#don't think I didn't notice the stone wolf

[deuterosapiens]

Started reading TJ Klune's Under the Whispering Door because I very much am not quite ready for Ravensong. Roughly a third in and I'm very fond of the pacing here. So far, it's charmingly taking its time.

You know that gorgeous moment in Sandman, where Dream and Death are just sort of talking? Where Death reminds him that they don't really exist for themselves, but for us? Beautiful writing on Neil Gaiman's part, and I loved how Netflix's series translated that to television.

Not important, spotlight is on Klune here. So far I cannot help but think of The Sound of Her Wings while reading this. This is not a bad thing. There's an incredible amount of finesse and poise, decorum and delicacy one should have in narrative works centered on Death, what it means and how dying reminds us of how to live.

Wallace is a prick, but that's sort of necessary to make a book like this work. There's whimsy, but I feel very much like this book is coming from the right place.

I plan to have this book wrapped-up neatly before the week's end, but I'm also expecting to feel feelings and we know how that goes for me.

For no real reason I've already decided that Tony Todd would be a fun Nelson, even if he does not fit the character description, like at all.

I also cannot get Dishwalla's Counting Blue Cars out of my head. It seems a bit on-the-nose here, but I can definitely see it making its way onto the soundtrack of a decent adaptation.

#reading #tj klune #under the whispering door #don't think I didn't notice the stone wolf #I definitely noticed the stone wolf

[semisolidmind]

Ok I have a question and if I asked this before sorry my memory sometimes bad.

So you said peach's died on the journey with her husband's. How did she die? And did they get revenge for her. Also at this point you would think peach's is there soulmate but peach's not liking it.

And dose she have a Mark of how she died as a brith Mark?

And what was Macaqa and sun frist meating with peach's like?

I really love your work

(tw, slight mention of blood and gore)

went on a bit of a tangent :)

reader was killed during a demon ambush. everybody was busy fighting the demons, and while reader was hiding, one of the demons escaped the warlords' notice. she didn't even have time to scream. it killed her, and then took and ate her body.

macaque was the first to realize her absence, of course. reader wasn't able to make much noise as she died, so he just thought she was scared, but... imagine his horror when he can't hear her heartbeat. he quickly dissapears into a shadow, leaving the fight behind. he checks where reader was hidden, and finds only a small puddle of blood. his breathing quickens as he follows the blood a ways further into the woods. he can feel his rage and anguish growing.

there, in a clearing, a rogue wolf demon seems to have just finished its meal, it's tongue licking the excess gore from its teeth. shreds of reader's clothing lay scattered at its feet, along with her satchel and book.

macaque bears his teeth in an enraged snarl and roars at the stupid beast. struck by grief, he falls to his knees, pressing his hands to his face as tears gather in his eyes.

the sound of his anguish echoing against the trees was enough to summon his brother; wukong, covered in the gore of his slain enemies, appears at his side. the king takes quick stock of the situation, and comes to the same heart-shattering conclusion as macaque.

she's gone. she's gone and this wretched creature destroyed her.

reader is dead.

the rage he feels rivals the burning of the stars.

the two bring down the full fury of their combined might upon the wolf demon. the warlords drag out their dismantlement, tearing the stupid creature apart peice by peice. once the offending beast is little more than a visceral stain on the ground..

...the brothers hold one another, attempting to ground each other through the torrent of their pain. they've lost their one, their only.

their dear reader, their beloved peach....she's dead. all because they took their eyes off her for a second, all because they were made to come on this cursed journey. were they not charged with protecting that blasted monk, they could have prevented this. wukong and macaque come to the same conclusion; they will not soon forgive the ones who brought them here.

the monkey demons gather reader's things, holding them as gently as glass...it's all they have left of her. not even a body to bury back home on their mountain.

the other pilgrims need only see these items and the baleful, enraged, tear-stricken looks on their companions' faces to know what must have happened. wukong and macaque say nothing as the monk says a prayer for her.

the two leave for a while.

they don't come back for three months.

when they do return to the journey at the behest of the heavens, they are reserved. withdrawn. they keep to themselves, only intervening when the pilgrims are in danger they can't solve themselves.

———

the monkey king and the six-eared macaque complete the journey. they refuse their new titles; the rage that simmers in them is far too great for the roles they've earned.

the monkey warlords go home. they grieve, properly this time, alongside their subjects.

the next few hundred years are especially brutal for any enemies of flower fruit mountain and it's king. without his queen, he forgets what it means to be merciful.

———

many centuries later, wukong finds a little monkey demon boy, seemingly sprung from the same stone he did. wukong adopts him, names him xiaotian, and teaches him to become a ruthlessly efficient warrior.

the child grows up hearing the occasional story about the mountains' queen, a once-mortal woman who held his father's (and uncle's) heart in her hands. his caretakers can't bring themselves to speak about her often, but they speak softly and fondly when they do. he hears stories of her adventures on the mountain; how she made friends with her subjects, worked in the kitchens and orchards, and cared for the mountain's children.

both wukong and macaque tell xiaotian that reader would have loved him dearly.

the small shrine in the palace temple (a satchel, a heavy book with nothing written in it, a few scraps of bloodied cloth displayed next to daily offerings of peaches) and furniture in his father's room (the combs, hairpins, and perfume bottles untouched but lovingly dusted) don't tell him much about who "reader" was—but the stories from the people who knew her do.

he wishes he could've met her.

———

when the boy reaches a certain age, he asks to go stay in the mortal world. his father reluctantly agrees.

xiaotian goes to the city, battles the dragon girl mei, befriends her, and allows her to teach him how the city works. she takes him to a noodle shop belonging to one of her friends, a gruff but earnest pig demon named pigsy. there, he meets mei's other friends; a gentle blue giant named sandy (and his cat, mo), a studious yet freeloading human named tang—and a friendly human woman who works at the shop...

...who happens to be nicknamed reader.

#bad end wukong #twice as bad au #sorry i kinda only answered one of your questions

[shy-urban-hobbit]

Five times the Witchers learnt just how cat-like Aiden actually is

Biscuit making - Lambert

Lambert stared down at his friend, eyebrows raised in silent question as Aiden dozed lightly, plastered to Lambert so they were snuggled chest to chest in the small inn bed. He'd gotten used to Aiden purring in his sleep when the Cat witcher felt safe (and Lambert tried not to linger too long on how that made him feel) long ago but this…this was new.

The hands resting on Lambert's chest were rhythmically gripping and releasing the material of his shirt in tandem, the pinprick scratch of long, tougher than average fingernails just enough to feel through the fabric. It wasn't uncomfortable as such, in fact once he got used to it, when paired with the soft, barely audible purr it was actually quite relaxing.

Soon enough, Lambert found himself being pulled into sleep, either not caring or not realising that he himself had started letting out a steady stream of content rumbling of his own in response.

"Question for you, Cat."

Aiden didn't pause in lacing up his boots, "Ask away, Wolf."

"You know you were-" he clenched his fingers in imitation of the gesture, "I don't know - kneading - me last night?"

At that, Aiden did pause and Lambert had the feeling if he could blush he'd be bright red.

"I..shit. Sorry, I didn't even realise. I usually only do that around my siblings. I'll try to control it better."

"Didn't say it was a bad thing. " Lambert bumped his shoulder lightly against Aiden's, "I was just curious is all. I don't give a shit what you do, short of stabbing me."

Lambert tried to ignore the warmth blooming in his chest as Aiden let out a tiny purr.

Jumpscare - Eskel

Eskel hummed to himself as he bought in the last of the vegetables from the greenhouses for pickling. Glad to see that Aiden was already in the kitchen setting everything up and was currently busy with a keg of brine. Things had been a bit tense to start with when his little brother had rolled up with a Cat of all people but Aiden had made it very hard to not like him. If nothing else, he was always more than willing to lend a hand with chores - always a bonus when your home was in a near constant state of disrepair.

"Alright." Eskel said, dumping one of the sacks out onto the stone countertop, "That's the last of this year's crop. If we work quickly we should be done by-"

He was interrupted by a yowl next to him and if Aiden was an actual cat, Eskel would be inclined to think somebody had just stepped on his tail. Whirling around he saw no sign of the other Witcher. Until he looked up just in time to see Aiden hauling himself up to fully perch on one of the rafters, glaring at Eskel's haul.

"Eh...Aiden?"

"Get those things away from me." The Cat hissed pointing accusingly.

Now Eskel was even more confused, all that was there was a perfectly innocent pile of….

"You mean these?" He held up one of the cucumbers, causing Aiden to growl low in his throat in response. Eskel hastily dropped it again, "Ok, ok. I'll put these away for now and we can work on the beetroot instead. Ok?"

Aiden nodded but still refused to leave his perch until the offending items had been shoved back into the sack and into a cupboard.

Soundlessly, he grabbed a knife and began to peel and chop the beetroot.

"Cat thing?"

"Cat thing."

Zoomies - Geralt

Geralt couldn't sleep. Again. He was nowhere near desperate enough to go down the Djinn route again but by the Gods it was starting to get annoying. He just wanted one night where his mind wouldn't keep throwing up scenarios where he failed his responsibilities to Ciri, Yen, Jaskier, his brothers…he was just one man for fucks sake.

He decided to go check on the animals, Eskel had mentioned that the fence on one of the goat pens could do with repairs but it was already getting dark by the time he'd noticed. It was on the list for the following morning but his brother would be heartbroken if any of them had gotten loose and hurt in the meantime.

Turns out Geralt wasn't the only one feeling restless. As he entered the courtyard he caught sight of a figure seemingly in the middle of running laps along the wall. Too lithe to be Eskel or Lambert, too tall to be Ciri, it had to be Aiden. Geralt stopped for a second, unsure why until he realised. Aiden was moving fast.. too fast to be running it safely in the dark and frost. Even for a Witcher, that could be a broken leg or concussion at least if he fell.

As if the Gods had been reading his thoughts, Aiden lost his footing and soundlessly tumbled down onto the cobbles of the courtyard, landing in a heap. Only to bounce back up immediately as if nothing had happened and continue running laps at ground level instead.

Geralt felt his brow furrow as he continued watching, what the fuck?

"Couldn't sleep either?"

Aiden had come to a stop in front of him, hair plastered to his forehead with sweat and eyes darting around ceaselessly as he almost seemed to be vibrating in his own skin and using all of his self control to stay still and talk.

Geralt hummed in response before gesturing to the wall "You do that often?"

Aiden looked slightly sheepish as if he expected to be reprimanded, "Only a couple of times since I've been here. The mutagens. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to combust there and then if I don't move , for some reason it's worse at night. I think there was something meant to make us nocturnal, at least partially anyway. If I were on the path I'd go hunting or just go run pell mell in the woods for a bit. Doing that on an unfamiliar mountain didn't seem like the smartest thing though. I'm reckless, not suicidal."

Geralt huffed a laugh, "Well, don't let me stop you. Just don't make us find you lying out here with your skull cracked open in the morning."

Aiden gave a mock salute before going to mount the wall again, "Remind me to tell you about Cat Trials. Trust me, a fall from this is nothing. You could always run a couple of laps with me if you want? It's just, you look as if you could use something to tire you out too."

Geralt shrugged. At this point, why the fuck not?

Chirp - Jaskier

"Melitele's tits, it's cold. I mean, it. Is. COLD." Jaskier proclaimed as the two of them closed the door on the snow storm they'd just left, moving to hang his cloak and hood by the fire in the great hall, "I swear, if you and Lambert ever decide you're heading South for the winter I'm coming with you. Geralt can freeze his tits off up here alone, he'll survive. Unlike me. "

Aiden said nothing, although the bard had been around enough Witchers by now to know his companion was probably silently laughing at him as he removed his own cloak. Jaskier tsk'd at the snow clinging to Aiden's hair and moved to brush it out without thinking. The Cat let out a small but clearly audible "mrrrp" and momentarily pushed into the hand before he caught himself. He turned to face Jaskier, who was grinning at him like both Yule and his birthday had come early.

"Oh, well. That is just precious! " He exclaimed, clapping his hands together excitedly like a small child who's just been shown a magic trick, "Oh my dear, if all Cat Witchers make such adorable noises I may have a new favourite school. Do you all do that or is it just some of you? Purring's a given, every Witcher I've met purrs to some degree or other."

Aiden caught Coen's eye, the other Witcher flashing him a smirk which said 'You're on your own'

"That's it, I've decided! I'm making it my mission this winter to find out just how cat-like you are!"

"Do that and I'll hide your lute up in the rafters." Aiden said with no real heat, the Bard trailing after him asking questions about tables and glassware, distracted (for now) from the coldness of the Keep.

If I fits… - Vesemir

Vesemir basked in the quiet. There were perks to being one of the first ones to wake in the mornings. As much as he loved having his boys back safe and sound for the winter, after months alone the constant noise could become a little overwhelming at times, making these moments of quiet solitude all the more precious.

He made his way to the laundry room with an armful of bedding he'd found which probably hadn't been washed since the previous winter if the stale smell was anything to go by. No matter.

He quirked an eyebrow at the closed laundry hamper. He was certain he'd opened the lid earlier unless old age and senility were finally starting to get to him. Dumping the dirty sheets on the ground to free his hands he lifted the lid again.

And was greeted by Aiden blinking sleepily up at him, disturbed by the sudden brightness. Vesemir briefly took a moment to try and figure out what manner of contortion he'd used to cram himself into a space the boys had struggled to fit in even as adolescents before catching Aiden's eye. The two held eye contact as Aiden tilted his head in silent question, still half asleep. Vesemir wordlessly lowered the lid again in response before walking away shaking his head. It was too early for his boy's antics.

#the witcher #the witcher fanfiction #aiden centric #witcher aiden #witcher lambert #lambert #lambden #witcher geralt #geralt of rivia #geralt #witcher jaskier #jaskier #witcher eskel #eskel #witcher vesemir #vesemir #aiden/lambert

[makeitmingi]

Cause Baby You're My Muse [Chapter 59]

Genre: Romance, Idol!AU, Music, Slight angst

Pairing: Mingi x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Producer!Reader, IdolLyricist!Mingi, IdolProducer!Hongjoong, Idol!Seonghwa, Idol!Yunho, Idol!Wooyoung, Idol!San, Idol!Yeosang, Idol!Jongho, cameo(s) by other celebrities

Summary: You always preferred producing underground, having an unknown face and governed by your own rules. But when you start freelancing for idol groups, you say goodbye to your lone wolf lifestyle as you learn to work with idol producers and lyricists.

Word count: 3.2K

When Mingi snuck you in, the managers looked at you with uncertainty. You're guessing they already knew what happened, or at least, the relationship you have with Mingi. There's no other explanation to seeing you two walk in together.

"Good to see you again." They gave you brief hugs with tight smiles. You sensed the nervousness in their voices.

"Thank you. I hope you've been well." You spoke calmly, reciprocating their hugs.

"Let's go." Mingi guided you in further into the floor where all the members' rooms were. If the talk with Ateez doesn't work out, you'll take Haneul and go home. That's it.

"It'll be okay." Mingi kissed the top of your head before you knocked and entered Seonghwa's room.

"Jongho took Haneul out for brunch. We thought it was best she wasn't here while we talked." Seonghwa explained as he led you both further in.

"That's fine. Thanks." You nodded. The rest of the boys were all spaced out amongst the couch, study corner, the bed and the vanity. It felt like you were being interviewed by a panel with the way all their eyes were on you. You didn't even notice that you stopped breathing until Mingi's hand came to rest on your back.

"Breathe." He whispered the reminder, making you inhale and fill your lungs with oxygen again.

"Here." He guided you to sit on the empty space of the couch with him settling right beside you. Seonghwa handed you a bottle of water. You removed your mask and tucked it into your pocket.

"I guess before we say anything. I want to sincerely apologise to all of you. What I did is unforgiveable, the hurt I've caused everyone." You stood up and bowed deeply.

"Indigo... There's nothing to apologise for." San cleared his throat. You gave a small smile in reply.

"So, I'm not sure what Seonghwa and Jongho have told you... Why don't you guys ask me questions?" You suggested.

"Were you ever hurt by this person that threatened you?" Hongjoong asked. He had actually asked Seonghwa this before but he knew he needed to hear it from you to actually be sure.

"No. But I was followed and stalked. Haneul and you all, as well. That was my breaking point, I guess. In my new house, I was sent pictures of us and Haneul together. They used my real name too, which scared me a lot." You confessed.

"We understand. I think in your position, we would have been scared too. You did go to the police right?"

"Yes because the person vandalised my old apartment the night I moved out. My old landlord opened the case and I followed up with evidence." You explained.

"Could the police not do anything?"

"I'm sure you know about the internal investigation. It was just the wrong time to have an internal investigation since it can get out to the media and you were preparing for a comeback." You said.

"Indigo... You know you shouldn't put the comeback before your own safety." Wooyoung frowned.

"But I couldn't do that to all of you." You shook your head with a sigh. Mingi placed his hand on your thigh, squeezing it reassuringly. All the boys sent you sad, pitiful looks.

"So you're signed to Big Hit now?" Yeosang asked.

"Yes. But I want to clarify that I did not use all of you as my stepping stone. The offer from Pdogg came in after I started at KQ. Eden and CEO Kim were made aware of the offer early on, I was honest with them in my consideration of the offer." You explained.

"If the offer came in before everything happened, why didn't you tell us then?" Wooyoung followed up.

"I honestly pushed it to the back of my mind. I was going to finish the contract with KQ no matter what my decision was. It wasn't a covert secret." You replied.

"So you forgot to tell us?"

"Not that either... At that time, I saw no use in announcing it. I didn't want to promise to stay or cause a distraction with my impending departure. Really, that's the truth." You said.

"Pdogg asked me if I wanted to spend 2 years in America, working at the HYBE America office with Western producers. I said yes."

"You and Mingi presumably talked a lot last night. So what's going happen?" Hongjoong asked.

"Indigo will be here to finish the 2 year stint with Big Hit. While she remained here, I would like to propose to CEO Kim to launch the internal investigation into finding the culprit behind the threats. Knowing that they threatened our own safety too is dangerous for all of us." Mingi explained.

"Then you're coming back to Korea after the 2 years are finished?" Seonghwa clarified.

"That's the plan. But to avoid there being a future conflict of interest, we decided it was best for me to not return to KQ to work. I'll stay with Big Hit." You informed.

"You and Mingi are together again?" Yeosang raised his eyebrows. You and Mingi looked at each other before nodding.

"After everything she put you through, you forgive her just like that?" Yunho's voice was heard for the first time.

"Yun..." Mingi was shocked by his best friend's cold words. Yunho clicked his tongue and frowned in disapproval. He walked out of the room without sparing you another glance.

"I'll go talk to him." Mingi assured and walked out, chasing after the other male.

"I don't blame him... I don't deserve Mingi's forgiveness, or any of yours for what I did." You smiled bitterly.

"Indigo, that's not true. You're too hard on yourself. You went through a lot on your own. You did what you did because you thought it was the best way to keep everyone safe. Yunho is just... protective of Mingi." San said, trying to find the right words.

"Come here." Wooyoung leapt forward and hugged you tightly, nuzzling his cheek against yours. Then he tucked your head under his chin to coddle you.

"Poor Indigo... It must have been hard going through all that on your own. But you're not alone anymore." He whispered.

"I don't deserve any of you." You teared up, looking at everyone in the room as they looked back at you.

"You do. We're family and we stick together, we protect each other. Whatever it is, we go through it together." Hongjoong smiled fondly. You nodded your head.

"But that means no more hiding things for us. You hide things again, I'll smack you as punishment." Wooyoung scolded.

"I won't, I promise." You said.

"Okay, no more tears. I'm sure you and Mingi had your fair share of tears yesterday, judging by your puffy faces." Seonghwa chuckled, grabbing a tissue to gently wipe away the tears from your cheeks. You gave everyone there a hug. But you knew, you needed to make things right with Yunho.

"I'll go find them." You informed the group and walked out of the room. Just then, Mingi emerged from one of the rooms, a conflicted look on his face.

"Oh, baby." He looked up to see you.

"Is he in there? I'll talk to him." You asked, nodding over the room, which you assumed was Yunho's.

"Mhmm. But maybe it's not the best if-" He chewed on his bottom lip, rubbing the back of his neck with apprehension. You gently pulled his chin so he wouldn't gnaw on his lip.

"I'll be fine." You assured. Mingi sighed but nodded, giving you a peck on the forehead and an encouraging squeeze of your shoulder.

"Yunho? It's me. Can I come in?" You knocked on the door. There was no reply but you slowly entered.

Yunho was standing in the balcony, leaning against the banister as he looked out the city view. His back was to you but you could feel the anger radiating off it. You gulped and took a deep breath before you slowly approached him.

"If you're here to tell me you had no choice and were the victim, I know. I know that. I don't need to be convinced any further." He said, still facing away from you.

"I'm not here to convince you, Yunho. Because I understand. If I were you, I would act and feel the same way." You sighed.

"No, don't say that." Yunho turned to you. His eyes were glassy as tears spilled down his cheeks.

"You can't say that you understand because you don't. You weren't here, you... you didn't see. You didn't see what I went through." Yunho sniffled.

"I know, you went through a lot on your own. I know, it's not your fault. But I can't see him go through that again, I can't let him get hurt like that again." He shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Yunho. It must have been a lot..." You apologised, eyes casting downwards.

"He was a shell of a person. I thought I lost him for good. All the nightmares, the anxiety attacks, I was there. I was the one that saw him through that. It ripped him apart and I felt like a failure for letting him get like that. I couldn't comfort him, I didn't know how to comfort him." He choked on a sob.

"It killed me at how I couldn't protect him from you." He looked into your eyes through the tears.

You ignored the dull ache in your chest at his words. But you knew that they were nothing but the truth. You couldn't imagine what Yunho went through to support Mingi.

"He was just starting to get better. I thought we were getting somewhere, that I got him back." He cried.

"I shouldn't have come back." You whispered.

"Yeah, maybe you shouldn't have." He agreed, wrapping his arms around himself. You expected this, not everyone would have welcomed you with open arms.

"I can't let you hurt him again. I don't think I can witness him go through that all over again if you decide to leave once more. You can't just decide one day to up and leave him, and leave me to pick up his broken pieces." He said.

"I shouldn't have done that, it was unfair to you." You said. Watching someone that was like your brother, tear himself apart must have been scarring.

"And our group was falling apart. When Seonghwa hyung and Jongho revealed that they knew the truth, we became divided."

"Oh, Yunho..." You let out a small gasp.

"Hongjoong hyung barely came home because he felt betrayed by Seonghwa hyung, Wooyoung wasn't happy and would instigate fights with San. We were a mess." Yunho said.

"I didn't know..." You knew that wasn't a good excuse or reason. You wished Jongho and Seonghwa had told you this was happening.

"We couldn't hold the group together. That's why the CEO put us on vacation for two months. I didn't even go home to see my family because I couldn't leave Mingi alone. He wasn't going to meet his mother in that state so I had to stay with him in the dorm and help him." He told you.

"I was so scared. I didn't know what to do. But I had to be strong for everyone, for Mingi. I tried to take on his burden and pain, I comforted him but who comforted me?" He wiped his tears.

"I'm sorry." You moved forward to wrap your arms around him. Surprisingly, Yunho didn't fight your hug. He threw his head back as he sobbed.

"I'm not the bad guy."

"You're not. You're far from, Yunho." You denied, hugging him tighter. Slowly, he lifted his hands to grasp the material of your hoodie.

He held you for support as he cried his heart out. All the months of having to be strong for Mingi and the rest of Ateez, he could finally let go. You offered him the comfort that he sought.

"Why can't I be happy for him?" He asked. You didn't have an answer and you knew Yunho wasn't looking for one either. You hated that you were the reason he was feeling this anguish, the reason he felt like a bad friend to Mingi.

"I can't always be there for him..."

"You don't have to be. It's okay to not always be strong, Yunho." You told him. You knew Yunho carried the weight of the responsibility of taking care of Mingi.

"Please don't hurt him again. He won't be able to take it." Yunho said, his head falling onto your shoulder.

"I won't. I won't make you two go through this again." You promised.

After you left Yunho to have some space, you went to find Hongjoong. You texted Mingi that you were going to Hongjoong's room to rest for a bit, to which he whined about for a bit but ultimately was okay with it.

"Tired?" Hongjoong asked, resting on his side as he stroked your back. You hummed, turning your head to the side so you weren't lying faced down.

"Emotionally drained." You breathed out. You told Mingi and Hongjoong that you will not tell them what happened with Yunho. It was something private that you wouldn't tell anyone.

"I can imagine." He comforted, moving the stroke your head.

"I'm not your cat." You huffed, rolling over so you laid on him. He blinked, taken aback by your actions but stayed still.

"When are you guys leaving?" You asked as you stared at the ceiling with Hongjoong under you.

"In 3 days. It's free days." He replied, totally unbothered by you practically squishing him. You hummed, so you only had 2 days left with the boys. Your chest suddenly felt tight.

"I'll make the most of the 2 days I have then." You said. Hongjoong was remained quiet at your statement. Of course he didn't want to leave you behind. If he could, he would pay for you and Haneul to pack up and return home with them. But your safety was already compromised once, he wasn't going to let it happen again.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"Come in." You said, ending with a yawn. Seonghwa walked in, stopping when he noticed your position, draped over Hongjoong.

"Who is it?" Hongjoong grunted.

"Hey, Hwa." You waved lazily, replying to Hongjoong's question at the same time. You groaned, wriggling as if to squish Hongjoong further into the bed.

"Oww, Indi!" He smacked your side. You snickered and did it again. But you didn't expect Hongjoong to flip you over, now it was his turn to squish you under his weight.

"Hwa, help me!" You whined. Seonghwa leaned against the wall with a smile, he missed seeing this.

"Stop laughing and help me before I suffocate!" You yelled in exaggeration. Hongjoong rolled his eyes but got off you. You sat up, smoothing you hair as you slapped his arm. The door opened and Haneul ran in with a much bigger figure.

"Canon ball!" Haneul and Wooyoung shouted between their laughs. You and Hongjoong yelped, wincing in pain from the impact of their bodies crashing on yours.

"Hey, baby. Did you have fun with Jongho?" You asked as Hongjoong moved her onto his lap, his arms hugging her.

"Mhmm! I got presents too! They're in bear oppa's room." She giggled.

"Presents? How nice..." You gave her a tight smile before you shot the maknae a look with wide eyes. He looked away, focusing on his phone and refusing to meet your eyes.

"Guys, we spoke about presents." You mumbled.

"Come on, Indigo. She looked so cute, I couldn't say no. I want to spoil her a little." Jongho sighed. You scoffed at that excuse.

"Can we go swimming now?" Haneul asked.

"I'm sorry I didn't bring your swimsuit, baby. Maybe another day." You apologised. You didn't know what the outcome of this talk with Ateez would have been so packing Haneul's swimsuit for the hotel pool was a thought that didn't even cross your mind. Suddenly, Jongho cleared his throat and held up a bag.

"Luckily! We saw one that was absolutely adorable on Haneul so we can go swimming." He pointed out. You shot him a flat look while Haneul squealed and cheered.

"Please, unnie?!" She begged.

"Sure, baby." You nodded. You went to the bathroom to help her change, laughing when you saw the polar bears printed on it.

"Baby, did you thank Jongho for buying you all the presents?" You asked her as you zipped up the swimsuit. She nodded her head with a big smile.

"That's my girl." You ruffled her hair. You wouldn't admit it but Jongho was right, Haneul was adorable.

"There's my little bear." Jongho smiled when he saw Haneul come out in her new swimsuit. You glared at him, pointing at him as a signal that you were keeping an eye on him and his gift buying. Haneul didn't need 20 pairs of sneakers.

"Let's change and go. We'll be with her in the shallow end the entire time." San promised. You nodded your head, you trusted the boys to properly take care of her.

"I'll go let Mingi know where we will be. Meet you guys at the pool." You waved and went to Mingi's room.

"Mings? Are you sleeping? Where are-" You nearly screamed as you were suddenly pinned against the wall the moment you walked in. Mingi chuckled, pushing the door close with his foot.

"I missed you." He leaned down, nuzzling against your neck.

"If you weren't holding my hands, I would smack you for scaring me like that." You scoffed.

"I know, that's why I'm not letting you go~" He said, pinning your hands by the side of your head. He planted kisses along your jawline.

"Mings, they're waiting for us by the pool." You told him.

"I only have 2 more days with you. Please let me be selfish and keep you with me. Anyway, you know the boys will take care of Haneul while I take care of you." He said, letting you go. But only briefly because his hands came to your waist and pulled you against him. He hugged you tightly.

"I wish I could take you home with me." He whispered.

"Me too. But we will make it work right?" You replied, arms winding around his neck as you tip toed.

"Yes, we will. That's a promise." He pulled away, looking into your eyes before pressing his lips against yours. When he broke the kiss, he just stared at you.

"Will you tell me what you spoke to Yunho about?"

"No. I told you that conversation remains between him and I. Even if you're my boyfriend and he's your best friend, I won't give anything away. If he wants to tell you, he can." You shrugged.

"I miss hearing you call me your boyfriend. Say it again." He grinned cheekily, making you roll your eyes.

"My boyfriend." You repeated.

Mingi kissed your forehead. He couldn't believe that you were in his arms again. Even if you were inevitably going to part ways again, you both knew it was only temporary. He was going to savour and cherish these 2 days with you.

~

Series Masterlist

#kpop #kpop scenarios #kpop series #ateez #ateez scenarios #ateez series #ateez x reader #idol!ateez #ateez mingi #mingi ateez #mingi #mingi scenarios #mingi series #mingi x you #mingi x reader #mingi x y/n #song mingi #song mingi series #song mingi scenarios #song mingi x reader

[starlitangels]

Power Play (Not that Kind)

Star's back? Star's Back! (For at least one one-shot anyway.) 1.6k words

Spoilers for the new video, obviously

—

Porter missed nothing. Years of living—of fighting for survival—as a vampire had taught him to observe everything.

He didn't miss the way Sam's shifter tensed every time a voice was raised. Even Sam's. He didn't miss the way they positioned themself partway between him and Vincent's partner. He didn't miss the scars on their exposed arms glinting slightly in the light of the living room.

He'd heard of them, of course. Living in Dahlia as long as he had. He knew the Shaw Pack's reputation. He'd heard of their sledgehammer. Their... tank. He wasn't in Dahlia, but he'd kept tabs on the city while he was gone. He heard of the single shifter who took on the 50-year-old progeny of an Old Blood and live to tell about it.

He hadn't expected them to be that attractive, though.

Porter missed nothing. Shifters were humans who could change into an animal form. But that didn't mean instincts of the animals they could become didn't linger. Wolf shifters had a reputation for fierce loyalty to anyone they considered pack—legal or not. And apparently the Shaw Pack shifter in front of him had nearly killed themself to protect a friend from the vampire they'd fought.

Porter missed nothing.

This shifter was a protector.

They didn't tense because they didn't like the sound of raised voices or as a trauma reaction from their past. This shifter tensed because if punches started to flying, they were going to protect Vincent's partner.

And given the fact that Vincent's partner didn't seem to notice, the shifter was going to do it without their knowledge or coordination.

Porter missed nothing. He didn't miss the shifter's muscles rolling under their skin. He didn't miss the fury in Vincent's face—though, honestly, it wasn't subtle. He didn't miss Samuel fighting to keep his fangs from extending defensively, even as the man tried to... mediate the situation.

Porter noticed everything. He noticed the confusion on everyone's faces when he announced the Plus One he was bringing to the summit. He noticed that, strangely, the shifter's face was the one to turn from confusion to anger first. They'd remained fairly impassive of expression the whole time. The tension in their body being the only thing that gave them away. Their face had been neutral as stone. He wondered, as he blasted away from Sam's house, what set them off before the others at the mention of bringing his new lover.

—

Vincent and his partner were well out of earshot on their way home by the time I let out a growl and tore a log in half out in the backyard.

Sam was standing on the back porch, leaning against one of the supporting beams with his arms folded, and just watched. I could tell he wanted to ask what was wrong, but he was keeping his questions to himself.

I ignored the axe in the tree stump next to the pile of wood we chopped for the fireplace (usually to blow off steam) and ripped the next log in half. By the time I dropped the pieces of it in the woodpile, I realized I was half-shifted. My nails had become claws, my teeth were too big for my mouth, and the seams of my clothing were straining.

I took several deep breaths. "Bastard," I muttered as the magic eased out and my body went back to normal, full human.

"What're ya thinkin', darlin'?" Sam asked.

I sat in the dirt, not even bothering to go to the back porch steps. "It's a power play," I said. "Bringing an unempowered human to the summit before they have the informed status."

"Mmhmm. I clocked that," Sam agreed. "He's doin' whatever he can to get under... everybody's skin, probably. But especially Vincent's."

I shook my head. "It's not that. I don't think, anyway."

Sam scrunched his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"I doubt it's just about pissing all of us off. It's a power play but it's almost a dare. Saying no one can touch him. No one can stop him from doing whatever the hell he wants." I swallowed—hard. "I've seen moves like that before. Taunts. Dares. Begging someone to try to stop him so he'd have an excuse to lash out."

Sam growled low in his chest. His boots thudded down the porch stairs. He sat on the last one. "You never mentioned Quinn did that."

I raked a fingernail through the dirt with a bitter scoff in my throat. "Oh it wasn't Quinn. I had a string of bad partners. Not just him. Quinn was wholeheartedly the worst, but I'm not talking about him this time." I drew another line in the dirt. "I'm talking about Raphael."

Sam cocked his head.

"He was another vampire. Passing through Dahlia on business when I had just barely turned eighteen. He was from a clan up in Washington. That's why I listened to him in the first place. My parents live there. I spent part of my childhood there. He was turned when he was like twenty-one and had only been a vampire for like three years when I met him." I kept doodling, refusing to meet Sam's eyes. "David thinks I didn't fall into a bad crowd until right before I met Quinn. David could fill an encyclopedia with the amount of stuff he doesn't know about my life. I've always been... solitary. Introverted. And for a wolf shifter it's a real pain in the ass to be introverted. Pack members always shove their way into your life when your social battery is at its lowest and expect you to reciprocate.

"But anyway. Raphael seemed nice. But he was definitely part of the shadier... underground vampire scene in the city. The one William managed to mostly wipe out. But not completely, back then. And... I don't know how exactly, but Raphael knew I was powerful, for a shifter.

"He..." I took a deep breath.

"Darlin', you don't have to keep goin'."

"It's okay. This is water far under the bridge." I cleared my throat. "You heard of the gang-drains, right?"

"Several vamps feedin' off one human, usually unempowered. Yeah. Had to heal a couple-a the victims back before I turned. William's still fightin' that fight on gettin' the ban on those enforced."

I nodded. "Raphael took me to some of them. We weren't together long and it ended in flames. But there were three that he took me too. Y'know. A wolf shifter. Who a lot of vampires are well aware of the old feuds with."

Sam scrunched his eyebrows. "Why? What was the point?"

"He was daring the other vampires to confront him about my presence without saying a word. He was showing he had all the power in the situation because none of them were ever brave enough to tell him to have me get lost."

"Why you?"

I shrugged. "I was there. Right magic at the wrong time. Naïve teenage wolf with no self-preservation." I paused. "And... I like to think that he knew if things did go south, I was a wolf that would be able to protect myself. He was a jerk but he was nowhere near as sadistic as Quinn was. I think he just liked to flex."

Sam chewed on his lower lip in thought. "And you think that's what Porter's doin'."

"I think it'd be wise to entertain it as a possibility. We all knew it was a power play the second it was out of his mouth."

"And you looked about ready to rip his fangs out of said mouth before the rest-a us even processed what he said," Sam observed.

"He's needlessly endangering an innocent unempowered human who probably didn't ask for any of this bullsh—" I cut myself off with a hiss. "It's not that I don't trust the Old Bloods and their retinues that will be at the summit not to control themselves. Hell, David and Asher are bringing their unempowered mates." I growled—animalistic and furious. "But if he met them two days ago, that poor human is in far over their head and has no idea what they're walking into. Any explanation he might give them will never do justice to what they could actually experience and—"

"Your friend that Quinn attacked," Sam said softly, his eyes on my furious doodling in the dirt. "You're tryna avoid a repeat performance. Innocent unempowered fallin' victim to a vampire tryna use 'em for his own gain. That's why you got pissed at him before the rest of us even realized what he was sayin'."

I slumped. "I clocked that Porter is a bit of a bastard with his head somewhat up his own ass the second I answered the damn door and he made a pass at me at your expense. But if he's enough of a monster that this goes the way I'm praying it doesn't, you won't stop me from protecting that human he's bringing. Even if it means a giant grey wolf in formalwear rips his arm off in front of every Old Blood in the country."

That almost got Sam to smile, but his expression was still grim. "I wouldn't try, darlin'." He took a deep breath. "You should tell Vincent some of that. Not the whole thing if you're not comfortable but... I think he'd appreciate the insight."

I sighed. "Maybe tomorrow." I pushed myself up so I wasn't sitting in the dirt and brushed off the seat of my jeans. "I'm gonna go for a run. Wanna join?" I moved to start taking off my clothes so I could shift.

Sam was on his feet in a blur of movement. "'Course. If it'll help you blow off some steam. I'll be right by your side."

I kissed him. "Thanks, Sam."

"Always, darlin'."

—

Tag list: @zozo-01 @thegoldenlittlerose @shellssstuff @darlin-collins @pinksparkl (figured I'd add you just to say hello! <3)

#Redacted ASMR #fic #Redacted Porter #Redacted Darlin' #Redacted Sam #Redacted Audio #Starlit Fic

[ratherbefangirling]

Belong (2)

Part 1 / 2 / 3

Pairing: ot7 x reader

Genre: omegaverse au, hurt/comfort, Angst, romance

Synopsis: You seem to be falling in love with the pack and Jungkook isn't very happy but what will happen when. He realises you are his mate?

Warnings: Mentions of eating disorders, self harming behavior, themes of depression and anxiety, anger issues(someone gets hurt)

Jungkook locks himself in his room angry at his pack. Only coming out to sneak in food.

The pack feels guilty and decide to plan a surprise vacation. While they didn't regret having you around they still cannot neglect there baby alpha.

All preparations are made.

Taehyung is kind of sad to be the one to tell you (Just because he lost in stone paper scissors.) You are saddened and he just wants to hug you till you feel better.

But you put on a brave smile and tell him he must give you a party later. He readily agrees and peace is made.

Noticeably you visit less. The pack is kind of disappointed.

Even though it is outside the house you do spend time with them, you and Joon enjoy hanging out in the park. You refuse to share earphones asking him to just put the song in speakers and Namjoon is kind of disappointed and he wants to protest hating the boundaries you have put but unable to say anything against them.

You, Hobi and Jimin go shopping together. It's fun you try on things. You suggest each other ridiculous clothes. You even beat them at the dance step machine in the arcade. Causing you all to laugh so hard that your stomachs hurt.

When Hobi asks you opinion for earrings.

"Are you planning on getting your ears pierced?" You question.

"No I thinks it suits you." Hecsays brightly.

"It's pretty but I didn't bring the money."

"Let me get then for you." He offers

"No. ... you don't have to why don't you get something for Tae his birthday is coming." You say.

Jimin silently notes your behaviour but passes it of as a sign of comfort but when Hobi comes close to kiss your forehead as they drop you of and you step back; He can't help but think Jungkook's word have deeply hurt you more than they could imagine.

Taehyung and you eat out. Going to different aesthetic cafe's. Yoongi accompanies too Because its been a whole week since you stepped inside the house. He's been counting and when he suggests to watch a movie together at the house which even surprises Taehyung because usually Yoongi's social battery would have run out. You just say next time.

When Jin complains of missing you. You with your brave face on, come visit him once or twice careful to not run into Jungkook.

It takes you 30 minutes to knock, Namjoon notices who himself had been out to bike and had seen you when he was leaving for a ride. He decides to wait until you went inside not wanting to embarass you.

Yoongi hung around Jin when you came.

Close to Taehyung's birthday Jungkook's rut hits.

He wakes up very groggy, very out of consciousness. Until he goes to the couch in the loving room and you had forgotten a scarf and it has your scent Jungkook just nuzzles into it. Happy to have the scent. His wolf satisfied for now.

Hoseok wakes up early and goes to get his clothes he had put out to dry last night when he stumbles upon Jungkook.

He swears to himself. They had checked earlier but no one had planned for an unexpected rut. He woke up Jin and Namjoon to help him usher Jungkook to the nesting room and prepare for his rut.

"Hyungie." He murmurs only half awake.

"It's ok baby." Namjoon replies.

"Mate..? Where mate go?"

Jin stops registering Jungkook's words.

Jungkook found a mate. Was this why he was so moody.

"Call Jimin." Jin instructs.

When Jimin is woken up by Hobi he is very confused but as soon as he hears 'Jungkook' and 'Rut' he quickly rushes to the nesting room.

Quickly he takes Jungkook in his arms from Namjoon.

"A'pha ..'mega" He slurs the rut often exhausts people as their animalistic side takes over. As one gets older the intensity decrease until ruts completely disappear.

Jimin hoped this wouldn't continue long. Ruts and heat occurred only once in 5-6 months lasting for 5-8 days.

The desire to mate or just stay surrounded with the pack was highly increased often pack mates took leaves to cater to the persons requirements even if all they ended up doing was cuddling and scenting. A couple's first heat or rut were very important for establishing a bond.

For packs the presence of atleast one of head alpha or omega was needed. In family packs parents soothed the children with their scents. Children could also soothe the parent or pack.

It's Taehyung who notices Jungkook burying himself in your scarf. The one you had forgotten as you has rushed out when your phone rang.

You had put an alarm with a call tune so you could pretend to be busy. They bad pretended not to see.

"That scarf." Taehyung points out.

The pack is worried and exchange glances. Jungkook is still too out of it to respond.

Finally it is decided that Jin will break the news to you.

You are very happy to see Jin at the door but one look at his worried face and you want to fix all his problems.

"Jungkook's gotten into his rut that's why he was being a bit irritable." He explains. While that didn't lessen the pain, you could understand his perspective.

"But that's not why I am here. Please don't get angry." He says.

Anxiety settles in your stomach.

"What is it you are scaring me Jinnie."

"Jungkook ... well we suspect that you might be his mate."

You say nothing just state at him processing the words.

Namjoon appears behind Jin.

"Y/nie I'm so sorry but please do us a favor. Do you have something with your scent so we can confirm it."

You are distracted as you offer him one of your old well loved shawls.

Your brain races at the the possibility of being his mate. On one hand it would likely result you to be in their pact and the only member who had reservations is now going to be ready to fulfil your any whim but if its not true you will watch them fall for someone who is not you.

Your scent sours. You lock yourself in your room.

The pack has mixed reactions when they learn of the news. Jin and Namjoon are grateful it's not a stranger. Jimin is worried about Jungkook and even slightly jealous. Yoongi and Hobi are both excited by the prospect. Taehyung is neutral while he did adore you. There is so much more that goes into being a pack then a friendly neighbour.

Jungkook is still happily doped on your scent. Other than that his rut brain is happy with every one nearby.

The next morning Hobi goes to check on you with freshly baked goodies in his hand.

He knocks on your door excited to meet you and tell you how you are Jungkook's mate. He wants to officially start courting but that will have to wait and its something Namjoon would propose as the pack alpha.

Still he already wishlists things he's going to give you. He would have to take you shopping if only to note your reaction on things you like or dislike. Also he can't wait to get you clothes because girl clothes are so much more colorful. He wonders if you would agree to be part of his side youtube channel. His main channel was about dances and choreography and he had been thinking about branching. Jimin and Jungkook often starred in his videos. Infact Jungkook was his editor and would be full time after completing his last year at university.

They were an interesting bunch. Taehyung and Jimin had met at a modeling gig and then expanded into art curating. Where they had met Namjoon who just loved coming to museums. Hobi and Yoongi were University friends and despite career (Yoongi an architect) and personality differences they got along well to busy to date each other they bonded on their love for Rap which was how they met Runch Randa, rapper at night and clumsy (he spilled his drink on himself and managed to set the bar on fire) confident and cute Namjoon. Namjoon met Jin due to a company project. Jin a heir to the conglomerate and a person out of a drama and they bonded and fell in love. Thus their pack formed.

A little while in which their relationships with each other were growing Jimin fell into a slump trying to take care of the pack as a pack omega, when the pack didn't rely on him as he had expected them to his insecurity grew. He felt he wasn't tall or pretty or useful. He felt like he didn't belong so he started stress eating. Until he gained weight and felt even worse. His mood worsened he snapped back at everyone and grew sarcastic and angry. The pack tried to be understanding but it only further irritated him.

The cycle continued until one day he lashed out at Taehyung hurting him, Taehyung ended up in the ER with a microfracture in his forearm, Jimin still remembers it vividly, Yoongi had come up to scold him but seeing Jimin's face he had understood he didn't need to say anything. He had further paled when he saw Namjoon's disappointed face.

Taehyung had forgiven him but Jimin couldn't. Yoongi suggested he go let the steam out somehow and that's how Jimin ended up meeting Jungkook. Jungkook hadn't presented then only presenting after he started hanging out with the pack and then became a part of it.

Hobi tries putting forward his brightest smile ready to greet you. Except it's not you who opens the door just someone who looks like you.

"Yes?" The lady asks.

"Oh you must be y/n's mom. I'm Hoseok your neighbour. I bought breakfast "

"She's still sleeping. I will let her know you came." She says.

Hoseok is disappointed. He changes out of the nice clothes he wore for you into pyjamas. The others are in the pack room, today was supposed to be the first day of vacation so they all had off until then, maybe not him he still had to shoot some content and he was sure Namjoon and Yoongi would cram in the home office once Jungkook let them go or fell asleep. Hobi goes joining the puddle. Hands pull him closer. Their combined scents makes him sleepy so he let's their warmth lull him to sleep.

They'd face any strom, Hoseok thought. As long as they were together.

This has more ot7 background so I do like it. I was going to do a scene with pack and mc with kook in rut but I realised mc has been unsupervised for far too long and the pack should process the new change before rushing into whatever is going to be.

This ended up unintentionally heavy I swear I was just going to indulge in a possessive kook but I kinda have feelings for hobi in this one. Alpha hobi guys anyway hope you enjoyed

Feedback appreciated. Have a nice day

Taglist : @jaiuneamesolitaiire

#bts x reader #bts au #bts fluff #ot7 x reader #bts omegaverse #omegaverse au #bts angst #bts drabble #bts scenarios #bts imagine #bts abo #abo au

[steponmeinejghafa]

Little Crow Pt. 4

Summary: What started as a good day goes south to the point where you display "concerning" behavious on the playground, which leads your principal to call your parents to school.

Your age: 10

Six of Crows x fem!child!reader

Note: Pretend Pekka still lives in Ketterdam, and never moved far far away.

Taglist: @winstonthecow22 , @ell0ra-br3kk3r , @trashmouthsahra , @myheartfollower

Warnings: Blood, mentions of sharp objects, prejudices, fighting, yelling, arguments

---

You sat at the breakfast table with Wylan, who was helping you with your math homework a little bit last-minute. While he taught you how to multiply decimals, you wolfed down your toast and eggs which Nina made for you.

"So, you think of the times tables while you do these, okay?" Wylan explained, when Kaz emerged out of nowhere.

"Come on, little crow," he said. "Or you'll be late."

You hastily put your math in your bag, gave Wylan a big hug and a 'thank you', before bidding everyone goodbye and following your father out.

"Papa, guess what?" You asked excitedly while he sat in the carriage beside you.

"What, little crow?" He asked, not bothering to feign any interest as you both stepped out of the carriage, with him holding your hand as you crossed the street.

"I might get top marks in my tests this week!" You grinned. "Uncle Wylan helped me with my Math and a bit of Science, and Auntie Nej did Social Studies with me, and Auntie Nina did the rest of Science! I'm super confident in class and no one, not even Sofiya Reznik could answer the questions the teacher asked us!"

"Reznik is the girl who's father is a professor, isn't it?" He asked. "I'm proud of you, Y/n."

"I need to go now, Papa," you said, nodding at his hand which was clutching yours tightly.

"Alright," he sighed. "But remember: never start a fight, always be the one to finish it, and please stay far away from Alby Rollins. I don't need Pekka breathing down my neck if you hurt the boy."

"I'm making no promises," you grinned and leaned against his side a little. "I've got this."

"Have a good day, little crow," he smiled slightly, letting go of you. Excited, you skipped in past the gates, running to greet your friends.

Kaz's skin prickled as he saw the children bustling about in the schoolyard. Almost all of them were mercher's children, and he knew they lived on the far richer side of Ketterdam.

Shaking off the feeling, he walked away, back into the carriage.

Your day commenced as it normally would. However, recess was the one part which caused your happy mood to sour.

You ran with everyone else on the playground, laughing as you all played tag. You'd been tagged, and chased relentlessly after a random kid from the other fourth-grade class.

You clapped him on his back and turned around swiftly, but you slammed bodily into Alby Rollins, Pekka Rollins' spoiled, rotten little boy.

"Sorry about that, Rollins!" You apologised hastily and tried swerving around him.

He shoved your shoulder and scowled, "Watch where you're going, Barrel trash."

You'd been called many names before, but that particular one struck your dignity hard.

Your hands clenched into fists at your sides as your e/c eyes blazed. "You take that back, Rollins."

He hit you on the shoulder, "Or what, slum rat?"

You noticed a sharp rock at your feet and picked it up, baring it at him. "Or I'll cut you."

His piggy eyes went wide, but he still held himself confidently. He kicked you on the back of your knees, causing you to tumble down onto the dusty ground. The stone in your hand cut a deep gash across your palm, but you didn't care.

"You'll cut me?" He scoffed, kicking you in the ribs. "You'll cut me? I don't think so, scum. Don't even belong here with us non-slum dwellers, do you?"

"I belong here just as you all do," you spat, trying to stand up, but he kicked you hard in the ribs again. You wheezed and collapsed again, arm clutching your abdomen.

"Think you're equal 'cause your Da owns a club?" He scoffed. "Kaz Brekker don't got nothing on Pekka Rollins."

But before he could even draw his leg back for another kick, you regained your posture and swung a fist at his nose with as much strength as your 10-year-old body would allow.

An audible 'crack' came from where your fist connected with his face, and he clutched at his jaw which you'd hit. The hit was cushioned by his round cheeks, but you weren't any older than him nor were your knuckles conditioned enough to handle a direct hit, and your fist pulsed with pain.

"You filthy Barrel rat!" He screamed, and knocked you down as he tackled you, his pudgy body weighing your down significantly. He threw punch after punch at your face and body, while you tried freeing your arms pinned under his knees. Around you, kids chanted 'fight, fight, fight!'

Of course no one was going to help. Your face was bleeding, and you could barely feel it anymore as he beat you bruised and bloody. Tears streamed down your face as you pleaded for him to stop. He didn't cease his relentless hitting, and no one dared touch Pekka Rollins' son anyway, so why would they attempt to now? You prayed desperately that someone went to get a teacher, and ignored every single insult he hurled your way. Regardless, a white-hot anger coursed through you, making you struggle harder.

You got an arm free from under him and caught his collar, before pulling him to the side hard enough to get him off one side of you. Wiggling out, you wiped a hand across your mouth for it to come down red with blood. Angry like a bull, you charged at him, fists swinging at his pudgy body as you hit and kicked every place you could reach. The other kids tried holding you back, but nothing would stop you from taking revenge for all he did to you.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THIS?" Exclaimed a teacher. Beside her stood Sofiya Reznik, looking worried for you.

"Miss!" Wailed Alby pathetically while you wiped the steadily drying blood from your knuckles. Dragging your sleeve over your face, you wiped off whatever blood you could, and had only just been able to think rationally and clearly, when another teacher seized you by the elbow and dragged you inside. It gave you some satisfaction to see that Alby was also being dragged with you equally harshly. Clearly these teachers weren't scared of Rollins the way the others were.

"I need some context on what happened," sighed the teacher who'd grabbed you, while you sat on a cot in the nurse's office, Alby opposite to you and mewling pathetically to the nurse and teacher.

You allowed the young man to start dabbing away at the blood on your face and replied, "He called me Barrel trash just because I bumped into him, accidentally. I apologised, but then he had to escalate it."

"...and then the shameless Barrel girl punched me!" You heard Alby bleat, while the nurse and teacher looked thoroughly done with is antics.

"It's on him cause he started it," you sighed, holding an ice pack to your eye, which was starting to bruise over. "He shouldn't have hit me."

"I didn't lay a hand on you!" He protested, but the teachers saw right through him.

"Silence, shevrati," you snapped, using the Suli insult you often heard Inej say. "That's what you are, anyway. A know-nothing."

"Kids, enough," the second teacher intervened. She glared at Alby, "And quit your incessant bleating, you've just got a bruised eye. A well-deserved one at that."

"How can you believe that-that slum rat over me?" He gaped.

"None of that, boy," scowled the male teacher. "Come on now, both of you, to the Principal. Goodness, the things you all do..."

You sat quietly outside the office, waiting, and heard the sound of branded leather boots against the tiles of the floor. You looked up to see Pekka Rollins hurry over to his son, and heard his angrily muttered insults towards you.

"Atleast now I know where he learned it all," you scoffed, looking at the man.

"Y/n?" A serious and familiar voice made you look up, and immediately your heart dropped to your worn-out shoes. Kaz was there with your Aunt Inej, Nina, Jesper and Wylan, and all of them looked beyond pissed.

"Hi..." you awkwardly said, holding up a hand to wave at them. However, it took you a moment to realise that their anger istelf wasn't directed towards you. Kaz was glaring past you and at Pekka, who was comforting his crying child.

"Not this stuff again," you grumbled and flicked Alby on the ear. "I didn't even break anything, so quit your bleating."

"Don't you even--" Pekka began, but was interrupted by the secretary.

"Um...are you Y/n's family?" She asked, peeking out of the office. Kaz and the rest of the crows nodded, and she said, "I need the father to come in, please."

"That would be something you don't want to do," Nina interjected. "Unless you want another fistfight on your hands."

She looked defeated, and replied, "Just- just decide amongst yourselves who is to come in."

They all looked at each other, and you facepalmed. You did regret it immediately, though, as your eye throbbed thanks to the bruise on it.

“Please, honestly, we just really need the fathers here,” said the young woman. Seeing their incredulous glares, she added, “I don’t make the rules.”

You tentatively gave Kaz a quick hug, before running back to the chair you'd sat in. He looked at you in a way that made your skin prickle with unhappiness

“Little crow…” Nina sighed, shaking her head. “You’re just like Kaz. Can’t back down from a fight.”

“Hey, he started it!” You scoffed, glaring at Alby, who stuck his tongue out at you.

You suddenly heard raised voices inside the office and shrank back against your seat, looking a little afraid. You’d never heard Kaz raise his voice like that, atleast not in front of you. To be honest, it terrified you to imagine your normally calm father standing there in front of Rollins, his eyes blazing and gripping his cane hard.

“Little crow, you’ve got a bruised rib!” Gasped Nina. “How did this happen?”

“He kicked me," you mumbled, pointing at Alby. The boy glared at you again, and you heard him scoff something which sounded like 'tattletale'.

Jesper knelt in front of you while Nina attempted to heal your bruised rib, and asked, "Did you win, little crow?"

You grinned and nodded, "Yeah, I did."

Wylan immediately smacked his boyfriend upside the head and scowled, "Jesper Llewellyn Fahey, we will not encourage this behaviour," he looked at you and sighed, "Y/n, I'm really disappointed in your decision today. Why did you hit back?"

"Because he--OW!" You exclaimed as Nina made a sharp turn of her wrists, fixing the rib which you'd bruised. "Auntie Nina, that hurt!" You glared at her.

"Listen to your Uncle, little crow," she frowned. "He's right. You shouldn't have hit back."

"He called me barrel trash. Why am I in the wrong here? Besides, I had apologised for bumping into him, and he just had to insult me." You scoffed at them all. "Papa would've understood."

"My little crow," Jesper spoke after a long time, startling you. "If someone decides to stoop that low, you have to control your own emotions and walk away."

"You guys fight people on a daily basis," you grumbled. "It's quite hypocritical for you to say that."

You were honestly livid with their behaviour, thinking they'd support your decision, but the more they spoke, the more you wanted to throw and break something.

You slouched in your chair and noticed Alby sticking his tongue out at you, as the crows looked at each other, their telepathic adult conversation going back and forth.

The secretary came in and gestured for you and Alby, saying, "Kids, the Principal wants to see you."

You stood up and glared at the rest of your family, who simply looked back at you the way grown-ups do when they want to make a point. You had no idea why they were against you on this, and felt another surge of anger go through you at their expressions.

Inside the office, you sat quietly next to Kaz, who was seething with anger. His rage wafted off him in waves, which made you scoot your chair as far away from him as you could. His eyes blazed with fury as he looked at Pekka, who held his son's shoulder as the boy sat down.

"Children," the Principal said gently, looking at the two of you. "Could you care to explain exactly what happened? Let's start with you, Y/n, dear."

You tried not to cringe at her tone. She spoke as if you both were in kindergarten.

"Well," you said, thoroughly tired of having to narrate the story over and over. "I was playing tag with my friends and I didn't hear Rollins behind me, so I bumped into him by accident. Naturally, I apologised, but he just had to hit me and call me 'barrel trash' and continued to bully me about my background, and he got physical, so I responded in self-defense."

“See, Mr. Rollins, I suggest you try to control the language you use around your child,” sighed the Principal, looking at the man.

“Yes,” said Kaz, his voice stone cold. “Preferably teach him not to mess with her.”

“Keep that mouth of yours shut, Brekker,” growled Pekka. “My son would never say such things! He doesn’t do it at home, why would he do it outside?”

“I can call one of our students in to confirm, if you’d like, Mr. Rollins,” the principal replied pointedly. She hated it when fathers excused their sons behaviour when they were so obviously in the wrong.

You glared at Alby, “Confess else I’ll do more than just bruise your eye. We both know what you did.”

“I didn’t do anything,” he scoffed. “She pushed me and just began hitting when I asked her to watch where she was going.”

“That’s a lie!” You shouted. Kaz rested the tip of his cane on your shoulder to warn you not to get up, for he noticed you tensing to hit again.

“We are dishing out a week-long suspension to you, Alby Rollins,” said the Principal, writing him a slip. “For starting a fight, greviously injuring another student, and for name-calling as well as bullying on the basis of their background.”

“You can’t do that!” Gasped Pekka.

“I run this school, Rollins,” said the woman, handing him a signed slip. “I do what I want. And I want to ensure your son doesn’t repeat this concerning behaviour again, because if he does, then he certainly will not have any place here.”

“Looks like you’ve lost this fight, Rollins.” Your father smirked at him.

“As for you, Y/n Brekker, I’ll be giving you a two-day suspension for retaliating instead of telling a teacher. Physical fights are not tolerated here. Please go to an adult the next time someone does something like this,” she wrote you a slip as well and handed it to your father, who looked at you angrily. It made you shrink in your seat, and you hastily avoided eye contact.

You exited the office with Kaz, your eyes trained on the floor. You didn't want to meet the furious eyes of your family members, and knew no one would really sympathise with you.

The carriage ride, too, was spent in silence, with Kaz glaring at you, his breath coming out in barely controlled huffs, while Jesper made futile attempts to lighten things up.

Back home, you waited for your father to start yelling. And he did.

"Why would you take a challenge with Pekka's son, when I specifically told you not to?!" Kaz bellowed, livid.

"H-he started it..." you said in a small voice, eyes fixated on the floor, while the other crows settled around the living room. You knew you had messed up, but did it really warrant this reaction?

Your father scoffed, his hands gripping his cane tightly. "Does that mean you will fight back? How many times must I tell you? Never interact with a Rollins!"

"But...but he called me Barrel trash and so many more names..." you replied in the same voice, not wanting to move at all, but at the same time, your whole body trembled as your defense mechanism to run kicked in.

"So you hit him?!" This time it was Wylan who spoke up.

"He hit me first!" You exclaimed, sick of being told that statement.

"And you hit back?!" Nina interjected. You met your aunt's green eyes which held an anger you had never seen before, and it terrified you. "Come on, Y/n!"

"But--but--" You stuttered, however, no one wanted to listen.

"Y/n," said Kaz, his eyes on you. "Why did you have to react? Do you realise how far this has escalated?"

"N-no..." you replied. And you actually didn't. From the time you'd started going to the local school, Kaz always told you to stay away from Alby, but he never told you why. You knew he had a feud with Pekka, so what did that possibly have to do with you?

"What part of stay away from Alby Rollins was unclear?" Kaz seethed, his body tense and taut as a bow string, while his grip on the cane increased drastically.

"He bruised my ribs," you choked out, finally gathering some courage. "He kicked me, insulted me, insulted you, made me look like an idiot in front of my entire school, and you wonder why I hit him back?"

Kaz took a step towards you, but you flinched away, afraid. A look of shock passed over all their faces at your reaction, and Kaz looked hurt.

"Why can't you just understand?" You sniffled and ran up the stairs to your room, slamming the door shut and curling up on your bed to cry softly. Your eye still hurt, as did your ribs, and everything Alby said echoed in your mind.

A soft voice came from outside the door, in a language which was gentle on your ears.

"Little crow?" Inej asked, her voice muffled through the wood of the doorway, speaking in clear Suli. "Can we talk?"

"No," you scowled, replying in Suli. "Go away."

"I'm on your side, my crow," she said gently. "But please, talk to me."

You sighed and opened the door, letting her in.

She came inside and sat on your bed, beckoning you to sit beside her. By force of habit, you did so and laid your head in her lap while her calloused hands stroked your hair comfortingly.

"Why can't any of them just understand?" You said, tears welling up in your eyes again. “I didn’t hit him just because I wanted to, I just was trying to defend myself…”

“I know, my little crow,” she said, “their reaction was way too uncalled for, but you see, your father just wants to protect you. Kaz and Pekka have had this feud going since a while now, and he just doesn’t want things to escalate. It might warrant your involvement, and he definitely doesn’t want that.”

You exhaled deeply and looked up at her. “I shouldn’t have hit him that bad, I know. I just—I felt so disrespected and so…pathetic…I didn’t know what else to do!”

“Look,” she said, “People will say what they want. As a female, and as someone from a slightly less privileged background compared to others, you’re bound to face this. People with closed mindset’s will treat you this way, and you have to develop a thicker skin as much as they have to recalibrate their way of thinking.”

“I think Ill go apologise to Papa, then…and to Auntie Nina. And Uncle Jesper and Wylan…” you trailed off. “I love you, Auntie Nej.”

“And I, you, my little crow.” She grinned and leaned down to press a soft kiss to your head.

You walked downstairs again with her and stood in front of the crows, who were assembled on the couch. You inhaled deeply and said, “I’m sorry for reacting like that. I know it was wrong of me to hit Alby, and Ill work on my temper a lot more from now on.”

“I’m sorry too, little crow,” replied Kaz. “I am aware that you don’t know what goes on amongst the adults and it was definitely wrong of me to assume you could figure it out.”

You nodded and went over to him, giving him a big hug, whispering, “It’s okay, Papa,” in his ear. The rest of the crows fell atop you two in a group hug, with both Nina and Jesper crying.

“So…as a way to shake off the horribleness of today…” Nina suggested when you all collected yourselves, “Why don’t we all go to the Kooperom for tea?”

“I could use a good plate of pie, to be honest,” said Jesper.

“Same,” you grinned, turning around in Kaz’s lap.

“Alright, grab your coats and let’s go,” smiled Inej, doing exactly that.

So, you all let go of your old anger and enjoyed together, laughing over plates of waffles and cups of tea till the sun began to set and the clouds turned grey with the onset of night…

———

I hope you all enjoyed this one <3

#shadow and bone #nina zenik #jesper fahey #inej ghafa #wylan van eck #kaz brekker #fluff #little crow series #six of crows #fem!reader #child!reader

[caffinedragon]

You took care of me, Now it's my turn.

TavxHalsin

A draft snippet that allows a peek into Razzikel(Tav) and Halsin's 150 + year friendship.

TLDR: Two bro's cuddling and talking over warm beverages at the Act 1 party.

“A warm beverage, bear?” Razzikel asked as he offered up the steaming mug of freshly brewed tea he had procured from Gale’s supplies.

Halsin, having been deep in thought by the way he stared off into the distance, jumped like a startled rabbit, “Sweet Silvanus!”

“Sorry,” Razzikel chuckled, his deep growl rough voice trying to hide his mirth and failing, “Didn’t mean to startle you. Tried to keep in line of sight but You were pretty lost in thought.”

“That’s all right.” He sighed as he rubbed his face to calm down, “I always seem to forget how quiet you are, despite sharing my size.”

“I wouldnt be a good ranger if I wasn't.”

“That’s true.” It was then he noticed the mug he held out, “What’s that?”

“A honey sweetened lavender based herbal tea. Well, at least this one. My mug has coffee. Gale has quite the collection of cozy beverages and he is kind enough to share. Figured the warm drinks would help calm the nerves after the week we had.”

Halsin’s expression was warm and soft as he took it from his hand,“Thank you wolf. You…didn't have to do that.”

“I know. I wanted to.” He smiled as he rested his forearm on Halsin’s closest shoulder. “Besides, this way people will stop asking you if you want a drink.” He poked his cheek teasingly.

“You noticed, huh?”

“It never fails.” He sighed, irritation in  his voice. “At parties like this, people often see someone without a drink in hand and feel the need to remedy the situation.”

“Very true. And they tend to be insistent even when you tell them you don't drink.”

“It’s just one drink.” Razzikel mimicked, “It will be fine. Live a little! Have some fun! Don’t be a stick in the mud!” He groaned.  “It’s why I always used to bring an old wine skin full of grape juice or coffee and pretend to sneak it into my mug.”

“Clever.” He then leaned in almost conspiratorially, sneaking an arm around Razzikel’s waist to rest on the small of h9s back without getting closer. “But what if someone asks to have some?”

Razzikel smiled knowing what Halsin was trying to do but was to shy to ask for directly in front of strangers.

“I let them.” He shrugged as he repeated the gesture, pulling Halsin flush against his side before resting his arm fully across his shoulders. “Most think it is hilarious or want to copy it. Only a handful tried to offer to fill it with actual alcohol.”

His heart skipped a beat or two when he saw a bit of red tint on his face as he settled against him.

“And what do you do if they keep insisting after you refuse?” He asked as he folded his thicker body into his.

“Ask them why they are so determined to get me drunk and then use ‘The Stare’.”

Halsin blinked twice clearly trying to remember what he was talking about. “The…Stare…?” 

Razzikel knew it hit him the second his eyes widened, followed by him erupting in loud belly laughter that could be heard across camp.

“The Stare!” He wheezed out between laughs. “Oak father preserve me, I nearly forgot about that, hahaha!”

“It’s pretty effective, especially since I am a drow.” Razzikel snickered.

“I mean-” Halsin started between giggles, “Fair. On both points. But,” More giggling. “Now all I can see is-”  Snort. “All i can see is you standing there with that stare of yours just-” Halsin crossed his arms, stood up to his full height, made his face still as stone with one eyebrow raised and pretended to be looking down at someone.

He only holds it for about three seconds before he cracks into another laughing fit that Razzikel joined him in.

“Ah, sweet merciful Silvanus.”Halsin sighed as he wiped tears from his eyes, “I needed that.”

“Happy to help.”

The two men fell quiet as they scanned the party, the habits of leadership and their own protective natures coming over them as natural as instinct.

As Razzikel looked out over the camp, the hand draped over Halsin’s shoulder subconsciously reached up and began to drag its fingers through Halsin’s hair.

He hadn’t realized what he had done until he felt Halsin tense startled. He slowed his affections in case he needed to pull away  but after a few moments, He saw out of his peripheral vision Halsin allowing himself to melt against his touch with a sigh, his head easily finding a comfortable place between his neck and shoulder.

Without a moment's hesitation, Razzikel gently kissed the top of his head before resting his cheek against the same spot, reveling in the familiar warm and comfortable hold he missed.

“Thank you.” Halsin whispered as he began to relax.

“For what?” He asked while taking another sip of his coffee like it was the most normal thing in all of Toril to have an archdruid cuddled under your arm.

“Rescuing me.” He sighed in relief. “I was fully prepared to die fighting my way out of there had you not come. I am glad you did.”

Razzikel could feel his heart clench in his chest at the memory of the druids in the grove who had seemingly given up on him.

In an effort to not think about what would have happened to him, He tightened his hold and kissed his head again to distract himself.

“I meant it when I said that all you had to do was call and I would come running.” Razzikel affirmed. “It is in the lythari nature to be there when our pack mates need us. I am no exception.

“I’m not Lythari.”

“Neither was my mom. She sought out to tame a Dire Wolf to spite her family only to find my dad. ‘Get loved, loser. Get absolutly fucking cherished.’, is essentially the family motto.” He heard him chuckle as he finished, “Who am I to argue with the family tradition?”

Halsin let out a stuttery breath like he was on the verge of tears, “I don’t deserve you.”

Razzikel turned to kiss his forehead a third time, “Not your call.”

The broken relief in his short laugh was accompanied by him snuggling into his side more as he whispered, “I missed you…so much.”

“I missed you too.”

The soft sttutery rumble that began echoing form Halin’s chest as  his eyes closed was a sound Razzikel knew well. It was the sound a bear made when they felt safe and happy.

Good. 

He deserved that, and a lot more besides.

Razzikel let himself begin to drift as he absentmindedly continued to sip his coffee and stare off into the middle distance, a comfortable and welcome silence settling between them.

When he turned his gaze down to Halsin, he was in a similar zoned out state, the firelight playing on his caramel colored skin and dancing in his hazel eyes.

With each breath his scent filled his nose, easing his nerves. The warmth of Halsin’s body continued to remind him he was safe and sound, slowly easing the ache in his chest.

When Halsin took a glance up at him, he gently ran a stone gray thumb along his jaw and temple, earning a contented sound that mixed in with his purring.

He could feel tears begin to gather in his eyes as the reality of his success fully sank in.

“Are you all right, wolf?”Halsin asked, concern lacing his voice.

“I’m all right. Finally having you in my arms again allowed my mind to realize I had suceeded. Just a bit overwhelmed by it, is all.”

Halsin shifted to press his forehead against his, a gesture Razzikel returned.

Neither man spoke, they didn't need to as they remained like that until his tears began to dry.

Once they did, they snuggled back into thier previous position staring contemtedly out into the middle distance.

They stayed like that until their mugs were empty, where Razzikel took them and placed them on the large rock behind them.

A few moments later he heard the stuttery purring stop, followed by Halsin’s eyes drooping in a familiar guilty sadness.

“You should get back to the party.” Halsin sighed but didn't move, breaking him out of his cozy no thoughts, head empty state.

“What?” He blinked, his mind taking a second to process what Halsin just said. “Why?”

“There are still a lot of grateful people eager to spend time with you. I shouldn't keep you all to myself, as enjoyable as that may be.”

“Go ahead. I did my obligatory rounds. I am perfectly cozy and content right here.”

“Are you sure there isn’t someone else’s attention you would rather have tonight?”

He noticed the way his eyes flicked over to Astarion.

He understood why. Cain, his late husband, was very similar to the pretty boy vampire spawn but only in the levels of pretty and sass.

What had drawn him to Cain had been the same things that had drawn him to Halsin.

A patient and wise mind, a kind and gentle heart, and a ferocious protective streak that rivaled his own.

And he told Halsin as much.

This earned him a deep blush of embarrassment across his face that washed away the guilt and sadness from his eyes.

He half expected him to turn into a mouse like when they were younger but he didn't.

“Not too mention, when i asked him ‘What do you mean by fun?’, because the man is a menace at times, his response was, ‘Sex darling. But not with you. Eugh, could you imagine?’”

When Halsin saw the chuckle he was trying to hide he started to laugh.

“Like, the feeling is mutual, and when I alluded to that, he was surprised.”

“Surprised?”

“Yeah. It was like he expected me to be disappointed and angry and when I wasn't he didn't know what to do. Which, considering his horrifically abusive relationship with his sire, is about what I expected.”

“Not used to someone being okay with rejection.”

“Or being around someone without having to sleep with them.”

This time when Halsin’s eyes flicked over to Astarion, his eyes had a sadness that was mixed with understanding.

“I’m glad he is under your care then.”

“Same.”

“What about the others, do they have similar stories?”

“They do. Each one is or has been used and/or abused by authority figures in their lives.”

“And yet they clearly trust you to lead them. Not that I am surprised.”

“What do you mean?”

“Providing for and protecting those under your care has always come naturally to you. It’s like an instinct. People feel.safe around you because you always know what needs to be done and if you don't, you have no problems finding someone who does. That security in the self allows others to feel the same. It is why I often joked about you replacing me. You would have been far better at it.”

“I mean, your not wrong, but…i would go mad inside of a year being cooped up in a grove like that.”

“That’s true. And speaking of…” Halsin sighed as he straightened himself up from his shoulder and stretched. “I have something to tell you.”

“Oh?”

“I have stepped down from being Archdruid.”

Razzikel’s eyes widened in pleasant surprise, “No shit? They finally let you go?”

“Yes.” He sighed relieved, “Apparently getting captured and imprisoned by goblins and having your second try to let shadow druids take over was finally enough to convince them I was a bad fit.”

“Congratulations! Bet that is one hells of a weight off your shoulders.”

“Oh it is. Still coming down from it.”

“I bet. So who is replacing you? Rath? Nettie?”

“Francesca.”

“Who?”

“Exactly.”

Razzikel tipped his head to the side.

“She is a druid being sent down from the high forest. No one in the grove knows her, and since she is from the outside she will have nothing to do with the schism in the grove.”

Razzikel smiled as it clicked, “And since she is new to the grove she won't have any biases that can be exploited and will be able to provide a purely objective point of view. Good fucking call.”

“I thought so.”

“So, what's next for you then? Coming with us to moonrise i assume?”

He chuckled, “It seems you know me well.”

“I would hope so. We have been pack mates for over 150 years.”

“It's been that long?”

“We met in our mid 100’s and were both in our 300’s now.”

“Oak father preserve me. That means its been over a century since…

Razzikel saw the train of thought and moved to intercept by placing his hands on Halsin’s shoulders.

“Don’t dwell on it. We can help now. It’s all that matters.”

He sighed, shaking the thoughts from his head, “Your right. And better, you will be at my side. We finally get too have that adventure together you always wanted.”

“I would rather it be under better circumstances but i will take what i can get.”

Razzikel then looked back out over the party again. 

Noticing that most of the attendees were well within there mugs he turned back to Halsin with a mischievous grin.

“So…since it is clearly that time where the others are too drunk to care where the “hero” of the night ran off too… you think your up for a run?”

A wide grin spread across Halsin’s face that made him look 50 years younger.

“With you? Of course.”

“Good. Let me report to the only other sober members here real quick and we will be off.”

Razzikel quickly ran to the cuddle pile in front of his tent that consisted of Koto his timber wolf companion, Poto his dire raven familiar and Scratch. Poto and Scratch were sleeping off all the treats they jad gotren from the party goers while Koto remained broght eyed and alert despite having scratch snuggled up to jis side and Poto dozing on his back.

Once he got over to him, Koto’s golden eyes locked with his, head tilting to the side.

What is it brother?

“Halsin and I are going for a much meeded run. Do you mind keeping an eye on things while we're gone?”

Not at all. Go have fun. I will keep watch.

“Thank you.” He then kissed his forehead which earned him an affectionate lick.

Bring back a rabbit or two for me, yeah?

“Will do.”

He then bounded back to Halsin.

“All right. All set.”

“Perfect. I have the perfect place in mind for us to go to. Let’s go before the alcohol makes your fans a bit too bold.”

Grinning like like young boys the two made it to the edge of the light without notice.

While Halsin stood watch, Razzikel stripped off his clothing and tucked it up into the branches of a tree, smirking at him when he caught him looking.

With a deep breath he closed his eyes and let the wolf instincts fill his veins.

The cracking amd stretching of bone started quickly after, dropping him on all fours as his body twisted and morphed into hos secondary form.

Once the transformation was complete, where once stood a 6ft plus Drow, now stood a Pitch black dire wolf the same size as a horse.

Halsin stared at him in awe, “Sweet Silvanus…I keep forgetting how magnificent that form of yours is.”

Razzikel licked his face affecionately before poking his chest with his snout.

“Right. Right.” He chuckled, “I am getting distracted.”

With that, Halsin took a step to his side and wildshaped into his large cave bear form.

Razzikel rubbed his face against Halsin’s before taking one last look back at the camp.

Once sure everyrhing was fine, both Wolf and Bear dissapeared into the woods, not to be found until the smell of Gale’s cooking was carried to them on the morning wind.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #baldurs gate 3 #halsin #bg3 halsin #halsin x tav

[lostonehero]

In which Martin gets to be supernaturally strong because it causes gay panic in the office.

"Martin, aren't you hot?" Jon raised his brow. They were all stuck at a mandatory summer festival for the institute. He motions to Martin wearing long pants and a sweater.

Martin rubs the back of his neck. "I mean, yeah, but I don't think... uh..."

Tim pats his back, making him jump. "Nobody is going to judge you, Martin. If they do, they will have to deal with me."

"And me." Sasha smirks.

Martin smiles softly as his face burns red. "I uh ok..." He squirres off to a bathroom with his bag.

Jon sighs. "If he wears a binder, I don't see the problem." He motions to his own binder.

"Jon dysphoria is different for everyone." Sasha hums. "But I don't think Martin is Trans.... ah, I think he said his friends are coming by as well."

Jon rolls his eyes. "I know that, but he shouldn't risk heat stroke. However, that would get him out of this mandatory fun."

Tim waves Jon off. "Oh, come on, Jonny boy, it's going to be fun."

"Don't call me that." Jon scowls.

Martin returns in shorts and a tank top, he looked as they imagined chubby, but oddly solid. He rubs the back of his neck and chuckles nervously. "I was using it as an excuse to not participate." He was covered in freckles and tattoos.

"Did not take you for the tattoo type, Martin." Tim chuckles. "You've got nice ink."

"Oh, thank you, Tim." Martin smiles softly. "I'm covered in them."

Jon looked unimpressed. "We can see that." He goes to say something else but is interrupted by a shout.

"HEY MARTIN!" A short man with black hair and a prominent scar from being struck from lightning on his face that travels down to his shoulder and arms and chest. His shirt is boldly read.'Got struck by lightning, and all I got was this shirt (and trauma).' he was wearing bright blue shorts that said 'behold this asshole' on the back.

A taller man in a tank top was next to him, his shirt read 'Death Adores Me'. In bright pink barbie letters. He was wearing matching shorts to the shorter man. He had green eyes and blonde hair and sharp features. His body looked like it was carved out of stone.

Tim wolf whistles and the smaller man huffs.

"He's mine." The shorter man huffs.

"Mike relaxed, would ya?" The blonde man chuckles. "You must be Tim it's nice to meet you." He holds a hand out, and Tim noticed he was wearing gloves and that was odd.

Martin smiles and gasps. "Ah, right, that's Oliver, and that's Mike... why are you wearing that shirt?"

Mike chuckles. "It was a gift."

"It was a joke." Oliver rolls his eyes and smiles.

Tim chuckles. "I like it."

"Don't encourage him." Oliver sighs. "Anyway wanna join us for some games? I heard there's some strength tests."

Jon raised his brow. "No thanks."

Tim pulls Jon into a half hug. "What he meant to say was yes, of course! Oh, this will be fun."

"I'll be the best." Sasha winks.

Martin nods. "Yeah, sure, it will be fun."

......

Elias was holding a cane up pointing to a sign. "Ah, hello, there wasn't to test your strength?"

"Simon told me you lost a bet. I didn't think it would be in your favor." Mike raised his brow.

"Aha, that's quite funny." Elias smiles. "I am merely running a booth. This is supposed to be a fun day for everyone."

Mike exchanges looks with Oliver, then to a gruff muscular man in swim trunks and nothing else with his arms crossed on a seat for a dunk tank. Before he could speak Tim moves up front.

"Hey, double boss man! What game you got?" Tim smiles, pulling Martin up front.

Elias hums and smiles. "Oh, a simple test of strength. Just use the mallet to try to hit the bell on top." He knew it was rigged, and it was fun watching people get annoyed. He really wanted to run a fortune teller tent, but he did lose a bet, and he is a man of his word.

Tim went first and barely made it a quarter of the way up.

"Oh, how unfortunate. Better luck next time, Timothy." Elias chuckles.

Sasha goes next she gets about the same. "Ah, wow, I didn't think the hammer would be so heavy."

Elias hums. "Good work, Miss Sasha, but not quite there. Remember, any employee who rings the bell gets two weeks paid vacation."

Tim huffs crossing his arms. "Now you mention that."

Jon refuses the mallet. "I'm not one for brute force."

"That's a given boss man." Tim rolls his eyes.

"What do you get if you don't work here?" Oliver steps up grabbing the hammer.

"Ah, there's a commutative cash prize for non employees Oliver. Of course, it cost 5 quid to play. You are always welcome to try." Elias hums.

"Let me guess if nobody wins it all goes to the institute." Mike rolls his eyes at the nod.

Oliver takes out a five and places it in the overflowing jar. "Ok, I'll give it my best." He takes a step back and hits it full force, only getting three quarters up. "Oof, that's harder then it looks."

Tim whistles. "Alright, Adonis."

Olive chuckles handing the mallet over to Martin. "Don't break it."

Martin huffs. "That was one time, and the mallet was wooden, and it was an accident."

Elias raised his brow and smiled. "Alright alright boys play nice. Go ahead, Martin." He quirked his brow higher when Mike and Oliver pulled Tim and Sasha back to where Jon was watching.

Martin steps back and holds the mallet up.

Elias suddenly felt way too close.

The mallet slams down hard with a loud crack it shatters on impact, and the bell is deafening as that cracks in two from the impact.

Martin dusts off the wooden shards and jumps back as the bell falls in front of him. His face was red from embarrassment, and eyes stared at him in astonishment. "Ah shoot.... sorry, sir. I didn't mean to break it."

Elias was speechless, and he could see Peter staring at the scene with the same slack jaw expression.

#tma #the magnus archives #strong martin rights #martin blackwood

[drstonetrivia]

Chapter 232 Trivia (Part 1)

This is it… The final chapter.

The Perseus and American planes get one final appearance, in color!

They must have landed a ways away from shore since Senku caught a fish, but the new Perseus isn't an aircraft carrier so how far did the plane fly?

I wonder if Charlotte is piloting it…

The choice of a land vs water return has historically depended on the geography of the country sending the rocket up: Russia has a lot of land, so the Soyuz capsules are made for land, and the US is surrounded by water so they've traditionally used that instead.

Since Treasure Island is an island, they opted for a water landing. Both types of landing have advantages and disadvantages, it just depends on which risks you'd rather take.

The Soyuz capsules Byakuya's team came down on are designed for both water and land, but because they don't have the same flotation devices that the Apollo ones have, they can't right themselves after landing. The capsules naturally float anyways.

In Senku's case, the top flotation devices weren't needed, but it's odd that the buoyancy ring was already inflated upon touchdown— wouldn't the impact make them burst, or flip the capsule upside down? It's also unusual that they'd exit before the recovery vehicle reached them.

Maybe they were worried about Ryusui-the-stowaway using up all the air inside so they decided to open it early?

We can't be sure of where they touched down since there's not enough landmass shown to identify anything, but given the celebration was held in Japan and the Perseus came to pick them up, it's a fair assumption that they landed in a similar area to the original Soyuz Six.

I'm sure most people have noticed how Kohaku has fallen asleep on the stage and Stanley is going through a nicotine withdrawal/acting as if it was a proper military medal ceremony, but I doubt most people noticed that Ryusui is actually meant to be 7 cm taller than Stanley…

Everyone's asking who this girl is, but I genuinely think she's just a random extra person, unless Boichi decided to recolor Kohaku with brown hair just to throw us off one last time. Another guess is that she's the girl with glasses from the 1st light novel, but without glasses.

It appears the villager criteria has expanded even further past simply allowing outsiders— outer space is now fair game! Their new friend is officially a member of Ishigami Village!

The bar in the middle of the E is also missing in E=mc², which I guess is a pretty E-Z mistake to make haha!

(Since it's now c=mc² does that mean we can simplify to m=1/c? 🤔 )

The area reminds me of the DARPA expo in the national park rather than Corn City, so it may be a new town based around where the Americans had originally revived. It has a defensive wall which is unusual, so it may be a military research base or to protect against wolf attacks.

I'm also a little disappointed they opted for cars and roads rather than trains, especially leaving the town, since America is very well suited for a rail network.

This plane is unlikely to be the piston-type propeller plane that we saw earlier, but rather a turboprop: a propeller in front of a jet engine, Xeno's specialty. These types of engines are better for short flights (<480 km) because they're more efficient over short distances.

Because of the slower travel, they can handle shorter runways better, but I'm not sure that's much of a problem when landing on the ocean.

Traditional jets are better for long distances like, say, the 8,500 km journey Gen took to get from America to Japan.

Did Francois and Gen leave Suika at the airport!?

Gen could be talking about the old outfit design, or, because the leather didn't fully deteriorate in the 7.5 year time skip (we can see this from some of the other outfits), it could literally be the same outfit from the Stone Wars, but patched up a little.

I assume this was because Francois is a more important character, but they could have gotten Carlos, the driver by trade, to bring Gen to the wedding.

Though he probably didn't want to leave miss Luna alone…

Hair grows ~6in/15cm per year, and the average women's head size is 8.6in/21cm, so assuming Yuzuriha didn't cut too much off, her hair grew around 10.9 in/27.7cm, therefore 2 years have passed.

This isn't perfect because Mirai's hair didn't grow as long, but it's an estimate!

These people are Yuzuriha's parents (despite the father's striking resemblance to Taiju), since Taiju's parents are long dead.

Another shooting stance comparison! Stanley is obviously cool and using only one hand, but Yo is using two hands. The number of hands doesn't affect accuracy, but cops are generally trained to use two hands since it's more stable when firing consecutive bullets.

(Next part)

#trivia #dr stone #chapters #232

[thisgirlnamedblusy]

Oooo...what about a Marilyn x werewolf reader, where the reader is her intern (so not a student) and Marilyn is afraid of werewolves/big dogs and wolves (doesn't treat the Furs in their human forms bad or anything is just unsettled by their howls and takes great care to be locked in her rooms on full moon nights) but one full moon night she's late getting back to her rooms and a couple of the werewolves either see her as prey or just want to scare her so chases after her but mc comes running in to protect her which causes mc and the wolves to fight, she's able to chase them off, give a big wolf kiss on Marilyn's face, lead Marilyn to her door and promptly collapse on Marilyn's bed shifting back into her injured human but naked! form and Marilyn realizes it's her favorite intern she has a crush on that saved her. I'll let you surprise us on how they lead that next morning conversation/love confession lol but some subtle scent marking from the mc would be neat. Thank you! ❤️

Yess!!! Here it is!! I hope you like it, it's the first time I write about werewolves!!! Sorry about the language mistakes!!!

The full moon scares you.

Pairing: Marilyn Thornhill x Fem, Werewolf! Reader

Warnings: Fluff, werewolf things

Word count: 2,968

Summary: She was afraid of people like you. Maybe she’s gonna change her mind when she needs you to protect her.

N/A: Requests are open!!! Sorry about the delays, I’m working hard on your requests. I love you all!!!

“And which ones should I not water?” You asked, taking notes in a notebook.

You were quite happy. They accepted you as a botany assistant at Nevermore. Finding a place where you could learn what would be your future profession was extremely satisfying, and even more so considering that this school was not like the others. There were people like you, there was no need to hide your stress on full moon nights, nor to repress howls.

But it was not only an opportunity to learn... When you were introduced to what would be your companions, you discovered that your heart was not completely dead, it was still alive, and it began to beat strongly when you met the woman with whom you would spend most of your life.

Marilyn Thornhill was everything you were looking for in a woman. She was good, kind, innocent. Your wild nature was deeply attracted to that smiling redhead, as if she was what your tormented soul needed to achieve peace.

But you were only daydreaming. She was normie. She would surely never notice you, or even she would be afraid of you. But she was so kind to you… So tender… You couldn't help but think that there was even the slightest chance.

Sometimes she would look at you when she thought you didn't notice, smiling, thoughtful… You wondered if maybe she felt something too, but you never dared to ask. She seemed unattainable to you, like a precious stone behind a glass window. Beautiful, yes, but you could never touch it.

“Look, (Y/N). These here need water once every three days,” she told you, pointing to some pots. “And these others every two days. It's not hard to remember.”

You nodded and wrote in your notebook, trying to keep your hand from shaking.

“Tomorrow's class we'll talk about poison ivy,” she told you, raising her eyebrows. You blushed and lowered your head, but smiling. “But don't worry, the poison is neutralized. They can touch it all they want. Or at least I hope so…” She told you, winking at you.

“Don't poison the students, noted,” you joked, making Marilyn laugh in amusement. She could be contemplating her laughter for the whole time, but the time told you that you should go back to your room. “Um… I… I have to go now.”

She looked at you with some kind of sadness.

“What a pity, we were having a good time, right?” She said, leaning on her desk.

You couldn't feel worse. You wanted to stay, you really did, but it wasn't the right day.

“Yes, but I must go to my room, today there is a full moon and…” You said murmuring. Your words seemed to make her jump.

“Full moon? Wait… are you… are you… a werewolf?” She asked with some fear in her voice.

You felt like an arrow pierced your heart. It almost seemed like she was trying to get a little away from you.

“Well… Yes….” You said, running a hand around your neck and getting a little closer, checking that she was really running away from you. “Don’t, don't be scared, please.”

“Oh, no, no. You don't scare me, (Y/N). It's just… I don't really like wolves. Since I was a little girl I have been terrified of them. Don't be offended,” she said trembling, trying to calm herself down.

You shouldn't take it badly, after all, she was normie, and you didn't know anyone who wasn't afraid of werewolves.

“It's okay, really, I… I wouldn't hurt you,” you said, getting nervous.

“It's not you, (Y/N). I like you, I was simply surprised by that statement. I must have like 6 people like you in my class, I'm starting to get used to it.”

Those words cheered you up a bit, but you still felt bad for being what you were, for being something she feared. The hopes that your heart had were less and less.

“I… See you tomorrow?” You said, trying to relieve that little tension. Lucky for you, she smiled in agreement.

“Of course, if you need me, you know where I'll be,” she told you affectionately. You nodded and left the greenhouse.

You had to hurry back, because the sun would not take long to hide. You didn't even think about that conversation. Your priority was to get to a safe place. You closed the curtains and turned on the light, preventing the moon from coming through the window and turning you into a monster, a monster that she feared.

A chill ran down your spine, telling you that the moon was already high in the sky. If you stayed there, you wouldn't transform, but still your instincts would sharpen. You were reading a book, when something took you out of your reading. You couldn't know what it was, you just felt it. You got out of bed and cautiously approached the window. You could smell them, you knew they were there.

Principal Weems explained that in order for their nature to be free, there were cages in the forest that allowed werewolves to transform. They were too young to control themselves, they had to use the cages.

“It can't be possible,” you said to yourself, with a much hoarser voice than normal. The cages were far from the academy, but you smelled them too close. A bad feeling began to cloud your thoughts and you looked at the window.

You knew you shouldn't, but you moved closer to the window, putting your hand over your eyes, trying to cover the moonlight. You cautiously drew the curtains and looked down. Your breathing quickened with just the reflection of the full moon, but you knew how to control yourself, at least you tried. There they were those two werewolves, right under your window. They seemed furious and somehow disoriented. It would surely be one of the first times they transformed, since these smelled like that. First times always were the most violent.

You couldn't do anything to help them, just make sure they didn't hurt anyone, although it was difficult for them to do so, since there was no one outside. A new figure appeared in the night, and you automatically turned your gaze to it. You widened your eyes, and almost took your hand from them. It was Marilyn. She was walking helplessly towards the two wolves. You wanted to scream, to warn her, but you couldn't do it, you would transform as soon as you lost control of your emotions.

The wolves immediately noticed the redhead's presence and began to growl at her. When Marilyn looked up, she froze, paralyzed. She must be terribly scared. She couldn't run, and she couldn't stay still either, she was trapped. She shyly took a few steps back, her whole body trembled, you could tell. The werewolves' gaze turned dangerous, as if they had just discovered a prey to attack.

She would have nothing to do against them, she was lost.

“Don't run…Don't run,” You murmured. You knew that if she started to run, it would probably be the her end. She couldn't help it. Startled, she turned and began to run, heading for the woods.

“Shit, Shit!” You yelled furiously, leaving the room. You couldn't allow them to hurt her. You weren't going to allow it. You decidedly went downstairs, noticing how your hair was beginning to grow in your arms. You were about to transform, and it was actually what you wanted, you would have to do it to protect her. Your clothes started to bother you, feeling tighter.

You abruptly pushed the door and looked up at the sky, where the moon was waiting for you. You stared at it and howled as loud as you could, feeling your clothes ripping and falling to the floor in tatters. You were already completely transformed, and you didn't waste any more time. Running fast, you charged into the forest, your eyes furious, determined to finish them off, to bite them, to tear at their flesh.

You were very fast, and it didn't take long for you to see two shadows in front of you. You growled as you ran helping yourself with all four legs, as if it were a matter of life and death. The redhead was running from the wolves, but she seemed to lack strength. You couldn't wait any longer, you had to attack.

“No! No!” She desperately yelled when she felt one of those werewolves grabbing her jacket. “Please no!”

You narrowed your eyes at them and howled desperately, leaping at them and pulling them away from her. Marilyn was terribly scared and she fell to the ground.

You got up from the ground, just like your peers, who howled threateningly when they saw you. Roars and growls echoed through the forest as you tried not to turn your back on them. It was the prelude to a fight, a bloody and cruel fight. Your humanity was still within you, but this time it was not your life or your territory that you had to protect, but your beloved. That was much more important than numerical inferiority.

Your instinct made you look behind you, seeing how one of them pounced on you. You couldn't dodge it and you took a claw. You roared in pain and rage, while the other wolf tried to attack you, but this time without success.

You were fast, attacking without mercy. The other werewolf bit you, causing your anger to rise. You howled in an energetic and angry way and entered a state of frenzy, in which you managed to throw your enemies off your back, throwing them to the ground. They were also injured, they were weaker than you so, looking at each other, they decided to run away. You howled in victory, making sure they got away from there.

Your breathing began to relax and you turned to see the redhead on the ground, propped up on her elbows. When you calmed down, you moved closer to her little by little. Marilyn backed away in fright, and you stopped, looking down at the ground.

“You…” She sighed, looking at you fixedly. You looked up to show you weren't going to hurt her. Her eyes landed on your head. You had a streak of white in your hair, which also appeared when you transformed. “(Y/N)? Is that you?” She asked, getting up from the ground.

You couldn't talk in that state, so you just nodded slightly. Marilyn still looked scared and she was looking at you warily. Seeing that you didn't move, she took a few steps towards you.

“You, you saved me…” She sighed, as she approached fearfully. You didn't move, trying to be the less intimidating as possible.

She was right in front of you. You could feel her so close that it was hard for you to control yourself. Marilyn didn't speak, she just looked at you. She surely never imagined having a werewolf so close to her. Gently, she extended a hand towards you. For a moment she moved away, but she continued to touch your fur, stroking it gently.

“Thank you…”She told you, smiling. Her caresses drove you crazy and you began to breathe quickly and pant happily, as if you were a puppy that her owner was saying nice words to.

“Do you like it?” She asked amused. You howled slightly to indicate that you like it. She must have been scared, very scared, but she seemed to be trying to overcome her own fears.

You were so happy that you lost control, and you pounced on her, licking her face effusively.

“Hey, hey!” She said laughing, trying to push you away. You stopped and relaxed, letting her breathe. It was one of the best moments of your life, or so your animal feelings told you. Joy and relief were interrupted by distant howls. You moved your head to the source of the noises, trying to determine where they were coming from.

“What's happening? Are, are they?” Marilyn asked, backing away. You snorted and looked towards the school towers. “We must, we must return.”

You grunted and without thinking you picked Marilyn up in your arms. She was light as a feather for a werewolf like you. You wished you were in your human form. The redhead clung to your neck as best she could, trying not to touch your wounds. It didn't take you five minutes to get back to school.

“Yeah, you can let me go, (Y/N),” Marilyn told you. You snorted negatively, entering the academy. You thought of accompanying her to her room, and there would be no one who could stop you.

You reached the door to her room and lowered her to the ground, grunting at the pain of your injuries.

“Does it hurt, honey?” She asked, looking at your injuries. You lamented in agony. A terrible dream began to take over your senses.

The redhead opened the door and looked your way, signaling for you to come in. You moved clumsily, ducking to avoid colliding with the roof of the door.

You started to wobble and get dizzy. Your werewolf night was over, and you were about to return to your human form.

“What's wrong?”

You grunted, taking a step towards the bed and plopping down on it. You could hardly distinguish anything, you only saw how little by little the fur disappeared from your body and your breathing relaxed. You rolled onto your back, feeling your humanity return, though you were too weak to fully realize it.

“(Y/N)…”

That was the last thing you heard before you lost consciousness.

The sound of the birds attacked your ears mercilessly, causing you to make a nasty face. Your head ached, like every time you transformed, but to your surprise, the environment around you  was unfamiliar. It didn't sound like you had a hot lump next to you either. It was her. She was resting by your side. You noticed how, when you moved, something pulled your shoulder. You were dressed in a baggy T-shirt that was certainly not yours, and to your embarrassment, you were wearing nothing underneath.

You put your hand under the shirt, to touch that area that you felt strange. You felt a bandage covering your shoulder, and that reminded you of the events of the night before. You had a horrible urge to run away, but before you could even think about it, Marilyn stirred and yawned.

“(Y/N), you've woken up,” she said with her voice still asleep.

“I…I…” You stammered, not really knowing what to say.

“Shhh,” she told you, putting a finger on your lips. “You don't have to say anything. You saved my life last night, (Y/N).”

“Well…” You whispered, dismissing it as important. “It's, it's just that…”

“You were very brave… There were two of them and you, well, you were alone,” she said happily, looking at you with admiration, and maybe something else. “You could have hurt yourself too much...”

“What?” You asked, shaking your head. “Those, those wolves… They were going to kill you, Marilyn.”

“You shouldn't have risked it for me... The world loses nothing if I disappear, you have your whole life ahead of you,” she told you sadly. Those words made you angry. You couldn't believe she was saying those things to you. For you she was a treasure, something incomparable.

“Nonsense,” you said without thinking.  “I had to, I had to protect you,” you were nervous, and it probably wasn't the right time, but the conversation was slowly drifting to a confession.

“Why?” The redhead asked, taking your hand.

“Because…Because I…” You murmured. You had nothing to lose, and you were weak, almost like you were drunk. It was one of the worst occasions to lie, you were practically incapable of doing it. “I… I love you.”

Marilyn raised her eyebrows, but she didn't show rejection or dislike for your words, she simply smiled tenderly.

“I already know it. I am not a werewolf, but I'm good at noticing those things,” she told you, lowering her voice. You were about to panic.

“I, I have to go,” you said, getting up from the bed, only to realize that you were naked from the waist down. Your face turned tremendously red, and you pulled on your shirt to try to cover yourself. She laughed amused.

“You shouldn't worry so much, (Y/N). Yesterday I saw your whole body.”

“Oh…” You lamented, remembering that she was right. Marilyn got up from the bed and walked over to you, grabbing you around the waist. You were blocked, you did not expect that movement.

“I've never kissed a werewolf, I wonder how does it feel” she whispered, as she gently placed her lips on yours. Your heart wanted to burst out of your chest, and your arms moved automatically to her hips, gripping them firmly as you deepened the kiss.

“I thought, I thought people like me scared you...” You murmured, pulling away slowly.

“You don't scare me, (Y/N). You protect me…” She said, cupping your face with her hands.

“I will always protect you…” You said, enjoying what seemed like a dream, a deep wish come true. Your instincts kicked in and you started to put your head on her shoulders, rubbing your scent on her.

“What are you doing?” She asked, amused.

“Just, just… Wolf things,” you said, not wanting to tell the truth.

You knew what you were doing. Now she was yours, and your condition forced you to mark your territory with your scent. You didn't see any threat, but you couldn't help but do it, you had to. Now she was yours, and no one could ever get their hands on her, you weren't going to tolerate it.

#marilyn thornhill #marilyn thornhill x reader #wednesday #laurel gates #ms thornhill #oneshot

[stayarmytinyzenmoa-l]

NCT Spooky Season [Day 18]

Faux Fur

TW: Monsters Genre: Romance, Comedy Pairing: Lee Mark x Reader YN Pronouns: Not specified Word Count: 0.6K Prompt: “That's not real! ... right?”

[NCT Masterlist] | [NCT Spooky Season Masterlist] | [Yesterday] | [Tomorrow] [Ao3 Link] | [Wattpad Link]

Notes: WE'RE ALMOST DONEEEEEE Disclaimer: Please remember that this is an AU and a work of fiction, obviously the idols mentioned/written about in this story would never partake in these actions. The idols mentioned in this work are meant to be seen more as face claims rather than the actual idols themselves.

Feedback is greatly appreciated!! Thank you for reading!

"So, why did we think this was a good idea again?" You asked Mark while moving about the supposed haunted house.

"We didn't, but Johnny did, and now I have no idea where he is."

You, Mark, and Johnny are somewhat of "paranormal investigators." Johnny's channel was semi-popular and occasionally he'd ask the both of you to join him. Today was on such instance. He'd heard of some "haunting" things happening in this house the next town over and he jumped at the opportunity to get some quality content.

And, he noticed, the most views he gets are on the videos with you and Mark in them. So, two birds, one stone.

"Ew!" Your hand retracted as soon as you'd touched the cobweb. "This place is... decrepit."

"Don't need to say that twice," Mark adjusts the go pro on his chest and you both continue throughout the house. "So what's the story of this place anyway?"

"I did a quick google search before coming here, but basically it's that run-of-the-mill thing where someone died an unjust and terrible death and now they haunt the place."

"Oh so, ghosts."

"According to the reviews, a werewolf too, maybe," you shrugged. "But I don't buy it."

"No?"

"Well, you know me, I'm a skeptic," you shrugged.

"And I'm a believer," Mark stays close to you as you shone the flashlight throughout the house.

"Whoa, Mark, look at this," you shine the light on what looks like a hunter's trophy at the end of the hall. It was a large wolf on it's hind legs, it's maw has been frozen in a predatory state and it's eyes crazed. "Looks like this is the so-called 'werewolf' everyone was talking about," you turned away from it to look at Mark.

"That's not real, right?" Mark asks.

"I mean, I've never heard of wolves standing on two legs so I doubt it," you shrugged. Then, you felt a hand clap down on your shoulder. "What?" Mark raises his hands and you felt the hairs at the back of your neck stand. You look at the hand on your shoulder or, more accurately, the paw. And slowly you looked up, seeing the monster snarling above you. "Fuck."

"Run!" Mark grabs your wrist and yanks you away from the werewolf, it's claws grazing and cutting the skin on your arm, right before it could take a bite out of you and you both started running out of the house.

"Oh, crap, Johnny!"

"He'll be fine!"

"Mark!" You grab his walkie. "Johnny! You gotta bolt, dude!"

There's no response.

"Johnny?!"

Again, nothing.

"It got Johnny!" You shout and hand the walkie back to Mark just in time for you both to stumble out. The werewolf stops right before the door, snarling all the way and watching you and Mark with a predator's gaze. It slams the door shut and you and Mark catch your breaths.

You came back the next day, hoping you'd find something of Johnny's if not him himself. And you were ready for the worst when, suddenly, you and Mark found him slumped behind the front door with dried blood crusted under his fingernails.

General Tag List: @stopeatread @bat-shark-repellant @raeincitizen @umbralhelwolf @yangsrose @kazooms @sadcoffeecritic 

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If you want to be added to either tag list or removed just send me a reply to this post, and ask, or a DM and I’ll add you as soon as possible!

#nct #nct x reader #nct x you #nct x yn #nct u #nct u x reader #nct u x you #nct u x yn #nct 127 #nct 127 x reader #nct 127 x you #nct 127 x yn #mark lee x reader. mark lee x you #mark lee x yn #nct dream #nct dream x reader #nct dream x you #nct dream x yn #my writings #nct spooky season

[houseofperfecttaste]

Secrets, Secrets Are No Fun(2)

Outer Banks x Teen Wolf PT.2

WARNINGS: Fighting scars, , R@pe talk.

*This isn't going to follow the Teen Wolf movie plot exactly because I wanna get right to the point in some areas. For the sake of the story pretend Dereks loft was in the middle of the woods :)*

It's been about five years since you left Beacon Hills and you and Rafe have been together for those five years. Your life has been quiet thank god, not having to deal with the supernatural for years. You've of course talked to Scott, your mom, and some of the others on occasion. No one in Outer Banks knows your secret but they're definitely starting to be suspicious of some of the scars on your body, wounds that your super healing couldn't fully heal. The group including Rafe also noticed your eyes glowing when you got insanely pissed at a guy one night. Rafe was always the one to comment on the scars that ran across your back.

It was after a 10-hour shift at The Wreck and you had been sleeping over Rafes for the past couple of days so you headed over after work hopping in his shower. You knew he would be home soon after a long day at the course. You were letting the water cascade down your body and you heard the door open knowing it was Rafe. "Hey ba-" His sentence was cut short when seeing the laceration scars across your back. "What are these?" Rafe whispered running his finger across them.

"I don't want to talk about it. Bad memories." You whispered back leaning back into him his arms wrapping around your waist kissing your shoulder. "Okay, baby. I'm all ears if you ever wanna talk." He reassured smiling against my neck and running his hands over my stomach. "You wouldn't understand Rafe. Very few can understand." He didn't know what to say knowing that if you said he wouldn't understand you meant it and he didn't want to push it. He didn't let him stop from wondering what happened to you. He wasn't stupid he knew they were whip lacerations and the thought of that happening to you made him sick. He would probably have a heart attack if he found out everything.

You were at Rafes end of summer party and everyone was wasted out of their minds. You were drunk as hell due to the wolfs-bane in your drink. During the summer you made friends with a girl at your job and you became very good friends and you guys knew each other's secrets (most of them.) One thing you knew is that she had a restraining order against her r@pist. You were standing in the kitchen sipping on your mixed drink looking around the party. Your eyes landed on the drunken girl and the same guy she told you about. You slammed your drink down marching over and pushing him away from her.

"Get the fuck away from her." Your voice was stern and hard glaring at him. "It's fine, she's my girlfriend." He tried making your face turn in disgust and your glare turning even harsher. "I'll call the cops right fucking now." He put his hands up in defense a smile on his ugly ass face knowing I knew. "I'm innocent, the bitch is just fucking crazy." You cocked your head to the side your tongue poking your cheek. "What the fuck did you just say? I'm gonna give you a chance to walk away." He crossed his arms thinking he would win just because he was bigger than me. I could fucking kill him in a second if I wanted to.

When he realized I wasn't to back down he scoffed turning to walk away. "It's not r@pe if she liked it." He said under his breath and you grabbed his shoulder turning him around and punching him right in the middle of his face. A whole circle formed around you guys including Kie, Rafe, JJ, Pope, and so on and so forth. You threw multiple punches at him your face stone cold as the pogues and Rafe were watching in shock and terror. They've never seen you angry and this went from 0 to 100 real quick. Since they were all relatively in front of you they all could've sworn they saw your eyes glow red. They never said anything they just blamed it on the strobe lights.

You were sleeping in Rafes' bed on your side of the bed the same dream occurring the past few months. It was Allison well a form of Allison and she was in distress screaming for help and it's all that would happen before the dream ended. This time she seemed so real, the screams sounded real and you were there with her trying to save her but she kept getting farther away. "Allison! Allison! Allison!" You chanted in your dream. Rafe woke up to you screaming a name in fear and hyperventilating in your sleep. "Baby! Y/N! Y/N!" He shook you until you woke up and your eyes shot open tears rolling down your face as you were sweating and your chest heaving.

"You're safe baby. You're okay I'm here." He moved the blankets off of you to cool you down and turned his fan on sitting in front of you on the bed. "Are you okay love?" He rubbed his hands up and down your arms as you nodded even though you weren't. "Can I ask something?" He knew not to ask about your past but it was worth a shot. "Of course." You whispered grabbing the water from the nightstand. "Who's Allison?" You took a gulp of your water slowly putting the cap back on deciding on whether to say anything or not.

"Uh, she was my best friend. My brother's first love. She died for me. She pushed me out of the way. We couldn't save her." You whispered closing your eyes as you relived one of the worst nights of your life. "I'm so sorry baby. But that's not your fault, she loved you and you can't blame yourself for not being able to save her." He tried to reassure. The thing was you would've been able to save her but she wasn't in pain, you can't take away pain if there's none. "Goodnight baby." You kissed him laying back down with Rafe wrapping his arms around you from behind. When you woke up you informed Rafe that you were going to go back home(new home) for a few days to clear your mind.

You were chilling in your room watching tv when all of a sudden you got a text from Liam only saying 'We got a problem.' You sat up in bed abruptly. You called Liam chewing your lip. "What kind of fucking problem?" You immediately asked when he picked up the phone. "I'm good Y/N, how are you." You laughed at his sassiness pinching the bridge of your nose. "Yeah, I'm great Dunbar. What is the problem?" "Uh, the Nogistune escaped. Onis are back. You know same old same old." You knew he was nervous and you gulped hard. "How'd he escape?" "A hooded figure freed him. I don't know who it is." "Okay, I'll be back in Beacon Hills as soon as possible." You hung up calling Scott immediately after.

"Liam text you?" He immediately asked. "Yeah with no explanation at all." You laughed as did he agreeing Liam did the same thing to him. "Dunbar hasn't changed. So are you going back to Beacon Hills?" "I don't think I have a choice, Scott. I'm packing now and I'll be back home the first chance I get. It's going to come back after us and we'll get killed if we don't fight." The conversation continued as you grabbed your bag and keys leaving the house and heading to the airport texting your aunt and uncle saying you were going back home for a few. Kie hid behind the bathroom door so she wouldn't be caught eavesdropping on your conversation. Kiara heard you leave the house but you were already long gone. Kie rushed out of the house heading to the Chateau texting Sarah to have Rafe head there too.

"Guys! Guys!" She yelled sprinting up to the porch and flinging the door open. "You good Kie?" JJ asked standing up and heading over to her and she shook her head. "It's Y/N, she's going back home and she was on the phone with her brother talking about how something is after them and they might get killed." She rushed out in one breath and everyone was confused telling her to slow down. "What the fuck do you mean she'll get killed?" Rafe asked standing up and running his hands over his buzzcut. "I don't know Rafe! All I heard was that if they don't fight they get killed! It's all I heard!" The whole group started stressing and worrying sitting down and putting their heads in their hands.

"Okay well, the only option is to go to Beacon Hills after her," Cleo said with a shrug acting like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Alright, let's go." JJ piped up not about to sit around while his friend is in danger. "How the hell are we going to get there?" Pope asked the reasonable question. Rafe and Sarah looked at each other smirking. "Ward's private jet." They all went their separate ways packing and Sarah was of course able to get Ward to give her the plane. They all met up at the plane and loaded their things before starting their journey to California.

You had arrived at Beacon Hills four hours later texting Scott saying he was back at home and that Mom was at work. You entered the house, and Scott instantly wrapped you in his arms. "I've missed you." You whispered into his shoulder hugging him tightly. "I've missed you too." You felt him smile against your head. You guys pulled away and you saw Argent, Lydia, and Derek standing in the kitchen. You hugged all of them then all sat around discovering that you, Scott, Lydia, and Argent have been having the same nightmare/vision about Allison.

"We gotta save Allison," Scott said and you all agreed and found the ritual that you all had to do to help her. You, Scott, Lydia, and Malia made your way into the forest during the night heading to the Nemeton to perform the ritual to break her free. You guys started walking away when nothing started to happen but as you started walking you heard the tree start crackling and when you turned around the stump was glowing and soon enough a naked Allison was laying on the tree stump unconscious. You rushed her to the hospital, your mom getting her into a room.

When Allison woke up she snuck out of her room and you all split up to try and find her but she kicked your asses each time someone got a hold of her. She left the hospital while you and Scott ran into Argent and Deacon. You all looked at each other and ran after Allison but she was already gone. "She didn't recognize me," Argent said and Scott agreed. "She was expecting me to say my last name was.." "Hale." Scott and Argent said at the same time. "We need to find Derek." You said looking at Scott and both of you got in his truck using your senses to find him.

"We need to find Derek. Now." You and Scott were able to track him to the high school to see Liam and Hikari standing over Derek ready to fight Allison who was holding her crossbow but ran.

"Go after her, I got Derek." You said heading over to him ripping off a part of your shirt to place on his neck trying to slow and stop the blood. "Eli- find Eli." Derek choked out and you looked up at Liam. "Find him." You told Liam and him and his girlfriend ran off leaving you with Derek. "Stop talking. I got you." You were able to drag him to the car but as soon as you got him in arrows were shot into the tires. You turned around to see Allison walking towards you her crossbow raised at you.

You put your hands up in defense not wanting to have to fight Allison. The Pogues and Rafe tracked your location to the high school and hid in the bushes when seeing you exit the building but to their surprise, you weren't alone. "What the fuck?" Kie gasped when seeing you were carrying someone who was missing a piece of their throat. They watched as you loaded the mystery man into a truck and as a brunette shot the tires and was stalking toward you. "I just want Derek Hale," Allison stated holding her crossbow at your head and you shook your head. "You're not getting him." "Looks like I'll just have to kill you for him."

You knew if Derek didn't get help soon his chance of surviving was low. Allison shot an arrow at you and you caught it throwing it on the ground. She throws her crossbow on the ground grabs her knives and runs toward you swinging at you but you duck and dodge every swing she took at you trying not to fight her. Sheriff Stilinski pulled up and you yelled at him to get Derek in the back of the cop car and take him to the old loft. "Why does that look exactly like Allison?" Sheriff yelled as he and Mason dragged Derek out of the truck and you kept Allison away. "Because it is Allison!" Sheriff's mouth dropped but he knew he didn't have time to talk to you about it at the moment.

Rafe's mouth dropped when hearing you say that because just two days ago you told him that Allison was dead. That she died for you and here he was witnessing you fighting her. Allison cut your knee making you fall and she was about to stab you until Scott ran over and tackled her. "Go with Derek. I got this." You nodded climbing into the car and speeding off. The Pogues left when you left and found a little motel to stay at for the time being. "Okay, so there's a lot to unpack from what we just saw." John B said and everyone nodded never being so confused in their lives.

"T-That girl is supposed to be dead," Rafe said sitting on the bed and running his hands over his buzzcut. "How do you know?" JJ looked at him suspiciously. "The other night Y/N had a nightmare and was screaming 'Allison' in her sleep. When I woke her up she said Allison was her best friend and that she died for Y/N. She pushed Y/N out of the way of something and she got killed." "Well, she looked pretty alive to me," Cleo said making Rafe roll his eyes, he didn't know how that girl was alive but he knew she was supposed to be dead.

Tags: @wh0reforbucknasty @nemtodd-barnes1923 @buckysjuicyplums @queenvane64

#teen wolf #mccall pack #outerbanks rafe #rafe cameron #rafe cameron x reader #rafe outer banks #rafe cameron imagine #rafe x reader #teen wolf cast #scott mcall #derek hale #allison

[powdermelonkeg]

Third Choice

Should Winter go home? Yes, leave as soon as possible, 67%

The trek down the mountain is brutal. More than once, Winter finds his eyes closing, only to snap open again to a higher moon, a darker sky. The suns are a distant memory by the time he manages to find the brickroad, stumbling over the glowing stones, struggling to keep his wits about him-

He slips and falls on black ice.

Ow.

Carefully, he pulls himself up, digging his cleats into the frozen glaze beneath his feet, and glances around.

He's halfway down the mountain. When did that happen?

Rubbing his face tiredly, he forces his steps forward again.

There's a tree. And a snowbush. Tracks…tracks from…stonefoots?

His stomach growls at the thought.

I'm going to get stew when I get there, he tells himself. Stew with stonefoot sausage. And a box of raindrop candy. And a mug of-

He belatedly notices the ground hurtling towards him again.

…

Winter's thoughts come back slowly, his habits taking control before his reason does. He stays stock still, categorizing sounds and smells in silence.

The chatter of the morning tavern greets him—talk of hunts and banners and calls for more food. The smell of roast nuts and spices is thick in the air.

He feels warm.

His eyes open to the pink glow of First Light, the first, rosy sun peering through his window. A quilt covers him from the chest downward, its many holes disguised by darning seams that look like a spray of stars, and his coat hangs from the bedpost.

He bolts upright, first checking himself for injuries, then his belongings to make sure they're all there. With a sigh of relief, Winter sags back into the bed, letting the soreness bleed away.

BANG BANG BANG

"AY! You awake yet, Lamppost?"

Winter jolts, staring at the door, then clears his throat. "I'm…I'm up."

"Good. I'm coming in."

The door opens, and the tavernkeep enters, closing the door behind her. Her hair's pinned back by a wrapped scarf, and her right eye is covered with an eyepatch painted with the gold sun. She regards Winter coldly a moment, analyzing him. "Scarf?"

"No."

"Right." She sits down. "You have some explaining to do."

Winter braces himself. "I'm doing my job."

"I gathered as much. What'd you take?"

"You've checked my basket. Why ask?"

The tavernkeep's lips purse. "Don't get cheeky, boy. You think any person in this town'd know the sorts of magic you bathe in with those herbs?"

Winter sighs, rubbing his temples. "…It's been a long travel. Can I have some food before we debate, please?"

With a none-too-happy look, the tavernkeep pulls a roll from her pocket and tosses it to him. Winter catches it and wolfs it down. It's still hot, full of spiced fruit—probably her own breakfast. He ignores the burn it leaves on the roof of his mouth. "Dragon nest."

"What?"

"It's from a dragon nest," he repeats, wiping his mouth and sitting up properly. "Lesser Dragon, in clutch. Pearl moss and nesting resin. "

She scowls. "The stars do you need that for?! You've got the count of five to explain, before I call the banner-"

"It's medicine," Winter cuts her off.

That gives the tavernkeep pause. "…Medicine for what?"

"Red River. They have a case of Blanch."

She goes quiet. He watches her face flicker through emotions—wide-eyed, deep frowned, eyes aglow, before she settles on a skeptical glare. "Blanch doesn't have a cure."

Winter looks her in the eye, with as much seriousness as his tired gaze can muster. "It does in the first stages."

"…Stars burn it all." She sighs. "Could leave that to actual doctors."

His expression hardens. "Normal doctors don't go into dragon nests."

"A shame they don't," the tavernkeep retorts, then looks away, falling silent. It settles in the air for a long moment, thick like syrup. "…I'll not stand in the way of disposing of that blight," she finally says. "But you've a hospitality tax to pay, umaine. I didn't pull you past the banner for you to skip on your dues."

Winter sighs. Right—a favor to the town you pass through to guarantee safety within it. If he wants to avoid the wrath of bannered patrons outside the door, he needs to do something. But he's taken so long getting to Red River...

#poll your own adventure #pyoa #long post #pyoa: choice three

[alhaithams-big-naturals]

Continuation of Cryptid Cyno, longer than I expected it to turn out so it's under a readmore >.<

Despite Alhaitham healing fine, Kaveh was more of menace. Apparently, it was 'irresponsible' and that he 'told him so'.

But now that meant his roommate sat across from him nose in one of the books Alhaitham had grabbed about cryptids.

After a while of reading, Kaveh set the book he was reading down and looked over at Alhaitham, who slowly looked up from his book.

"I think the Mothman could make a good lover."

Alhaitham blinked at him and stared.

"Like I think he would be sweet. He seems sweet."

Alhaitham sighed, "Have you found anything from our town or do you want to go find and sex up mothman?"

"No! No sexing up!" Kaveh gasped, "You know I don't do that."

He nodded slowly and before he could go back to reading, someone slammed their hands onto the desk.

"You want to know about the creatures around here?"

It was a man with fluffy white hair, he sat down next to Kaveh and smiled.

"My name is Jing Yuan, how about you?"

~

As they left the library, Kaveh leaned towards Alhaitham and whispered.

"I don't think we should trust that guy."

Alhaitham stopped and looked at Kaveh, "And why is that?"

He huffed, "He talked about giant lizard people and stone knights"

"He said they were dragons and called Vidyadhara." Alhaitham pointed out, "Besides. After meeting the beastman, I'm curious what else hides right under our noses."

Kaveh thought for a moment before sputtering out, "He looks too... put together to be a cryptid hunter!"

"Kaveh. He looks like a librarian."

He didn't have a retort for that so he just huffed and continued walking.

Alhaitham put the paper with Jing Yuan's phone number in his pocket and hurried to catch up with Kaveh.

~

The next day Kaveh dropped two backpacks full of supplies on the counter while Alhaitham was eating breakfast.

"Since you won't give it up and we can't find anything." Kaveh smirked, "Time to get hands on."

Alhaitham nodded slowly, "Okay... I'll get ready after finishing this then."

"I'm bringing my gun."

He stopped eating and looked up at him.

"You are not bringing your gun."

"Beastmen, stone knights, and giant dragons are out there according to you and that librarian." He glared.

He sighed, "And if they meant harm then that librarian would not have been alive to tell us."

Alhaitham leveled a glare at Kaveh.

"Fine!" He huffed, "I won't bring it!"

~

Thirty minutes later, as they parked they saw only one other car. It was an old beat up pickup truck with peeling white paint.

"Looks like we're not the only ones here." Kaveh murmured.

As they got out, grabbing their things, both of them spotted the yellow caution tape on the ground near the entrance.

"Hm." Alhaitham slung his backpack on and walked over, Kaveh quickly following.

"When was caution tape put up?" Kaveh peered over his roommate's shoulder.

He was crouched, looking around when he found a note folded up and put to the side.

Trails closed until further notice.

"Ah, what a shame." Kaveh mumbled.

"Not a shame to you at all." He pointed out, "If you want to leave, be my guest, but I am going to find Cyno again and thank him."

His roommate froze at those words, "THANK HIM? Who are you what have you done with my Alhaitham."

As Kaveh muttered about head injuries as he stepped foot onto the trail.

He quickly caught up upon seeing Alhaitham was simply going to leave him behind.

~

An hour or maybe more so two, they heard a shout of alarm from up ahead.

They quickly ran around the bend and saw the librarian fighting off...

"Is that a rifthound?" Kaveh gasped, taking a panicked step back, "I read about them in those books we were looking at."

"So how can we help?" Alhaitham asked, gesturing to the man who was currently defending the hulking wolf-like creature back with a stick just between it's mouth and his face.

"Uhm... uh..." Kaveh looked around in panic before realizing something.

Alhaitham looked at him, "Did you figure some-"

Kaveh pulled out his gun and shot at the wolf.

The wolf startled and let go of the stick, causing the man to tumble back. It looked up at them, saw the weapon in Kaveh's hands and retreated.

Jing Yuan got up and looked up at them with a baffled expression, "What are you two doing here?"

Alhaitham, however, was more focused on something else.

"You brought the gun? Seriously?"

Kaveh nodded, "And I saved the weird librarian."

Said librarian was walking over. As he approached the ground started shaking as something heavy walked.

"Better late than never." The man grumbled with a sigh.

Kaveh screamed as a man peered out from between the tall pines.

"Hello, Dan Heng." Jing Yuan smiled.

The giant slapped it's tail down between the pair and librarian.

A teal dragon's tail.

"They are friends." Jing Yuan reassured as the giant dragon scooped him up.

Alhaitham nudged the shocked Kaveh, "See, wasn't lying."

Kaveh quickly put his gun on safety and put it back in the holster on his hip.

"Is... it friendly..?"

Jing Yuan chuckled, "He is passive right now."

"Passive?" Alhaitham questioned and Kaveh shifted nervously next to him.

The librarian was set down and he smiled.

"This is Dan Heng. He is a vidyadhara also known as the giant dragons."

He slowly removed his tail from between them.

"No more shooting." He mumbled, curling his tail around Jing Yuan.

Kaveh nodded quickly, "But it got the rifthound away."

Suddenly, the giant went alert, tightening his hold around Jing Yuan who chuckled.

"Little too tight, my friend."

Instantly, he brought his tail away. It was thumping on the ground as he looked around. Kaveh coughed as the dirt was stirred around in the air.

"It's going to bring back it's pack."

"And we'll be fine, yes?" Jing Yuan looked up at him.

Dan Heng looked at the other two before smiling softly at the librarian, "You will be fine."

"And them?"

"They may not be fine."

Jing Yuan glared at the giant dragon.

"We could just run, right?" Kaveh asked.

He shook his head, "They know your smell, no outrunning them..."

"I thought you read the page on them." Alhaitham questioned.

Kaveh got flustered, "I just skimmed it..."

Suddenly they heard a howl.

"The pack is coming. We need weapons." Jing Yuan hurriedly ran to his discarded bag, two rusty swords lay near it, "I come and collect old weapons around here for my son. Hopefully they'll be decent enough."

"Jing Yuan, they're coming from that way get over here." Dan Heng's tail grew agitated.

He tossed the swords over as he felt piercing claws sink into his back.

"Jing Yuan!" The giant bellowed standing to full height and slapping the wolf welp away.

Kaveh quickly picked up a sword and charged, tears in his eyes forming, "This is my fault."

Before Alhaitham could pick up one, he felt teeth sink into his arm. He didn't notice a wolfhound had gotten close. It was bigger than the one from before, most likely the leader of the pack.

He let a shout of pain.

Leaves crunched as a purple blur shot out from the trees and tackled the rifthound.

Alhaitham picked up the sword and charged at the wolf that had attacked him.

Together, they drove it off along with Kaveh and Dan Heng having drove off the welps.

Now with the commotion died down, Alhaitham finally managed a look at the blur that had jumped in.

"Cyno." He sucked in a breath.

"You are a foolish human." He refused to meet his eyes.

"I wanted to thank you for last time, properly... and now this time too."

"No." The beastman shook his head, "You need to leave and never come back. It's too dangerous."

Before Alhaitham could argue back, Dan Heng picked him up. The giant quietly stood, carrying all three humans back to the start of the trails.

~

They were both quiet as Kaveh drove them. They were behind Jing Yuan's truck. The dragon had actually turned human, his clothes and everything changing. He was still as silent as ever.

Alhaitham clutched his arm.

"What are we going to tell them?" Kaveh asked with a sigh, "Wolf attack?"

He stayed quiet, lost in thought, as he stared out the window at the trees passing by.

"Hey... your beast was right." He started, "I know it's not what you want to hear, but the trails are dangerous."

Seeing that Alhaitham wasn't go to talk, he sighed.

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry, Alhaitham."

~

The clinic was run by a young vidyadhara according to Dan Heng. Her name was Bailu.

Alhaitham moved his arm cautiously for a moment after getting the bite cleaned and bandaged.

Kaveh sat nearby, fidgeting nervously.

Across the room, Jing Yuan sat smiled mischievously at Dan Heng. He took his injury in stride.

"I'm sorry." Kaveh spoke after a while, "Alhaitham told me no guns and I still brought a gun."

The librarian looked up, "You didn't know."

Kaveh shrunk into himself, he still felt bad.

~

A week later, Alhaitham was walking home late from his job. It was dark out and the streetlights above flickered.

There was a motorcycle was coming down the road and stopped next to him. Curiously, he stopped as well.

Glowing red eyes met his.

"Need a ride?"

#cytham #jingheng #cryptid cyno the beloved #now with added jingheng brainrot #sorry it's so fucking long I got carried away and didn't know how to end it really #Feel free to send me questions about them!! :D :D

[kumamooko]

Originally wrote this for a movieverse lava one-shot for Ao3 ...but i decided to share it here because i don't think i'll finish the full thing

However, i love how the first part turns out <3

Word count: 808 words

Kinda ooc, but enjoy anyways 😁💖

“I like you too.”

Kai never thought he’d ever hear those 4 words ever in his entire life. Especially from someone like Cole.

It felt like yesterday that they first actually met. Kai knew a lot of people in high school, constantly circling around groups with new friends every second. The only person he never got around, however, is the black-haired guy who sat on the left seat in front of him during Math. The lone wolf tends to blast his headphones with loud music, moving away from any kind of social interactions. His bulky exterior and quiet nature gives off an ‘intimidating’ aura, which makes it much harder for anyone to approach. The teachers didn't pay much attention to him, as he constantly got above average scores, compared to Kai's up-and-down average scores in certain classes. Despite the guy’s ‘too cool for school’ persona, that didn’t stop Kai to at least be a little curious about it.

The Secret Ninja Force has only recruited a couple of teens that showed potential to protect Ninjago from the evil Lord Garmadon, who attacked the city daily. It made Kai wonder what part of him chasing a local man for a loaf of bread with roller skates showed potential to something honorable like a ninja, but it's still a cool opportunity nonetheless. It was a bit rough for the first few days of settlement, first time meeting each other and all. Especially learning the fact that they’re teaming up with Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon, the most hated kid in Ninjago, to fight his own father who has been terrorizing Ninjago since before day one. They all come around eventually, understanding that Lloyd is just a normal teen like them, just with a bit of teen angst and massive daddy issues. You can’t not feel bad for him and his mom, at the very least.

Sticking around with Lloyd Garmadon got its perks, one of them being avoided like the plague. Kai is doing fine on his own activities, but it took him a while to realize that his sports team are talking about him behind his back.

It doesn’t really matter, because all Kai needs are his new masked friends he fought alongside with, one of them is… well…

His name is Cole, Cole Brookstone. Despite the bulky exterior, the brunet comes to realize the soft and relaxed look the guy kept on his face. His eyes, gentle and his voice, incredibly soothing. The brunet didn't find him 'intimidating' like what the people at school say. In fact, he finds him… kinda cute actually, which is a totally platonic thing Kai has to say about his fellow ninja-mate. 

Hanging out with Cole is always the highlight on any given day. They’re always paired up during missions defending the city, spending even more time chatting through the communicators on the Fire and Quake Mech. The two even joked about building a 'Fire Stone mech', that is able to support the both of them.

Before he even realized it, Kai's smile started to get more lopsided whenever he locked eyes with Cole during class. His hand is always itching to comb his gelled hair neatly whenever Cole comes around between classes, smirking whenever he sees him. The way his spirit lifts up whenever he hangs out with Cole after classes. He is constantly thinking about all the ways he could get Cole to notice him. Maybe he’ll show off his reputable skills on the ice rink, and in that way, he could get Cole to skate with him!

It doesn’t matter what anybody says, as long as his eyes are on him. It really can't be helped.

Kai loved every little thing there is about him.

The way he took off his headphones to listen whenever he or their friends had something to say with full attention.

The way he tied his hair up messily during their missions and hot days to avoid his adorable face getting too sweaty.

The way he smiled sweetly whenever they hangout, the kind you rarely see when others are around as if it's only for him to see.

The way he made him feel loved and cared about, more than anyone in the whole world.

Kai's down, really bad.

…and Cole felt the same way.

Kai doesn't know what to do. His heart is pounding so fast that he couldn’t keep up, almost falling in the process. Luckily Cole’s hands are there to hold him, intertwining with his scarred hands. That sweet, rare smile unable to leave his face, accompanied by the redness on his cheeks.

“So, um, this weekend, do you wanna…  hang out, maybe?” Kai asked. His thumb glided over Cole’s big hands, appreciating each curve. It feels really calming. “Just the two of us.”

Cole lets out a soft, satisfied sigh.

“Yeah, I’m free.”

#finally #im thinking about them constantly #ninjago #ninjago fanfiction #tlnm #the lego ninjago movie #lavashipping #kai smith #cole brookstone #kuma works