#i want to pat those feathers so bad

[dreamwritesimagines]

Garden of Secrets [1] - Thorns

A.N: Let’s start my loves!❤ I hope you’ll like this chapter and please don’t forget to tell me what you think, thank you! ❤ And thanks to @theskytraveler​ for helping me with the story! ❤

Summary: First impressions can go either way.

Warnings: Mentions of unhappy family life and fighting, Regency era society and social rules.

Word Count: 3400

Series Masterlist

You had never been to a circus before, but as much as you’d heard, you were quite certain it was similar to being introduced to the high society of London.

Extravagant clothes, announcements and performing tricks with a dash of danger.

If endless chatter and gossip and constant criticism fell under the category of danger, at least.

“Oh how I’m glad it’s over,” you murmured as the carriage slowed down, then came to a stop in front of your house. “It’s almost a blessing one only debuts once if you ask me.”

“My dearest, come on now,” your aunt said with a small smile. “It wasn’t that bad, was it?”

“Not for me, no,” you admitted. “If anything it was dull, but I saw multiple ladies with tears in their eyes.”

The door of the carriage opened and you stepped out of it, then looked behind you to see the coachman helping your aunt out of the carriage as well. She linked her arm with yours before you both started walking towards the house down the stone road.

“Tears in their eyes?” she repeated. “Surely not. Who?”

“One of the Featherington sisters.”

“The one who tripped and fell in front of the queen?” she asked. “You could hardly blame her.”

“And um…what’s the name of the girl with those huge earrings?”

“Miss Grant?”

You snapped your fingers, “Yes, her,” you said as you slowly climbed up the stairs with her and entered the house. “You’d think being named the diamond is a matter of life or death, with the way people are acting.”

“I’m glad you brought it up actually,” she said as she gave her coat to the maid by the door. “Because I’ve heard—”

“Oh the glorious warriors are back from the battlefield it seems!” your uncle’s voice boomed through the hallway and you couldn’t help but smile slightly at his theatrics. Your aunt shook her head fondly, and looked up at the mezzanine where your uncle was leaning to the stair rails. He gave you a big smile and you and your aunt went up the marble stairs to reach him.

“My Clover,” he hugged you. “Was it terrible?”

You heaved a dramatic sigh. “More than you could imagine, uncle.”

He hummed, that playful glimmer shining in his eyes. “Was there blood?”

Your aunt gasped. “Howard!”

“What? I know how vicious ladies can be when they want to have more suitors than others dear,” he kissed your aunt’s cheek and she patted his arm.

“There wasn’t any blood but some tears,” you pointed out. “Much to my disappointment. I’d love to see people claw each other’s eyes out.”

“Oh you two…” your aunt said and entered the drawing room with you two following her. You took out the multiple feathers from your hair and tossed them on the coffee table.

“Where’s Teddy?”

“With his tutor,” your uncle said. “So? Am I in the presence of the diamond of the season?”

You scoffed. “Thankfully no.”

“That’s what I was saying though!” your aunt said. “I’ve heard some ladies say they were convinced you would be the diamond when they saw you. And her majesty took her time inspecting you, did she not? Y/N, if only you smiled a little in the ballroom …”

You made a face and shook your head.

“No no,” you said. “It wouldn’t have changed anything, Daphne Bridgerton being the diamond makes sense. She’s more beautiful and talented and educated and all that, she was basically born and raised to be the diamond. I learned how to play the piano about two years ago, and the only time I would do it willingly is if I ever wanted to torment somebody. Besides, I’m not—” you paused for a moment, then cleared your throat.

“I’m really not interested in being the diamond,” you managed to say. “More trouble than it’s worth.”

They exchanged glances and your uncle nodded.

“We’re happy if you’re happy, Clover.”

You offered him a tiny smile and stood up.

“Well I’ll change and go to the garden,” you said. “Send for me if you need anything?”

“Will do!”

You made your way upstairs to quickly change your gown and went downstairs again. Grabbing your gardening apron and tools from the small closet by the door, you stepped out of the house and made your way to the flower gardens. You put on the apron and put down the basket, then got on your knees to inspect a rose, frowning slightly before grabbing the pruning shears and getting to work.

You had always loved tending to gardens. Ever since you were a child, it had given you more joy than anything else, planting flowers and watching them grow, it was in fact the only happy memory you had of your childhood. Perhaps it was because it gave you an excuse to stay out of the house, but whatever the reason was, you had always stayed outside, spending hours in the tiny garden you could call your own back home.

More often than not, your older sister would join you. It wasn’t as if she was interested in gardening, at least not like you were, but perhaps she too sought for some peace and quiet, and it was impossible to find it in the house where your parents were. Almost every moment consisted of a fight, things thrown around, and sooner or later either you or her would get involved in it, and be subjected to the fury of your mother or your father, whoever was the closest.

So, staying outside was safer.

In a way, you and your sister had both found a way to stay safe later on in life. She had eloped three years ago with your help, and only a couple of months later your aunt and uncle had visited your parents’ house and had a long talk with your father about letting you and your little brother Teddy stay with them. They had no kids, and since it would mean that your mother and father would have two less mouths to feed, they had agreed quite fast.

Especially when your uncle had mentioned money.

You were quite certain you would always be in your uncle and aunt’s debt. Even though both of them claimed otherwise, it would have made more sense for them to take Teddy, since he was a boy and could be their heir and easily leave you behind in that hell, but they had done no such a thing and made sure to treat you and Teddy like their own.

They were the only parents Teddy could remember.

And you?

As far as you were concerned, your birth parents were dead.

“Y/N!” A gleeful scream made you turn your head and you dropped the shears before Teddy threw himself at you, wrapping his arms around your neck, and thankfully you’d had enough practice at catching him mid-air in the last couple of years so even though your whole body tilted back for a moment, you quickly regained your balance.

“Hello there!” you said, a big smile warming your face as you hugged him back. “What did we talk about sudden movements and sharp objects little man?”

He pulled back, giving you a huge grin.

“Did you trip in front of the Queen?”

You let out a small laugh. “Who told you that? Uncle?”

“He said someone always trips,” he said, excitement laced in his tone. “Did you?”

You shook your head and dropped your voice as if giving him a secret.

“Not me but someone tripped and fell down.”

He gasped. “Really?”

“Mm hm.”

“Then what happened?” he asked. “Is she in prison now?”

You bit back a smile. “No Teddy, no one goes to prison for that.”

“Even if it happened in front of the Queen?”

“Even then,” you said and wrapped your arms around him as he sat down to look at the flowers better.

“How was your day?”

“Boring,” he pouted. “Mr. Langdon says I must study harder.”

You hummed. “You know the rules,” you told him. “You want to be the smartest boy in Eton, do you not? When it’s time for you to go there—”

“I don’t want to go to Eton,” he cut you off and you pulled back to look at him better.

“Why not?”

“I’d miss you,” he mumbled, reaching you to touch the flowers and you felt your heart drop to your stomach at the idea of him going away all on his own. You heaved a sigh and opened your mouth to disagree, but then a tiny four leaf clover caught your sight, making you tilt your head.

This was also one of the reasons why your sister used to call you her lucky clover. Somehow, you managed to find those more than any other gardener.

You reached out to rip it, then held it up for Teddy to see, making him gasp.

“It has four leaves!”

“It does,” you said and put the tiny clover into the pocket on the lapel of his jacket. “See? It’ll bring you luck, in here or in Eton.”

He grinned at you and looked down at the clover.

“And,” you said, making him lift his head. “I’ll always be here for you, no matter where you are. Nothing could ever change that, alright?”

He paused for a moment and nodded fervently.

“Wonderful,” you said and reached inside the basket to pull out another pair of gloves. “Now, what do you say you help me with this?”

                                             *

Of course everything that had happened in the Queen’s presence had found its way to Whistledown’s gossip columns, and the whole ton was buzzing with the expectation of the balls and social gatherings to come. You would be lying if you said you shared the sentiment, you’d much rather stay at home and deal with your garden, but this was the issue with having debuted, considering how your uncle and aunt were prominent members of the ton, you now had to join any and every social outing within the season, formal or not so formal.

Hence where you were now.

Lady Bridgerton had invited some of the new debutantes and their families for tea, probably to celebrate Daphne’s new status but to socialize as well.

In your opinion, this was nothing but an attempt to make horses become familiar with each other before putting them on the race tracks but your aunt was very excited about it, so of course you said you would go but now that you were here, you couldn’t wait to go back home. The Bridgerton house was beautiful, and Lady Bridgerton was quite nice but the rest of the guests?

Dear God, this was almost as much of a torment as listening to your own tune on the piano.

You made your way to the huge table to grab a glass of lemonade, ignoring the whispers coming from the circle of ladies on the other side of table but when one of them giggled, you turned your head to look at them. The girl stopped whispering with her friends and shot you a slight grin.

“So which one of them are you here for?”

You furrowed your brows and looked down at the lemonade in your hand.

“There are different types?”

“No, silly!” she said. “Which of the Bridgerton brothers are you here for?”

Your frown deepened. “What?”

“Oh none of them of course!” the other girl said. “Kitty, stop getting her hopes up.”

You tilted your head. “I’m sorry?”

“I’m Irene,” the girl introduced herself. “You’ve probably heard about me. Anyway, don’t get me wrong of course but I’ve heard some things about you, that you grew up quite poor until your uncle took you and your brother in so it’s better not to get your hopes up.”

You arched a brow, keeping your gaze on her.

“They say the Viscount won’t get married so if you’re hoping to get him, I’d forget about that plan right now.”

The Vis—

Ah.

Right, you had seen him talking to Daphne when you were leaving the court and quite frankly, you weren’t impressed.

Not that you thought you could be impressed by anyone’s looks.

“Not to worry, you can have him,” you said. “I’m not interested.”

Kitty and Irene exchanged glances and Irene let out a scoff.

“Oh you’re after Benedict Bridgerton?” she asked. “The second son? That’s hopeless as well. Don’t even make any plans for it, the competition is too high and some say his attention has already been claimed.”

“Devastating,” you said with a completely straight face but it seemed to have gone over her head.

“And if you want to get Colin—”

“Are you planning on listing their whole family tree?” you cut her off. “Did you memorize it in your free time?”

Irene’s jaw dropped and you shrugged your shoulders.

“I’m not jesting by the way, everyone needs a past time activity, yours just happens to be a strange one.”

A small chuckle reached your ears and you turned your glances to the two other girls standing close to you, one with red hair and one brunette.

“Eloise,” Irene said. “And Penelope. How are you on this fine day?”

The brunette grinned.

“I’ve been better,” she said. “So have you, I suppose.”

Irene gritted her teeth and Kitty turned to you.

“Is it true you’re unable to smile?” she asked and you frowned.

“What?”

“Everyone says so,” she said. “That you have an illness of the sort. You can’t smile even if you want to.”

You stared at her for a moment, then took a deep breath and nodded.

“Yes,” you said. “It’s true.”

Irene pulled back slightly. “Really?”

“I don’t like to talk about it,” you said. “It was so unexpected. The tragedy struck when I was six years old, the doctors haven’t been able to find a cure or a cause since then. I don’t even remember how it feels to be able to smile to be honest with you.”

Kitty’s mouth opened agape in shock.

“And the worst part is,” you said. “The doctors fear it might be contagious.”

Kitty gasped and grabbed Irene’s arm, then pulled her to walk away from you to the other side of the room. You rolled your eyes and one of the girls let out a small chuckle.

“That was good,” she commented and the redhead repressed a laugh.

“Kitty will tell everyone you were not nice to her though, just so you know.”

“I’m not interested in being nice,” you muttered and the brunette smiled.

“I respect that,” she said. “I’m Eloise Bridgerton and this is Penelope Featherington.”

“Lovely to meet you,” you said after introducing yourself and out of the corner of your eye you saw Daphne approaching the table.

“Hello,” she smiled at you brightly before turning to Eloise. “Eloise, where is Benedict?”

“With Lottie I’m guessing. They both disappeared.”

“How shocking,” Daphne said. “Mama wants to see you.”

Eloise heaved a sigh and nodded at you, then she and Penelope walked away. Daphne turned to you.

“Welcome to our home.”

“Thank you for inviting me,” you said. “And congratulations by the way, for being the diamond of the season.”

“Thank you!” she said, that bright smile lighting up her face again. “Some people say the Queen also considered you, I hope you do not resent me.”

You waved a hand in the air.

“Ah no I could never be the diamond, there’s nothing to resent,” you said. “Besides that’s just a rumor. The Queen was probably thinking about something else, I just happened to be there. You deserve that title much more than me.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.”

“Oh it is,” you said. “I assure you.”

She tilted her head.

“We’re all going to take turns to play tunes on the piano in a moment,” she said. “Would you like to play as well?”

“Depends,” you deadpanned. “Do you want to make sure everyone leaves in a hurry? Because that’s my musical talent.”

Daphne stared at you, then covered her mouth to hide her laugh.

“It is a talent nonetheless.”

“One that would prove to be useful against unwanted guests if you have any in here.”

“You have no idea,” she whispered but before she could say anything else, you both heard her name being called. She heaved a sigh.

“I must go,” she said. “But thank you for the conversation.”

“Anytime,” you said and watched her leave, then downed your lemonade. You had to leave before somehow your aunt came up with the bright idea of you sitting in front of that piano, and in your humble opinion this was enough socializing to last you for a day. You made your way to your aunt and touched her arm.

“I’m going back home auntie.”

“Oh?” she asked. “Already?”

“I drank too much lemonade I think, my stomach feels strange.”

“Oh I can—”

“You don’t have to come with me, Paula can chaperone me back home,” you cut her off. “She was with the other maids in the garden the last I saw her.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” you said, “I will see you home?”

“Yes my dear,” she said and you kissed her cheek, then thanked Lady Bridgerton on your way out of the drawing room and stepped out to the hallway. You let out a relieved breath and stretched out, all your muscles sore from you being so tense since the moment you had arrived. You rubbed at your eyes, wondering whether your maid was still in the garden but before you could lower your hands a door opened and you crashed into a hard body with a gasp and the person grabbed you by the arm, making your head snapped up.

The man in front of you was tall, much taller than you. His waistcoat fit him perfectly, and you had a chance to glimpse at his muscular arms as he pulled you upright to help you regain your balance allowing you to see his face better. He was very handsome, there was no denying that, with bright blue eyes and black hair, along with a faint smile adorning his lips—

Alright.

Perhaps you could be impressed by someone’s looks then.

You paused only for a moment before you snapped out of your haze and your anger at yourself burned through you for even letting such a nonsense thought catch you off guard. He stared at you, his mouth slightly agape as if he was in the same haze as you were but you narrowed your eyes, glaring at him.

“Watch your step,” you nearly growled and a look of confusion crossed his handsome face, making him blink in silence a couple of times.

“…It’s—it’s my house?” he said slowly as if trying to see whether you were jesting. “I live here.”

You shrugged your shoulders, still glaring at him and he took a deep breath as if deciding to clear out any misunderstanding.

“I’m Benedict Bridgerton.”

Ah.

Well, that made sense. No wonder the competition was high—

From an objective stance, that was.

“Congratulations,” you deadpanned and a small giggle reached your ears, making Benedict turn to glare at the closed door behind him.

And that was probably the girl who had ‘claimed his attention’ as they put it. Not that you would be troubling yourself with it.

“Um— what about you?” he asked as he turned to you again. “What’s your name?”

You raised your brows. “Why?”

“To repeat, because you are in my house.”

“So are a lot of other ladies,” you said and pointed back with your thumb. “They are waiting for you in the drawing room.”

He grimaced as if the mere thought caused him pain. “Are they really?”

“My heartfelt sorrows for the hardships waiting for you, may you find a solace of some sort.”

“You don’t sound to be in sorrow.”

“This is how I sound in sorrow,” you pointed out drily and he seemed almost amused as he tilted his head.

“Will you really refuse to tell me your name?”

“That’s not important information,” you said and walked past him, the faint scent of his cologne mixing into your breath and you bit down on your lip, then started making your way downstairs.

“Why not?” he called out and you scoffed.

“I doubt we will ever talk to each other again Mr. Bridgerton,” you called back, your heels echoing on the marble of the foyer before you walked out of the house, not even looking back.

Chapter 2

#benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton x reader #bridgerton #bridgerton x reader #regency fic

[skeletinmoss]

Ruffled feathers

Ships planned: Prinxiety, Logicality, Dukeciet

Warnings: Human traficing, abuse, injuries, imprisonment, captivity and all that comes with it, restraints

Patton and Virgil are brothers in this one

Thanks @lovelivingmydreams for being my beta. It was very much needed since english is not my main language

His hands were itching from the cuffs, he was sick of them for a long time now, and moving his hands so fast made it worse. His wings ached unable to be spread, pressed together in tight restraints. Funny, like he could have escaped without them. And now his throat hurt too. Bastards. He only wanted them to stop yelling at Patton, it wasn't his fault he needed to use claws to get his point across.

He almost missed the moment smoke filled the room.

It took Virgil a couple of minutes to fully understand what just happened. His head was still a little fuzzy after the electric strike. The same guy that just knocked out their captors helped him up and lifted him in a piggy back position. The guy took him and Patton outside, where two other men in gas masks circled them, pointing their ( how was it called again?) guns at their surroundings. And next he knew they were inside the van.

" Roman, I told you to wait for the signal, " the fourth guy, who was also the driver, berated the first one. " He was using a shocker! " justified their savior as he was taking off Virgil's muzzle and the bindings off his wings along with the handcuffs. The other two helped Patton with the same. And Virgil almost relaxed in their presence, that is until Roman and the rest took off their masks, " What? I was supposed to let him hurt the poor creature? "

Humans. Taking a defensive stance, Virgil covered his brother with his wings and growled. He was ready to show them why he had that muzzle if they dared to touch Pat. Humans were the whole reason they got in this situation. He interacted with so many shitty ones he was pretty sure being assholes was their race trait. Humans took them away from their forest, locked them in a cage, fed them some garbage and drugs, and the most infuriating they cut their wings! And they had the audacity to complain about ' ruining the best part'. And now him and his brother were locked with another bunch of them. He knew better than to trust them. he saw what they can do. And so he hissed at their every movement. He wouldn't be hurt by them again.

The team looked at the unfolded wings in awe and understanding. Roman was not surprised by the sudden aggressive change in avian's behavior. They expected the victims to be hostile in such situation and trained accordingly. It was best not to touch them, that's why they took the opposite corner of the van.

No wonder the traffickers were interested in them, both seemed to have rare colorations. The older one had black as his main color, which was one of the rarest, with purple and cyan as his other colors, also a pretty rare thing to see. The younger one, who looked more concerned than scared, was more close to regular brown wings but also had a bunch of blue and white feathers instead of orange or red. The saddest things was the state of those wings, both birds had their long feathers cut, weren't groomed and had some patches of feathers missing no doubt from all the stress. They were in such a bad state the whole team was wondering if the traffickers really were planning to sell them.

The dark one was so on edge they didn't have a choice but to leave both alone so he could relax. Thankfully their enclosure had cameras so the team could check on them. The team got into the the security room and stared at the screen. And sure the second they left the avians alone both relaxed and cuddled up on the mossy floor. So cute.

Both talked, but in their native language which none of the humans knew. Judging by other clues both were making sure the other one was ok. Even cuter scene happened when they discovered the bathroom.

The bathtub was build more like a pool with warm water, both avians jumped in as soon as they saw it and started to preen each others feathers. As they were busy with cleaning up Roman took it upon himself to bring them the new clothes. He knocked on the bathroom door and got a loud hiss in return. Rude. But he calmly opened the door ( which got him another hiss), put down a box of clothes and left. He hurried back into the surveillance room to see their reactions. They were hesitant to approach the clothes at first, so they focused on finishing up the bath. The first one to make a move was the Sweetie, but his moody brother covered him quickly from the supposed danger and took it upon himself to inspect the new object. Of course there was nothing dangerous and he allowed the young one to come closer. They both studied the things they were given and judging by their faces quite liked them. Both chose a hoodie with an open back that allowed them to move their wings freely. Both also chose comfortable pants, the rest of the clothes they folded neatly and placed outside the enclosure in the same box they came in.

" They are adapting great, " commented Janus following a chuckle from Remus, who was still excited about two naked butts he saw. His boyfriend clearly didn't give him enough attention today. Logan gave a nod. This rescue mission was their most successful one, ignoring mild insubordination from Roman. Both avians were rescued without any additional injuries. He was a little disappointed with himself at the fact that he couldn't track them earlier. Now they needed intense medical care and therapy. " Look at the Stormy Night. He's acting all tough, but he's as sweet as his brother, " it seemed like Roman already got a favorite. He always did, and when as the time came to release them back into the wild he would whine at the sight of them leaving. Every single time.

Jan ran his hand through Remus' hair, who now took the place on the floor between his legs, "What do we do now? " " I would suggest taking them to Emile, but considering the state they are in it would be best to let them get used to the new environment and people, " answered Logan. " Can't we just put Sugar Tits inside the enclosure instead of throwing them inside the van again? We don't stress the bird butts and they relax after talking to a non human. Like triple win! " " Not now. Emile can't come here because of a family emergency. We will have to monitor them until he can".

During next couple of weeks Logan documented the patterns in the avians behavior.

The one they nicknamed Moody was protective, yet in front of any of the humans present he acted very cold towards his brother. As the Nerd hypothesized this was directed on making them think they weren't that close, so they would not hurt one to punish the other. Honestly the fact that he thought this was necessary infuriated Logan the most. The younger of the brothers was more open to the new people. After only two days he started openly showing interest in anything new. Logan tried to explain to the best of his ability, thinking there was a language barrier involved. Which was not actually true. Both avians could pick up on languages very well. And had learned several human tongues from their previous captors. Patton really wanted to talk with the new humans, but couldn't do so because he didn't want to disclose the same with Virgil. Virgil didn't trust them at all, and he was hoping they would spill something important in front of them if they thought they couldn't understand them.

He also grew worried around one particular human. Princey, as he started to call him, was more irritated with him out of all of the humans and V just couldn't understand what he was doing wrong. They weren't trying to run away, they did behave. Why send such disgusted looks?

He was the most terrified when he started to feel sick. " Virgil... Are you ok? " Patton asked as Virgil stared at the pill he just spat out. He took the bread from Patton's hands and threw it on the floor. Not again. No wonder he was feeling like shit! They put something in the food! As to prove his thoughts the door opened and in came the humans.

They fucked up. They really did, and for the first time Remus was the one to say " I told you so", though he wasn't happy about it either. He knew that giving the guy medicine inside his food would turn out bad for them if he found out. And wouldn't you know it, the first pill and he found it. Worst part was that he was the go-do guy in this situation. That was probably because of his kinks for biting and stuff which was absolutely fucking involved in capturing an avian and separating him from his brother. He got plenty of it as he dragged the winged man towards the van, his brother crying in the background, held by Roman.

Remus pressed Moody into the floor with his legs, while holding his wings with his hands. Jan-jan took care of the avian's legs and arms so he would be easier and safer to transport. He very much appreciated when the avian relaxed understanding his helpless situation, his hands might have gone numb otherwise. Got a wing in the face a couple of times though as they were on their way to Emile. " Relax, Snappy bird, we're taking you to the doc~" Remus purred sealing his words with a sound slap on the guy's buns, which he quickly regretted because the avian started resisting again.

They should have started with bringing birds to Emile, and now they were paying for their decisions ( mostly with Remus' flesh). " Oh my goodness, what happened? " Emile sprinted towards the van. Logan got out the driver seat and opened the back doors. Snappy started to shift again, but went completely still seeing the fawn in front of him.

" There. We're ok, aren't we? " the new figure spoke in avian's language, quickly going back on the human one to ask the reason for their visit. " He got sick and the dorks tried secretly feeding him the meds, which he found. As I told you all would happen! " declared the human on Virgil's back.

" Are you feeling bad, Sweetie?" the fawn asked motioning for the human to let go. As soon as the weight was lifted off him, Virgil crawled away in the other corner. " It's ok. Please forgive them. They were concerned about your wellbeing, " the fawn said as he approached and sat down.

" I'm Emile. Can I have your name? " " Are you with them? " the avian asked with venom on his tongue. " I am, but I'm concerned about your understanding of the situation. They don't hurt me, don't worry. We're actually good friends, and I help them heal other creatures just like you." He reached his hand forwards, " Is it ok if I touch you? "

Virgil showed his fangs, " You can try. "

Emile however wasn't impressed and just touched the avian's forehead with the back of his hand. " Yup, you're burning, " he declared and picked up the confused man, bringing him to his office. He gave the bird an antipyretic medicine and started the overall checkup.

" My goodness, your wings look awful! " the doctor gasped and got some sort of ointment from the cabinet. He generously applied it on the spots that missed any feathers and at the base of the wings. " Now, I know you have a brother. So I'm going to give you this thing, ok? You and your brother need to apply it once a day after a good bath. Can you do that, Sweetheart? " he asked.

Virgil nodded. The medication started kicking in and he suddenly felt exhausted. He almost fell asleep on his way back. He didn't purely out of spite and hissed at humans a dozen more times.

Patton was hysterical. They took Virgil! They took him away! In his frantic sobs he didn't even care if they found out about the language thing, he started pleading.

" I'm sorry! Forgive him for whatever he did. Please! Don't take him away! We're sorry! " he cried. He unsuccessfully tried to get out of the hold.

Logan took avian's hands in his own, " We're not taking him away. He needs medical care. We will bring him back. " " Promise? " the avian uttered quietly. The technician gave a firm nod.

He waited another minute for sobs to die down, while holding avian's hands.

" Now, if this is resolved, we need to talk, " he said. And Patton anxiously squeaked and hid himself behind his wings.

Not minding at all, the human continued, " First I want to apologize for our decision to hide the medicine in the food. We were hoping he wouldn't find them this quickly and would feel better without interacting with us, " he nodded for Roman to let go off the avian as now there was no need for it. Sweetie peeked curiously from behind his wings.

" Seeing as you in fact do understand me, allow me to explain ourselves a bit better. We are a special rescue team, that specializes in rehabilitation of humanoid creatures found sold on the black market, " the technician continued. " Usually we take our time to infiltrate the organization and remove the victims safely and quietly. Sometimes if that's not possible we pose as buyers, for some instances we actually pay, but usually we scam them."

Actor nodded along, " Yup! Bad people deserve no money! "

" In your case we could do neither. It is thoroughly my fault. We didn't know about you for the longest time and when I was able to find any information it was obvious that we needed to intervene as soon as possible. I need to mention that we never had any experience with such terrible treatment, " Logan looked at their new friend with pity.

" Yeah, " Roman added, " Usually those guys try to make you look pretty for the buyers. Not torture you. "

Patton didn't understand everything the humans told him, but at the end of the conversation he felt reassured, safe even. He asked them to keep this conversation a secret for now. He didn't want Virgil to get mad, it would be better if he opens up at his own pace.

He sat on the mossy floor waiting and, like humans told him, Virgil returned. He looked tired, his huge wings mopped the floor behind him and he carried a small jar in his hands. His eyes seemed dazed and focused on the jar rather than his steps and this focus was the last thing keeping him from the firm grip of the dreamscape. As soon as his bother hugged him he lost that focus and relaxed in the familiar hold fast asleep

Next chapter

#sanders sides #virgil sanders #ts virgil #roman sanders #ts roman #logan sanders #ts logan #patton sanders #ts patton #ts janus #janus sanders #ts remus #remus sanders #ts emile #emile picani #prinxiety #logicality #dukeceit #tw captivity #tw imprisonment #tw human trafficking #tw abuse #tw injury #ruffled feathers au

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Other Parts: Part One, Part Two, Part Three (short version) and Part Three (long version). 

You were awoken by Feather rushing down the stairs holding a glowing rectangle that you realised was a screen. "President Snow is inviting everyone to his palace! He's demanded it! Everyone will be on the street in minutes". Finnick nodded "it's a ploy to get us all out into the open, we can't go". "Well the rest of us have to" Feather said "but you two can stay here, maybe you can escape while everyone else is heading towards the mansion. Finnick didn't like those odds but nodded "yeah thanks Feather, we'll get ready and work out our next step". Feather nodded and tilted Finnick's face upwards as if inspecting him. You stiffened but it seemed to be an oddly sentimental act. "Good luck, I hope I never have to see you again" and he disappeared back up the stairs.

Finnick was right, there was no way you were moving on that leg today. Even swinging your leg hurt and your ankle couldn't have any weight on it. It was a good job you'd slept in warm trousers because there was no way you'd have been able to get any trouser leg over that ankle. "It's okay" Finnick told you "we'll work something out". He carried all your gear upstairs and then came back to carry you. He lifted you effortlessly and as always you were amazed how strong he was. "My ankle has its own heartbeat but you're really taking my mind off that" you said patting his chest and Finnick laughed "how?". "Duh with your beautiful body!" you said and Finnick put you down and then smiled at you "well it's all yours and if we survive today and get back home you can do whatever you want with it". You liked the sound of that but given whose home you were in that wording didn't feel quite right so you shook your head. "Whatever you want me to do with it, it's beautiful but it's yours Finnick and nobody ever gets to buy it again". Finnick blinked at your sudden seriousness and then smiled bashfully "thanks Y/n". You patted his cheek "no problem, now piggyback time!". Finnick turned so you could climb on when suddenly all the screens in the house lit up to tell you the rebels had won. President Snow had been de-throned.

You and Finnick wandered the streets like the other capitol residents in utter shock and not quite believing it was true...then you saw the rebel planes overhead and you grinned. "Finnick it's true! It's real! We won!". Finnick laughed and cheered loudly. You climbed off his back and settled onto one leg so you could hug him.

You carried on moving through the streets until eventually, you found an airship. Finnick knocked on the door and after your whole day of bad luck yesterday, you were due some good luck. "Finnick? Y/n?" a voice rang out and you saw Cressida appear from the side of the ship. "You're alive?" she asked and you grinned "hell yeah! You really thought you could abandon us and get away with it" and she rushed to hug you. Pollux appeared and gave you both a bright smile before joining in with the hugging. You were so happy you were saved you didn't even mind. Hugs for everyone!

Once they got on you the ship they began assessing your injuries. "Y/n's really damaged her knees, she's sprained her ankle or worse and her hip is really banged up too. Oh and she got electrocuted yesterday and her hands should probably be checked over too". "Finnick got electrocuted too! He has a dozen cuts all over his arms and body, his foot looks odd and he dislocated his shoulder and thought I didn't notice as he popped it back in" you said and Finnick looked at you. You stared back "what if you're going to tell on me I'll snitch back". Finnick just grinned shaking his head "we survived and we're going to live, that's all I care about" and he rested his head against yours. You didn't let go of your joint hands the whole way home...or you wouldn't have if you hadn't fainted minutes before you got into District 13.

When you woke up you noticed how heavy your head felt, you tried to move your hands to see if there was something attached to it weighing it down but your hands felt heavy too. Then your ears seemed to kick in and you realised people were shouting.

"I'm her sister! Blood matters more!". "No it doesn't! I'm her boyfriend, that's more than enough!".

You quickly realised it was Johanna and Finnick.

"Ow what so you matter more because romantic relationships are superior to everything else?" your sister yelled. "No of course not but I love her and we nearly died for each other!" Finnick responded. "Well I love her too and would've done the same for her!" Johanna said and you groaned. "God can the two of you fight over who loves me the most more quietly" and they both rushed over to you.

You quickly realised what they'd been arguing about as their shoulders knocked as they both tried to take the closest place next to you. "How are you feeling? Johanna asked and you frowned "strange, what happened?" and you looked to Finnick. He sighed "it was my fault, your injuries were worse than expected and there was a bite on your arm that needed stitches. The doctors think the blood loss mixed with everything you went through has thoroughly drained you so you might feel a little lifeless for a few days". "I'm sure I'll be fine after a good meal" you shrugged and tried to sit up before going pale at the effort. "Y/n hold on!" Finnick said and he helped you sit up, he moved you easily as if you were a doll and you felt as limp as one. It scared you a little and Finnick noticed. He took your hand and gave you a reassuring smile "hey don't worry, you're fine okay? Johanna and I are going to be here every day until you get better". Johanna took your other hand "we're not going anywhere, nurse Johanna is at the ready". That made you laugh and the two called a temporary truce seeing the sight they'd been hoping for.

"How are you?" you asked Finnick. You lifted your hand to his face with a frown as he had a lot of bruising there and around his neck. "Oh don't worry about me I'm fine" he smiled and you looked to Johanna for the truth. "He was in pretty bad shape too and has only been properly back on his feet since yesterday". Johanna went to say more but Finnick cut her off "I'll tell you it all later but for now...I just want to hear you speak" he smiled brushing some hair away from your face. You smiled "well all I want is to kiss you" and Finnick happily obliged (as Johanna rushed away, cursing you both). "We made it" you whispered happily and Finnick kissed your forehead "we sure did baby".

You spent all day with either Finnick or Johanna by your side and honestly, you couldn't be happier. They filled you in on what the world outside was doing but you didn't really care. Finnick talked about the plans he'd made to take you back to his district and to the beach house you'd discussed. "I know we didn't really properly sit down and think about it so I totally get if you don't actually want to live on the beach with me, we can work something else out" he said but you threw a tissue at him to get his attention. "I want the beach house with you Finnick. I want to come to your district with you" and his smile was like a warm sunrise on a summer's day.

It was lucky you had such nice memories because recovery was hard. Practically every part of your body ached and it was like you were having to learn how to do everything again for the first time. You couldn't sit up by yourself until the 3rd day and couldn't walk at all until a week later and even then you relied heavily on holding onto Finnick. The doctors steadily increased your food as they didn't want to suddenly rush your body with energy and fats so the progress was slow but steady. At times you felt so useless, like when you had to get Finnick to take you to the toilet or Johanna to help dress you. Neither of them minded of course but you struggled. When you were finally well enough to take a bath Finnick wanted to accompany you but that was just too much.

Finnick had gotten you into the tub but when you heard him coming to help you out, you practically threw yourself out and then couldn't get up again. When Finnick found you on the floor he was terrified. "Y/n are you okay? Why didn't you wait for me?". You pushed his kindness away just trying desperately to cover all of yourself with your towel. "Here let me help you" Finnick said but you pushed his hands away "no let me do it". "But I want to help you" Finnick said and you shook your head "I don't want you to". "Why?" he asked and you sighed tears forming "because I don't look good okay! My body is a wreck! I've lost so much weight, all my muscle is depleted and I look like a skeleton. There are ugly bruises all over me, scarring too and I look misshapen and swollen from being in a bed all the time. You can't see me naked until I've had a chance to work out and get back into shape". "Y/n you don't have to do anything to get your body ready for me to see it" Finnick said "I love you no matter how you look". "No you don't, you're just saying that to be nice" you said annoyed but Finnick didn't back down.

"I'm not being nice. I thought we were going to die so many times and then just when I thought we were safe you collapsed in my arms and I thought I'd lost you. The moment the doctor told me you were alive and breathing was the happiest moment of my life. It beat winning my own Hunger Games, the ending of the war, even falling in love with you so I don't care what you look like so long as you're here and healthy I will love every inch of you". "You're so soppy, you know that?" you asked him wiping away a tear and Finnick smiled. He picked you up and carried you back to your room in his arms. "I love you too" he told you and you chuckled, pleased he could translate angry moody Mason into plain English. He really was perfect for you.

After that, you didn't feel shy around Finnick anymore but you realised he was hiding things from you and that he wasn't as recovered as he said he was.

While you were sleeping one night he started shaking violently. You figured he was having a bad dream but he woke up with a yell and was panting as his hands shook and his fingers bent inwards at awkward angles, seemingly of their own volition. When it stopped, he collapsed against the bed, his forehead gleaming and you grabbed his arm "Finnick are you okay? I'm getting a doctor" and you rushed to do so but he grabbed you. "Y/n don't, they already know and I'm fine it's just one of the after-effects of the electric shock we got. My hands keep spasming and I struggle to grip things a little but Beetee thinks it should fade with time and if not I can do some physiotherapy to help". You frowned "is it painful?". From the grimace on his face you could tell the answer but he didn't want you to worry. "It's fine" he shrugged "just a little annoying at times, I just really hope it isn't permanent". You nodded feeling that deeply, if your hands were ruined you wouldn't be able to fight with an axe or defend yourself anymore. You'd feel so vulnerable and scared so you beckonned Finnick closer and hugged him. "Don't worry, your hands will get better and until then I'll cover for you. You can be my legs and I'll be your hands". Finnick chuckled "the perfect tag-team huh? Thanks Y/n" and wrapped in your arms, he didn't have any more spasms that night.

9 days after the end of the war you got a visitor and she wasted no time apologising for what she thought she'd done wrong. "I'm sorry we left you" Katniss said "down in the tunnels...you were just so far away I didn't think we could do anything for you" she told Finnick before turning to you "and I thought you went to go die with him" Katniss admitted. You nodded "well part of me did, we had a deal you see...but there's no hard feelings. Finnick and I did take off pretty quickly when those things first appeared". You shivered even just thinking about them and Finnick squeezed your hand. "We all just got to instinct at those moments and that's all you did" you said giving Katniss a small smile. She returned it but you could tell she wasn't feeling it. "I'm really sorry Katniss" you said and she didn't have to ask about what. "You don't have to say anything back" you told her "just know, we're here if you need anything" you said gesturing to Finnick and he nodded "any time".

You and Finnick were invited to President Snow's execution but neither of you wanted to go. You were now well enough to start making moves to District 4 so you and Finnick declined and planned your move. When President Coin heard your plans she called a meeting of all the victors in District 13 and told you her plans. You and Finncik were outraged at the idea of another Hungers Game and voted no immediately along with Peeta, Annie and Beetee. You managed to outnumber Johanna Katniss, Haymitch and Enobaria who voted yes. Coin relented there would be no hunger games but that Katniss could execute Snow. You and Finnick still had no interest in that and left 2 days later. You arrived in District 5 on the day of the execution and were preparing for the last part of your journey when you learned Katniss had killed Coin instead and everything was in chaos. The train was stopped and the captain asked what you wanted to do, go on to District 4 or head to the Capitol instead. Finnick did not take the news well.

"Why do I feel like we're never going to escape?" Finnick asked you, spiraling as his panic took over. "Every time we try to leave it's going to pull us back? There's no escape! Even now, even after it's all over they still find a way to drag us back. It never ends!". You shook your head and cupped his face "then screw it all! We don't play their game, we carry on as planned and let them work it out for themselves. We nearly sacrificed our lives for this and have done our time, we're finished and now it's our time". "We can do that?" Finnick asked and then he saw the look on your face. Finnick blinked and smiled. "Captain" he called "onto District 4 people, we're going home".

Later

You took to the beach life surprisingly well for a forest girl from District 7 and thank god you didn't burn in the sun because that would've been awkward.

When you and Finnick first got to District 4 you only had a shack on the beach but you actually didn't mind. Finnick had bought a plot of land away from the town so it could be just the two of you as promised and it was heaven. You had no idea what was going on in the world and neither of you cared. You spent each day wrapped up in one another and felt like you got to fall in love with him all over again.

After 2 months of bliss, you decided to start making a proper home, so you built a house! You had some knowledge of this being from a lumber district but Finnick really was popular and it felt like the entire population of District 4 came to help.

A year later you had your house on the beach. It was nothing grand like your Victor houses but you loved it and you loved Finnick. You'd worried after the excitement of war, when you settled into normalcy things between you would fizzle out but they didn't. It was Finnick Odair to be fair, things were never boring with him around and he always kept you occupied.

When he learned you weren't a super strong swimmer he made it his mission to teach you. Then he moved on to surfing and sailing and basically anything water-related. He was literally in his element in the water and you loved how happy he looked. His hands still sometimes bothered him and your hip had never quite fully recovered. Not to mention both of you still woke up with nightmares but you'd escaped and most importantly, you'd escaped together, Your life was the closest thing to heaven that existed as far as you were concerned.

About 2 years into your new life President Paylour contacted you and Finnick. They were prosecuting the members of the capitol who had abused the victors when they left the games and of course, the main Vicor they wanted to speak to was Finnick. You told him he didn't have to do anything, if he didn't want to re-live those memories and just wanted to move on then that was okay but he chose to see them put to justice. The second Finnick said that, you were all in recalling your promise to get justice for him.

You went to the capitol first, alone, to see what was required of Finnick and what the process would be. First, they needed an interview, where Finnick described key people and what they had done to him. You were of course there for his interview, holding his hand the entire time and telling them it was over when it was clear Finnick was done. He couldn't remember all the names but Feather had submitted his "little black book" voluntarily when he was arrested. All Finnick had to do was confirm the names. There were over 100 names in that book and Finnick said yes to most of them. It made you feel sick all over again but you sat up straight and kept your focus on Finnick. You held him extra closely that night and comforted him as he cried himself to sleep.

Months later there was a trial and they wanted Finnick to testify live. You objected to that strongly and vetoed it immediately. You'd seen the effect just the interview had on Finnick and weren't going to give the Capitol one last show. Instead, Finnick recorded some responses in the comfort of your own home and they projected them live.

You attended the trial as a witness to what the experience had done to Finnick as did some of the other Victors. It wasn't too hard preparing for the trial as you thought it might be. Sure it was tiresome and taxing but all you had to do was look at the people who had hurt Finnick and your motivation sprang back up. You gave your testimony with a perfect balance of emotion and composure. You looked those criminals in the eye when you told the judge you thought the highest punishment possible would be the only justice and cheered the loudest when it was passed. You were there when the sentences were carried out and then returned home to confirm for Finnick it was done. "Are they...is it done?" he asked. You nodded "the people who hurt you are gone, they can't do anything to anyone anymore" and you saw the weight melt off his shoulders. It took a few weeks for it to sink in permanently but finally, it clicked and Finnick was finally freed. You bought a puppy the week after, figuring Finnick needed an adorable distraction.

3 years later you and Finnick were still finding new things to do and were still as attracted to one another as ever. You were currently on the beach in the middle of the night because of Finnick. It didn't rain here often but it had tonight that made Finnick really excited! He demanded you both go out for a swim in the rain and you were going to protest that you'd get wet but realised that was the point. It was actually really nice to swim in the rain and you loved how only Finnick could get you to do these stupid things.

As you laid on the sand afterwards, you admired Finnick in the moonlight. You still thought he was the most beautiful man in the whole world and had quickly realised Finnick also suited the wet look very well. You had a sneaking suspicion that's why Finnick enjoyed getting you in the water with him so much but you didn't care. Shirtless or with a wet top plastered against his chest, he looked amazing every time and most of your swimming trips ended with the two of you pressed up against the sand together.

Tonight was exactly the same. Finnick saw the way you were looking at him and needed no more encouragement. He smelled and tasted like sea salt and

it had become your favourite taste over the years because of Finnick. Once the two of you had thoroughly tired yourselves out, you lay against the golden sand and just babbled in a happy exhausted manner.

"You know I think water boy suits you better than pitchfork boy or maybe seaweed boy?" you asked thinking about that time he went diving and came with tons of seaweed when you'd been expecting pearls. Finnick smirked "seaweed boy? I think I hate that more than pitch-fork boy". You smiled "wow that's extreme but yeah it doesn't quite suit you. Plus I think it's already taken". You couldn't remember who by but could've sworn you'd ready an old myth about a seaweed boy or was it a seaweed brain?

"So are you excited for tomorrow?" Finnick asked leaning over to you and you blinked "tomorrow?". After what Finnick had been doing you couldn't even remember what day today was. Finnick laughed "yeah tomorrow or I guess it's later today now, when your sister and all the other tributes are coming to visit?" he asked "and Katniss and Peeta are bringing little Prim for the first time...remember?". You smiled "it's ringing a bell, it'll be nice to see them. We haven't all been together like this since..." and you trailed off remembering. "When Coin asked us to go another Hunger Games" Finnick nodded "well this time, let's hope the topic won't be so depressing".

A lot had happened to the victors in the 5 years since President Snow had fallen but the districts all appointed new leaders and things were relatively stable. Annie had become mayor of District 4 which was mainly an honorary position for being a victor rather than an acting role but she loved her district and the people loved her too. Weirdly she'd become a friend to you and Finnick, you now smiled when you saw her and called out greetings to her in town.

Your sister Johanna was still in District 7, she'd been offered the honorary position too but declined of course. She never wanted the show and dance and instead got an ordinary position, helping organise and process trade operations. She didn't leave District 7 tons but had been spending more and more time with District 2's Ebobaria. She said they didn't want to label anything but you knew she was happy.

Seeing as all the tributes were pairing up, Haymitch claimed there must be something to it and said he should try his luck with Beetee but even as a joke, Beetee gave the man a sharp electric shock as a detterance. Luckily he just confessed his feelings to Effie instead. They were due to be married in the next Autumn and everyone was invited, hideous outfits a must of course.

Beetee was instrumental in coordinating all the districts and was now president of technological communications, aka he ran everything. It was what he deserved and he seemed happy so you all were too.

Katniss and Peeta were of course loved up, they married 2 years ago and their daughter whom they named Prim followed a year later. All of the victors had pretty much stepped away from the capitol and the new Panem to live out their lives quietly and so far nobody had tried to reap you for another games. So far, the new Panem was peaceful...well not too peaceful because it still had your sister Johanna in it.

"Oh yeah she never visits me anymore!" Johanna said "Finnick stole her away and never gave her back". Finnick shrugged "hey I don't have any restraints on her, she didn't want to be given back because she loved me and District 4 so much more than you!". Which led Johanna to argue you'd always be District 7 and the two bickered while you all watched happily. Your two favourite people were also the stupidest people ever and you loved that.

The argument eventually got physical and when you were coming back with a drink Johanna decided to stake her claim. "Mine!" Johanna cried jumping on your back and Finnick immediately jumped up. "Joahnna be careful...the baby!" Finnick called and everyone froze. Johanna shot away from like you were on fire and all the victors stared waiting for more. In response, you and Finnick looked at one another and then just burst out laughing.

"That was good babe" you called to Finnick and sank beside him. "I know" he smiled wrapping an arm around you and when you'd both stopped laughing you explained. "I'm not pregnant but you should see all your faces!". The group all groaned and Johanna hit you for lying. "Are you considering it though?" Peeta asked "starting a family?". You and Finnick looked at each other and shrugged "I'm not sure, babies were never something that appealed to me but then again I never thought I'd see the Mockingjay being a doting mother" you said nodding to Katniss who had little Prim in her arms. Katniss smiled "yeah me either, anything can change". Finnick nodded "exactly which is why we're not saying no definitely not but it's not on the top of our to-do list". You nodded leaning into his arm "I'm happy as we are right now, the dog and the beach are all I need....ow and Finnick of course" you said and they all laughed at your slip-up. "Afterthought huh? The man you love?" Finnick asked and you smiled because it felt nice to say you loved Finnick and really mean it. "The man I love" you repeated and you said it so sweetly Finnick couldn't even pretend to be mad at you.

"Do you want to be a father?" you asked Finnick as you lay in bed that night and he blinked thinking. "I don't know, I do quite like kids but I think after all we've been through I'd be terrified they were going to be reaped. That the Capitol would come back and punish us again". You nodded patting his arm "I think you'd be an amazing dad". Finnick looked at you in surprise "really?". You nodded "of course! Everyone loves you, you're kind, funny, beautiful...". "Stop it!" Finnick said pushing you and pretending to gush. "I can actually imagine you with a baby" you continued and Finnick paused. "I can see you sat with a little bundle on our porch, teaching them how to take their first steps on the sand, holding them in your arms in the ocean, reading them stories at night..." you said "I can picture it all". Finnick smiled and leaned over to you so he was hovering on top of you "well you know I can very easily make that a reality for you and I can make you enjoy every second of it". That of course sent shivers down your spine and you looked up at those beautiful blue eyes and wanted to just melt but you were a Mason, you were mischeaveous. "I think I might need some proof of that first, a taster if you will" you said and Finnick nodded "that is totally understandable, let me get to work".

Everyone left the next morning, after complaining about some weird noises echoing around the house in the middle of the night. You and Finnick made no apologies and saw everyone off with big smiles. As you watched hem go, all smiling, rested and happy you realised this would've been unthinkable just 6 years ago. If you went back in time and even tried to explain to your younger self just how good her future was going to be she would've laughed in your face and you wouldn't blame her! Your life with Finnick almost made everything you'd been through worth it and every day you were thankful you'd fought so hard to stay alive, just so you could be here. And the best news?

Your future with Finnick was only just getting started.

I only realised after I wrote this that Finnick and Y/n tried to ditch the group and then were the ones that got left behind lol.

Also, I'm a huge Percy Jackson fan and anytime Finnick used a trident or spear it made me imagine him as a son of Poseidon and I love that. Maybe I should headcanon the main characters as demigods or something...not long until the new TV show now and I AM SO EXCITED!

But back to Finnick. He's amazing and deserved so much better. So let's all just pretend he got to live on a beach with the love of his life yeah?

#finnick #finnick fanfic #finnick imagine #finnick odair #finnick x female reader #finnick x reader #finnick x y/n #finnick x you #hunger games fic #hunger games finnick #thg imagine #thg finnick #thg fic #thg fanfiction #hunger games finnick odair #finnick odair fanfic #finnick odair imagine #finnick odair x reader #finnick odair x you #johanna mason

[llondonfog]

twst (horror) tober — day 6 (time)

➤ Day 6: Time | “How long has it been?” 

Silver once told him that ever since stepping into the role of caring for Lilia, the concept of time turned meaningless to him.

Silver told him that he can only categorize the days now on a continuum of good and bad.

There were days when his father would wake up with the hint of recognition in his eyes and an agreeable slant to his lips, and Silver needn't coax him out of bed to amuse him with the trinkets and gifts bestowed upon him by well-meaning classmates and a grieving liege. There were even better days when a glimmer of memory not yet lost would surface in the dark and mired deadlands of his father's deteriorating mind, when he'd pat the cushion beside him on the couch and regal Silver with a tale he'd heard at least several times before— each time, he listens just as patiently as if it were the first.

And then there were bad days when the fae that awaited him on the other side of the bedroom door screeched and howled in a long-lost tongue, days when Silver was forced to use the iron bolts that Malleus-sama had pleaded with him to install on the wooden frame if he wouldn't listen to reason and use manacles fixed to the bed instead ("My father isn't a monster, Malleus-sama, I won't humiliate him and strip his dignity away!") to stop those wild, ragged claws from tearing through the wood like paper to scratch out his eyes. Days when it is hard to separate the loving, smiling father from the feral creature caught in a losing battle as it succumbs to a fate inevitable to its kind.

Sebek listens to his friend, remains silent for once— it is unlike Silver to share his burdens, to even talk about the difficulties of caring for a fae so advanced in the decay as Lilia lest he fears that anyone find him complaining. They had all tried to talk him out of it when they had learned that Silver had already rescinded his studies at Night Raven College with the intent to care for his father to the bitter end. Malleus had nearly been beside himself, for safety could not be guaranteed, even for a human as strong and determined as Silver— "He'll overwhelm you," Sebek had watched his prince all but beg the boy to reconsider. "You know naught of what you are consigning yourself to, you have never seen our kind at our most frightful display. He would not wish this upon you, he would want his memory to remain pristine in your mind!"

But Silver had remained steadfast, loyal and devoted to his father beyond all rational persuasion. "I will not allow his last moments to be in suffering and all alone, Malleus-sama. He has sacrificed his life for the country, for you, and for me— I find it hardly equal what meager weeks I can give to him so that he may go in peace."

And so they had left to that cottage in the forest, the only home that both of them had ever known. Sebek had visited only once, the nature of being Malleus-sama's sole guard until Silver's return dictating that he shoulder a more hefty responsibility. They had both appeared rather worn and weary, bags deeper under Silver's eyes than he had ever known them to exist before, but together at least with wan smiles on their faces, as Silver had so desperately wished for them to be.

All the same, Sebek's gaze had keenly noted the presence of thin, crimson lines along Silver's forearms and neck— he found himself too much of a coward to glance at Lilia's hands.

Today, however, he's visiting for a much different reason than merely personal concern. Malleus-sama had bid him to venture out into those isolated, lonely woods, a frown deep and haggard on his perfect face; Sebek knows that if he were to look in a mirror, the same expression would be reflected back at him. For two weeks now, not a single letter delivered to the cottage had returned with correspondence, courtesy of Silver's little feathered friends usually so delighted to concede to his requests. Normally, a week's worth of silence would have jolted the both of them into worry, but with the whirlwind of a recent goodwill trip to the neighboring human countries, Sebek had merely assumed there would be a small pile of daily updates from Silver for them to look forward to reading upon their return. Imagine then, the foreboding that had settled in like an ominous pressure at the lack of any such notes.

That pressure only mounts and builds with a wicked weight upon his shoulders as he approaches the darkened cottage, silent among the stilled trees. A pressure that twists in his stomach like a corkscrew, and grips his throat in a vice, thinning the air he breathes as he stares with dread at the front door swinging off its hinges, and a faint, nauseating smell choking the scent of violets from beneath his feet.

Today, it seems, is not simply a good or bad day— it is an awful one.

#lettie writes #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland silver #twst silver #lilia vanrouge #twst lilia #sebek zigvolt #twst sebek #malleus draconia #twst malleus #diasomnia #the concept of fae going feral in their twilight years being the reason why lilia wishes to age alone #to spare his son the monstrous sight; to protect him from harm should lilia lash out on base instinct alone #idk my writing has been a hot mess as of late

[aeferkssr]

“what do you do when you’re stressed?🤔” “i write🤭” “that’s beautiful man-“ “i write FANFICTION.” “oh😨”

KAEDEHARA KAZUHA

— school was hell on earth, none of your teachers seemed to empathise with you, your fellow classmates did jothing but make your experience harder, and the workload was overbearing.

— you wanted nothing but to just run away from it all, maybe declare that you were studying abroad then never come back, or even set the school ablaze. no, you’re pretty sure more bad things will come than good.

— you lean over your desk and cushion your head with your arms. a muffled groad escapes your lips and you repeatedly knock your head on your arms.

— “just two more months… just two more months and it will all be over” you reassure yourself for the nth time that day.

— the slight thumps of your head on your arms was enough to call your lover into the room. he looks at you as you bring your arms around your head tighter with a feather like gaze.

— he approaches you and takes your hand with a grasp that was just as light and gentle as his gaze prior. “my dove,” he begins, as soft eyes meet distressed, “everything’s gonna be alright” he reassures you

— “kazu…” you whisper his name, barely audible to anyone but him, before you fall into his arms and let go all that has been occupying yiur mind for the last 3 months.

— kazuha said nothing but held you tighter, smoothing down your hair before placing a chaste kiss. a silent reassurance that he would be there to do the very same anytime you so desire.

WANDERER

— “is she sick in the head? does she take me for a fool?” you complain to your boyfriend about your shitty co-workers. “they do nothing but wring me for all im worth! i don’t think that this pay is worth the stress.”

— queen is silent as he listens to you rant about your cruddy work life. you pace around the livivng room of your house, your hands flailing around and feet stomping as you tell him about how much you hate your job.

— “then leave?” queen says, as if it was a matter of fact. “i wish it was that easy, kuni.” you sigh before finally sitting down beside him and resting your head on his lap.

— “like you said, its not worth the stress. who knows what you would do if you snapped? its better to at least try and resign before they fire you” you stop to think about what queen just said, he was definitely right, but this wasn’t a situation you could just simply walk away from.

— you curl up to your boyfriend, snuggling deeper into his stomach as you groan into his shirt. the former wanderer sighed as he pat your head in reassurance.

— in another life, he would of taken care of all those who stood against you ages ago. but, times have changed, he has changed. so the best he could do is provide a place of comfort, a sturdy backbone for you to fall on when needs be.

TARTAGLIA

— family gatherings weren’t your cup of tea, it was more like hot wolfhook juice, downright nasty and only appealing to a select few weirdos

— but ‘family needed to stick together’ after all, and your boyfriend was 10x more excited to meet them than you. maybe because he was a family man at heart?

— as you and tartaglia made your way into the house, your aunt was the first to comment on your appearance. couldn’t you have made a greater effort to look pretty since you were carrying your boyfriend with you?

— another aunt stepped in to comment on your body, how much food you have been eating or the lack there of. each relative had something to say, whether it be about your appearance, your appetite or those you affiliate with. and you could do nothing but nod and agree.

— when the harbringer noticed you evident discomfort, he made up an excuse that was viable enough for you two to go home. as you sat down in the passenger’s seat in his car, you let out the tera you have been holding since coming there.

— ajax loved his family, even though he couldn’t express his true intentions, and understands how blessed he is to be able to have one that doesn’t scrutinise his every move. but, you didn’t have such a luxury. despite your shortcomings, you had something that they could never dream to have, a stable relationship you had ajax

#twilighttheatre #genshin impact #genshin #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #kaedehara kazuha x reader #kazuha x reader #wanderer x reader #scaramouche x reader #kuzikusushi x reader #childe x reader #tartagalia x reader #ajax x reader

[zweetpea]

TBRAHE Chapter 2 the aftermath

Warning: Foul language, infidelity, pg13

After yesterday you just wanted to curl into your bed and never get out. That was until a cold little snoot booped you on the nose. 

“Riko, hey buddy. Where’ve you been? I missed my favorite boy.” You pulled the small white dragon into your arms; his golden hair swishing as you sat up with him on your lap. “How could Satoru be so cruel when he’s the reason that you’re in my life.” Riko had been Satoru’s wedding present for you. He meant it as a joke, but it’s not everyday that you find a docile curse. So, you kept Riko to spite your husband, or at least that’s how it started. Over time you’d grown attached to him.

“(Y/n)! The king is asking for an audience with you this morning!” Addison called from outside the room. 

“I’m coming! Addie please come in and prepare an outfit for me!” You called out. Riko hopped onto your head. 

“I’m already on it.” She smiled as she entered the room and walked into your wardrobe. You headed to the bathroom. “Your highness, how was your sleep last night?” 

“It was adequate.” 

“I’ve noticed that Riko has decided to grace us with his presence.” She snarked at the lizard. He growled at her comment. 

“Okay that’s enough Riko.” You gently pulled him off of you and placed him on the ground beside the tub. 

“I love you your highness, but I can’t understand how you can so casually walk around with him. He’s a curse and he was a gift from your no good husband.” 

“You said yesterday that he wasn’t so bad.” 

“Well that was before I knew that he was cheating on you.” 

“So I shouldn’t forgive him?” 

“No! Were you seriously considering it?” 

“Yes! You’re always so kind and you’re always trying to be the bigger person and forgive everyone.” 

“Well that’s because nobody has ever cheated on me and humiliated me as badly as he did to you. I was honestly considering not giving you the kings message but I was afraid that he’d have my head.” 

“Addie, no one will ever take you away from me. Not even the king, I won’t allow it.” 

“Thank you (Y/n). Now back to the subject of Riko.” 

“He’s just so cute! Plus he has regenerative abilities and-” 

“-And you’ve trained him to heel those in the palace plus he regenerates energy for you. I get that. You’ve only explained it about a hundred or so times. I don’t get how you aren’t afraid of him though. He’s pocket sized right now but at any moment he could turn on you. Just please be careful, okay?” 

You smile and pat the sweet blondes head. “I will be.” 

“Cmon then. Let’s get you dressed for the day.” Addison pulled you out of the tub and started to dress you in an off the shoulder gold dress with long flowing sleeves, and white branches embroidered on the big poofy skirt. Addison braided your hair in twin braids and set a silver crown with yellow sapphires on your head. 

The two of you walked to the dining hall engaged in pleasant idle chat. Riko hanging from your neck. 

As you enter the dining hall you take the seat next to the edge seat to keep some distance between you and your husband, who’s sat himself at the head of the table. “Must she be here?” You growl at your husband as he feeds Marissa chocolate covered fruits such as raspberries and orange slices. You’ve never been a fan of either fruit. 

Satoru looked over at you annoyed and the wench looked at you and screamed. “EW! It’s so disgusting! And the snake thing on its neck is gross too!” 

“(Y/n), I’ve told you so many times that if you want that curse to stay then you need to keep it in a cage.” 

“You always want to keep everything in a cage don’t you.” You mumble. You look over them and realize that your husband wasn’t wearing anything over his eyes. Every time you saw him he wore some three piece blue suit and a black blindfold or other cloth over it. Marissa on the other hand was dressed in a short pastel yellowish cream colored dress  with a dark blue feather shawl and a gold necklace with blue apatite gemstone and a small tiara headband to match. 

“Guards, take that curse back to her chambers.” Satoru waves. 

“Hey! Wait! Don’t hurt him! Satoru!” 

“You should refer to him as your majesty.” 

“Ugh. How dare you to talk to me that way! I seriously wonder who you think you are sometimes.” You stand to tower over the harlot. 

“Oh, well that’s simple.” 

“Maymay. Not now.” Satoru grumbled. 

“I’m going to be the future queen! Ruru is going to divorce you and marry me!” 

You slam your hands on the table and lean over. “Ha! Jokes on you then. By the terms of “Ruru”’s and my marriage contract if one of us divorces the other they loose their right to the throne!” 

“WHAT?! Ruru!” 

“Yeah, back like two hundred years ago there was this queen who had an affair with a her personal knight, while the king had an affair a duchess. Since the two never had any other children these two were the only ones who had claim to the throne. She is a descendant of the queen and I’m a descendant of the king. Since she’s older than me her father went to the high council and made a case for her to ascend the throne. Because he was a popular noble half of the court sided with him. So my idiot of a father decided to get her and I married to stop the court from breaking apart.” 

“Part of the arrangement was that if either of us were to ask for a divorce the other would loose their rights to the throne.” You smirk at Marissa’s scowl. 

“But- but if that’s the case, how can I be queen? You promised me that I’d get to be queen!” 

“I said that I’d rather have you as my queen, I never promised you anything!” 

“Satoru! I hate you!” She ran out crying. 

“Baby! Wait!” 

“You know that she’s just using you, right?” 

“How would you know?!” 

“Satoru, you’ve barely touched me. The only time you’ve kissed me was to officiate our marriage, you were too busy getting drunk with Shoko and Suguru at our banquet to dance with me, and to top it off we haven’t even consummated our marriage. You don’t love me. You won’t touch me. If she loved you, she wouldn’t care about our marriage because I am no threat to her.” 

“Maybe if you weren’t being such a bitch to her she wouldn’t see you as a threat!” 

“YOU were the one who brought YOUR MISTRESS to OUR ANNIVERSARY!” 

“I fell in love! I wouldn’t have cared if you did the same. You just whine so much about everything in your life.” 

“I can’t believe that you won’t take accountability for what you’ve done! You’ve embarrassed me so badly, yet you try to turn me into the villain. Can you please just tell me what you wanted to do that I can leave?” 

“Marissa is going to be living here from today forward.” 

“You know what? I’m not even going to be mad at you, because you and that whore don’t deserve any space in my thoughts!” You glared at him and spun on your heels to leave. 

You headed straight to your room to get Riko, but as you neared the door you saw Addison kneeling on the floor having a water bucket turned over her by another maid. You ran over there, grabbed the other maid by her throat and shoved her against the wall. “Who the hell do you think you are!?” 

“Hey bitch! Get your dirty hands off my personal maid!” You turned around at the insult and of course it was Marissa. 

“You listen to me little cock sucker, if this smelly, trashy, pig touches Addie again I’m going to kill her. I can’t just let this slight go though.” With your other hand you grabbed her hands and used your ability to twist and break the stupid maids pointer fingers. 

An ear piercing scream erupted from her as you dropped her and cradled Addison’s swollen face. “You didn’t have to do that.” She says as you bring her into your room. 

“We need to get your eye treated, it’s already starting to bruise. I don’t want you getting a black eye, you’re too pretty to let  some ugly skank ruin that.” You took Riko out of his cage and began to heal Addison. “Do you hate me for that?” You asked her. 

“No! I just don’t want the king to retaliate against you because of me.” 

“Oh please, I left 8 fingers. She can still work while the others heal.

“I had no idea that gravity manipulation could do that.” 

“Yeah. I just have to channel heavier gravity into one part and then make another lighter and it twists around. What was her name anyway?” 

“It’s so pretentious. It’s pronounced like “raw-shell” but it’s spelled similar to Rachel.” 

“You’re kidding me!” 

“Nope. Rachelle, it’s so dumb. Why would anyone choose that name?” 

“They hate their child and she hates herself. Do you feel better now?” 

“Yes, thank you.” She embraced you softly.

You held her tightly. “I love you, Addie. You’re my best friend and you mean the world to me.” 

“I love you too, (Y/n). Just please don’t go around yelling, “Off with their heads!” every time I get hurt, okay?” 

“Okay. Since it’s you who’s asking.” You say in a teasing tone. 

#gojo x reader #gojo x y/n #gojo x you #gojou satoru x reader #jjk #jujutsu kaisen #gojo #gojo satoru #jjk gojo #jjk satoru #satoru x reader #satoru gojo #satoru angst #TBRAHE🩵💙🦋🌹 #satoru x you #jujutsu kaisen satoru #satoru gojo x reader #satoru gojo x you #Gojo Satoru x reader #gojo angst #satoru gojo x y/n #gojo satoru x y/n #gojo satoru x you #gojo satoru x oc

[vir-g-o]

Draco x Slytherin!Reader

Y/N Hawthorn was the oldest daughter of the Hawthorn family. The Hawthorn were known for the giant empery of feather pens they built. They distributed to the Minister, and all across England and Ireland. The first time that Draco and Y/N meet was at a party thrown by the Malfoy’s at their Manor. Mr Hawthorn, well known feather pens seller and distributor (and discreet supremacist of pureblood supporter), and Lucius Malfoy meet at the Minister, and got along right away. Having both children of the same age and living fairly close to each other they though it was a great idea to bring them together. Mr Hawthorn arrived at Malfoy´s Manor with his pregnant wife (Bhavana, a beautiful woman, from a poor pureblood Ireland family, that won the lottery marrying to her wealthy husband), and their daughter. Bhavana was a beautiful tall and skinny woman, with dark hair and blood-red eyes. Her daughter Y/N was nothing the less her exact picture, a pale kid with the same fire eyes. Draco and Y/N, both arrogant with sharp tongues little kids, as their parents, fit in with each other perfectly. Except for one little, insignificant detail: Y/N's mother never really agreed with the purist ideas of blood. But both of her and Y/N quickly learned to suck it up out of convenience after a few incidents with Mr Hawthorn when Y/N was younger and therefor more imprudent. From that night Draco and Y/N became close friends, and Y/N spend tons of days out at the Malfoy´s Manor. Both got sorted at the Slytherin house, to the pleas of their fathers. But at Hogwarts, they dynamic became to change.

CHAPTER 1

3th year

The firs class of Care of Magical Creatures was important. At least for Y/N. She loved magical creatures, although for Draco it wasn't so exciting. The young witch had spent all summer trying to tame the beast-like book and had accomplish it. She was the only one apparently.

"Oh, how silly we've all been!" Draco sneered. "We should have stroked them! why didn't we guess!"

"I -- I thought they were funny," Hagrid said uncertainly to Hermione.

"Oh, tremendously funny!" said Draco. "Really witty, giving us books that try and rip our hands off!"

Y/N rolled her eyes. After 2 years at Hogwarts she had realise that Draco acted way differently in front of other people than he did when they were alone. She knew that he wanted to shine and the fact that he was surrounded by people he believes where below him didn't make him any more charismatic. Y/N usually kept quiet when he started getting noisy.

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

"You shouldn't say things like that in public Draco" said Y/N while keeping her eyes on the book she was reading.

"Why? Don't tell me you like those filthy mood bloods" reply Draco with a mix of confusion and despise

"It's bad taste expressing one's negative feelings towards other person to their face" Y/N have mastered her parent’s ways on not getting in trouble by sharing their political views. "You never know how people would react, what if someone got violent with you?"

"I'll beat them off" said Draco nonchalant.

Y/N was always surprise at how much slower boys grew up than girls.

-----------

The class continue in a way that surpassed Y/N's expectations. Meeting hippogriffs in their first class was not at all what they all were expecting.

After Harry Potter little trip on Buckbeack Hagrid untied the hippogriffs one by one, and soon people were bowing nervously, all over the paddock. Neville ran repeatedly backward from his, which didn't seem to want to bend its knees. Ron and Hermione practiced on the chestnut, while Harry watched. Y/N, Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle had taken over Buckbeak. He had bowed to Draco and Y/N, who were both patting his beak.

"I knew it must have been easy, if Potter could do it.... I bet you're not dangerous at all, are you?" he said to the hippogriff. "Are you, you great ugly brute?"

It happened in a flash of steely talons; Draco let out a high-pitched scream and Y/N felt to the floor, next moment Hagrid was wrestling Buckbeak back into his collar as he strained to get at Draco, who lay curled in the grass, blood blossoming over his robes.

"I'm dying!" Draco yelled as the class panicked. "I'm dying, look at me! It's killed me!" Y/N suffocated a scream of fear.

"Yer not dyin'!" said Hagrid, who had gone very white. "Someone help me-- gotta get him outta here --"

Hermione ran to hold open the gate as Hagrid lifted Draco easily. Blood splattered the grass and Hagrid ran with him, up the slope toward the castle. Y/N and Pansy Parkinson were holding each other with their eyes full of tears.

Y/N and Pansy weren't really close, they get along fairly but after the incident with Draco and Buckbeack they became much closer.

"He should be fired!" said an infuriating Pansy when she and Y/N gathered together at the Slytherin common room.

"It was really dangerous to bring high dangerous classified creatures to the first class" agreed Y/n "I’m so worried about Draco" said in a low voice, he was still at the nursery.

"You and Draco are close, aren't you?" Pansy had eyes shining in curiosity

Y/N blushed a little "Well, we know each other since we were little"

"Do you like him?"

Pansy's question took Y/N of surprised

"Ugh no way, he's just a friend" she left out a little laugh, but the reality was that she has blush.

"Huh, that’s great. Although he's a little cute..." said Pansy looking side-eye to Y/N with a malicious smirk on her face.

Y/N smiled "I guess he is a little cute"

They both break out giggling with their faces red. Then Pansy shhh when realized they were getting a little attention on the common room.

After that they got closer. They often sat together and would talk secretly about Draco. Y/N enjoyed how they both took it light-hearted and neither of they get jealous. Although Y/N was a little more direct in her approaches to Draco, and Auri would just look at her with a raised eyebrow and a smile. Y/N would do the same when she saw Draco and Y/N talking or sitting privately at the common room or the library.

After the incident not much happened between Y/N and Draco, but that didn't last longer.

"But why he's going to get killed?" Y/N cried loudly burying her head between her legs.

"He could have killed me! Don't you care?" Draco responded with an angry tone. They had never fight before.

"I do care! But it wasn't his fault! It was Hagrid's, why couldn't they fire him? Why they have to kill Buckbeack?" the poor girl was in a sea of tears unable to stop "and it was also your fault Draco! Tell them to stop!"

"There, there...quit crying" despite not feeling guilty at all Draco was clumsily patting Y/N in the head. He did felt guilty for making her cry. "Oh...you always have had a soft spot for beasts and sick creatures, don't you? There's nothing to be done, my father is furious"

Y/N's parents also were when she told them all about it in a letter and Y/N couldn't bring herself to defend neither Hagrid or Buckbeack.

At the end of the next Care of Magical Creatures class she approached to Hagrid. He seemed numb with shock at the verdict.

"Hmmmm Professor, I’d like to have a word with you" she said nervously

"What'S miss..."

"Hawthorn, sir"

"Just Hagrid S'fine" Y/N nodded quickly

"I heard about Buckbeack..." suddenly she felt stupid about what she was doing, she has heard about it through Draco and was friends with him, and he was the guilty one about the whole situation after all "I’m so sorry about it, I just wanted to say that I don't think it's fair and that he's a wonderful creature" her eyes were crystal again.

Suddenly she notices that Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger where there looking, She didn't know how much of it they had heard. Y/N knew they were close to Hagrid. The four of them looked at each other awkwardly but Hagrid start talking.

"S'all my fault. Got all tongue-tied. They was all sittin' there in black robes an' I kep' droppin' me notes and forgettin' all them dates yeh looked up fer me, Hermione. An' then Lucius Malfoy stood up an' said his bit, and the Committee jus' did exac'ly what he told 'em...."

"There's still the appeal!" said Ron fiercely. "Don't give up Yet, we're working on it!"

They were walking back up to the castle with the rest of the class. Y/N stayed quiet and uncomfortable.

Ahead they could see Draco, who was walking with Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, and kept looking back.

"S'no good, Ron," said Hagrid sadly as they reached the castle steps.

"That Committee's in Lucius Malfoy's pocket. I'm jus' gonna make sure the rest o' Beaky's time is the happiest he's ever had. I owe him that...."

Hagrid turned around and hurried back toward his cabin, his face buried in his handkerchief.

"Look at him blubber!"

Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle had been standing just inside the castle doors, listening. Draco looked quickly to Y/N and then went back to the trio of Gryffindors.

"Have you ever seen anything quite as pathetic?" said Draco. "And he's supposed to be our teacher!"

Y/N was about to open her mouth but then

-- SMACK!

Hermione had slapped Draco across the face with all the strength she could muster. Draco staggered. All of them stood flabbergasted as Hermione raised her hand again.

"Don't you dare call Hagrid pathetic, you foul -- you evil --"

"Hermione!" said Ron weakly, and he tried to grab her hand as she swung it back.

"Get off, Ron!"

Hermione pulled out her wand. Draco stepped backward. Crabbe and Goyle looked at him for instructions, thoroughly bewildered.

"C'mon," Draco muttered, and in a moment, all three of them had disappeared into the passageway to the dungeons. Y/N was about to go with them but she was stopped by Harry's voice.

"Wait!"

Y/N was a little bit shock but maintained her poker face.

"You're Y/N Hawthorn, right?" Ron and Hermione also looked at him confused

"Yeah, why?"

"We heard you talking to Hagrid" Y/N could feel her face red "Thanks for defending Buckbeack" he said.

"How are you friends with Malfoy?" Hermione said, she still looked shake and heavy mad after hitting Draco.

Y/N felt really pressured under their eyes

"We don't always agree, but I really appreciate him, he's not always a jerk"

"Yeah right" Ron tone was sarcastic "I’m sure deep down he's adorable"

"But it's true, I never had seen him acting like this before we came to Hogwarts, although maybe that was because we were usually alone when we were together" she looked sadly to the ground.

The chat between her and the trio extended a little bit longer. She couldn't convince them that Draco was actually nice to have around and she didn't blame them, but she made it clear that he was really important to her. They talked about their stay in their respective houses, and went along with the Gryffindor vs Slytherin thing humorously, and about classes and professors and some others unimportant things.

Later that night after classes Draco confronted her in the library.

"What where you doing with Potter and his friends?" he has given himself permition to sit right next to her, and she was sure by the fact that he didn't had any books with him that he had going to the library just to look for her. And the thing was that she had go there just to avoid him.

"I was showing my respects to Hagrid about Buckbeack" she knew that Draco was referring just about that and hasn't found out about her little talk with the golden trio, because if that was the case he probably wouldn't be so calm "I don't get why you had to make those stupid comments about Hagrid! Seriously you are so insensitive!"

"I didn't know you cared that much" he said in a mocking tone

"You know I do! I told you that that mouth of you would bring you consequences! You know me, you know I liked to be discreet about thing, why can't you keep your thoughts to close ones? I'm the one that doesn't know you anymore! Why you act like such a jerk? You really need that much of external approval?" Y/N didn't realise she was screaming until she notices the contrast of what she has just said with the silence of everyone else at the library. After a scolding of Madam Pince they both headed towards Slytherin's common room silently.

After a few moments Draco finally talked.

"If that what you think then I don't get why are we even friends"

Y/N stayed silent. She had been wondering about that too lately. She didn't like the way Draco acted in a lot of instances but she still had a lot of fun with him and care for him deeply. But she didn't say anything. Neither did Draco after that, and they both went straight to their beds without saying good night.

#harry potter #hp #draco malfoy #draco malfoy x reader #slytherin #draco #draco x slytherin!reader

[fionajames]

captain rex x mechanic! reader

welcome, welcome, welcome all.

this is titled: i had an emotional breakdown and needed comfort but my eyelids are screaming to be closed.

i have used they/them pronouns (i literally only used them like, once or twice tho) just to be more inclusive to everyone

Captain Rex strolls through the ship with such purpose and focus that all the clones around him freeze to stare. He seems very set on his destination as he weaves around corners and speeds down hallways - but somehow remains formal and unhurried in appearance.

No one knows exactly where he was going and no one is brave enough to ask.

Which is exactly what he wants.

After taking a speedy double-take down a hallway, Rex relaxes as he enters the room, watching the door close behind him. He takes off his helmet and holds it under his arm as he weaves his way through the cargo boxes, a smile already on his face.

At the end of the hallway, a figure is crouched over a small BD unit droid, poking at it with a screwdriver thoughtfully. “There you go, BD-4,” they coo, gently patting the droid’s head. “I think your scomp link’s all good now, but come back if it comes loose again.”

The droid chirps and then happily bounds away, leaving Rex to walk over to his partner with a fond smile. “Hey, Cyar’ika” he whispers, shuffling over to the figure.

                                                      -

You turn abruptly, letting out a tiny shriek at the unexpected approach of your boyfriend, a hand shooting to your chest mockingly. “Geez, Rex,” you huff out playfully and the blonde returns the playfulness with a matching smirk, settling down beside you. “Don’t disturb the mechanic!” He laughs already knowing the next sentence.

“They might poke your eye out with a screwdriver” he finishes, reaching over and playfully ruffling your hair. “I know, I know.”

You give him a smile before placing down the tools in hand and scrambling up to hug him, burying your face in the crook of his neck and closing your eyes. Rex provides a feeling of safety and home to you that has gone unmatched by anyone else you’ve met and little do you know, you provide the same feeling for him.

“How are you going?” Rex asks gently, gesturing to the R4 Astromech over in the corner - who requires a lot of work. But you aren’t willing to just scrap him, so more work it is.

“Slowly but surely,” you respond, your voice just a whisper as you stare at the scratched blue paint and blasted leg. Hours of work had gotten such little progress it was painful.

“Hey,” Rex murmurs, grasping your chin ever-so-gently in his hand and turning you to face him. His face is soft and caring, the bags under his eyes faint. “You’ll get there eventually.” He presses the softest kiss to your forehead, and then another to the tip of your nose. You giggle at the feeling and he smiles. “That’s better.” 

You rest your foreheads together. “How much oil is on my face,” you mumble, beaming at him as he chuckles.

“A few smudges on your cheeks,” Rex replies, reaching a thumb up to gently caress one side of your face. “They’re symmetrical on both sides, are you sure you didn’t do that on purpose?”

“No!” You giggle back and he grins, pressing a soft, feather-like kiss to your lips. Those kisses are ones you savour - deep with meaning but quick with touch. 

“I believe you,” he replies with a gentle eye roll and you playfully nudge his chest. “Hey!”

“C’mon, Captain, time for bed” you remind him, getting to your feet as he begrudgingly does the same. “Although, I think I’ll take a shower first. I’m covered in oil.” You show him your arms that are now streaked with black oil. 

“You do that,” Rex decides, his grin splitting his face almost entirely as you press a kiss to his lips. “And then bed.”

“And then bed.”

have good day/night/morning/lunch/evening/afternoon/sunrise/sunset/twilight/midnight/hyperspacetime :)

hope you enjoyed! its short and probs bad but i wrote it and was like 'y'know what? i'll post it' so here.

yet again, not edited/revised - im too lazy

#the clone wars #captain rex #501st legion #star wars #ct 7567 #ka’ra writes ❤️

[giggle-bee]

Technical Difficulties

Day 11: Squeal, Ler!Asmo, Lee!Simeon (please do not ship them)

(Photogenic sweets, banners by @/momsagainstinternetuse-archive)

Summary: Simeon is trying to set up his Devilgram account, enlisting Asmodeus for help. It seems to be more than a simple fix however, but Asmo is more than happy to give it a makeover!

Warnings: none, just fluffy tickles!

“Oh dear. This won’t do at all,” Asmo muttered, legs crossed and brows furrowed as he scrolled through the sparse contents of Simeon’s Devilgram page. After a lot of pushing and meddling from Solomon and Luke, the angel had enlisted his help in the world of social media, wanting to make a good impression on the Devildom during his time stationed there. But, the numerous typos, blurred pictures, and a profile picture of his eye were not helping.

“How did you manage to mark yourself as a business? I thought you didn’t know how to work the settings!” Asmo pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated and confused.

“Don’t ask me! Maybe Luke messed with it? I mean… it isn’t that bad, is it?”

Asmo turned to him, Simeon’s puppy dog eyes on full display. He sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder, comforting, but Simeon knew he meant business. “It’s not the worst I’ve seen. You just need a little refresh! A little… shaping! To the salon!” Simeon was quickly tugged up the stairs and into Asmo’s room, disappearing behind an ornate pink door.

Asmo flicked on a string of fairy lights and dimmed the overhead ones, clearing his desk.

“We’re having an intervention! Via photoshoot! I’m going to rework your page and make you the most savvy angel in the Devildom!” He exclaimed with stars in his eyes, pulling out a box of shawls and a feather boa from his closet.

“I… well- I appreciate the sentiment, but isn’t this too much?” Simeon muttered, a bit scattered by Asmo’s burst of energy. Asmo grabbed his arm and pulled him over to the vanity, shoving a big fluffy brush in his face and patting his face with loose powder. In a matter of minutes, Simeon’s natural features were enhanced by the light touch of highlighter and the shiny gloss Asmo had applied to his lips.

The demon stepped back, admiring his work, snapping his fingers. “Alright! Phase two!” Asmo set his phone up on a small tripod, a ring light shining in Simeon’s eyes. How much effort was this going to take?

He stood there awkwardly, arms rigid at his sides, smiling brightly at the camera. Asmo frowned, “Simi, you gotta be more fluid! Act like an actual living angel! Not a statue!”

He fussed around Simeon, putting arms into place, adjusting his posture, before hurrying back over to the camera. It reminded the angel of a movie director, making sure everything was as it should be. But it seemed that Asmo’s corrections weren’t sticking.

“Natural! Try not to be so stiff! Here-”

Asmo sauntered up behind him, humming and grabbing Simeon’s exposed hips. “Now, turn this way, and- oh? What was that?”

A very girlish squeak reverberated through Asmo’s room, the high ceilings making it bounce around like bells. Did.. did that sound come from him?

Asmo experimentally shifted his fingers to the inside of Simeon’s hip dips, making the angel squirm out of his grasp with a yelp. Oh no.

Now, Simeon had known Asmo for a long time. He knew this look. The playful eyes under his long lashes, the innocent smile on his pink lips, and his twitching hands hanging daintily by his sides. This, was no longer Asmodeus. The ruthless tickle monster that teased, cooed, and fawned over its victims had fallen to the Devildom as well.

“Are you still ticklish after all these years, Simeon?” Asmo questioned, slowly walking towards him. He was practically beaming, his nails glinting in the light. His long, very tickly looking nails.

“Ah, Asmodeus, I- ahahaha! Wahahait!”

Those nails were now skittering around Simeon’s hips, making the Angel squirm and jolt away from Asmo. “Awh! This still gets you, doesn’t it? I remember your hips being bad, doesn’t make sense why you keep them on display all the time, hm?”

Simeon was trying his best to avoid the delicate camera setup, but failed, falling to the ground beside it. “Asmo! There’s no need to do something this childish! We’re civil, mature, angels and demons are we not?” His flushed cheeks were not helping the situation.

“Oh? But I remember differently, dear~ I remember you loooved to tickle me and my brothers in the Celestial Realm! You were always too strong for me to properly get you back, but now…” Asmo smirked, placing his nails on Simeon’s sides. “Now, I have the upper hand!”

Simeon was thrown into laughter again when he started raking up and down his ribs and sides, kneading into his hips for good measure. “Ahahahasmohohoho! I’m sohohohoreehehee!” He was squirming back and forth, trying to escape tickles on both sides, but Asmodeus saw a golden opportunity.

“Gotcha~” he purred as he pinned Simeon on his stomach. “You really do love exposing your worst spots don’t you? I remember you used to go wild when Lucifer got you here,” he reminisced as he traced under Simeon’s shoulder blades.

“WAihAIhit nOhoHO-” Simeon let out a surprisingly angelic screech and tried to bat at the demon’s hands, but no luck. “Your wings… they should be abouuuut…” Asmo mumbled to himself while Simeon squealed and kicked his legs.

“NAHAHAHA AHAHAHASMOHOHODEHEHUS-”

“There we go! I found them! And what have I told you about calling me Asmo~?” He kneaded gently at the two ribs under Simeon’s shoulderblades, close to his spine, where his wings would be if they were in the Celestial Realm. His wings had always been a death spot, one he was glad still brought out the brightest cackles from the angel.

Simeon had gone boneless, completely lost in laughter. It was something he missed, honestly. Camaraderie with his brothers had always been something he valued, and since coming to the Devildom, he had made it a mission to gain it back. This was not the most conventional way of doing it, sure, but Asmo was obviously having lots of fun. And maybe Simeon was too.

The demon giggled along with the angel, slowing down his tickles. Letting Simeon get up, he gave one last scribble to his neck, making him scrunch cutely.

“Dahahawwww! Look at you! That’s what I wanted to see! You’re practically glowing!” Asmo grabbed his phone and snapped a picture of the giggly angel.

Simeon caught his breath and blinked, leaning over the phone. “How did it turn out?”

“Soooooooooo cute!” Asmo squealed, hugging him tight. “We need to make this your profile picture! Oh! And we can go get dessert to celebrate my success! Simeon and Asmo-chan lunch date, I’ll get so many followers!”

Suddenly, Simeon was being whisked away again, but he didn’t mind. His online presence didn’t matter to him, what mattered was spending time with his once-brother, even if it did mean future tickle attacks.

note: this is a reupload due to an error in the posting, oops

#honey #buzz #sfw tickles #bee writes #obey me tickles #obey me tickle fic #ler!asmo #lee!simeon #tickletober 2023 #augtickletober2023 #tickle fic

[snzysimper]

Pollen of Eden

yippee first Hazbin Hotel fic (excluding that really old one I wrote when I was like 14 😭)

I’m pretty happy with how this turned out. Decided to jump on the bandwagon of writing Ad//am fics. Enjoy.

1089 words

| I am allowed to write what I want and I would appreciate it if you keep whatever rude comments you have to yourself |

The Garden of Eden is the closest to the idea of perfection that is possible, in the mortal realm that is. Adam and his wife Lilith shared the beautiful paradise. Despite being “married”, the two didn’t always enjoy each other's company. However, at the same time, the only company they had was each other. Minus the archangel Saint Lucifer who often came down to chat with Lilith. Something about him left a bad taste in Adam’s mouth. Recently, Lilith had only wanted to be with Lucifer. Adam was a bit jealous to say the least. Who wouldn’t be? You and your partner have a beautiful home to live in together and all they want to do is talk to some goofy angel.

Today was another one of those days where the two had a disagreement and parted ways for a bit. It was always over the littlest things. This particular time it had been about Lilith never wanting to spend any time with him. Adam got fed up and walked a good distance away to be by himself. He found a nice spot in the shade under some trees by a pond. The area surrounding the pond and trees was littered with various flowers. Sitting down, he sighs. He closes his eyes for a bit and only opens them again when he realizes that a duck has made itself comfortable in his lap. “What do you want?” He glared at the duck. Lucifer often spent time rambling on about how much he liked ducks and even gave Lilith her own duckling, which she named Petal. Seeing this duck only reminded him of the two. “You and your little duck friends are always all over the place.” The duck looked back at him, cocking its head and quacking in response. Adam chuckles. “Am I really so desperate for someone to talk to that I’m conversing with a duck?” He gives it a pat on the head.

A gentle breeze blew through the trees and flower field. The duck fluffed his feathers to keep warm. Adam smiled seeing how peaceful and happy it seemed all comfy in his lap. A flower slowly drifted through the air and landed on the ducks back. Picking up the flower, Adam smelt it. He isn’t quite sure what type of flower it is, but it certainly smells nice. Maybe he’ll give it to Lilith as an apology for-

“-’dDSHh-EH!!” His newly found duck friend jerks its head up and looks at him. “Sorry buddy,” he smiles. “Didn’t mean to wake yo..” He paused for a brief moment, tilting his head back slightly. “hEDd’shoo!!” The duck quacks a few times. Whether it be sympathy or annoyance isn’t clear. Nonetheless, it remains on his lap. As the wind continues to blow, pollen from the surrounding trees and flowers drifts through the air. “HDd’tchoo! heEH’d-shEH!!” He rubs his nose, trying to relieve the itchy tickling sensation. He hadn’t been allergic to any of the flowers in the garden before. Maybe this was simply God's way of telling him to stop being jealous. Regardless, he was allergic to the ones currently around him. “ehH-!! hEH!! Heh-!! Ugh.” Yep. This was karma. At least that’s the only explanation he could come up with. His newly found duck friend shakes off some of the pollen that had collected on his feathers. Despite turning to face the other direction and holding his breath, the irritant still makes its way into his system. “hHED-shUH!! hIH heEH-!! Bringing his hand to his face, he holds his nose shut to try and keep from making too much of a disturbance despite being alone (minus the duck). “-ptschh! ‘ktchs!! -dschs!! -tschh!!”

Upon realizing that refusing to let them out was getting him nowhere, he gave up trying to keep quiet. “hED’ch-EHH!! HdD-tcsch!! Eh-t’choo!! I hihh!! ca-ah!!n’t st-stop sne-EH!! hHE’TSCH-UH!!” The force of the last sneeze leaves him with thick snot pouring out from his nose and running down his face. “Eugh”, he grimaces at the thought of what he could possibly look like if someone were to be watching him. A loud gurgling sound is made as he attempts to snort back what he can of the snot back into his nose. Wiping his nose on the back of his hand, he absent mindedly glances down at the grass. It is only then that he notices a red and white corn snake. In a panic, he quickly grabs the duck, stands up and kicks the snake. We don’t recommend doing this under normal circumstances. “Get lost!!” The snake goes flying back in the direction of which it came. Sighing, he checks the area around him for any other snakes before sitting back down.

“Lucifer? Is everything alright? I thought I heard someone shouting.” Lilith wanders through the forest for a bit before finding the red and white corn snake draped over a tree branch like someone's laundry left out to air dry. “Lucifer!”

“I think I may have sssscared him a bit. Oopssss.”

She rushes to take him out of the tree and sets him on the ground. Turning back into an archangel, Lucifer smiles. His hair is a bit messed up but other than that he seems fine. “He is a short way down there. He’s sitting with a duck on his lap.” Lilith smiles. “Thank you, Lucifer.” With a small puff of smoke, the archangel turns into a small dove. Adam is much less likely to be scared that way. Flying alongside Lilith, the two find Adam sitting under the tree. “Adam, dear?” Adam looks up at his wife, smiling. “Hey.” As she sits next to him, he holds out the flower. “I snf wanted to give this to you.” He tucks it into her hair. Lilith giggles. “Thank you Adam.” She kisses him on the cheek. “I thought you’d like it. I know purple is your fa-..heh..hEH-Choo!! eEH’ShOO!! Hed’DCHOO!” He turns away to keep from sneezing on her. Laughing, she wraps him in a hug. “Thank you Adam. I love it.” Adam blushes. “I’m snff glad you li-iIH!!-ke i-IIHT’sSH-Eh!!” Lilith kisses him again, this time on the mouth. “Bless you, love.” The dove lands on Liliths shoulder and she looks at him, nodding. He flies without their field of vision before returning to his angel form and going back to heaven.

God forbid Adam slip up and hurt Lilith. Lucifer now has something he can use against him. But that won’t be necessary. Angels are merciful after all. Right?

#haz//bin//ho//tel// #hazbin snz #simper fics #simper writes #Ad//am #Li//ith #Luci//fer #snzfic #snzblr #snzkink

[cobawrites]

A Gust of Wind (Vash x Reader), Chapter 4

Vash x Reader, GN! Reader, Mutual Pining, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn Romance. No real tw’s for this chapter, but see warnings for chapters 1 and 2, and some future chapters. Reader awakens to an unfamiliar world, left alone and struggling with mental health problems from before the crash. Vash emerges as a guiding light for Reader, and vice versa.

Note: I made a mistake in chapter 3. I thought it had been 120 years since the crash, but it should have been 150. I apparently can’t math OR pay attention! Anyway, chapter 3 has since been updated.

First >> Prev >> Chp. 4 >> Next

                                                    A Gust of Wind

                                                        Chapter 4

As you and Vash set out for town, you took the time to gather your bearings and note any special landmarks, but it was a near impossible task. The sand dunes seemed endless, and there weren’t many distinguishing features to speak of. It didn’t seem quite so hopeless when you first left the ship. Wandering around aimlessly was easy, but actually trying to get somewhere was a different story.

Come to think of it, what distinguishing features had you noticed closer to the ship? You remembered strong winds and a steady incline as you left, but not much more than that. Furthermore, a large portion of the ship itself was covered in sand dunes, so if you went even slightly in the wrong direction, you could never hope to spot it.

Vash reassured you several times that he had extremely sharp eyes. Although you were not entirely convinced, you decided to follow the original plan anyway. You had been nothing but honest about how little you knew the path back to the ship, and if he wanted to go on a wild goose chase with you, that was his choice to make. At least you had some idea of the general direction you had come from. For now, that would have to do.

After a couple of hours, and two or three threats from Vash about carrying you again if you didn’t stop limping, you finally reached town. He bought a couple of those giant feathery creatures called thomases from a small herder who seemed eager to sell. A quick look inside the animals’ enclosure showed only a couple bags of feed left. The herder admitted that, pretty soon, they’d be on the menu, too, especially if the neighboring town continued to hike up the cost of their imports. You felt bad for those poor creatures…

“I don’t know if I could ever bring myself to slaughter an animal I raised from birth…” you sighed as you walked away, pulling your thomas along by its lead.

“That’s why we are going to help these people – so they won’t have to do anything like that, or worse.” Said Vash, hopping on his thomas without much thought and adjusting the reins. He looked back at you expectantly.

You stared at the foothold of the saddle for a second, swallowing hard as you eyed the creature’s wide body and thick, muscular legs. Oh yeah, this big boy could kick Mr. String Bean’s kneecaps in any day of the week. The thomas drilled holes into your eyes with its gaze and ruffled its feathers a bit.

“Careful,” warned Vash. “They may be fairly tame, but they’ll pick up on fear pretty easily and get restless. You don’t want to get kicked off one of these guys.”

Steeling yourself, you hooked your foot onto the foothold and attempted to swing yourself over. But as soon as your other foot was off the ground, the thomas shook violently, and sent you flying face first into the dirt.

Groaning, you stood up slowly, head still spinning until you heard a strangled laugh. Your gaze snapped over to Vash, who was now looking in every direction but yours. Eyes narrowed at his increasingly nervous face, you petted the thomas’s head, attempting to soothe its puffed feathers. You then tried to hop on once again, but forgetting all about your loving pats, the creature shoved you away the second you put weight on the foothold. Well, at least you landed on your butt this time…

Another muffled snicker came from Vash’s direction. The noise stopped the second you locked eyes with him. That’s what you thought...

Lips pressed firmly into a thin line, he dismounted from his thomas and placed his foot on the foothold. “Like this,” he began, then mounted the creature effortlessly with a smile. “Easy-peasy.”

“Easy-peasy,” you mocked in a high-pitched voice under your breath. “Smug little…”

This went on for another fifteen minutes, with Vash offering a couple of tips here and there. Of course, just about all the advice he gave you missed its mark by a landslide. He was a natural, and you were most definitely not. To make matters worse, he eventually gave up on hiding his laughter altogether, leaving you red-faced and wondering if he was doing this on purpose. Maybe you shouldn’t have called him all those names…

Fed up with your repeated failures, you stomped over to your thomas, your ankle’s protests falling on deaf ears. Mustering all your strength, you hooked your foot and swung over the saddle quickly. For a second, you thought you had it, but Vash was moving toward you before you even realized it was a failed attempt. The thomas, thoroughly irritated with your poor riding skills, shook its entire body to the left, sending you reeling to the ground on your bad leg.

Vash was underneath you before you could blink, cushioning your fall. You sat atop his lap for more than a few seconds, utterly dumbfounded. It all happened so fast.

“Am I comfy?” He teased with a smile, looking up at you with his chin resting on your shoulder.

Face burning hotter than the planet’s two suns combined, you scrambled out of his lap. But before you could walk away from him, he reached from behind to pick you up by the hips, and plopped you down on the other thomas.

“There, now grab onto the reigns,” he instructed, guiding your hands. “Yeah, like that. You’ve got it.”

Mortified and tongue twisted, you barely managed to mumble a thankyou as you watched him walk over to your thomas. He smoothed the ruffled feathers on its neck, and walked it around for a few minutes on the lead. Then, deciding it had calmed down enough, he hopped on as easily as he had on the other thomas.

“Behold, the thomas-whisperer.” You laughed, half annoyed, but half in awe at his talent with animals.

“The what?” He asked. You shook your head.

“It was this thing where – ah, never mind, not important.” You shrugged.

“Well, anyway, don’t feel too bad. This guy’s just got a bit of an attitude. You can tell by the way it stares when you approach it.” He explained, adjusting the reigns.

“Wait a minute… You can tell just by how it looks at you?” You narrowed your eyes. “So then…”

“Yeah, I’m sorry,” said Vash, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. “After the last few days I’ve had, I… uhhh… kind of needed a good laugh.”

“You motherfu –,”

“You’ll forgive me, won’t you, (Y/N)?” He begged, giving you the most dictionary-definition puppy-dog eyes you’d ever seen in your life. You gulped, suddenly lost for words. This man was dangerous…

With a content smile on his face, he showed you how to command your thomas, and you both set off for the ship. It was a long way there, but the thomases were a godsend. The distance you felt would have taken you several days to traverse took just under three. You may have gotten there faster had it not been for a long series of earthquakes that unsettled your thomases, forcing you to take a break. Regardless, before you knew it, you were approaching a reasonably familiar area. This was your best guess at where the ship was buried, but with all the sand dunes looking practically identical, it was hard to tell where it was exactly.

“I did warn you that it would be hard to find,” you huffed after a few hours of circling the area. You were so sure that these sand dunes had to be the ones, but now, doubt was setting in.

“Well, it’s not like I expected it to be easy,” he shrugged, holding his hand to his forehead while looking down from the top of one of the dunes. “If it was, you’d think that this ship would have been raided long ago.”

“I don’t mean to stray off topic here, but if you have to shield your eyes from the sun anyway, just what the hell is the point of those shades?” You asked, the exasperation from your fruitless search causing your tone to come across more harshly than you’d intended. Vash turned to look at you, eyes widened slightly.

“I – I mean, they look good, don’t get me wrong!” You back-peddled as fast as you could, laughing nervously and letting go of the reigns to put your hands defensively in the air. The way the slightest change in his expression could make a person’s heart break was outrageous. “I just mean, you could probably use something a little more practical, you know? I know I could.”

Vash trained his eyes shyly on the sand below, tracing the rim of his sunglasses with his fingers. “I guess… I just like them? They make me feel comfortable, you know?”

“Ah,” you nodded, not really listening, focused more on your sudden guilt. What was wrong with you? “So, they… do block the sunlight, then?”

“A little, yes, but that’s not what I meant. More like… ah, never mind. It's silly.” He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh, sorry, I think I –,” you started, hands still in the air, but your thomas suddenly jerked forward, startled by a swarm of small, flying worms approaching. You had no time to hold on as it launched you down the sand dune, and you rolled all the way to the base. You lifted your head from the sand, shaking to get it out of your ears.

“(Y/N), get out of there!” Vash called, dismounting from his thomas and quickly heading over. You looked around to realize that you were sinking. You stood up fully, taking a step, but soon realized that your left leg was stuck in the sand, and you were quickly losing whatever footing you had. The pulling motion from the sand caused you to fall over again, leaving you clawing at your surroundings in an attempt to slow your descent.

Vash finally closed the distance and reached out for your hand, but he fell short just as your body disappeared completely. Panicked, Vash dove into the sand himself, digging around, trying to find anything of yours to grab onto. After a few seconds, he finally managed to get a grip on your pant leg, but as he hauled you up, he sank himself further. Vash scanned the area frantically, but found nothing to grab onto. Instead, he whistled to his thomas. The creature walked over to him, and he yanked on the lead. Furious, the thomas planted its feet firmly and tugged back, pulling both of you out of the sand in the process.

Coughing, you stood up from the ground, trying to regain your breath. “It’s here,” you wheezed “It’s buried under the sand.”

“How do you know?” Asked Vash, attempting to make peace with his angry thomas.

“I touched something hard down there. I stopped sinking at one point, and I felt like rock or metal or something,” you said, stopping to shake the sand out from places you never thought you’d have to shake it out of.

Vash squinted his eyes toward the rest of the sand dunes below, a worried look on his face. “You know, come to think of it, these sand dunes look different than I’ve seen in other places. They kind of resemble the terrain that sandsteamers cross.”

“Sandsteamers?”

“Giant ships that sail through the sand, basically,” he answered, looking around the area behind you, where the swarm of worms that had passed by not too long ago.

“Hmmm… yeah, I can’t picture it,” you admitted, scratching your head, wondering how a machine like that was even possible.

“And wherever there are those smaller worms in the daytime, there’s usually a…” he trailed off, deep in thought. “(Y/N), are you sure that what you touched was metal?”

“Either that, or rock. I mean, what else could it be?”

“There’s just one thing I need to rule out before we commit, but if I’m right, it might not be good news for us,” he said, hopping back on his thomas. “Quick, lets follow that swarm. But if I say run at any point, you run, okay?”

“But what about the metal?” You protested, mounting your thomas hesitantly. “What if the ship really is here, and we can’t find our way back?”

“We can find our way back if we need to,” he insisted. “Just trust me on this one, okay?”

With that, you both followed the swarm of flying worms for a while until you reached hard ground. The worms disappeared into smaller pockets of sand below.

“Yeah… I thought as much,” he muttered, and hopped off the thomas to touch his hand to the floor. It had discolored yet repeating markings all over it, along with several scuffs. You could have sworn you’d seen that subtle pattern before somewhere else. “(Y/N), what exactly did the ground beneath the ship look like?”

“It was mostly sand, really, but I suppose the spots where the metal dug into the ground did look a little like that.” You answered, staring at him curiously. “That… Is some strange looking rock.”

“That’s because what we are standing on is not rock at all,” he said, chewing his lip. “It’s a grand worm.”

“I’m sorry, a grand what?” You choked. “Grand and worm are two words I never want to hear in the same sentence. Ever!”

“Don’t panic. It’s not quite as bad as I thought,” he reassured you, continuing to brush his hands over different spots, and sweeping the sand away in certain areas. “I think this is a very old one. Ancient, probably only moves on occasion. Super lethargic. So, we aren’t in any real danger.”

Vash mounted his thomas once again, looking pensive. “Unfortunately, this also means that the ship might be even harder to find that we’d bargained for.”

“Seriously? Why is that?” You asked.

“Because I think the worm moved before we got here. And I’m starting to think the ship is lodged into one of its plates.”

You groaned, smacking your hand to your forehead. “Damn it… how the hell are we supposed to find it now?”

“If we are seeing its plates above the surface still, then that means the ship should be close enough to the surface for us to find it.” He scratched his head, looking around. “I think our best bet is to find pieces of upturned plates.”

“Well… the thing I touched was pretty level, so I guess that wasn’t it.” You squeezed your eyes shut and massaged your scalp, attempting to soothe your growing headache. “Ugh, we’re going to be here forever…”

“Really, you should count yourself lucky!” Vash pointed out with a smile on his face. “If this big guy hadn’t kept the ship moving around all those years, your ship might have been raided, and your pod could have been destroyed.”

“Oh. No. The horror.” You replied, rolling your eyes.

“You might not be happy you’re here, but for what it’s worth, I sure am,” he said, eyes softening in your direction. “And I’m sure Marlene and George would agree.”

You stared at him blankly for a few seconds, not sure what to say. What could you say? If you had a drop of water for every time someone told you something like this, you’d no longer be on a desert planet. Instead, you chose to say nothing, and shrugged the comment off, hoping he would drop it.

You and Vash began scouting the area with new search criteria in mind, but the atmosphere felt far heavier than it had before. You wanted to suggest splitting up to look for the ship, but you knew he’d never let you out of his sight. Especially not after your last interaction. You could feel the crushing weight of his gaze on your back as you ventured slightly ahead of him to avoid any more conversation. You just had to hold out until the supplies were dropped off in town. Then, you’d give him the slip for good.

“(Y/N),” called Vash from behind.

You ignored him and kept moving.

“(Y/N),” he called out again, louder this time. You bit your lip and turned around. Vash was pointing to a seemingly random sand dune nearby. You gave him a puzzled look, but followed him as he set off. When you came to a stop, you saw it: jagged-looking rocks protruding from the sand, all with the same pattern as the worm.

“I’m guessing this is close to where the ship is lodged, judging by the broken plate pieces sticking up,” you observed, crouching down to take a better look. Vash nodded, getting to work on digging the sand away. Slowly, the two of you revealed small parts of the ship underneath until you came across a slightly broken panel.

“Well, we’ve found our entrance,” he grunted, squeezing his hands in between the pieces. You scoffed and continued to dig, looking for a more viable option.

Suddenly, a horrible scraping sound rang loudly into the empty desert. Startled, you whipped around to see him rip the panel apart, and right off its bolts. The fingers on his prosthetic arm left deep indentations on the metal. You stared, a sense of dread washing over you. You were stuck here. You were stuck for as long as he wanted to keep you here. That much was certain.

You had a sneaking suspicion that escaping him would be borderline impossible, but seeing this monster in action really sealed the deal. You were only half joking when you said you could take him on before. Despite the impressive things you’d seen him do up to that point, you still had some hope that, if push came to shove, you could fight him off and go your own way. But now, all you could do was stare in horror at the torn-up sheet of thick metal, on what was supposed to be a space-faring craft.

“Now, (Y/N), if you’d do the honors –,” he started, with a triumphant grin on his face, but stopped upon noticing your petrified expression. “Wait – what’s wrong?”

“Nothing!” You shouted, much louder than you had intended, and turned around quickly to dig through your thomas’s saddle bags. You hastily pulled out your canteen and pretended to take a drink, but you couldn’t stop your hands from shaking. Tears were welling up in your eyes. You blinked them away as fast as you could and donned your best smile before turning back around. “I’m just… wow… impressed! That was impressive!”

Vash’s eyes lingered on the way your hands were gripping the canteen with strained knuckles. “Oh, thanks!” He replied, his overly cheery tone betrayed by the subtle frown on his face.

With slumped shoulders, Vash walked over to his thomas and pulled several empty bags to shove into his coat. He tossed a few in your direction and beckoned you to the entrance. With shaky steps, you followed in after him.

#vash x reader #gender neutral reader #gn! reader #trigun #trigun stampede #vash #vash the stampede #trigun fanfiction #vashxreader #x reader #reader insert

[cuspidgoddess]

😇 about Usagi? 🤗

After further discussion Chronic asked about what led to Usagi taking Keigo up on his offer to join the PLF. So I give you a short blurb (674 words).

The First Virtue

Content warning: nongraphic mention of sexual assault, quirk discrimination, de-humanization and sexualization. Viewer discretion advised.

Being a hare is hard. Being prey isn’t even the hard part, he’s used to that. What he isn’t used to is the attention he’s started receiving since he turned 16. By the time he's 18 hands constantly trying to grab his tail, people trying to touch his ears have become his normal. A polite step away and a "please stop" usually earn an irritable scoff but the hands will fall away.

Rabbits- bunnies- hares- they're all the same to the world around him- have been a sex symbol for so long that people have stopped seeing him as a person. As soon as he started running for fun- for training the last of his baby fat fell away making way for toned calves, muscled thighs and a round ass- he became just another dumb bunny. They’re pests, and it shows when they try to poison produce at farmers markets, when he passes the prostitutes that look so much like him, when men leer at him from darkened alley’s.

Laying in the gutter, staring at the filthy bricks in front of him he can’t help but wonder dully how he got here. How can I be Usagi, the red light rabbit, the vigilante with the most sexual assault saves and serial rapist arrests and still become a statistic. I didn’t even scream… I didn’t fight- I just froze. How could I have frozen like that? His eyes burn almost as bad as the scrapes on his palms and knees. His cheek feels bruised from where his face was shoved against the cement and there’s an ache at the base of his spine that he will never ever forget the feeling of, a burning shooting pain that radiates through his tail and makes his eyes burn worse, but he can’t move, he’s still frozen, heart beating way too fast. His heart is going to give out, he’s going to die alone in the gutter, just like so many others, too frightened by the terrible world they’ve been born into, too afraid to live. He tries to keep his sobs quiet, terrified of being found so vulnerable. It doesn’t matter that he’s been used, that he’s dirty and bleeding, he’s seen enough of the evils of life to know that to some those things don’t matter. 

It takes every bit of strength he has to crawl out of site, to wedge himself beneath the nearest stinking dumpster, out of sight, out of danger, his instincts promise. Hinata wishes he was a rabbit, wishes more than anything that he had a fluffle to go home to. The thing about hares is they aren’t rabbits. Rabbits are social creatures that live in groups. Hares are not, and leverets don’t get to stick around once they reach maturity. He’s been on his own since he was 17, hasn’t been able to hold a job because when management or the owner finds out he’s uncooperative they turn him loose. He lost his apartment last week and now more than ever he wishes there was someone that would notice he hadn’t made it home. 

He closes his eyes trying to block out the horrible, angry scent that clings to his skin, tries to conjure up anything else to think about then how fast his heart is beating, how all he can smell is blood and cum and around hear how life around him keeps moving as if his whole world hasn’t shattered around him. 

His mind brings him to red wings. Red wings and a lop sided, sharp toothed smile and the most faultless predatory eyes he had ever seen. 

“If you change your mind, need a place to go, or you need help,” Keigo sends one of his smallest feathers to the hare. “Talk to the feather... I know it’s hard being a mutant in this world, my old image didn’t really support that fact, but we have to stick together. There aren’t nearly enough mutant heroes out there, and we all need a flock... or a colony. Give me a whisper if you want to fight for change.” 

With a shaky hand he pats at his pocket and promises himself he’ll find a place where he belongs. 

#Hi Chronic! #cuspids ask game #the virtues #the flock of villain #Usagi the red light rabbit #He's technically a hare #but he didn't make the nickname #He's a vigilante for a reason #Usagi whump

[hcsfff]

for request: a wing preening fic perhaps?? can be with literally anyone, i just want/need more wing preening fics

This is kinda a wing preening fic, featuring Jimmy and Tango from @hybbart 's RAau!

---

Sometimes it felt like Jimmy was drowning. 

Even though he was on dry land, his lungs just couldn't seem to get enough oxygen. How frustrating it was to be unable to breathe, even with the nasal cannula in. Jimmy hated days like this, when even getting out of bed put him out of breath. He felt so useless. There were so many things he should be doing, someone had to take care of the animals! He couldn't lie in bed all day!

Jimmy shook his head, trying not to let the bad thoughts overwhelm him. He so easily started to spiral into negatively when he didn't feel well. It was just so difficult to be positive. Especially when even worse thoughts started to creep in. Like what if something happened to Tango…

"Jimmy!" Speaking of Tango, the man entered their bedroom. "Feeling any better?"

"I'm okay." Jimmy smiled at him, gathering all his strength to sit up. He knew he shouldn't push himself, that would only lead to more bad days, but he also didn't want to worry Tango, either.

"Good." Tango smiled at him. What a wonderful smile he had. Somehow, it always reassured Jimmy. "I was thinking, it's been awhile since I last checked your feathers for any sculk. I know you aren't feeling your best, but you'll be doing a lot worse if you get infected."

"Right you are." Jimmy's feathers still hadn't fully recovered from when Tango had to cut the sculk out. Not being able to fly, even a little, made Jimmy feel even worse.

Jimmy sat up as well as he could, facing his back towards Tango. There weren't many people he would trust near his wings, Tango just happened to be one of those few. For an avian, their wings are everything. It was a huge show of trust to have anyone touch them. 

"Okay. I'll just look real quick. If I see anything, we'll go outside to deal with it." Tango patted Jimmy on the shoulder as he sat down behind him. 

Jimmy nodded, hoping it wouldn't come to that. Tango slid his fingers between his much shorter than usual feathers, examining them. His hands were dexterous, even the mechanical one. He was always working with his hands, so that was probably to be expected. His fingers moved through his feathers, working not only to check for sculk, but to straighten them out as well. He could even feel Tango pulling out a few loose feathers. Jimmy hadn't really been able to preen lately, maybe Tango had wanted to help him?

Tango was always helping him. Jimmy owed him so much. If Tango hadn't found him down in those mines all that time ago, would Jimmy even still be alive? He doubted it. Tango was the best, always thinking of Jimmy and doing everything for him. And what did Jimmy do in return? Lay in bed all day because he couldn't even breathe? How useless could one person be?

Jimmy felt tears stinging his eyes, but he tried to do his best not to cry. He felt so stupid, he wished his body was stronger and he could just breathe like a normal person.

"Are you okay Jimmy?" Tango stopped his hands. "Did I hurt you?"

"Er. I'm fine." Jimmy turned back to him, giving his best impression of a smile. "Sorry, I guess I'm not feeling that great."

"Well, I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Why don't you get some rest." Tango put his hands into his lap.

"Yeah." Jimmy turned back towards Tango. Tango had an almost sad look in his eyes. Jimmy had ended up worrying him, hadn't he? 

As much as Jimmy didn't want to worry Tango, he was grateful he had someone that worried about him. He had been letting the negative thoughts take hold again. He should be happy he had someone who cared this much about him. And it wasn't like Tango didn't have bad days either. They took care of each other. They worried about each other. They had each other. It might not be forever, there were no forevers in a world like this, but Jimmy was going to be happy with each day he got to spend with Tango.

Jimmy leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Tango's, looking into his eyes. "Thank you. I'll rest up so I'm ready to go tomorrow."

Tango chuckled, pressing a hand to Jimmy's cheek. "Good. I'll check in on you later."

Tango left the room as Jimmy settled back into bed, now with a smile on his face.

#team rancher #raau

[fragileizywriting]

“Just because I like his cock doesn’t mean I like him,” Marinette hums, powdering her face. 

Ah. 

She’s missed a spot. 

To be honest, there’s no need for it, given that today with be mostly the day where she uses the gloryhole, but it’s habitual to dress up. As a succubus, getting ready is part of the deal: feathers, pins, elaborate combs made of precious stones make her feel complete— not to mention makeup. Besides, with the powder, even the roughest throat fuck won’t ruin her makeup. She’s bulletproof. A long coat of mascara glides across her lashes already rimmed with gold, graphic liner. She’s stained her cheeks a shimmery orange so that it’ll reflect gold when she unglamours herself into her true skin. Beaded gold chains looped already in her hair like glass-cut rosary beads; red lips complete the look and gives her that signature demure smile.

She’s wearing the earrings this client gifted her, though he won’t be able to see it. But it turns demons really on to be able to just hear all the jewels and sparkles twinkling from the other side of the hole, and isn’t she here to deliver? Wearing jewels and rings and necklaces that they gave her?

Adrien is having none of this, fuming on her bed with his arms crossed. “I don’t believe you.”

“Adrien,” she giggles, turning to him from the giant mirror. A prominent pout of those beautiful lips makes him look rather younger. She’s always liked them young, youthful vigor that she won’t ever be able to replicate, and Adrien is as young as she can get given her strict parameters. He’s a five-hundred year old new-held. Her boyfriend is still such a novice about everything in life, and it shows in moments like this. Thick brows meet in the middle of his face; a smear of jealousy washes across his face like a sponge bath. She licks her teeth, facing back towards the mirror, closing the compact and reaches for a brush, wondering if she should make that frown of his disappear. “There is only one man in my life that I love, and it’s you.”

He’s call bullshit with a resounding: “I see the heart eyes you get when he comes down your throat.”

“Is that so? Oh, are you forgetting that I see the heart eyes when he fucks you?” she quips right back. “You can’t fool me, Baby.”

“That’s different!” he stammers. “It’s— I’m— it’s just part of the job.”

“And mine isn’t?”

Adrien goes quiet, combing through his bangs in frustration. “He’s… good at what he does.”

“Maybe a little too good?”

“Yes.” Then, like a punch: “No. He’s adequate.”

“Kitty-cat, you can like what he does. No one’s stopping you.” When he doesn’t reply, she sighs. “He’s very good at what he does, which is good, right? Would you rather this be a bad experience?”

“No.”

“Then?”

“I just… don’t want him to be better than me.”

There it is. That’s the worry that was bleeding out of him, tense like he’s pulled up on strings. That’s… well, she expected this, really. When she turns, she moves with her whole body, ready to stand if necessary, and gives him a little smile. “He’s a demon with a big dick, but he’s not better than you.”

“You like him,” Adrien reiterates. “I know you do. It makes me worried.”

“Again, I think if anything, you like him more.” She gives her thighs a pat, wondering if she should walk over to him and ease that grimace off his face with a few kisses. She’s walking before she can even blink, sultry and sweet on heeled shoes. “You’re not replaceable— you’re still my boyfriend. Even if I’m servicing someone else. It’s only with him that you’re this jealous of, why specifically him? Have you two met?”

“I think I saw him yesterday.” He quiets down into a murmur, hands sliding up her thighs when she reaches him and stands between his knees. With him on the bed, he has to look up, and she uses this opportunity to finger his hair and hum until his eyes close gently at the noise. Nestled right into her cleavage, Adrien’s lashes leave butterfly kisses against the valley of her breasts. “Through the door when I finished. He’s… beautiful.”

They don’t usually get to see who’s behind the wall. They lick and fuck anonymously, which is safer for both client and worker. No one can be blamed if there is no name on either side.

“More than you?”

“Honestly? Yes.”

“I’m not so sure.” After all, Adrien is gorgeous. He’s a blonde beauty, with amber skin and light green eyes, and he’s just so, so cute, with innocence written all over his face like he isn’t the one who licks her clit until she’s almost peeing. He still has that baby fat in his cheeks, made more evident when he pillows into her chest and hides there, taking a breath in while she kisses those angelic, golden curls. “You’re so pretty, Adrien.”

“He’s more.”

“How so?”

“His nose is crooked,” he mumbles into her cleavage. He’s always felt more safe this way, buried into her chest. “It’s lopsided like he got into a fight but in a way that implies he’s won. He’s got crows feet; he’s old. Almost forties.”

She snorts. “Forties isn’t old.”

“Ancient,” he continues. “And his eyes, wow. Gorgeous. They’re blue, like yours.”

#speakizys #demon lovin #knowing me this might take a few months (years) to show up on ao3 in entirety. here's a treat!

[howlingday]

Can you do a Killing Joke climatic fight with the Curious Cat please?

Ooh! I think I can!

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

Ruby flinched as a branch rustled beside her. Separated once more from her friends, but stronger than she was before, she hunted her prey hidden in the shadows. Crescent Rose ready in front of her, she took slow, steady, cautious steps through the thicket of limbs and leaves. All the while, her prey called to her in an echo.

"Let me ask you something," The Curious Cat purred from all around, "what does it matter if you kill me if it doesn't matter to me?" She tried to listen for movement, but the cat was too careful to be caught. She turned, thinking she saw it's tail twitching above the leaves. "The Rusted Knight has already been driven insane, and I have proven that there's no difference between you humans and the people of the Ever After. All it takes is one bad day, and you are denied what you deserve. Just one bad day."

Ruby spun around and blocked Neo Cat clone that leapt on her. Shifting Crescent Rose she made quick work of her, only to be surrounded on all sides by more. They all jumped her at once.

"You had a bad day once, too, didn't you?" Ruby drifted around a clone and severed it apart from behind. "You had a bad day, and everything changed." The clones danced around her, swiping at her with their claws as she ducked and weaved. "Dressing up in that hood doesn't hide who you are; it screams it!" Ruby blocked another attack and threw a clone into another. "Did mother not return home like she promised?" She capitalized on their disorientation and slew them both in their stupor. "Did your sister get chopped up by a lunatic?" More clones arrived and drove her to the ground, knocking her weapon away. "You keep trying to find reason in all these tragedies, keep clinging to some hope that everything will all work out like some fairy tale!" Tanking the blows to her aura, she reached out her hand and grasped her scythe, transforming herself into a whirlwind of rose petals and blades. "You make me want to puke!"

Panting, she took a moment to breathe. Nothing hurt beyond bruises. Her aura took it all, and even then, it wasn't much lost. Closing her eyes, she concentrated.

There. Through those branches. Leaves flitted down like feathers. She approached, more determined than she was before.

"So what was it that changed you?" The voice echoed, getting louder as she closed in. "Were you too expectant of the world? Did someone abandon you in your time of need? Oh, it was something like that! I'm sure!" Around her, the voiced boomed from all sides. She closed her eyes to focus, to be the huntress she wanted to be. "Because something like that, happened to me."

Ruby spun around, ready to strike!

"Sometimes it happened this way, and sometimes it happened that way."

...But was met with a twig clattering to the floor.

"I mean, aren't the best stories told from another's perspective? My point is..."

Ruby hit the tree hard as something struck her side.

"I went crazy." Dazed, Ruby tried to stand up. "And I'm smart enough to admit it!" A paw slammed her chest, forcing the air out of her lungs. "Why can't you?!" The pressure let up, only for her to be knocked to the ground by another paw. "By clinging to reality, you deny reality itself!" She tried to stand, but was assaulted by more and more batterings on the ground, like a cat playing with a kill.

"I mean, do you know how many Red Kings, how many Rusted Knights, and how many chess pieces I've had to put up with?!" They ripped a limb free, patting and hefting it. Ruby felt it's weight as it crashed into her. "You silly girl, it's all a game! Everything and everyone that anyone has ever cared about! It's madness!"

Ruby looked up. There they were. Those same eyes that looked at her with such glee and... curiosity. With panting breath, their wavy and distorted form became clearer. "Why can't you see it through my eyes?!" Claws sprang free from their bean-like homes. "WHY AREN'T YOU MAD?!"

As the bladed appendages came down, they struck hard and deep...

...cutting a rose petal in half. Following the trail, those same curious eyes met silver ones. Between each set of eyes was a red high impact sniper rifle.

The Cat reeled from the pain as they were shot, but had little time to react as a scythe blade nipped and sliced from all angles at once, pushing them on the back foot. With a single strike, The Curious Cat rolled out of the shadows and into the light.

"Because I've already heard it before." Ruby loaded a dust round from her belt. "And it was stupid the first time."

#rwby #batman #dc #the killing joke #the curious cat #ruby rose

[notmaplemable]

Of Birds and Knights

Back in September I made a short joke about Ruby being a bird faunus and doing a mating dance to get Jaune's attention. In that time I've wrote out a little longer version of the story.

I'd like to thank @thatorigamiguy and @howlingday for adding some pretty great reblogs which really expanded the story of that original post. And of course inspiring me to make this.

So enjoy 3170 unedited words worth of me trying to be funny. It didn't work.

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

Ruby Rose was a bird faunus. Well, a hooded crow faunus if one wanted to be specific. Which wasn’t too bad. She got some cool wings and a tail with black and red tipped feathers. Which, yes, she could use to fly sometimes. She could whistle like a champ, and she could sing pretty well too. If one were so fortunate to catch her doing so. She’ll even coo if someone ran their hand through her hair, but she’ll take that secret to her grave.

Sure, there were some people who were a bit mean to her. Washing her wings could be a pain, sometimes literally. And having people come up to her asking for her to shake her tail feathers was a bit weird.

But overall, it wasn’t too bad to be a bird faunus. So, why was Ruby pacing on one of Beacon’s rooftops one morning?

Well, you see, she was having these dreams. No, no, no! Not those kind of dreams. Nothing filthy or anything like that. So, if they weren’t filthy then why were they such a concern to the girl? Well, the best way to explain would be to recount one of these dreams.

They would usually start with Ruby building a nest. Running around looking for cool sticks. Finding nice bits of, usually red, fabric to add. Putting in a few shiny things to bring it all together. Adding some pillows and blankets for some extra comfort. Completely normal things that she was sure every girl dreamed of!

Then he would show up and make it all weird.

The “he” being Beacon’s resident blond knight to be, and Ruby’s best boy friend, Jaune Arc.

At first, he would just lay down beside her. Then they would start touching each other. Cuddling, He would even pat Ruby’s head. Then they would start kissing and holding hands. Okay so maybe her dreams were filthy, but only a little bit.

As you can imagine, Ruby was a mess after she had this dream. She couldn’t even look at Jaune for most of that day without becoming a blushing mess. Much to Jaune’s confusion. Which didn’t go unnoticed by a certain sunny dragon.

The teasing. Oh gods, the teasing. It was merciless.

But eventually Ruby did get over her embarrassment. That was until she had the exact same dream that night, and for every night over the last few weeks.

Which brings us back to Ruby’s current crisis. Why was she having these dreams? For the first week the answer alluded her, but now it was clear as day. Even to someone as usually uninterested in the topic as Ruby.

Ruby Rose had a crush on Jaune Arc, and she had no idea what to do about it. She couldn’t ask Yang, for reasons that should be fairly obvious. Weiss… well she would just insult Jaune instead of helping. Blake would probably say to do something lewd. Nora had her own boy problems to overcome. And Pyrrha… well she wasn’t an option.

Ruby sat on the edge of the roof wondering what she was going to do. This wasn’t exactly her area of expertise. Why couldn’t this be simple, like making a weapon? Actually, maybe she could forge Jaune a sword? A dagger, maybe? Or maybe a sword that turned into a sniper and a rocket launcher! See that was simple. Love, not so much.

She stared down at the park her metaphorical perch overlooked.

Maybe she could bake him some cookies? Yeah, that was a good idea. Special “Will you pretty please go on a date with me” cookies. It just might work. But what kind of cookie did Jaune like? She couldn’t just make any type of cookie for him. It would have to be a type he loved. Nothing less would be acceptable.

But she couldn’t just go up to him and ask. “Hey Jaune, what kind of cookie do you love so much that you would fall in love with the girl who made them for you?” No, she would have to do some reconnaissance. Be all sneaky like. Maybe Blake could help her with that? She can be pretty sneaky when she wanted to be.

It was then that Ruby noticed something. The object of her current crisis, and affections, sitting on a bench below her. Feeding the birds. Spreading out bit of corn for the pigeons when he should be feeding Ruby corn!

Getting over her momentary corn-based jealousy, which is a normal feeling that normal people have, she came to a realization. Now would be the perfect time for some spying. She would just need to use a little trick that her father had taught her.

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

Jaune had just sit down in his favorite spot. It was in a quiet corner of Beacon’s courtyard. A few trees providing some nice shade. Though surprisingly few people came to this section. Which Jaune was more than happy to take advantage of. It was nice to have a quiet corner all to himself.

Sometimes it was hard to find some peace and quiet in his dorm. Nora would usually make sure of that. Jaune had come to see the energetic young girl as a true friend, but man, could she be a handful sometimes. He had no idea how Ren handled her. That man had the patience of several saints.

Even Pyrrha could be a bit distracting at times. Jaune understood that she liked to sleep naked. It can get pretty hot in those rooms sometimes. Really it wouldn’t be a problem if she didn’t toss and turn so much in her sleep, which would mean that her blanket usually ended up in the floor instead of covering her.

Which made it pretty hard for Jaune to get things done while she was taking a nap. Which she started taking a lot more of lately. How strange.

Jaune stared up at the sky for a few moments after taking a seat. It had been an interesting few months since he arrived at Beacon. He’d made some good friends. Killed a few grimm. Nobody knew about his transcripts besides his partner and Cardin. And he managed to not die yet. It was going great.

But it was stressful as hell.

Which is why he’d made a habit of coming out here to feed the birds, speaking of. Jaune pulled out a brown paper bag containing bits of dried corn and scattered them on the ground. And soon his feathered friends appeared. Well, most of them at least.

Ruby was probably off doing something with her team. He wouldn’t have minded her company. She always had a way of making things make sense for Jaune. Even if half of what she talked about involved pointy things or things exploding.

It was then that a bird perched itself on the bench next to Jaune. To say it wasn’t like the others was a bit of an understatement. Well for one, it was a crow. Second being its coloration. With black feathers that became red at the tips. Almost like Ruby’s actually. Well, isn’t that neat. Lastly it was staring at him. Not at the food, but at him. With little silver eyes.

Jaune did what he usually did with the birds. Offered some food. “Want some food, buddy.” He said to the crow before throwing another handful of corn onto the ground. Which the crow responded to with a quick caw and walking closer to Jaune. Eventually crawling up onto his lap.

“Do you want to be hand fed?” Jaune asked the crow, holding out another handful of corn. To which the crow responded with another caw before staring to peck at the corn kernels in his hand. He sat and watched the crow for a minute. It was strangely familiar.

“You know little guy, you kind of remind me of my friend Ruby.” He said, because normal people talk to strange birds, “Or well, I guess your coloration does. Black feathers with red tips. At least that’s what she has on her tail feathers. I’ve never actually seen her wings, but I would guess they have the same pattern.”

The crow stopped eating and returned to staring at Jaune as he carried on his rambling.

“Which I get. I mean with people like Cardin around it’s not she can go around just displaying them, but I guess it’s a bit weird not to have seen them. I don’t know. I bet they would be pretty, though. Well, she’s already pretty so I guess that would just make her prettier. Does that make sense?” He asked the crow.

The crow didn’t respond this time. Simply continuing to stare at Jaune.

“Guess it doesn’t really make-“ Jaune was interrupted by his scroll buzzing. “What is it this time. ‘Nora found the sap. All over the dorm.’ Welp, better go sort that out. See you later Red? Can I call you that?”

The crow again responded with a caw as Jaune sat up to leave. The crow standing on the back of the bench watching him go.

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

Ruby, still perched on the bench, watched Jaune walk away before flying back to her previous spot on the roof. She transformed back into her regular form and started pacing on the roof again.

“He said I was pretty,” She said still pacing back and forth, “Not cute. Not adorable. Pretty.”

Oh, Ruby was in trouble. Her plan had pretty much failed. She learned nothing about the kind of cookies he liked and just ended up all flustered.

“What am I going to do,” She said laying down on the rough surface of the roof, “Why can’t this just be easy. Why can’t I just say that I like him!” She screamed towards the heavens. No, it can’t just be that simple. She had to do something to make him notice her. To make him want to ask her out. That would be so much easier, but what?

She laid there thinking. “It has to be something that’ll work fast. Something awesome. Something that’ll make me irresistible.” She needed something. Anything! If only she had someone, she could ask that would actually be helpful. “If only…”

She paused. Maybe she did have someone that could help her. Someone that always gave her good advice. But asking her would be a drastic measure, but Ruby couldn’t risk Jaune falling for Pyrrha while Ruby was indecisive.

No, now was the time for drastic measures. So, Ruby would bring out the big guns.

She’d call her mom and ask for her advice. “Sorry Pyrrha,” Ruby said bringing up her mom’s number on her contact list “But that Arc booty is mine!”

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

Summer was enjoying the cool morning air while tending to her garden. She was still getting use to Yang and Ruby being gone, but she was getting through the days just fine.

Maybe she should start taking on missions again? Ozpin would probably be happy to have her back in the field. Though Qrow would probably have a much less positive reaction. Considering how close her last mission came to being the end of Summer Rose.

Summer’s scroll started to buzz. “It’s Ruby,” She said looking at the caller ID. “Hopefully RWBY isn’t in trouble again.” She said to herself before answering the call. “Hello Ruby.”

“Hi Mom,” Ruby said, “Do you have a minute to talk? I kind of need your help with something.”

“I’m just doing a little gardening, so I’ve got time to chat. What do you need help with?”

Ruby started fidgeting and rubbing her fingers against her cloak. A little nervous habit she picked up from her father. “Well, you see I… Well, I umm… I kind of…” She trailed off.

Oh, she was definitely nervous about something, but not the same kind of nervous she was when her team got up to something dangerous. She usually only acted like this when Yang would tease her about getting a boyfriend.

Wait, Summer’s mother senses were tingling and more importantly her grandmother senses! It was finally happening. Ruby likes a boy!

“You need help with a boy, don’t you?” Summer said, holding back her excitement for the moment.

“…Yes.” Ruby said sporting a healthy blush.

“Who is it, honey? That nice boy you met on your first day?” Summer said.

“Yeah, it’s Jaune.”

Jaune, from what Summer had heard about Ruby’s fellow team leader he was a perfect gentleman, if not that great of a fighter. Helping Ruby out on her first day like that. Almost like Qrow did with Summer all those years ago. And the fact that Summer was good friends with Jaune’s mother helped. Though it was a shame that they never had the opportunity to meet before they both went off to Beacon.

“Well, why don’t you tell me why you like him, rosebud.” Summer said, more than happy to do a little motherly snooping.

“Well, he’s really kind, and brave. He fought an ursa by himself once.” Ruby said in what was the beginning of what Summer sensed would be a long ramble. “He likes all the same comics I do. We play games together and stuff. He always helps me with my work for our leadership class. He doesn’t zone out when I talk about weapons, and he actually asks questions. He pays attention! And, well umm…” Ruby paused with her blush deepening.

“Go on.” Summer said. Trying to encourage her daughter.

“Well… he has a nice butt.”

That earned a rather hardy snort laugh out of Summer, and a rather disgruntled “Mom,” out of Ruby.

“Sorry dear,” Summer said wiping a tear from her eye, “Like mother like daughter, I guess. So, I’m guessing you called to ask for some advice?”

“Yeah, what am I supposed to do. Ask him out? I’d probably just end up running away if I tried.” Ruby said with a defeated look on her face.

“Honestly Ruby, I don’t know if I can really help you there. I spend three years following your father around before he noticed me. I wasn’t the one to ask him out.”

“Well, he definitely isn’t going to notice me. Pyrrha’s had a huge crush on him all year and if he doesn’t notice her… I don’t like my chances.”

“You’ll just have to do something to make him notice. That’s what I did.”

Ruby quirked an eyebrow “What did you do to make dad notice?”

“Well, you see, I did a mating dance.”

“A mating dance?”

“Yeah, since your father is a bird faunus I figured it would make him do, something. Either he would ask me out or he would turn me down, both were better options than me just pining after, and eventually losing, him.”

“That… That might work.” Ruby muttered to herself.

“What was that, dear. I couldn’t hear you.”

“Oh, I said thanks mom. I think I have an idea of what I should do now.”

“Well, that’s great. I hope it goes well, rosebud!”

“Thanks mom, I’ll talk to you later.”

And with that Ruby had a plan. To do a mating dance for Jaune. If she could work up the courage to try it that is.

If only love could be simple.

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

Today was the day. Either Ruby and Jaune would be dating after this, or they would just be best friends, but Ruby wouldn’t just let nothing happen. Or take the chance that Pyrrha wouldn’t make a move eventually. Nope. Today was the day.

So today Ruby was sitting on the bench that Jaune usually did when he fed the birds. Waiting for him to come. It wasn’t quite as private of a place as Ruby would have liked it to be, but it was about as private as she was going to get. So, there she waited until eventually her knight made an appearance.

“Ruby?” Jaune said surprised that anyone knew about his spot, “What are you doing out here? Don’t you usually spar with Weiss this time of day?”

“Yeah, usually.” She said, standing from the bench taking one last deep breath. “But I have something I want to show you. Something special.”

“Really? What is it?” He said.

It was now or never.

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

Jaune was surprised when he found Ruby out here by herself. He was more surprised when she said she had something to show him. And even more so when she unfolded her wings in front of him. He’d admittedly never seen her wings, but he had to say they were quite beautiful.

When Ruby started dancing well Jaune was figuratively, and almost literally, knocked off his feet. First by the fact that it was Ruby of all people dancing. She rarely put herself front and center.

Second being the fluidity of her dance. Her movements fine and controlled as she spun and weaved her way around him. Her wings hiding and revealing parts of her as she moved. Her tailfeathers and hips moving side to side rhythmically. It was really quite something. And Jaune was mesmerized by it.

And lastly, a fact that became more and more apparent as she danced closer, was that she was dancing for him. Jaune couldn’t do or say anything. He was simply overwhelmed by that fact. A pretty girl was dancing for him. His best friend, or perhaps they were more than that?

Finally, Ruby’s dance came to an end as she wrapped Jaune in her wings and looked into his eyes. Her face was as red as her cloak, she was breathing hard, but there was determination in her beautiful silver eyes. “So, did you like my mating dance.” She asked.

“Mating dance?” He said quirking his head to the side. Mating dance. So did that mean she wanted to… “Wait, does that mean you want me to be your mate?”

“Yeah! Though you can say we’re boyfriend and girlfriend if you prefer that.” She said still staring into his eyes.

She wanted to be his girlfriend. She wanted him to be his boyfriend. Or mates, or whatever.

“…Yes, I’ll be your mate.”

“Really!” She said with a squeak.

“Yeah,” he said wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Great.” She said laying her head against his chest. “Well, as my boyfriend do you think you could do a little favor for me?”

“Sure, what do you need?”

“Can you carry me back to my room,” She said her face turning several shades redder, “That was actually really, really, really, embarrassing.”

So, with that Jaune picked up his new “mate” and they headed off to her room.

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

Jaune and Ruby laid in their “nest”, the nest being Ruby’s bed with a ring of blankets and pillows around them. Ruby was fast asleep cuddled up next to Jaune. Softly cooing as he ran his fingers through her feather soft hair.

This wasn’t exactly how Jaune thought he would get his first girlfriend, but he couldn’t say that he would have it any other way.

#rwby #lancaster #bird!faunus ruby #ruby is a birb #ruby rose #jaune arc #summer rose