#chapter eight | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

yellowwithalisp · 7 months

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𝙷𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙸𝚖𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 - 𝙰 𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚏 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗.

You are a simple S.T.A.R.S member just trying to live your life. But your past keeps finding ways to make you scream in the dark….

(Remember that Wekser x reader requests are still open!!) ( I hope you enjoy! And if anyone gets the references made in this chapter. the first to comment it will get to have a shoutout as a background character in an upcoming chapter! - Yellow 💛🌻) (Final count- 7,018 words.)

(I'm sorry this one is small. Please forgive me!)

𝙷𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙸𝚖𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 - 𝙰 𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚏 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗. (𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝙶𝚎𝚝 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝙵𝚘𝚛.)

🖤🔪▪ 𝙸𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚡 🥀 🖤▪ 𝚂𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜~ 🖤🔪▪ 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 🖤🔪▪ 𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘬 🖤▪ 𝙰𝚖𝚋𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛: 🖤🚗▪ 𝙲𝚊𝚛 𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚎: 🖤🚓▪ 𝘚.𝘛.𝘈.𝘙.𝘚 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦. 🖤🚔▪ 𝚁.𝙿.𝙳. 𝙼𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝙷𝚊𝚕𝚕: 🖤🏬▪ 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙻𝚘𝚝: 🖤🏠▪ 𝙰𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝: 🖤🌧️▪ 𝚁𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚌𝚊𝚛 🖤▪ 𝘈03𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯.

🖤▪ 𝚃𝚊𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝. @bisexualforestfire (𝚂𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝!)

"Mouse, mouse. come in. Mouse"

I jumped realizing that I had been lost in thought as I quickly blinked. Look down at the radio. Crap!! Wesker had been trying to get a hold of me!

Panicked, I grabbed the radio microphone and quickly responded, "Apologies, Captain. Mouse here. I must have drifted off for a moment. No signs of unusual activity to report at the moment."

Wesker's voice came through the radio, calm but tinged with concern. "We need you alert, Mouse. We don't know what we're dealing with out there."

"Yes sir- I understand, sir." I assured him, my voice nervous with my momentary lapse in focus. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, I couldn't let my guard down with my uncle still here somewhere. I knew he wasn't going to leave anytime soon. The rain started to pour, creating a rhythmic pattern against the car's roof. The sound seemed to heighten my senses, sharpening my focus in the face of the eerie quiet that enveloped the city. Wesker went quiet for a moment before responding with a sigh.

"Redfield I requesting for you to come back so that your not alone." Wesker said. I hesitated for a moment, torn between the desire for companionship and my need to prove my capabilities as a member of S.T.A.R.S. The rain continued to pour, the droplets beating against the car's roof in a steady rhythm. I glanced out at the darkened streets, shadows shifting and lurking, reminding me of the dangers that awaited. I know that it would probably be for the best if I took Redfield's offer. I took a deep breath, weighing my options. As much as I wanted to prove myself capable, I couldn't ignore the concerns Wesker had expressed. The night was already taking on a sinister tone, and having backup would provide an extra layer of security. And it was Chris. So hopefully not so much doom and gloom. "Understood, Captain," I replied, my voice a little calmer this time. "I'll head back to the station and rendezvous with Redfield. It's better to be safe than sorry." Wesker's voice crackled through the radio, his approval evident. "Good call, Mouse. Redfield will meet you at the designated location. Stay sharp."

With the decision made, I turned the car around and headed back to the police station. The rain beat against the windshield, obscuring the streets with its relentless downpour. I couldn't help but think about Wesker's concern, and a small smile played at the corners of my lips. Perhaps it wasn't just a concern for my safety, but something more. As I parked the car in front of the station, I saw Chris Redfield waiting near the entrance. He acknowledged me with a nod as I stepped out of the vehicle, the rain soaking through my clothes. "Mouse! I heard you needed backup," Chris said, his voice calm and steady with a lighthearted smile. I rolled my eyes and smiled at him. "Pretty sure the Captain said that you asked for this?" Chris blinked before that shit-eating grin came back on him. "Ohohoh? Is that what he said?" He quickly got to the car with a then grin on his face. I raised an eyebrow as I slowly got in the passenger side.

"What's got you so smug, Redfield?" I teased, trying to hide the growing smile on my face.

"Oh, just enjoying the chance to tag along with you, Mouse," he replied with a wink. "And the fact thaaatt- Wesker asked me to do this" I turned my head as he pulled out of the gouge. "Wesker asked you to do this? But he told me-"

"But he told you what?" Chris asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he kept his gaze on the road.

I crossed my arms. "He told me that you were concerned for my safety and thought it would be best if I had some backup. He didn't mention anything about him telling you to do this."

Chris chuckled, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "Well, let's just say I may have given him a little nudge in that direction. I was trying to get him to be the one to go with you, but the Chief came storming in and pulled him away."

My eyes widened in surprise as Chris's words sank in. Wesker hadn't mentioned anything about Chief Irons interrupting his plans. I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and amusement at the thought of Chris orchestrating all of this. He really was full of surprises.

"You... nudge him?" I asked, a hint of skepticism in my voice.

Chris grinned, focusing on the road. "Well, yeah. I couldn't let you go out there alone. And besides, I know about what happened at the hospital."

"At the hospital?"

He smirk.

"Right, you don't know. He probably woke up before you and moved back."

"... What? Chris, what are you talking about?"

I said as I stared over at Chris as we drove in our night petrol. "I-I was only in the hospital for overnight? Did something happen?" Chris had a large smirk on his face.

"Well, I can't check in on you. In the morning. The Captain had fallen asleep next to you holding your hand."

I rolled my eyes as I slowly stopped at a stop light. "Yeah, right "

Chris smiled and nodded before holding up a Polaroid of Wesker asleep next to me. Holding my hand, and his glasses off of his face. I blushed brightly as my eyes widened.

"W-When- how-!?"

“This? This is nothing!” Chris laughed as he drank some of his coffee. I find the situation very funny. The smile on his face was infectious yet he stopped smiling as he looked at me. I didn't know whether to glare at him or throw his drink out of the car. "You’re in love with the Captain…" My eyes widened as I didn’t know what to say or think. The blush on my face growing darker wasn't helping at all. My heart was beginning I could hear it in my ears. "I-I'm not!"

Chris smirked. "Sure ~ but you always have a blush on your face when he’s around. You always make excuses to go down to his office with whatever document you think he needs to have. You love his hair, his piercing eyes, and his deep voice-" He said with a smirk before a cut him off. "What about you and Jill huh!?" I said, calling him out on his own crush on Jill. Chris was stunned for a moment - but only for a moment. It was Chris after all. He quickly took a moment to compose himself and had that same infectious smile back on his face when he looked back at me and replied “Don’t try to change the subject. We’re talking about your obvious feelings towards the Captain. The same way I have feelings for Jill, I can’t deny it.” He smirked and looked back at the road as I drove the car through the rain. “But my feelings for Jill are irrelevant compared to you and the Captain.”

"There are no feelings for the Captain."

Chris rolled his eyes playfully. "Yeah, and the Captain wasn't the one who ordered me to go with you on the night petrol to make sure you would be okay. I think he wanted to be the one to go with you."

I rolled my eyes and shook my head as I stared out the windshield through the rain. "Sure..."

Chris chuckled away as he saw the blush on my face only getting redder.

"I think the Captain is interested. I’ve seen him checking you out too."

Chris laughed as he had a hand over his mouth - clearly trying to hide how amused he was at my flustered state as I flipped him off as the rain grew harder. “You should take this chance and ask the Captain out on a date when- the R.P.D charity ball! You can ask him to go with you-" My eyes grew wide as I quickly slammed on the bricks a bit. Fuck- I forgot that was still happening in a week. "Absolutely not." Chris giggled as he saw I was trying my hardest to stay mad. He could see right through my facade. He was going to enjoy this. “I won’t take no for an answer, missy!” Chris laughed heartily as he could tell how red my face was getting. “What’s the matter, Don’t wanna go to the ball with the Captain just the two of you?” Chris was playing along with my bluffing. He was having too much fun with this.

"It won't be just us. And while we're on it why didn't you ask Jill!" "I already did that." My eyes widen as my head whips over to him. "What!? When!" Chris smirked at my confusion as he quickly looked over "A couple of weeks ago. She said yes " Chris smirked and he turned back to glance at the rain. "Now, about you asking the captain to the dance~" I blushed brightly. "Not doing it" He was enjoying this and smirked as he stared at me from the passenger seat. "Hey, do you mind if we go past the R.P.D station? I need to grab my jacket real quick." He took this opportunity so he could go inside and tell the Captain something He had a sneaky plan in mind. I raised an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, our petrol is almost done." I said as he smirked."Thanks, Mouse!"

Chris seemed delighted that I was okay with driving past the station. He had a sneaking suspicion that Mouse would be alright with it. The thought of her being alone with the Captain, or rather getting closer to him, made Chris smirk. Once the car pulled up near the station, Chris told me he just needed to go inside to grab his jacket. I said that was fine, and told him that I was going to go park the car. I drove last the from of the R.P.D over to the was and parked the car. Pulling out my keys and stepping out of it. I locked the door before making my way inside the building. "I didn't know who to bring it up to. Just say the station and figured I would be it up here before going to drop off my kid." The voice was more of like a fancy New York accent. The man was in an expensive black suit and a black hat. A smaller man was standing next to him. Who was also in a fancy suit and hat? The taller one was carrying a sleeping girl on his back. I realized those two. My father had them work under him, along with the other two who weren't here. They were talking to Mister Larson at the front desk. Something must have happened for them to be here.

"Droog? Deuce?"

The two men turn their heads over to my voice.

"Whaa'! Little Okhotnik!! But that can't be! You were barely taller than me when we last met!"

"Tha' was years ago Deuce."

The taller one- Droog said as the sleepy girl on his back mumbled a bit in her sleep. Mister Larson blinked as he looked over at me.

"You know these men Miss?"

I smiled and nodded. "They worked for my father when I was younger," I said before looking at the girl on Droog's shoulder. "Never knew you settled down Droog."

Droog shook his head as Deuce smiled. "It's so nice to see you!! You had all of us worried after that night! Even Slick was worried!"

The small man said as Droog turned to face me fully. "We kind of all do! It's a weird story but- it happens!"

Deuce said with a big smile. I... raised an eyebrow but just slowly nodded. "Rriight... But what are you guys doing here? It's far away from your home town"

"We're meetin' up with the other two for a job."

Droog said as Mister Larson smiled and gave us some space. Droog reached into his suit and pulled out a file. "But- this is somethin' for you." I raised an eyebrow and slowly grabbed the file. It.... Had my father's name on it in Russian. "It was what he assigned us to retrieve before the fire happened."

"Yeah! He also asked us to do him a favor!"

Deuce said as he pulled out some wires out of his pockets. Droog.... Glares at him and he slowly puts the wires back into his pockets. Deuce was the... Boom expert so... Probably a good thing to not have him mess with those inside the R.P.D.

"What did he ask you guys to do?"

"Mainly to keep an eye on you. And to keep you away from your Uncle."

"Y... Yeah, about that. I kind of already ran into him. Said something about me not being able to trust my own Captain. You guys know anything about that?"

Deuce shrugged as Droog shook his head. "No clue. We've just stopped by to report somethin' before hearin' the guy says your name."

"Yeah! We were so happy to hear that you were alive. We tried finding you before the building went down but.. All we found were your parents."

My eyes widen slightly. "My mom and dad... Are they-"

"Both shot in the head."

Droog said as Deuce looked down at the floor sadly. I stared at with with a sad look in my eyes then looked at the ground as we'll. "Then my hunch was right. I know who did it."

The two stayed silent before Deuce spook up. "Want me to rough him up! I can give him the one-two! And deal him a senseless shin-drubbing with my crook of felony-"

Deuce went on and on as I slowly leaned over to Droog. "He still doesn't have that... Cane does he? The bull...."

Droog sighed heavily as he pinched the bridge of his nose. That's all the reply I needed. "Got it..." Droog looked over at Deuce before Druce realized both of us were not responding to him. Droog reached into his pocket and handed me a card with the group's numbers on it. And two red diamonds on it like a playing card.

"We'll be in town for a bit. Call if you need anythin'."

I smiled as I thought of him before giving them both a hug. Droog grew extremely stuffed as a board while Deuce smiled and warmly hugged me back.

I watched them both leave before I started up the stairs to going into the West Wing. Chris said that he was only going to be gone for a few minutes and when he returned, a grin etched its way across his face.

"You're going to the ball with the Captain!" He said the lights in the building flickered due to the storm. I stared at him in horror.

". . . . What?"

Chris laughed. As I stared at him horrified.

"I asked the Captain since you didn't want."

"Aww, don't be like that Mouse! How could you not like Captain Wesker? He's handsome, tall and very dashing in that uniform!"

I rolled my eyes as we walked. "Admit it. You'd like to hold his hand in a storm, as he kisses the rain from your face."

Chris just smiled as we both entered the empty S.T.A.R.S office.

"It's true, you're definitely attracted to the Captain."

He looked at me as I walked to my desk and smirked.

"That's why you're blushing. If you liked him, you'd probably flirt with him."

He laughed.

"It's kind of cute, Mouse."

I rolled my eyes as I grabbed my things. Not giving him a response.

Chris was still watching me from the other side of the room with a smirk on his face. I had either a pissed-off look or the ' I'm going to punch you look.'

"The truth is hard to hide." He said as he leaned on his desk a bit as I grabbed my notebook and a few other things off of mine.

He was going to continue this till the end of our shift, till we walked out the door to go home.

"So, did you drive here today?"

Chris asked as I froze for just a moment before I started to put my raincoat on. "Yeah... Sure...."

He blinked before his eyes widened slightly. "Didn't he just scold you about this a few-"

"I'm fine! I'm a big girl who can walk home by myself!"

The rain and storm outside got worse as you two were the last two in the S.T.A.R.S. So the thunder echoed around the room. We could hear the rain hitting the roof of the building. Chris came over to my desk after he finished getting ready. He placed one hand on my desk and leaned on it, and the other over his eyes pretending to look out a window.

"Hm. Yup! That's a storm!"

I glared at him as I zipped up my coat. "Thanks, Captain Obvious. Anything else I didn't know?"

He held his hand up in defense. "You're right. You're a big girl and can walk home by yourself. I just wanna help keep you safe after what happened with your uncle Mouse." He said as I glanced up at him before looking away. He's right, it was him and Wesker who were cut off from me during the missing. They both saw me injected with something. He had a right to be worried as well. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh. "No, your right... Sorry. I wasn't thinking."

Chris was starting to say it was no problem, but he had that look on his face that said I was being too hard on myself. I placed my bag over my shoulder as he walked up to me.

"Hey, don't worry about it. I understand. He said as I glanced up at him.

The thunder rumbled through the building again. "Man.. This may be the worst one yet." Chris said as he walked over to the door. Stepping out into the hallway to glanced out the window.

"Hey, Mouse! Come check this out!" Chris yelled as I set my bag back down and walked over past the S.T.A.R.S office door to see what he was looking at. The taping of the rain grew heavier as the seconds went by. The rain was coming down so heavily you could only see the lights of the cars passing by and that was mainly it.

"I wish I would have asked Wesker to drive me home in their weather," I mumbled as I crossed my arms over my chest. Chris had a fake hurt expression on his face. "Mouse! You don't trust me to drive you home! I'm a good driver?" My thumb pointed to the window.

"You? Driving in that ok? Yeah right." "I was a pilot you know! I have flown in worse!" "Wish is why I will be driving Mouse home Redfield. And not you."

A cold voice came behind us as we both jumped. "C-Captain-" I studdered.

Wesker was standing behind us with a cold look. Like we had just interrupted something important. He glanced over at Chris and then at me before speaking in a cold and stern voice.

"Why are you looking at that window? it's not gonna stop the storm."

I brushed slightly as Chriss still had his smile on his face. "Captain. Remember when you told Mouse that you wanted her to drive her car here to work every day?"

My eyes widened as my head snapped over to Chris with a smirk on his face. Giving him a 'Don't you dare' look.

Wesker would stay still for a moment to think as the rain fell harder than before

"Fine. I will drive you home this one time Mouse. Tomorrow you will be receiving a punishment for displaying orders. And you will drive yourself to work."

He stared right at me without blinking. His glasses hide any movements of his eyes

"Redfield, I will need to speak with you about something very important before we leave."

He said as he turned and walked back into the office. "Yes sir." Chris said before glancing over to me as he called in after Wesker. Leaving me alone in the hallway.

Thankfully I wasn't left waiting til long. Both Chris and Wemse came out of the office soon. Chris smiled as he handed me my things. "Here you go Mouse." "Thanks." I said as I reached out and took my things from him. Glancing over at Wekse truth a light blush in my face. "Ready to go sir..." Chris smirked. "Have fun driving Mouse back home sir!" He said with a chuckle as he walked away from the two of us.

Wesker would notice the blush but wouldn’t comment on it. He would just stay quiet to himself.

Wesker would give Chris a cold glare as his face remained straight and still hiding his intentions and emotions as he watched Chris walk away. Wesker’s voice would remain stern and cold.

"Come now, we need to hurry the rain is getting worse we can talk on the way." He said as he would walk with me over to the main hall. I nodded as I tried to keep up with him over to the main hallway.

"If you don't mind sir... What are you still doing here." He didn't turn his head to look at me as I asked. He simply moved his hand behind his back as we walked.

"I had a meeting with the Cheif."

"This late?"

Mister Larson did say something about the chief setting meetings at unreasonable times. As we walled, the halls that were normally full of commotion were silent. "This is getting old Mouse." He would say in a stern voice but without any anger as it sounded a lot more like care than anything else. I glanced down to the ground. "Sorry sir..."

He said nothing as he gazes stayed ahead if us. "How have you been feeling? What happened in petrol tonight."

"It went fine sir."

He would pause and stop walking for a moment as he heard my response. He would keep looking forward with his stern and cold face and glasses, still hiding his eyes as he spoke.

"Now I need to talk to you about something."

He would then start walking again. "Um- yes sir?" I asked as we made our way to the front doors of the RPD. "What Is it?"

Wesker would walk a little further before stopping and turning around to face Me. His face was still cold and not showing any signs of emotion.

"My words on what I'm about to say to you is that this stays between us, Mouse."

He would then take off his black sunglasses revealing his ice blue eyes filled with a cold and stern look in his eyes a stare not of kindness. Wesker’s voice would remain stern and cold.

"We need to have a talk about who your partners are for tonight."

"Tonight?"

I asked confused as I looked up at him. "I can take care of myself sir. If this is about how my Uncle attacked me I-"

No that’s not why I want to talk about that.

*Wesker’s voice would remain stern and cold as he glanced over at me. The rain starting to fall harder.

"It’s about who you got for your assignment tonight."

His eyes are cold and it would seem that his words are not meant to come out as rude. But they still do sound that way a little.

"I’ll be your partner for your assignment tomorrow."

Wesker’s voice would now sound stern and cold but just a tad bit more friendly and soft. Wesker would turn around without waiting for me to respond.

"The rains getting worse. We should go before we're stuck here."

He would start to walk again his glasses still hiding his eyes.

My eyes widened as I quickly went after him as he made his way to his personal car. "But- Sir- I'm meant to be pared up with Berry tomorrow? Why would you want to take over for him?' I yelled as the rain almost drowned out my voice.

"I know mouse."

He would continue walking to a black SUV that looked like a police car. The rain dripped off of his sunglasses.

"That was my plan originally to have Berry be your partner."

He moved to unlock the door and open the passenger side of the car.

"Hurry and get in the rain is getting worse as we speak."

I nodded my head as I carefully got into the car. Wesker walked around the car as the rain poured down harder and harder and the thunder and lightning flashed more and more. He would climb into the driver's seat, close the door, and look over at me.

"Get your seatbelt on, now."

I nodded as I pulled the seatbelt over myself. Looking back over at him. "I didn't expect it to come down this bad..."

"Neither did I. I didn’t even think we would get more rain today."

He would turn the key in the ignition making the car start as he turned back to face forward.

"We need to hurry to get out of here.'

He would then put the car into drive as it slowly started moving and the rain continued pouring.

"It wouldn’t be the first time that has happened so I am fine with that."

They would both remain silent for a moment as Wesker would just watch the road not saying anything.

"Mouse may I ask you something?"

"Is there something going on with Chris that you know about?"

Wesker’s voice would remain stern and cold. My eyes widen as a blush grew on my face. He would look right over at me for a moment as if waiting for my answer.

I looked confused. "No sir?"

"Really nothing at all?"

Wesker’s voice would remain stern and cold. He looked right at me as he spoke.

"... Captain sir.. Are you jealous?"

"Jealous?"

Wesker’s voice would drop a little in pitch for a moment as he spoke.

"Jealous of what exactly?"

He would look right at me as he spoke and asked.

"... Of Chris... He... Did say that you fell asleep on me at the hospital."

Wesker’s eyes would remain cold and stern. I felt a shiver running down my back as I looked away from him. The rain grew louder as he slowly drove to my house. At this rate, some of the streets will be flooded till the morning. "No, I would never be jealous of him." He seemed to be thinking of something now as he stared out into the windshield of the car. He took a moment before speaking again.

"Chris has some bad qualities. He’s always had an issue with being late."

He then took a moment to turn his head back to me still staring right at myself.

"He’s also very immature sometimes."

He would say these things in a blunt manner.

"... Sir. You sound... Jealous."

"I am not Jealous."

His face would become even more stern as he spoke in a more serious and calm tone. He then turned his head back to drive the car again.

"There is nothing that I am jealous of him for." "No... Not jealous of him... jealous that he spent the night petrol with me instead of you..."

"Really mouse?"

Wesker’s voice seemed a little surprised and he stopped driving for a moment as he looked over at me. He was not mad or angry at me though his voice did seem a tad bit surprised. He then started to speak again but this time his voice seemed a little softer and more curious

"Jealous? Of spending time with you?"

He would continue to drive as he spoke still staring right at me.

"I mean, you were going to spend the petrol with me and then the chief came in."

It seemed he was beginning to see where I were heading with this.

"Well... Chris spend it with me instead of you."

Wesker stayed silent for a moment as he thought about what I was trying to say.

"You think I wanted to spend some time with you?"

Wesker’s voice would stay curious still wondering what I was trying to get at with all of this. I blushed and looked away. "N-no sir..."

"No, I see now."

He would be quiet again as he would look at the road and as his eyes scanned the surroundings.

"Are you perhaps blushing right now?"

He would turn his entire head towards me as it almost seemed he was trying to see if I was really blushing. My whole body froze as I quickly looked away. "N-no sir..."

"Are you sure Mouse? Your voice sounded just a bit high-pitched for a moment." His expression stayed curious and his eyes looked right over at me, almost as if he was trying to check if I was really blushing or not. I faced fully away from him and looked away from him. "Are you certain you are not blushing right now?." Wesker would still sound curious as I keep looking away from him. "Yes sir..."

The rain was getting worse the streets started to get flooded a little. He turned into the road leading to my apartment building.

"Mouse, I do believe you blushing. You seemed to answer back rather quickly."

"N-no, I just answered your question sir."

Wesker’s voice would get a little more curious and soft in a caring way. I glared at him from the corner of my eye before he pulled into a parking spot. The either was getting worse as the winds grew. There was no way I could let him drive back to his home in the either. This storm was getting worse. He stayed silent as he turned off the car and pulled the keys out. Wesker then got out of the car and got his umbrella out from the back of the car in order to stay dry and not completely wet as he walked towards the passenger side of the car. He opened the door as I slowly stepped out. He held it above our heads as he started to make his way to my apartment's front door. The rain dropped hard on all the buildings and the wind started to get faster. I glanced around as the rain fell down on us before looking up at Wesker.

"I stand corrected."

He then saw a sign near the elevator that said maintenance service down due to damage caused by the storm as he let out another sigh. I looked over at what he was looking at and read the sign. "I suppose you are correct." He said as I turned my head to look back at him. Water dropped off of the pieces of his hair that fell in front of his face. "The storm is getting worse, I hope you don’t mind if I take refuge in your apartment. He then looks back at the entrance door and looks at me. I blushed as I tried my best to not think about the fact that the Captain was about to spend the night in my apartment." A serious expression appears on his face. "Not a word of this to anyone."

He said as he turned and walked over to the stairs. "Y-yes sir-" I said quickly as I rushed after him. Climbing up the stairs with him. The thunder rumbled through the building as the light shined on us for a brief moment as we walked. We got to the second floor as we made our way to my door. Wesker would look back at me as I opened the apartment door and let him inside. Wesker took his shoes off and put his umbrella against the wall. He moved the fallen bits of hair

"Mouse, do you have a fresh set of clothes for me to change into? I don't want to be soaking wet while in your apartment." "Y-yeah. I have some larger clo..." I slowly paused as I saw him roll back his solders, letting his wet coat roll off of him. Reveling his blue shirt wet underneath it. Clinging to his skin he took a deep breath in. Setting his wet coat over a chair. All around him the shirt tightly cling to his skin. "I'll- go get you the clothing." I mumbled quickly as I rushed through the living room and over to my bedroom, quickly shutting the door behind me. As he waited for the dry clothing, his phone started to ring. He answers it after he takes out his phone glaring slightly at it before he answers it. "Hello." His voice sounds a bit annoyed.

"Albert, where are you? You never came back to the lab?" Willaim's voice came through the phone.

Wesker would stand up and walk over to the couch and look around the apartment as he heard William asking for him. He wasn't able to get a good look at what was around here the last time he was here.

"I am at Mouse's apartment. I have to spend the night here thanks to the storm."

Wesker heard the sound of papers rustling in the background of the phone.

"I know, I had to leave to make sure Sherry got home safely earlier. I never made it back to the lab."

William said as Wesker started to look at the photos in frames Mouse had on the wall.

"But- you're at the one who's immune to the Brass gas? You seem to be getting awfully close to her."

William teased softly as Wesker let out a small huff in annoyance.

"What did the blood samples tell you." Wesker asked William.

William sighs softly."Nothing yet. I was able to find a gene that is present in both the t and the Golgatha virus strains in her. I have yet to find a proper conclusion, however."

Wesker picked up an old photo with Mouse as a young child. Sitting in her mother's lap as her father stood next to her. Wesker took his glasses off as he stared at the man in the photo.

"But- I did find something odd." William began.

"Her DNA matches a woman by the name of Salko Olena Okhotnik. It's clear that someone tried to hide it. But her is almost the exact same as hers. Too much for a mother-daughter DNA."

"William, did you ever hear of a doctor known as Docter Rolf Buchtel."

"Rolf Buchtel? The name sounds familiar. He was the man that made the Pesimis Disease right?"

"Yes."

Wesker said as he slowly set the photo back down on the end table.

"He was a doctor that lived in Russia that Umbrella tried to hire. But he refused each time, rumor had it that his mansion was burned down to the ground. Along with his notes and research."

"Where are you going with this Albert?"

William asked.

"I believe he did have a wife and child did he not?" Wesker said as he glanced over to Mouse's door.

"Yes, he had a wife and child, I believe the wife passed away when the child was young though. Are you suggesting that we're supposed to believe that this Docter Rolf Buchtel, whom Umbrella tried to hire and failed. Had a child who has the exact same DNA as her mother? But with no direct link to either mother or father?"

Wesker took a few steps around the room. "It could have been an affair, but that wouldn't explain the odd similarities to DNA between the supposed mother and the daughter." William went on.

"You said in her gene there are presents of both the t and the Golgatha virus strains in her." Wesker asked.

"Yes, you heard that correctly."

William pauses briefly, thinking about how that could even be possible. "This case is getting crazier by the minute." William mumbled.

"Are there any other virus strains present in her." Wesker said as he unbuttoned a few of the buttons on his wet shirt. "No, none that I have detected."

William pauses as he thought.

"It appears as if her entire genetic code has been heavily manipulated, I am amazed that she is even alive."

William pauses again "What am I saying she is alive with no negative side effects. This could be the key to advancing our research."

Wesker pauses, glancing over to Mouse's door, which was shut. This was curious, Wesker could hear faint sounds coming from them.

"I won't be able to find out more till I can get back to my la-"

William's voice was cut off as Wesker could hear him move away from the phone.

"Dad... I-I can't sleep." Wesker could barely hear Sherry's voice coming through the phone. He heard William turn his chair a bit to face his daughter.

"Is the storm keeping you awake Sherry?"

"Yeah.." Her voice could be softly heard.

"Give Daddy a few more minutes and I'll come tuck you in again. Daddy just had to call Uncle Al to make sure he was ok."

"Okay... H-hi Uncle Al."

The smallest smile appeared on Wesker's face as he closed his eyes.

"Hello Sherry, I won't keep you father for long. I'm sure your mother is already upset about him staying up this late."

He could tell that William sent him a small glare through the phone. William sighs softly, still on the phone with Wesker as Sherry looks over at him. "I'll send you what I found out tomorrow Albert." Wesker nods as puts his sunglasses back on his face.

"I assume you already know not to tell a soul about this."

"I know Albert." William huffed.

"Okay... Well, goodnight Uncle Al." He heard Sherry said. William sighed softly "Yes... Goodnight Albert."

"Dad, could you tuck me in like before please?" Sherry asked.

"Of course sweetheart... Good night again, Albert " William said as Wesker nods. "Good night William, Sherry."

He said before he heard William hang up the phone.

"Sorry to keep you waiting sir!"

I said as I quickly brought him a fresh change of clothing.

"Thank you, Mouse."

Wesker said as he took the clothing from my hands.

"Y-you can change in the bathroom sir."

I mumbled as I stepped aside so Wesker could walk past me. He nodded as I took one last glance at the wet shirt sticking to him.

I blushed nervously as he stopped just in front of the bathroom door. Wesker chuckles softly. "I promise I’ll close the door as I change so you don’t have to worry about being embarrassed." He said as he opened the bathroom door.

"I'll only be a moment or a couple of minutes so I can change out of my soaking wet clothes. As well as drying myself off." I blushed as I nodded my head as he entered the bathroom.

Wesker entered the bathroom and started to change into the clothes. He dried himself using the bathroom towel to get rid of all the excess water on him and he then finally stepped out of the bathroom wearing his fresh black clothes. He put his black sunglasses back on, but his hair was still wet and dripping a little bit as he turned the handle of the bathroom door he looked over at me.

Wesker looked at Mouse "Yu don't happen to have a hair dryer in your apartment do you Mouse?" I nervously smiled as I nodded my head. "Yeah, but it broke a few days ago... Sorry sir."

Wesker waved his hand. "It's fine Mouse. I'll let it air dry." He said as he moved the few stubborn bangs back in place. "Sorry sir..."

He shook his head "It's fine Mouse. I understand." After he was done moving his bangs back into place he looked around for the second time. He turned to face me as he took his sunglasses off.

"You know. I have been wondering. Why was the nickname Mouse given to you? Is there a story about how you got the nickname?" He glanced down at me as he sat down on the couch. "It's what my old teammates would call me. I was the shortest in the group and could sneak into places easily, hence the nickname Mouse."

Wesker nodded his head "Ah that makes sense. Very creative and your old teammates huh" Wesker took his time to think about his next question. He decided to change the topic to her old teammates. He wanted to know more about them. Even though from the Umbrella report, he knew what happened to them.

"So who were these teammates who came up with the nickname Mouse for you? If you don't mind my asking."

I took my jacket off as I went to hang it out for another chair like Wesker had done. "I was assigned to a team tasked with dealing with the situation that happened overseas. There were 7 of us." I said before I let out a yawn. I grabbed some pillows and blankets for Wesker to use. "Would you like to use my b-bed or the couch?"

"The couch is fine, I don't think you're ready for a man in your own bed yet Mouse."

Wesker said with a slight smirk. I could feel my face turn bright red as he took the items from my hands as he stands up.

"Was... Was that a joke sir?'

He hummed as he placed the pillow and blankets down on the couch. Glancing around before walking over to the kitchen/dining room to turn off the living room lights.

"I... Don't believe I ever heard you try to tell a joke before sir..."

"You still haven't Mouse."

He said before turning the lights off.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 𝘖𝘴 𝘪𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘮, 𝘌𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢 𝘦𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘶𝘮.

𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘳 𝘲𝘶𝘪 𝘴𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘮, 𝘘𝘶𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘮 𝘤𝘶𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘮 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘦.

𝘒𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘦, 𝘧𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘒𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘦, 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯

#albert wesker #yellow wrote #albert wesker x reader #wesker x reader #resident evil x you #wesker x you #reader insert #resident evil #wesker #residentevil1 #S.T.A.R.S #S.T.A.R.S Wesker #S.T.A.R.S Wesker x reader #S.T.A.R.S Wesker x you #-Hidden Immunity #chapter eight

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criminalmindsgonewrong · 6 months

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coffee at midnight

a hotchniss fanfiction

chapter eight: Dark Room

Hotch learns what it really means to have a woman around the house again.

Read on ao3

join my taglist

taglist: @hopefulfangirl24 @thebejeweledwatercat @platypus-whit-boots @luhwithah @cvtsbutcut3 @acethet1c-blog @ccmattis-22 @duchessas @lucreziabeha @scorpiofangirl1109 @natasha-barton @lil-koala @themetaphorgirl @sequinsmile-x @emobabeyy @my-mummy-dust @section-chief-prentiss @psychicmuffinpandasludge @loriprentiss @unauthorizedaaronhotchner @smollro @dontemilyyyyme @daffodil-heart @hctchniss

#criminal minds #criminal minds gone wrong #emily prentiss #aaron hotchner #hotchniss #coffee at midnight #chapter eight #Dark Room #CaM

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everyonezgirlfriend · 20 days

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REDAMANCY - eight

BLAIR'S POV - October 20th, 2007

I was sat in the passenger seat of Toby's car, driving to school. He seemed a little frustrated at something, and I debated back in forth in my head whether I should ask what was bothering him. I didn't end up having to, as he was the first to bring it up.

"Are you, like, ever gonna be ready for sex?" He asked.

"Woah, Toby, weird question for eight in the morning."

"But are you? We've been together since freshman year, I'm probably the only guy in our school not getting fucked. I'm almost eighteen, I don't know how I feel about being an adult virgin."

I sighed. "It's not that I'm not ready, Toby, I just- I don't know. I don't think you initiate it at the best times."

"What do you mean? Everytime I initiate it it's perfect, no parents home, intimate, loving."

"You're acting like you get no action. I blow you, like, all the time."

"It's just not enough anymore."

We pulled up to school and began walking to home room. "We'll talk about this later, Tony, now's not really the time."

｡.｡:+* ﾟ゜ﾟ *+:｡.｡:+* ﾟ゜ﾟ *+:｡.｡.｡:+*ﾟ゜ﾟ *+:｡.｡:

BILL'S POV - October 21st, 2007

I sat down next to Tom and our friends Felix and Dan. Usually, Toby would sit with Blair, but he was sat at his friends' table today, right next to ours. I couldn't help but listen in to their conversation. One of the guys was talking about a hook up he'd had last night.

"Toby wishes he could relate," he said. Toby scoffed, "How long's it been? Four years and the most you've done to her is finger her? Bet she hasn't even blown you."

"She has," Toby said, "Not that my sex life is any of your business."

"What sex life? You're a virgin."

Tony rolled his eyes. "I'm not."

"So you've fucked Blair?"

"Not Blair."

"Wait," another friend spoke up, "But you've been with Blair since freshman year. You're telling us you were thirteen and fucking?"

"No."

"Toby."

"You can't make fun of me for being a virgin then get mad at me for doing something about it!"

"I wasn't making fun of you."

The first friend spoke again. "I was. And I'm not judging you. Honestly, respect. Don't let your girlfriend stop you from getting fucked, man. It's her own fault for not giving out, she should've by now. What is she? A nun?"

"Exactly. And it’s not like I do it a lot. Like I said, I get some action from her sometimes, I just go to someone else when I really need it."

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Blair was being cheated on? Did I tell her? It’s not like I cared about her, but no one deserves to be cheated on, that hurts.

I was thinking about how to tell her, and whether I should wait until our tutoring session or text her right now. Tom’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Earth to Bill," he said, waving his hand in front of my face.

"Sorry," I said, "Got distracted. Do you hear what those guys are saying about Blair?"

"That’s exactly what we’ve just been talking about," Felix said.

"Are you gonna tell her?" Dan asked.

I nodded. "Mhm. Just need to figure out how to break the news."

PREVIOUS CHAPTER HERE

NEXT CHAPTER HERE

#fanfics #fanfic #fanfiction #bill kaulitz #tokio hotel #love #romance #enemies to lovers #smut #fluff #angst #singer #band #german #germany #chapter eight

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pendingfeels · 2 months

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The Mandalorian—

1.08 CHAPTER 8: REDEMPTION

#edit #edits #the mandalorian #pedro pascal #baby grogu #din grogu #grogu #grogu djarin #din djarin #djarin #mandalorian #mando #ig 11 #clone troopers #chapter eight #1.08

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evanesdust · 4 months

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you and i remain the same (WIP update - chapter eight posted!)

cowritten with @sterekbros for the @sterekeverlasting's winter edition

Rating: Explicit Additional Tags: Fix-It of Sorts, Mpreg, Getting Together, Fluff and Smut, Light Angst, Idiots in Love, Lydia Martin & Stiles Stilinski Friendship, Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski are Eli Hale's Parents, Top/Bottom Versatile Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, Mates Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, Explicit Sexual Content, Barebacking, Knotting, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Mentioned Past Relationships

Summary:

Stiles rolled over onto his side and reached out to turn off the lamp on his nightstand, leaving the room in darkness as he settled back in bed. “Promise me I won’t see you in two days…” Derek didn’t answer for a while, and when he did, he spoke quietly—almost a whisper. “I can’t do that. You know I can’t do that.” Stiles took a deep breath and let it out slowly, wiping at his face and closing his eyes. “I’ll see you in two days then, Derek.” If Derek was going to get himself killed, Stiles promised himself he’d be there to try and stop it. Whatever it took. “Be ready.” “Stiles…” The way Derek said his name was almost pained. “Please be careful. I— Just be careful, okay?” “You know me,” Stiles replied, unsure what else he could say. *** aka what really happened after the raid and how they lived happily ever after.

#sterek #WIP #you and i remain the same #chapter eight #sterekeverlasting #fanzine #holy shit i wrote something

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ericshoney · 8 months

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The Mafia Boss ~ Chapter eight

Heeseung's POV

As I drove home, Y/n's words ring clearly in my head. She knew deep down that I now have her address saved in my phone. When I pull up in the driveway, I see Sunghoon's car back. I park up and head inside, heading to the living room. I walk in to see Beatrix and the guys, minus Sunghoon and Jay.

"So he's home, where is he?" I ask.

"Training room with Jay. Warning, he's pissed." Jake answers.

I nodded and went down to the training room. I could hear Jay groaning from the door. As I walk in, I see him lying on the floor, breathing hard.

"I think he's had enough, Hoon." I call from the doorway.

I see Sunghoon standing in the corner in the dark, to the untrained eye, you wouldn't have seen him. Sunghoon steps forward into the light, a dark glint in his eyes.

"Jay go shower and rest up." I tell Jay, as he struggles to his feet.

"Who said you could give him instructions? I'm the boss." Sunghoon said.

"I'm the oldest and unless you want Jay out of action for the week, you let him go rest now." I respond. Sunghoon looks at me and nods. Jay heads off slowly to his room as I look at Sunghoon.

"Really, playing the oldest card?" Sunghoon mutters as he sits on the bench. I sigh and sit next to him.

"Said the one who pulled the boss card." I reply. He looks down at his boots.

"Talk to me, Hoon." I tell him softly.

"What's there to say? Jay bought my ex-girlfriend back, who I still love deeply, but sent me off to a fake meeting." He tells me.

"Hoon, I get your feeling a lot of emotions. All mixed together. Anger, sadness, fear. But, taking that out on us, isn't doing anyone any good." I respond. Sunghoon sighs, holding his head.

"I-I know. I need another drink." He mumbles.

"How many did you have when you left?" I ask.

"Three. I thought if I had more, the road would be blurry and I wouldn't make it home." He answers.

"I have Y/n's address saved in my phone." I mention.

"Congratulations." Sunghoon mutters sarcastically. I hit his shoulder.

"I was going to say, if you wanted it, I could swing by, do some sweet talking and get her to talk to you and you only." I tell him.

"Alright, you can go tomorrow." He agrees. I smile.

"Was going to anyways. I can take Bea too." I said, but Sunghoon shouts.

"No! Your not taking Bea out this house!" He shouts. I place my hand on his shoulder.

"She would be safe with me." I tell him.

"No, Bea stays here." He responds. I sigh and nod, knowing its best not to argue when he's in this mood.

"Alright, she stays here and I'll go see Y/n tomorrow." I said, he nods and gets up, leaving me alone in the practise room. I sigh and hope that I can bring Y/n back so the old Sunghoon comes back.

#kpop #kpop fanfic #kpop au #mafia #enhypen #enhypen au #enhypen fanfic #sunghoon #park sunghoon #mafia sunghoon #xreader #female reader #ocs #chapter eight

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yahoo201027 · 3 days

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Day in Fandom History: April 23…

When hoping to find some answers to close the breach deep in space, Nightfall (Future Quinn) takes Gary and the rest of the Galaxy One crew to meet a Titan named Bolo to find the answers that they need. “Chapter Eight” premiered on this day, 6 Years Ago.

#Day in Fandom History #6 Years Ago #Final Space #Season 1 #Episode 8 #Chapter Eight #Cartoon #Animation

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madwomansapologist · 4 months

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notes on Flies and Spiders

Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Fili, Kili, Bombur, Bifur, Bofur, Dwalin, Balin, Thorin Oakenshield (Bilbo!). — The Hobbit, Chapter 8.

That's my favorite chapter so far. If you have the HarperCollins' pocket edition please open at the page 148. It's my favorite page on this book.

I keep on being surprised by how funny this book is. Those characters are going through the worst time of their lifes and here I am, giggling my fucking ass off. 10/10.

Bombur just needs some vacation. Let the man rest. I am so sad for him, everytime a different shit is throw at his face.

Bilbo will never stop being the best main character to ever be written. This man did everything to save his friends, even when no one respected him. He was so brave, and so smart. I feel like I'm seeing my baby growing.

Also the way he went "we are the flies they are trying to catch" is just... man i love you.

The way Tolkien wrote about elves just gets me all emotional. The "but they are elves, so they are good." I'M CRYING MAN STOP.

Thranduil my baby he didn't even wrote your name but I love you.

One thing that was making me a bit disappointed was how meh Thorin was. While in the movies he is such a complex character (bagginshield for life), in the book he was just in the background. And within two different scenes this chapter made him shine.

First is his reaction for Bombur's dream. That man was so hungry, he literally went "fuck you and your dreams about food, how do you dare wake up just to make me envy u? know what: walk bitch. i don't fucking care if you are hurt. you shouldn't have reminded me that i am hungry."

And his exchange with Thranduil was brilliant. Go read it. It's fantastic. Giggled my ass off once again.

Best chapter!!!

#thorin oakenshield #the hobbit #tolkien #reading the hobbit #j. r. r. tolkien #chapter eight #thranduil #bilbo baggins #bombur #bagginshield

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mollymarymarie · 1 year

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Bird Set Free

Chapter Eight - I'm In Love With You

“Welcome back to coverage of the World Figure Skating Championships. If you’re just tuning in, you, like many others, have probably been paying close attention to our next skater, Welsh sensation and British Championship gold medalist, Remus Lupin.”

Read Chapter Eight on Ao3.

#Bird Set Free #Chapter Eight #Final Chapter!#I'm in Love with You #The 1975 #Wolfstar AU #yuri on ice AU #Remus x Sirius

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night-market-if · 1 year

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Chapter Eight Early Access

Chapter eight is now up for early access on my Patreon. Please be warned that this one is a bit darker in content. If body modification or body horror upsets you, please read with caution.

With this update, more spelling and grammar mistakes have been corrected along with a game breaking bug in chapter seven concerning a mirror.

🪷✨🪷✨ If you want to support me 🪷 ✨🪷✨

Demo 🌿 Patreon 🌿 Ko-fi

#the night market #early access #patreon #chapter eight #twine wip #twine if #belladonna malady #milo next #gabriel caine #hazel albright

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make-me-imagine · 1 year

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Hearts Divided: Chapter Eight - Secrets Unraveled

Chapter Description: After one last secret meeting with Benedict, Y/n learns of the information he discovered about Edmund's discovery. With one last attempt at saving their future, Y/n finally discovers their father's long hidden secret.

Chapter Seven: 'Fate Unknown' Chapter Nine (Final): Coming Soon

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x GN!Reader

Warnings: Nothing really, except one kiss

Words: 2.3k

With your note clenched tightly in his hand, Benedict marched down the corridors of his family's home. His chest burned with a determination he had never felt before. Bursting into Anthony's office, he stared his brother down.

Anthony jumped slightly at the sudden intrusion. His annoyance died when he saw the look on Benedict's face. "What is it brother?" He asked with concern.

"I need your help." Benedict began as he approached "Where are father's old journals?"

Anthony frowned, confused. "Uhm, I'm not sure, why do you need them?"

Benedict set your letter on the table "Y/n. Sir L/n, let it slip that father found something out about Sir L/n, which lead to their fallout. You know father, he wrote everything down. Perhaps it is in one of his journals."

Anthony let out a sigh "You know mother packed them away in her grief."

"But do you know where they are?"

"He does not."

Benedict turned at the sound of his mothers voice. She stared at him from the doorway with a pensive look.

"I could not bring myself to read Edmund's journals after he died. But if there is something in those journals that could save Y/n from this fate, I will."

Benedict marched up to her, placing his hands on hers "Thank you mother."

She smiled softly. "Of course darling. And, there is something else you must know."

"What is it?"

"I just heard word, that the L/n's are to be at the ball tonight." Benedict's chest tightened. "Y/n is to be there, I believe with Sir Colton."

Benedict shook his head with a sigh "We're running out of time."

She gripped his hand "Then we must hurry. Come." Turning to leave, Benedict spared a look at Anthony before he followed her, his chest tight with anxiety and hope.

--- --- ---

"I didn't realize there were so many." Benedict groaned as he flipped through the seventh journal.

Violet sighed "Yes, your father certainly did enjoy the written word."

Benedict looked at the nearby clock, the ball was growing closer and closer, and they had yet to find anything. Just as he had begun to grow desperate, Violet stood up.

"Here, here! This was from the year the L/n's left London."

Benedict, quickly joining her, flipped through the journal, his eyes scanning every date.

"There, this was written three days before Sir L/N and your fathers fight." Violet said as she pointed at a single entry.

'I discovered something rather alarming. I must discuss this with Charles. I cannot believe he would risk his reputation and family on this. I must believe this information is wrong.'

"What does this say?" Benedict asked as he ran his finger over a marked out passage, unable to make it out.

Violet brought the journal to the light as she squinted, trying desperately to read it "War- Warwick- something."

"Warwickshire?" Benedict asked.

"Perhaps. There's something else, a name I think. 'Barlowe'." Violet looked up as she thought for a moment. "There was a family, rather wealthy and high up in the Queen's favor by the name of Barlowe I believe. They left London a few years after the L/n's"

Benedict met her eyes as he nodded his head "It must have something to do with them then. Maybe he scammed them out of money or something?"

Violet let out a soft breath "Maybe. I wish I could reach the rest, but it's illegible."

As the clock chimed, Benedict frowned "I hope it's enough, maybe Y/n will be able to find out more. I must find a way to get Y/n alone tonight."

Violet nodded as she clutched the journal tightly "We'll find a way darling. But you must be careful, you could very easily make the situation worse, you must not get caught."

Your heart was hammering violently in your chest as your carriage stopped at the entrance. You knew your father was using this ball as an occasion for you and Sir Colton to be seen in public together. But you had every intention of finding a way to speak with Benedict.

It would be very hard for you to get a moment alone, especially after the warnings your father gave you to stay away from the Bridgerton's. His eyes would be on you most, if not all of the night. But you were determined.

As Sir Colton escorted you into the ball, you kept your face blank having no intention of showing joy in Sir Colton's company. The whispers started soon after your arrival, much to your fathers annoyance. No one believed your courting with Sir Colton was your choice, and you wanted it to stay that way.

Your eyes scanned the room, pausing on Eloise, and then Collin, and finally Anthony and Benedict. When yours and Benedict's eyes locked, you felt your chest swell with various emotion.

Previously, you had been convinced that you might never set eyes on Benedict again. Now, as you did, he was so close, yet so far away. With your arm linked through that of another's to whom you were promised against our own will, you felt as though you could break down into tears.

His eyes were filled with various emotion, jealousy, anger, longing, love, and determination that had been sparked in both of you.

The slight nod of is head told you he knew something. Perhaps something that could unravel the mystery of your families all-out, something that could save you.

Forcing yourself to look away from him before your father noticed, you swallowed the lump in your throat. Your mind was racing with excuses you could use to slip away for a moment. Your moment did not come until an hour into the ball, when both your father and Sir Colton were cornered by various associates. Once they started to animatedly talk about business, you knew you had found your moment.

Telling your mother you needed to use the rest-room, you slipped away. Your eyes locked onto Benedict's, and you saw the realization in his eyes as you exited the ballroom.

Patting his brother's arm, Anthony nodded, and watched your father and Sir Colton closely as Benedict slipped out, smiling and nodding to those around him, as to not seem suspicious.

Slipping into a dark room down the hall, you listened closely at the door for Benedict's footsteps.

As they grew closer, you softly knocked on the door to alert him of your location. As the door opened and he slipped in, there was only a brief moment when your eyes met before he pulled you into his arms.

Pulling away from you, he placed his hands on either side of your face before he pulled you into a deep and meaningful kiss. Your chest filled with joy and grief as you feared this would be that last time you shared any moment of intimacy with Benedict.

"God I missed you." He whispered as you pull away from each other.

You gently caressed his face and smiled, a sad smile that told him you felt the same.

Hearing the sound of excited conversation nearby, Benedict was reminded of your situation.

Reaching down, he grabbed your hand and lead you further into the room "I discovered something in my fathers old journals in regards to what happened with your father."

You felt your heat jolt at this "What was it?"

You watched as he pulled a journal from his breast-coat pocket. Flipping through the pages, he handed it to you. Reading over the passage and looking closely at the crossed out words you frowned.

"We believe it says Warwickshire and Barlowe. Mother says there was a family called Barlowe in London at the time."

"Yes, I remember that name. My father would often leave on business trips with a Barlowe."

"Do you think you could find out more?"

You shook your head with uncertainty "My father has journals as well, but they are no longer here in London. I do not know if there would be anything in his current journals in his study here, but if there is even a slight chance there is something, I must look for it."

"What if he catches you?"

You let out a soft and scornful laugh "What else could he do to me?"

Benedict closed his eyes with a sigh as he gently held your hand close to his chest. "I meant what I said in my letter. If we cannot find a way to break this agreement, I will run away with you if you want. Anywhere you want to go."

You smiled sadly at him, reaching up you cupped his face "Do you think I would let you do that to yourself and your family?"

He smiled sadly and shook his head, opening his mouth, he was unable to speak as you heard your fathers voice calling your name in the hall. You and Benedict stared at each other in alarm.

Giving him back the journal and pushing him towards a closet, you ushered him to hide as you ran to the window.

A moment later the door opened and your father entered. His eyes scanned the room before they landed on you as you stood at the window, face blank of emotion.

"I'm sorry father, I just wished to have a moment alone." You said casually as you walked through the room towards him.

Your father eyed you suspiciously before he took your elbow in his hand and lead you from the room "Sir Colton wishes to dance."

You felt your stomach twist as you left the room, you refused to spare a single glance back towards where Benedict hid, as your heart ached in your chest.

You listened closely as the house remained quiet as you made your way towards your fathers study.

You had managed to convince your father to let you leave early, when he and Sir Colton joined the other male company for drinks and card games for the rest of the night.

You hated that you did not get to say goodbye to Benedict. Only able to spare a parting look to him and his family as you left the ball.

But you needed this chance to search for something, anything on the Barlowe family of what happened in Warwickshire. You would look for his accounting books, through his journals and letters.

Closing his study door behind you, you quickly got to work. You searched through the drawers, flipped through his journals, his accounting books, but found nothing.

After what felt like forever, you sat in his chair, placing your head in your hands, as your eyes grew wet with tears. Doubt and disappointment reigned over you.

Jumping at the sound of your fathers study door opening, you looked up with alarm. Seeing your mother standing in the doorway, you froze, remaining silent.

After a moment she spoke "I thought it odd you wished to leave so early without a chance to see Benedict. I decided to return early as well to check on you." Her voice was calm, yet held something uncertain behind it.

You cleared your throat lightly "I no longer wanted to be flounced around with Sir Colton like a prize won at auction."

You mother adjusted herself in discomfort before she closed the door behind her. "What are you doing in here?"

Remaining silent for a moment, you felt your chest tightening with anxiety. If anyone could help you find anything on the Barlowe's, it would be her. But you feared she would betray you to your father again.

Finally, after a moment, you spoke slowly uncertain "I found something out. About what may have happened between father and Sir Bridgerton. I wanted to see if I could find anything in here to confirm it."

She watched you for a moment before stepping further in. "What was it you discovered?" You could hear the restraint in her voice, she too had been wanting to know what happened for years.

"It had to do with the Barlowe family, and something about Warwickshire."

You saw your mother's eyes widen slightly at the mention of the Barlow name. Turning away from you she stared down at her feet as she paced a little.

"Mother?" You asked after a moment.

Looking back at you she let out a soft sigh. "I remember the Barlowe's. William Barlowe was a business partner of your fathers. And his wife, Marianne, beautiful woman. Her and your father had been friends since they were children."

You frowned at the tone of her voice. Watching as your mother let out a frustrated sigh before she made her way towards the desk.

"All this time I wondered if it was true."

"If what was true?" You asked as anticipation grew.

Your mother reached into a drawer, before fiddling around. After a moment she pulled out a single key that had been taped to the roof of the drawer.

"But I refused to acknowledge it, for fear of ruining our family." Watching as she walked over to your fathers safe, you rose, watching her unlock it.

As she rifled through it, she pulled out a bundle of letters. She met your eyes as her voice grew softer. "You do not deserve the fate your father is trying to force on you."

You locked eyes with her for a moment, and for the first time in a long time, you saw a familiar motherly gaze staring back at you.

As she pulled out a letter and began to open it, you moved to her side and read over her shoulders.

Reading through the letter, and then another, and another, much became clear quickly.

Surprise, alarm, and hope rose through you as you finally understood what Sir Bridgerton had learned all those years ago. You finally understood what it was your father was so afraid of the world finding out.

xx End xx

Cliff-hanger!~ The final chapter will reveal all, and will hopefully be out soon!

General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @caswinchester2000, @imaginesfire, @onuen, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry

Bridgerton/Benedict Taglist: @magravenwrites, @fandomfoodiedancer, @girl-next-door-writes, @savagejane1, @flourishandblotts-inc, @nikirennie87, @theonewithallthemilkshakes, @rach2602, @marrianena, @ambitionspassionscoffee, @tinymushrooms, @persephonesportal, @winnifredburkleismyhero, @soultrysworld, @creativitybeware, @j18284

Story Taglist: @belloangelus, @mysticallis, @olixerwxxd, @wotcherboo, @ambitionspassionscoffee

#Benedict Bridgerton #Bridgerton #Hearts Divided #Chapter Eight #Benedict Bridgerton story #bridgerton story #benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict bridgerton x gn!reader #benedict bridgerton imagine #benedict bridgerton/reader #bridgerton oneshot #bridgerton x reader #bridgerton fic #fic #story #bridgerton reader insert #benedict bridgerton x y/n

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balshumetsbaragouin · 4 months

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Hip Hip Hurrah for the first chapter of 2024! This one starts off with a bang as Danny finds himself fighting off a large metallic adversary while feeling miserable.

The update for Saturday is on schedule, so expect to see it then.

Still not convinced you want to read? Have a sample below!

The morning of All Hallow’s Eve crept up on him, the march until the end of the month slowed by the pain marring his every waking moment. The ticks of time on the clock stuttered to a miserable snail’s pace, as every beat of his heart left a throb of answering agony somewhere in his body. The headache, that he’d given up medicating away three days back, curled around his skull pinging from one area to another to dig its nails into his lobes, but never abating. He’d thrown up all night, head hovering over the bowl just out of splash back range, tears in his eyes as each heave intensified the pounding in his skull. His muscles felt like they’d torn, shredded by his ghost fighting activities or too much movement in human form. He regretted the couple rounds of Dance, Dance, Revival he’d done with his friends, everything below his waist a mess of knotted muscle and burning nerves.

It was Monday. He had school . The thought of doing more than wiggling his toes and breathing brought a sense of pervasive doom. Maybe I’ll die the rest of the way and be freed from this suffering. He grunted, pushing away the thought, as he forced himself to roll over and look at the clock. It read ninety minutes before his usual alarm, so he had time to get it together and make it through the day. He took a deep, careful breath and let himself drift down onto the surface of the sheets, taking in what still ached where. Headache, legs are killing me, I’m freezing, and it feels like my bones are on fire. The last two caught his attention, reminding him of the last time he’d had a fever.

He forced himself out of bed, shuffling into the bathroom to grab the thermometer and shoved it under his tongue. He’d leaned against the sink in the dark, and waited for the shrill beep of the device. 99.3. He was almost normal human temperature. He was boiling. Fuck. I shouldn’t go to school with a fever. Hell, maybe I should start taking this more seriously and head to Frostbite for treatment? He panted into the dark interior of the bathroom, wrestling with his options in the early morning silence. He didn’t have time to sneak there before school, and if he skipped, his parents would ground him until next year. He could tell them he was feeling ill, he did even have a fever. But then, they’d want to run tests and— He worked his way through the dark to his room, and returned with some extra shower things. He was going to take a bath and soak out the pain. Then, it was breakfast and school. Then the evening’s patrol. He just needed a slower start. It was fine.

#Danny Phantom #Danny Phantom Fanfiction #Phandom #Passion and Plasmatic Plague #PaPP #Balshumet's Baragouin #balshumet's fanfiction #Chapter Eight

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redux-iterum · 1 year

Text

Burning Hearts: Chapter Eight

(AO3 counterpart here.)

The weather taunted the territories, showing glimpses of the sky above the clouds and granting a hint of warmth before rain suddenly pummeled through the trees, whose leaves were turning brown and being bullied to flutter to the ground by the downpour. Everywhere Fireheart walked, his pawsteps made noise, either crunching a leaf or plopping into soggy soil. As ever, he was determined to keep up a good mood. The chill and wet eagerly met this challenge and threw all they had at him, until he went to bed several nights in a row muddy and shivering.

At last, though, the clouds parted in the daylight and Horoa’s eye beamed with all its power down on the earth. By the time Fireheart woke up, the sandy floor of camp had dried considerably and even warmed up a little; not completely, but enough that the difference was a comfort.

Fireheart didn’t stick around for anyone to give him an order. He just slipped out of camp and started for the Houses, tail high for the relative dryness of the forest. Maybe the animals of the Houses would be out in the open tonight, also celebrating the pause in the rain? He could hope. They had been harder to find in the ongoing storm.

Something crunched up ahead, beyond a cluster of brambles. Fireheart was startled only for as long as it took him to sniff the air. It was Greystripe, and by the sound of under-breath growling, he had just missed a catch. Fireheart went around the brambles, finding Greystripe glaring at a hole between the roots of a tree.

“Bad luck?” Fireheart inquired.

Greystripe jumped and looked round wildly, only relaxing when he recognized his friend. “Oh, hey. Just on this one. I got lucky in the Houses with some prey already.”

“You started early, then.” Fireheart came up to stand next to Greystripe, sniffing him over. “And luckily, you don’t have anything on you. Just… squirrel, right?”

“Yeah, two squirrels.” Greystripe flicked his tail to the side. “Got ‘em hidden so I could catch a third, but I stepped on a twig.”

“That’s still pretty good for you,” Fireheart said.

Greystripe gave him a sardonic look. “Yeah, well, I hear you do better in the Houses. Mosspelt was saying you’ve brought more stuff than it seems like you can carry.”

Fireheart flattened his ears in embarrassment. “Just the one time.”

“Still good.” Greystripe looked where he had flicked his tail to and huffed a sigh. “Well, we might as well just bring these. Silverstream said we shouldn’t push it too hard if we don’t want to get caught.”

“Are they figuring out how to hunt on land yet?” Fireheart asked as he followed along around the brambles again, where the pair of squirrels were waiting.

Greystripe picked up one by the tail and tilted his head in a half-nod. “Think so. Hope so. We’ll see. Come on.”

Taking the other squirrel, Fireheart followed Greystripe at a choppy trot. To his relief, they met no other cats on their walk. They still kept up their pace and looked around carefully whenever there was a sudden noise, be it from the trees or the ground.

When they reached the border, the pair peered out into Sunningrocks’ flat, stony landscape and paused in surprise. A group of patched cats were lounging atop a slab of rock and chatting between themselves. Fireheart recognized Silverstream, but the others were unfamiliar. There was a black-and-white tom, and two tortoiseshell-and-white mollies, one grey, one brown. Greystripe was right—now their faces were a little more gaunt than usual, and their fur didn’t shine as much. Though, fairly, the moon was barely open right now, so—

“Hey!” Greystripe called, tossing his squirrel over the border and looking expectantly at Fireheart. The ginger tom jolted and did the same, just as Silverstream jumped down from the rock and padded up to the ThunderClan warriors.

“Well, well!” She looked between them, chest puffed out. “Look at our favorite boys, hard at work hunting for us. Not much of a haul tonight, eh?”

“Er—” started Fireheart, and “Well—” started Greystripe, but Silverstream chuffed and shook her head.

“I’m teasing you, lads,” she said. “We’re thankful for everything you give us.” She looked back at her friends and called, “Aren’t we?”

The remaining cats gave a round of, "Aye!"

“And it’s a mighty fine treat to see you,” Silverstream continued, bumping Greystripe's shoulder with her head. “Here, come along and sit with us for a spell. My Clanmates would love to meet our saviors.”

Fireheart and Greystripe exchanged hesitant looks, but the grey tortoiseshell called, “Yes, come! You’re welcome here, for as long as Leoparddawn doesn’t find us.”

At this, the boys slowly followed along after Silverstream as she turned and trotted back for the rock, leaping up on it with an inelegance that reminded Fireheart of his old friend back in the Houses. He decided to keep that to himself, though, as he and Greystripe jumped up after her with significantly more ease.

“Introductions!” Silverstream sat down and gestured with a paw to the tom. “This is Privetclaw, and Pansyheart—” the grey tortoiseshell nodded enthusiastically “—and Mosspelt.” The brown tortoiseshell waved her tail. “Fellow swimmers, may I present Greystripe and Fireheart.”

“Good evening,” Fireheart said automatically. “It’s nice to meet you all.”

Mosspelt looked Fireheart up and down, her eyes wide. “Ohhh, it’s you!”

Fireheart blinked stupidly. “Sorry?”

Mosspelt snorted and turned to Pansyheart. “That’s the one who tried to talk his way out of fighting me that one time.”

Pansyheart trilled, eyes shut with delight. “Ah, and now we finally meet him!” She barely opened her eyes enough to peer at Fireheart. “She’s told everyone that story. You’re hilarious!”

“What did you say again?” Privetclaw gave him a cheeky squint. “Something about how stupid Sunningrocks is?”

Fireheart had to take a second, confused until he pulled up the memory of his first ever battle. “Oh– that. Yes. I, uh, I think the fight over this land is pretty dumb.”

“He complains about it a lot,” Greystripe said in a jokingly conspiratorial whisper.

“Well, you aren’t alone there, my kittypet friend,” Pansyheart said. “I’ve never liked the tussle myself. But you know these Clans. We’ll be fighting until the end of time. If it’s not for Sunningrocks, it’ll be for something else.”

Mosspelt yawned in a somehow amused way. “They say we’ve fought before we were even called ‘Clans’. It’ll never change.”

Fireheart tilted his head. “How long have the Clans been around, then, exactly?”

“Oh, no one knows exactly.” Pansyheart’s eyes lifted to the sky in thought. “More generations than we can dare to count. We were here before the Aulmir rose to scratch the stars, however long ago that was. Seems an eternity to me. All you need to know is that once upon a time, we were just a few kemeran* picking fights for scraps until we were civilized by our founders, and we’ve been Clans since then.”

Fireheart leaned forward as he sat down, ears perked. “That’s not the end of it, is it?”

“No, but it’s the most important chunk,” Mosspelt said. “Unless you’re retelling the Epics, and then we’d be here all night.”

“They’re good to listen to, little lady,” Pansyheart admonished, tapping Mosspelt on the head with her long (that is, for RiverClan) tail. “And important for us to remember. You’ve been enjoying hearing them the past few nights while we were stuck at home!”

“Never said I didn’t, only that they’re long.”

“That’s the good thing about RiverClan,” Greystripe said to Fireheart. “They’re the ones who know every single story in the territories. Stars know they have the time to think about them, with how little they work.”

Privetclaw rolled his eyes. “I’ll have you know we’re on patrol right now.”

Greystripe stared at him. “You call this a patrol?”

“Sure!” Silverstream said brightly. “We all decided to mark the border while we take a stroll. That counts, doesn’t it?”

A puff of awed amusement escaped Fireheart’s mouth. “Wow, Dustpelt would hate it here. All our patrols are organized and kept on the move.”

“Sounds dull,” Mosspelt drawled. “I like a moment to stretch out and enjoy myself. Your big old forest doesn’t account for that.”

“They also don’t account for your walking speed, Tumblefoot.” Silverstream stretched out a paw and gently pushed the tortoiseshell’s shoulder, who snorted and shut her eyes.

Fireheart glanced at Greystripe, then asked Silverstream, “Um, ‘Tumblefoot’ is a joke, right?”

“Of course!” Silverstream gave him a funny look. “What did you think it was?”

“I… don’t know?” Fireheart wished he could bury his head in between his shoulders to hide from the baffled looks the RiverClan cats were giving him.

“Ease on him, he’s from ThunderClan,” Pansyheart said. “They wouldn’t know fun if it bit their butts.”

“I don’t see how insulting each other makes for fun,” Greystripe said, with a dry look at Silverstream. “Then again, your nickname fits you great.”

“Duckling, that’s me.” Silverstream bobbed her head proudly. “How’s aram** put it, Privetclaw?”

“‘Precious as a newly hatched duckling, and twice as fluffy’,” Privetclaw recited cheerily, even though the look in his eyes when they flickered to Greystripe wasn’t the friendliest.

Pansyheart purred, saying to Fireheart, “I’dve called her Preciouspaw, myself, but Crookedstar doesn’t like it when we say that. Apparently it’s not nice.”

“The entire point of your nicknames is to mock each other!” Greystripe said incredulously, looking like he was trying not to chuff.

Pansyheart winked. “Ah, but not for his duckling.”

“You really don’t do nicknames?” Mosspelt said. “It’s such fun!”

Greystripe gave Fireheart a comical, snide look. “Well, someone here gets called ‘honeymouse’ by the matriarch. He’s a bit of a duckling too.”

“Ha!” Pansyheart slapped the rock’s surface with a paw. “I love it. That’s a cute one. I’ll have to pass that along to Duckflower.”

Fireheart, to his own surprise, wasn’t nearly as embarrassed about this as sounding stupid before. “She told me that it was what her mentor called her own kits, and the mentor before that.”

“Aww, the kittypet’s got a Clan mama,” cooed Silverstream.

Fireheart’s ears warmed in self-consciousness, but there was no bite of cruelty in her voice like Darkstripe would have in any remark about Fireheart’s origins. These RiverClan cats had been teasing and joking with each other; surely they were just extending that to him. Hopefully as an act of friendship.

“Very adorable, lad, very adorable,” said Pansyheart, with a tone like she had caught Fireheart’s silent reaction and was trying to sound friendlier than before. “Now, what about Block-of-a-Rock over here? No names for you?”

“Just Greystripe.” The hulking tabby shook his head. “But Silverstream’s been trying to find a good one.”

Silverstream trilled. “You’re a hard one to pin down! I need to get that perfectly mocking and descriptive title for you. No little bully-toss will do.”

“You’re such a generous friend,” Greystripe said sarcastically.

Silverstream winked at him. “Only the best for fluffbutts.”

Privetclaw looked at her, short ears slightly back. “I don’t mean to hamper the fun, but you ought to be careful about how cozy you’re getting if you can’t even pick a nickname for him.”

Greystripe's ears pinned against his head and he had a face of guilt, but Silverstream didn’t skip a beat. “Nothing wrong with having a friend in another Clan, Privy!”

Privetclaw looked away, muttering, “Yeah, Oakclaw probably thought the same thing.”

There was a pause. Not a long one—a smidge of a heartbeat—but a weighted one that sank the happy faces of Pansyheart and Mosspelt. Silverstream’s body tensed just a bit, just enough for her tail to freeze its constant wagging motions.

“Nevermind that,” Pansyheart said when that heartbeat passed. “We’re just having some fun. Though I do say that you ought to have an idea of some good name by now, Silverstream.”

“Ugh.” Silverstream rolled her eyes, but beamed up at Greystripe. “We’ll find the right one, you just wait.”

Another pause, though much lighter. Fireheart decided to break it himself.

“Well,” he said, “I’m glad you all aren’t getting sick anymore. I’m sorry we haven’t brought a whole lot tonight—”

Pansyheart chortled and looked at him with a fondly tilted head. “You are adorable. We’ll be alright for tonight, don’t you worry your fiery little head.”

Fireheart nodded and gave her a blink. “I would like to stay and hear more about history and nicknames and– and all, but I think if we stay here too long, a patrol of our own—an organized patrol—might find us and get angry. We should hunt for our Clan too, anyway. If that’s okay.”

Mosspelt snorted. “Look at him, asking us for permission to hunt for his Clan. I like you, fellow. You two best bounce away into the woods. Be careful to get our scent off you, if it’s there at all. You lot smell like wood to me, but your cats' noses are some of the best out there.”

“Good idea.” Greystripe stood and bumped heads with Silverstream. “Then we’ll see you all later.”

“It was good to talk and learn from you,” Fireheart said quickly as he hopped off after Greystripe.

The RiverClan cats waved their short tails, calling various farewells and well-wishes until the toms ducked into the forest and disappeared from view. Fireheart trotted alongside Greystripe now, feet jittery with excitement over the success of that whole conversation.

Still…

“Privetclaw brought up an interesting point,” he said carefully to Greystripe. “I’m all for making friends, but I think we need to be careful about how close we get to a rival Clan. I know it’s not against the rules to be friendly, but isn’t there some law saying—”

“It’s not like that,” Greystripe said, quick and a little jumpy. “We’re friends. They’re just more affectionate than ThunderClan is, that’s all.”

“Okay, okay,” Fireheart said, soothing. “Just making sure. I don’t want either of you to get in trouble.”

Greystripe shook out his fur, mouth set in a grimace. “Why don’t we just get on with hunting? And find some plants to roll in. I know a patch of sorrel over here, come on—”

Fireheart said nothing, just went along with his friend. He made a note to play it safe himself. As confident as Greystripe was talking, there was no missing that guilt in his eyes.

Exactly how close had those two gotten already?

*”Kemeran”: colonies of cats. Singular is “kemera”.

**”Aram”: affectionate form of arpam, meaning “father”. Equivalent to saying “daddy” or “pops”.

#warrior cats #redux iterum #iterum #chapter #chapter eight #book two #arc one #burning hearts

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