hands on his shoulders. “We barely have free time to hang out like this. We came out here to celebrate Misono’s promotion and I don’t know when’s the next chance we can go out like this.”

“You don’t need a big event or reason to just hang out with your friends. Aren’t you the one who said that you simply have to reach out and take what you want? If you want to spend time with them, you can just call them. I’m sure they’ll be happy to go out to dance like this.” Hyde suggested. He took Licht’s hand and lifted it above them to turn him in a circle. “You work too hard.”

“It’s my dream to share my music with the world. I need a large platform to accomplish that. Once I accomplish that, I can start selling albums and that will give me more than enough time to spend with my friends.” Licht reasoned. His cousin and friend would often tell him to take more breaks and he understood their concerns.

Licht pulled away from him and took out his phone. “Are you free on Saturday? I have a recital that day and I want you to come. You’ll understand my dream better if you see me play. If you can come, I’ll text you the time and location. There’s a party after the recital. Usually, I don’t attend those parties but I won’t mind if it’s a date with you.”

“I get to watch your performance from the sidelines. This must be the best seat in the recital hall. This makes me feel like an important hedgehog.” Hyde joked as they walked to the stage. He had never seen Licht in a suit before and he had to admit that he was attractive. He liked his hair pushed back because he was able to see his blue eyes better.

“You’re exaggerating, Shit Rat. I’m sure you’ve been back here before since you’re an actor.” He rolled his eyes. There was a crowd of people backstage but Hyde held his attention. “When you land a big role, you have to invite me backstage too. Do you have a manager yet? My cousin is a manager and he works with both musicians and actors.”

“I can’t really afford a manager.” He answered after a long pause. Licht thought his voice sounded a little stiff. He remembered that money was tight for Hyde so he hoped he didn’t offend him. He spent a lot of time with him and he wanted to get closer to him. Hyde patted his back and smiled. “I don’t want to have a manager so I can look at all the roles available.”

“I get that. The reason I have a manager because I don’t like dealing with people. I want to focus on my music.” He said. The smile on Licht’s face was small but honest. Hyde found that he was starting to feel guilty for lying to him.

They walked to the backstage where the employees were already running around. He could hear the announcer on stage and he knew he would have to go on stage soon. Licht was slightly nervous because this would be the first time Hyde would hear him play. He invited him so he could show him why his dream was important to him. If Hyde rejected his dream, he didn’t know how he would. He reminded himself that he was an angel and his music would reach him.

Licht walked onto the stage and sat in front of the piano. The announcer continued to read the schedule and Hyde could see that Licht was impatient to start his performance. He couldn’t help but smile when he saw his expression. In the corner of his eyes, he noticed Kranz approach him. He had already texted him to tell him that Licht invited him so he wouldn’t be surprised.

“I didn’t think your little book club would lead to you being so close.” Kranz stood next to Hyde and spoke in a soft voice. “He invites his friends to important performances but they usually sit in the audience. He seems more focused tonight. Licht was even willing to go to the afterparty instead of going to practise for his next practise immediately.”

“If he usually does that, I understand why you were worried about him over working himself.” Hyde said to Kranz but he didn’t take his eyes off Licht. The determination in his sharp, blue eyes held his attention. “I met Licht and a few of his friends the other day. Why didn’t you ask them for help?”

“None of them are good actors and I was worried what would happen if Licht ever found out the truth. I don’t want him to lose a friend.” He explained. Hyde understood his logic but he was beginning to worry the plan wouldn’t end well. “I already spoke with a few directors and I’ll email you more information about the role.”

Hyde didn’t respond to him because Licht’s performance started. He was familiar with the classic song but the emotions woven in the notes captivated him. He was certain he never heard anything more honest and heartfelt. The song seemed to open his heart and Hyde felt something on his cheek. He realized he was crying. “Licht truly is the angel of music.”

He started to feel more conflicted about everything.

#servamp #lawlicht #greed pair #servamp hyde #licht jekylland todoroki #fanfiction

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kittysukagasterfics · 5 years

Text

The Truth Behind The Mask

Thank you all for the lovely notes on Part 1! I’m glad I got all my facts right the first time! Fair warning for this one, it’s going to be very sad. I apologize to your poor SOULs in advanced. Also, this does contain sensitive topics so if you’re uncomfortable with that, I would recommend not reading this. Anyway, onto the fic!

Handplates belongs to: @zarla-s

Requested by: Anonymous and Me

Summary: Part 2 of ‘Haunted By The Past’. Read Part 1 before reading this fic. Gaster wonders about the Human’s life back on the surface and if they actually want to stay with him and the brothers. What was the Human’s past life like?

“*You ask Gaster what his condition is.”

The Human and Gaster were sitting on the couch in his office. Gaster had just got done telling the Human his past and they were currently waiting to hear what ‘terrible fate’ they would have to suffer. He looked at them dead in the eyes.

“Human, are you happy here, in the Labs I mean? Be honest with me, please.”

They gave him a confused look. Did he really just wanted to ask them a question?

“*You tell him that you are happy here.” ‘*He doesn’t look convinced...’

“I thought I told you to be honest, Human...”

The Human reassured him that they weren’t lying nor would they ever lie about anything like that. The Human also told him that they love staying there with the brothers and him. They went on asking him why he would even question that in the first place. What he told them made them freeze up.

“I just figured that you might miss your friends and family back on the surface. Don’t you think your loved ones might missing you as well?”

No response from the Human. They just stared at the table with a blank expression. Gaster placed a hand on top of theirs, a concerned expression on his face. Did they not hear the question maybe?

“Human? Did you hear me?”

They slowly nodded but still didn’t answer. Gaster was very concerned about them now. He grabbed and tilted their head so that they were facing him.

“You’re really worrying me now, Human. What’s wrong? Did my question make you uncomf-”

“*You tell him that you have no friends or family.”

Gaster went silent at this. He wanted to desperately believe the Human was lying but by the look on their face, Gaster knew that they weren’t. Not only was he more concerned now, Gaster wanted to learn more. He asked them to elaborate more on their statement.

“*You tell him you honestly don’t want to talk about it...”

“And what if I told you that’s what my condition is?”

The Human just turned their head away, refusing to say anything. Gaster thought about what he could do to make them talk when he got an idea. Gaster then asked them if they remembered how they mercilessly tickled him yesterday. They said that they did although clearly confused about why he was asking about it all of a sudden.

“Then maybe instead of talking, you’ll just have to endure one hour of revenge and-”

The Human immediately scooted away to the other side of the couch, hugging their arms around their torso and trying to protect their sensitive spots. They knew he wasn’t joking either so it seemed like they had no other choice. The Human gave a long sigh of defeat.

“*You reluctantly say you’ll tell him if he promises not to tickle you.” ‘*He nods in return.’

Sliding back over to Gaster, they laid their head in his lap and began their story:

“*You began by telling him that your parents abandoned at an orphanage at 2 years old where you stayed until you were 4. Your granny had taken you in and raised you. You never actually met your parents but vividly remember an incident that happened when you turned 6...”

‘An elderly woman smiled as she watched her grandchild run around in the backyard. The poor thing had been abandoned five years ago by their own flesh and blood. The woman was still in disbelief by what her son and daughter-in-law had done, almost not wanting to believe it. But the orphanage had called her since she was the next and last line of relatives. The woman took over responsibility for them. There was nothing wrong with the six year old as far as the woman could tell. Sure their appearance was a bit strange, with white hair and crimson eyes, and they didn’t talk much either. They were a smart child though and very energetic too. The grandma let out a small chuckle as she watched the child try to pet the ducks in her small pond. Hearing a car coming up, the elderly woman turned and saw the familiar-looking car in the driveway. Her motherly instinct kicked in and she called her grandchild into the house, the child obeyed and rushed over to her. The woman had them go to their room just as there was a knock at her door.

The child doodled in their room when they heard yelling coming from the living room. Even though their granny told them to stay in their room, the child couldn’t help but try to peek out. Opening the door and walking down the hall, the small child could hear the yelling becoming louder and louder. They entered the room to see two unknown people arguing with Grandma. The large male suddenly grabbed a nearby vase and flung it at her. Luckily, the elderly woman was able to dodge it. The child however, wasn’t so lucky.’

Gaster nearly dropped his coffee cup in shock as the Human finished speaking. He honestly didn’t expect to hear that. He had a lot of questions to ask them because of it.

“How badly did you get hurt, Human? I’d imagine that you didn’t just walk away without injury...”

The Human then uncovered their left eye revealing a large, faint scar close to it. Gaster unconsciously ran his finger across the scar, not really wanting to know how big of an injury this actually was. The Human gave a slight smile at his reaction before fluffing their hair back over their eye. Meanwhile, Gaster was asking one more question.

“What sort of education did you have, Human.”

“*You tell him you were mostly home schooled for the majority of your childhood.”

With no more question to ask, Gaster let them continue on to their teenage years:

“*You tell Gaster that you were still home schooled as a teen but you instead did it online. You also started identifying as non-binary as a teen as well. Your Grandma’s health started deteriorating so you had to keep the house clean and stocked with food while also juggling school work. You did find time to indulge in your hobbies however...”

‘The teen let out a sigh as they typed away at their computer. Online school was hard for them but it beat interacting with other people. They could feel everyone judging them as they walked through the store to buy groceries. Granny couldn’t out much these day due to her health. She was mostly bedridden, only getting up if she needed to use the bathroom or go to the kitchen to eat. The teen was also pretty sure Grandma didn’t fully understand them when they came out her as non-binary. They had gotten rid of their pesky long hair and cut it short, only leaving a long piece to cover their left eye. Sighing a breath of relief at finally finishing their work, they switched tabs to their coding lessons. The teen had been teaching themselves programming and code for a while now and they thought they had been getting the hang of it. Not only did they want to become a programmer when they got older, their new hobby also linked in with their other hobby. Switching tabs once more, the teen scrolled through their research about monsters until they found the info they needed. The teen had been studying monster history for a while and had actually been trying to contact one. Going to the base of Mt. Ebott didn’t work so they did a little digging around and found that the monsters had their own form of internet called ‘the Undernet’. The teen didn’t care how long it took, they WILL find their way onto the Undernet.’

“You seemed quite persistent and passionate as a teenager, Human.”

Gaster found great interest in what the Human had just told him. He never knew that they were so interested in coding or even monster history. It also surprised him that the Human apparently didn’t live too far from where every monster was trapped. That was the part that interested him the most.

“Did you ever considered trying to get into the Underground?”

He noticed the Human’s expression turned somber at his question.

“*You tell him that a teen, no, but after the incident one year ago, you did consider jumping down...”

A cold chill ran down Gaster’s spine. Were they being serious? Was the Human really suicidal at one point? That was honestly hard to believe given their demeanor. Was it connected to the ‘incident’ they just mentioned?

“...Would you mind telling about the incident, Human?”

The Human gave a sad sigh and nodded:

“*You reveal to Gaster you had a little brother named David. You gained custody over him when your parents were caught abusing him. He was your pride and joy. You just wish you could’ve prevented what happened to him...”

‘The young adult typed away at their computer. They had a paper to get done for their online collage class. They were just about to finish when there was a knock at the door. Confused, they went to door and opened it. There a strictly-dressed but kind-looking woman with a young boy with pitch black hair and emerald green eyes beside her. After confirming who the guests were and who they were, they allowed the two to enter. The woman explained she was from CPS and the child with her was apparently their little brother, David. The young boy refused to make eye contact and only made small glances at them. The young adult listened as the social worker told of what had happened to David. After that, she asked if they wanted to take David in. For the first time since he got there, the boy looked up with pleading eyes at them. They smiled at him and took the pen from the woman’s outstretched hand to sign the papers. That was the day David came into their life.’

The Human smiled fondly as they told how they spent their days off of work hanging out with David. Gaster actually found it cute how the Human seemed to almost brag about their younger brother and even showed him a picture of the two of them together. That even though the two of them would fight, they still loved each other. But what had happened to the child?

“Did the incident have anything to do with David, Human?”

Gaster saw the Human’s smile quickly fade. Their eyes seemed to water at the question as well. They nodded and through a choked voice, told him what tragedy befell David:

“*You struggle as you tell Gaster how you had left David at a neighbor’s house while you went to work. What happened while you were gone was forever burned into your memory...”

‘The young adult hugged David as they both tearfully said goodbye to one another. They promised him to be back later tonight at 10 and to be good for their nice elderly neighbor. They waved to the woman and David and began walking to work. What happened next was a complete blur for them. They remembered working on some tough coding bug when their boss walked up to them. He didn’t look like he had good news to share. He nervously told them that he’s letting them go home early and to take a few days off. The young adult was a bit confused at this but who were they to complain about getting more time to spend with David? They told their co-workers and boss goodbye and happily walked home to their little brother. As they got closer and closer to the house, they began smelling the strong scent of smoke. The young adult just assumed that someone was burning leaves and ignored it. They got to their block and realized there was police and a firetruck with firefighters near their house. Neighbors were surrounding it and none of them looked happy. Feeling panic fill their SOUL, they ran down the sidewalk towards home, which they figured out was the one that had caught on fire. Where were they and David going to live now? They were stopped by a police officer who asked them who they were. After confirming their identity, the officer’s expression turned somber and he directed them to their neighbor who was sobbing. When they questioned her, their heart shattered upon hearing that David had snuck back over to the house. He had wanted to surprise them by making them their favorite meal. The firemen and police confirmed it was an oil fire that got out of control quickly. David couldn’t make it out in time. The young adult had to escorted away by their neighbor as they fell into hysterical crying. Their baby brother was dead. He was dead and it was all their fault. What was the point of going on with life?

The next few days were a blur to them. They felt empty and completely unmotivated. Their neighbor had to help them plan David’s funeral. It was too painful to listen in on the phone conversations so they would slink away to their room to cry. Sometimes, the pain became too much for them to bare. They would hide the razor blade and patch themselves up after they were done...’

Gaster couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He was at a loss for words. He would have never suspected the Human used to intentionally harm themselves. He wanted to scold them for being so reckless with their life like that. But instead, he just wrapped his arms around the Human who had started to sob uncontrollably. Gaster ran his fingers through their hair in an attempt to comfort them. The Human just buried their face into his chest and cried however. He needed another way to calm them down or at least distract them.

“Human, do you remember when we first met.”

That got their attention. The Human looked up and nodded, smiling a little. They had finally been to access the Undernet after years of research and trial and error. Gaster had been the first and only monster they contacted. They also found him pretty cute as well. At first, he wanted nothing to do with them but the Human had been able to gain his trust by sending down gifts and chatting with him often. He still wasn’t sure how but the Human also found a way to pet him, too.

“*You tell him you also remember how he had threatened to take your SOUL.”

“Those were merely empty threats to try and scare you off...”

The Human then retorted back that they didn’t take him seriously to begin with. Gaster just rolled his eye sockets at this causing the Human to start laughing. They were starting to feel better now. David may have been gone but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t go on with life. Especially now that the Human has a new skeleton family to love and take care of. Gaster pressed a kiss against their forehead.

“I honestly am sorry for the loss of your younger sibling. But what happened to him was nothing more than an accident. It wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. You made a lot of happy memories with him so he didn’t die unhappy...”

The Human smiled at this and wrapped their arms tightly around him. They almost wanted to start crying again but they were too exhausted now. The Human asked Gaster if he wanted to sleep in his office together again tonight. He agreed and they both laid down to rest with Gaster laying on his back while the Human snuggled against him. However, something was still bothering Gaster so before the Human fell asleep, he asked them a question.

“Human, we’ve known each other for a long time now, but you haven’t exactly told me your real name and I don’t think your name is actually Human...”

They giggled and looked up at him, eyes twinkling.

“*...You tell him your name is Sam.”

Note: The Human’s, or should I say, Sam’s name has finally been revealed! Told you this story was going to be sad. But people like angst so win-win for them. Thank you everyone so much for reading! I love all of you! Stay tuned for more.

#undertale #handplates #gaster #the human #sans #papyrus #toby #my fic #request #ukagaster

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snowfall-fanfictions · 4 years

Text

Beware the Frozen Heart Ch. 11- The Decision

Previous Chapter

Ao3 Link

FFN Link

And now, back to your regularly scheduled assassination plot. Enjoy!

To say that the week following the attempt on Elsa’s life was hectic would be an understatement. Between the emergency medical attention, seeing off Jacques, and further bolstering the guard around the castle, Elsa felt herself stretched thin. The effects could be felt by everyone in the castle; the temperature dropped, many doors had their handles frosted over, and every room Elsa entered experienced a light dusting of snow. The queen also spent less and less time alone. Whether it was a military escort or with just Derrik and Anna, Elsa never risked getting caught off guard.

Elsa was in her study, trying to focus on her work when she heard a quick and light knocking on her door. She had two guards stationed just outside the door, so it had to have been someone important for them to just let someone by like that. Before she could even say “come in,” Anna creaked the door open and walked over to the queen’s desk. The redhead bore a look of concern and agitation on her face.

“Anna, what’s the matter? Did something happen?” Elsa asked.

“I just… thought you could use some company is all,” Anna said, fumbling with her hands.

“No thanks.”

“Elsa… are you-”

“Really, Anna, I’m fi-”

“Oh, no! Do not tell me you’re fine!” Anna slammed her hands on the desk, causing Elsa to jump in her seat.

“Excuse me?”

“I can tell you’re not fine! The whole damn castle can tell you’re not fine!” Anna clenched her hands, “You don’t have to hide your emotions anymore. Just… please, I know there’s something wrong. I just want you to tell me.”

Elsa sighed deeply, “I thought we were safe after the gunman incident, that things were going back to normal. But now…. Now there’s someone else who wants me, wants us, dead… I’m starting to think that it’s a sign that I’m failing Arendelle.”

“That is not true and you know it,” Anna circled around the desk and placed a hand on her sister’s shoulder, “ People love you, Elsa, just look around. You’re doing a great job, don’t let any of this bring you down.”

“But what if you got hurt, or worse because of all this?” Elsa shot up out of her seat. “I’ve already seen you die once, I don’t know what I’d do if-“

“That’s never gonna happen,” Anna embraced Elsa tightly, “You know I’m too stubborn to die.”

Elsa couldn’t help but laugh as she returned Anna’s hug. She could feel her tension ease up slightly.

“Thank you, I needed that.”

“It’s what I’m here for.”

Just then, a sharp knock came from the door. Elsa quickly took her seat again as she recomposed herself.

“Come in,” she said in her regal voice. Kai walked into the room, clasping his hands behind his back.

“Forgive my interruption, Your Majesty,” he said, “But the advisory council is ready for you.”

Elsa gracefully rose from her chair. “I’m coming,” she said as she linked arms with Anna and made their way to the meeting room.

XXXXXX

Eryn was about ready to dig his own eardrums out of his head with all the bickering between all of the advisors. He stood along the left wall with Kristoff and Olaf, as all of the seats were filled with posh assholes, clucking like a bunch of agitated mother hens. The commotion died out the second Elsa and Anna entered the room, as all eyes turned on the queen. Elsa frowned as she took her seat at the head of the large mahogany table, combing over each person in the room. Once she gave the whole room a look over, Elsa finally broke the silence.

“Alright, this is the second time in a month that an attempt was made on my life and Anna’s life. I don’t need pointless statistics or meaningless filler, I need options. What should we do about this?”

A boxy man with an eyepatch over his left eye stood up from his seat, his medals glistening in the lamplight.

“Your Majesty,” he said, “I think the best option would be to temporarily close the-”

“I have said it once I will say it again, those gates will. Stay. Open. The people of Arendelle-”

“Ma’am, the people of Arendelle are scheming against you! If the gates are closed, we could keep track of who comes and goes, meaning we’d have a better chance of finding any potential killers.”

Another man shot up out of his seat. “You’d have the people view her as a tyrant? We can’t afford to lose popular support over a few dissidents! I say we pull the forces from Nordlund back here and-”

“What about the bandit raids then? Nordlund is the heart of Arendelle’s economy, we can’t afford to let it fall into disorder!”

More and more advisors chimed in on the situation. Had the dagger not drained itself over the past week, Eryn could’ve easily killed every person in this godforsaken room. The voices grew louder and louder until-

“ENOUGH!”

Every pair of eyes snapped to Elsa, who herself looked confused. Out of the corner of his eye, Eryn saw Kristoff step forward. All eyes shifted from the queen onto the ice harvester.

“Whether or not the gates stay open doesn’t matter if an assassin is already in the castle.” Eryn’s heart jumped.

“Kristoff, what are you saying?” Anna asked.

“What I’m saying is that there was no way either of these men worked alone. It’s too convenient to be isolated incidents. The only thing similar about them,” Kristoff turned to face Eryn, “Was that someone intervened both times.”

Eryn peeled himself from the wall. “I know you’re not implying what I think you’re implying, Bjorgman,” He growled, “If I wanted the queen dead, she’d be dead by now.”

“What about the wine, then? You were the last person in the kitchen before the wine was poisoned. Who’s to say it’s not you?”

“How daft do you have to be?! I was in charge of seeing that nothing was-”

“So you didn’t check the wine? You seemed to know a lot of stuff about how assassins work.”

“How do we know you didn’t use that walking carpet of yours to distract the staff while you slipped in and poisoned the wine?”

“What?!” “You’d have so much to gain from offing the queen. All it’d take is some freak ‘accident’ and your future wife becomes queen. Then it’s just another accident and you’ve got all the power in Arendelle.”

“I wouldn’t dream of killing Elsa or Anna you snake!”

“I’ve heard that’s not always true about the princess’s suitors!”

Kristoff lunged at Eryn as he planted his fist in Eryn’s jaw. Eryn returned blows to the ice harvester’s sides, even kneeing him in the groin twice. He was about to unsheathe the knife when he felt an icy wind sweep over the both of them. In an instant, Kristoff was lifted off him and pinned to the wall by icicles in his shirt. Propping himself up, his eyes met Elsa's icy glare.

“That is enough!” She yelled, “We already have enough problems as it is, let’s not start going at each other’s throats now!” With a wave of her hand, the icicles pinning Kristoff to the wall vanished into thin air as he fell on his feet. Eryn scrambled up off the floor with blinding fury. “Do that again and I’ll throw both of you out,” she growled. Eryn felt fear creep up his spine, almost as if she was freezing his blood. Elsa turned back to the others and sighed. Something about what one of the advisors said resonated in him. Nordlund… That’s when Eryn had a stroke of brilliance.

“What was that about the North?” Eryn asked.

“That is none of your business,” one of the advisors said. The queen’s icy glare forced him to back off.

“We’ve been having bandit issues in the North for a while,” Elsa explained, “Almost every month Governor Haadrikson requests more and more soldiers. It’s to the point that we have almost an entire legion up there.”

“Then why not go there?”

A low rumbling of confused chatter emerged in the room.

“Derrik, what are you talking about?”

“The North is the most guarded region of Arendelle. If you relocate up there, you’d be much safer than here.”

A man shot up out of his seat. “What would the people say if they saw the Queen abandon them now? Arendelle is in crisis, she needs to-”

“It would have to be in secret then, under the cover of night. It would also throw off any assassin looking for the queen.”

“Of all of the hairbrained, foolish-”

“No matter how hairbrained or foolish it may seem,” Elsa rose from her seat, “It’s the best option I’ve heard day!”

“Elsa,” Anna said meekly, “Are you sure?”

“Positive!”

Anna let out a sigh. “Alright, when do we-“

“No,” Eryn interrupted, “If this is going to work we need to keep up the illusion of normalcy, meaning Anna needs to stay here.”

“Oh right, so you can kill Elsa on the way up then?” Kristoff spat.

“Kristoff, no!” Anna scolded, “Derrik knows what he’s doing! I trust him, Elsa trusts him, why can’t you?”

“You’re just as much a target, Anna. I don’t want to lose you.”

“You’d never want to kill the second in line,” Eryn injected, “If anything, they’d keep her alive to exemplify the monarchy’s weakness. They most likely see her as unfit for rule. She was most likely just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“If it’ll make you feel better, Kristoff, I’ll have two guards with me along with Derrik,” Elsa assured her future brother-in-law.

“But what about Anna?”

“Judging by the sucker punch you gave me, I’m sure you’d easily take down any sorry bastard dumb enough to try and kill her.”

Anna let out a small giggle as Kristoff struggled to find anything to say. He slumped back against the wall in defeat.

“Then it’s settled,” Elsa declared, “Tonight, I leave for Nordlund.”

Eryn couldn’t believe his luck. This was the break he needed after the last humiliating failure. Now it was just him, her, and only two other dopes that he’d easily best with his magic. The pieces were once again falling into place for the kill of the century

This ends, once and for all… he thought as the advisors shuffled out of the room.

A Few Hours Later…

“I feel ridiculous!”

Anna stifled a laugh at her sister’s travel outfit. Instead of the sequined blue dress Elsa was used to wearing, she now wore a plain gray dress that covered almost every inch of her skin with a white bonnet hiding her platinum blonde hair. The two of them were walking down the halls to the stables to meet Derrik for the journey to the north.

“Derrik said it was necessary to make sure you aren’t recognized,” Anna giggled, “And besides, it doesn’t look that bad.”

“Who is this going to fool? I think enough people have seen me to recognize me.”

Just then, Olaf burst from the end of the hall, jumping excitedly. “Hi, Anna! Hi, Anna’s new friend! Have you guys seen Elsa?”

Elsa untied her bonnet, balled it up in her hands, and said, “Olaf, it’s me!”

“Oh, wow! Elsa, we were just talking about you! But where’d your new friend go?”

The queen shook her head as she put the bonnet back on. Olaf let out a surprised gasp. “OH! Anna’s new friend, you’re back! Wait right here, I’ll go get Elsa!” The snowman trotted down the hall and was out of sight in an instant.

“See?” Anna said, “It fooled Olaf.”

“Olaf doesn’t have a brain, Anna.”

“And who’s fault is that, dear sister?”

The two of them started giggling like school girls. Elsa knew she was going to miss Anna more than anything while up in Nordlund, but she knew that this was for the best. Besides, Elsa was still in the kingdom, she’d just be a few days away. If anything happened, she’d be back in nearly a heartbeat.

“Hey, Elsa…” Anna said almost teasingly, “Are you planning on… you know…”

Elsa’s face turned red. “Uh- I haven’t really thought about that.”

“It’d make so much sense, though! You… him…” Anna wiggled her eyebrows, “Alone…”

“I know… It’s just- I don’t know how to even go about that…”

“Just be yourself, Elsa. That’s honestly all it takes.”

“What would I ever do without you?”

“You’ll always have me.”

The two embraced each other in a warm hug. “Alright,” Anna said as she broke the hug, “Let’s not keep Derrik waiting!”

The two women ran down the halls, arms interlocked, as they made their way to the stables.

XXXXXX Eryn fumbled with Magni’s collar as he hooked his steed to the wagon. Eryn was simply impressed that this wagon was functional in the first place. It looked like it hadn’t been used in decades! The wheels seemed about ready to disintegrate, the bed was full of leaves and rocks, and it all had the “pleasant” aroma of molding wood. The binding for the horse was the most reliable thing on here. Eryn was certain that if he didn’t kill the queen, this infernal contraption would.

He had finally latched Magni in when he heard a familiar upbeat voice call from the entrance to the stables. “All set, Derrik?” Turning around, he saw Anna beaming as usual, with…

Eryn couldn’t help but stare. The queen was wearing a plain gray commoner dress with a white bonnet, her weak smile lighting up the dark midnight sky. She looked quite stunning even in such ordinary clothes. Even though he was wearing the same style of clothes, a plain brown jacket with solid black trousers, Elsa had this ethereal look about her. Eryn could feel his face burn as he said, “Uh- yes. All good to go!”

“WAIT!”

All three of them shot their heads to the courtyard. Kristoff rushed out to meet them, a bag strapped around his shoulder. He walked up to Eryn, looking incredibly pissed. The mountain man extended his hand as the anger in his face faded away. In his hand was the dagger and its sheathe.

“Olaf found this in your bedroom. Wouldn’t want you to lose it.”

Eryn was at a loss for words. He had no idea if anyone knew the dagger’s origins, not that he knew himself, but the idea that someone might filled him with terror. Even then, he wasn’t even sure how he’d managed to misplace it like that. Eryn cautiously took the dagger and said, “Er, thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. Think of it as an apology for earlier,” Kristoff smiled warmly. Eryn eased himself as he attached the sheathe to the hem of his pants.

“I appreciate it,” Eryn said as he turned to Elsa, “Now, then, shall we be off Your Majesty?”

Elsa gave Anna a quick embrace. “Are you sure you’re going to be fine here without me?” she asked.

“I’ll be fine Elsa,” Anna replied, “Now, get going you two!”

Eryn extended his hand and assisted Elsa into the passenger’s seat. He then hopped into the driver’s side and, with a shout of “Magni! flytt nå!” and the snapping of reins, The two of them made their way out the stables and onto the main roads of Arendelle.

XXXXXX

Anna and Kristoff watched as the wagon made its way out of sight. The princess turned to her fiance, wrapped her arms around his neck, and said, “Sooo… looks like we’re gonna be alone for a while…”

“Yeah… I guess we are…” Kristoff replied as he pulled her in close to him. He treasured moments like this. No dignitaries she had to meet, no important ice harvesting jobs he had to do, just the two of them, basking in the love of one another…

At least, until Kristoff broke the embrace. “Sorry, baby,” he groaned, “I’ve got a quick trip to make to the Valley.” “But why?” She whined.

“Just something the trolls need me for. Don’t worry, fiestypants, I’ll be back in the morning.”

Anna huffed before saying, “Alright, just be careful.”

“Always am!” He kissed her lips as he walked over to Sven’s stable. Hoisting himself onto the reindeer, Kristoff and Sven trotted from the castle out into the cool night.

If there was one thing Kristoff hated doing, it was lying to Anna. She’d been lied to almost her entire life, and here he was perpetuating more lies. But he knew that it was for the best. He knew she wouldn’t agree with what he was about to do, or the fact that he tricked not only her, but Derrik and Elsa as well. Derrik, he thought, That’s probably not even his real name. Nothing about him made Kristoff trust him. If anything, it made him trust this guy even less. Kristoff rummaged around in the bag around his shoulder until he pulled out exactly what he was looking for.

“Derrik’s” dagger glistened in the moonlight, looking almost ethereal. Kristoff only had a few moments to swipe it when the meeting ended, so he didn’t get to have a good look at it. It appeared to be a fairly normal hunting knife all things considered. The hilt was made of some kind of ebony wood, the kind that doesn’t come from around here. The blade itself was incredibly sharp, Kristoff could tell just by looking at it. What really stood out to him was the markings etched into the blade:

ᛊᚲᛃᚾᛖ

#frozen fanfiction #disney frozen #OC #queen elsa #princess anna #olaf #kristoff #duke of weselton #hans #fanfiction #assassination #Eryn Odrikson #blood tw #gore tw #mature

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