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poptod · 3 years

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Pull the Stars Out of the Sky (And Gift Them to Me), pt. 3 (Ahkmenrah x Reader)

Description: Things get busy as the palace prepares for the Pharaoh’s journey to Thebes.

Notes: WC: 5.1k

Warm flame blotted out the stars shining through the marble arches, leaving their light dim and diluted. In each corner of the small room, a floor torch illuminated the rows of papyrus scrolls, fire and shadow dancing as the men at the table conversed quietly. At first you had attempted to follow the topic, but the longer the hours grew the less patience you had. Eventually you found yourself wondering how the Pharaoh did this seemingly every day.

"I think we're getting a little ahead of ourselves," said a man you eventually learned was named Gyasi. He, along with most others gathered at the table, was an old man donned in golden linen, bearing curved lines drawn above his eyes. "We don't have time for such provisions. A number of things has delayed the King from planning earlier, so the journey to Thebes cannot be as detailed or grand as the last years, with Merenkahre."

"But we cannot arrive barren of gifts. As much as the mayor is loyal to the crown, it is good to keep in the graces of those ruling your cities. We can't afford any doubt of obedience," said the man sat on the far end of the table.

"I shall attend to the provisions and gifts myself, if need be," Piye said. Very rarely had they spoken at all this evening, and the deep tones of their nearby voice nearly startled you.

"What of the ships? Our fleet was destroyed and we don't have enough of the right design to carry what Merenkahre's advisors planned for their trips," said another man, whose long hair fell over his shoulders as he spoke.

"If the rest of you agree to tend to the soldiers, and for you the offerings," Ahk turned for a moment to the several priests gathered, "I will go through our models to find the best fit. Agreed?"

"I'm not –"

"It's nearly midnight," Piye interrupted. "The King needs his sleep, as do all of you. If you have any grievances you can bring them up tomorrow."

"... thank you, Piye," Ahkmenrah said, sighing sharply as he buried his face in his hand. "You're all dismissed. Get home and sleep well."

Rings of 'thank you, my king,' came from the men, cloth and cushions shuffling as they rose to their feet. You watched with wide eyes as they left. All who remained in the study were you, Piye, and Ahkmenrah. For the first time in at least several hours there was a quiet surrounding you, which you made sure to appreciate.

The night outside appeared to calm down, leaving only the sound of flowing water and cricket bugs chirping. Not even wind dared to brush through the arches. You sniffed, feeling sleep tug at the bags beneath your eyes. Ahk had gotten up early, and of course he insisted on taking you with him, creating for you a schedule you were very much not used to.

"I'm sorry, Amoke," Ahk said lowly, clearing his throat. "I didn't mean for this to carry on for so long. Are you tired?"

"Uh, yeah," you mumbled as you rubbed your eye.

"I'll see to it that Naguib doesn't wake you two until later. Will you be staying in your regular room or...?" Piye asked, their back turned to overlook the city.

"Inner," Ahk said with a stretch of his arms to the ceiling.

"Coward," Piye said, heading towards the door.

"Hey now, just because you have the body warmth of Ra doesn't make me a coward," Ahk said sternly, pointing a vindictive finger in Piye's direction.

"Right, sir," Piye said before swinging themselves out of the room.

He let out a long, weary sigh as he bent forward, resting his head on the low table. The blanket spread out between your laps shifted, as did the cushions, and though you tried to give him space he pulled himself into you the moment you moved. There he hid himself in you, breathing deep as he fidgeted with the cloth of your skirt.

"Did you have any thoughts about the meeting?" He asked, muffled against your neck.

"Your advisors are disappointed in you for being distracted when it comes to the religious part of the state, but can't realistically say anything since you're good with foreign diplomacy," you said.

What exactly they were planning and why had escaped you, but within the first thirty minutes of genuinely paying attention to the discussion, you'd deduced that with the prior knowledge of Ahkmenrah's and Merenkahre's reign.

"Are your advisors inherited from your father or did you choose them yourself?"

"Most of them are my father's," he said, pulling away from you to look you in the eye. "I know my cabinet needs some reorganizing, but it's not something I can concentrate on right now. Once we return from Thebes... I ask your help in deciding what changes to make."

"Um – that doesn't sound very wise, asking the advice of a civilian," you said, trying to back away from him. As usual, he did not let you, and held tighter to your hips.

"Do you question my judgement?" He asked, though kept a smile on his face.

Your answer to that was yes––very much so. There was no way you could say that, obviously, but you didn't want to lie either, so you stayed silent as he scanned you.

"A King knows what's best, my dear."

In the morning, Naguib woke you, and as he dressed Ahk, the King spoke to you. You had yet to leave the confines of silk sheets, and thus lay on your side with your cheek squished into the mattress as you watched them.

"We've got many a designs for ships, but only five of those are properly big enough to support us, the court, servants, soldiers, and offerings. Of those five there are about.. seven, I think, variations in the sails. We'll need to try each of them. How many ships is that?"

Naguib quickly looked away, avoiding the question. Similarly, you shrugged your shoulders, too out-of-it to formulate the correct answer.

"Thirty-five. Thirty-five ship rides today. Have you ever been sailing before?" He asked as he fiddled with his gold bracelet, turning to glance in your direction.

"No," you said quietly. As revered and important as water was, you still clung to your fear of the depths, and thus had never taken the opportunity to travel by river.

"I think you'll enjoy yourself," he said, with quite the amount of confidence in his tone. You, with insight into yourself, knew otherwise, and shriveled at his smile.

Massive sheets of linen rippled above you, tossed and blown by the eastern wind. The creak of wood sounded beneath your feet, spiking an uneasiness that plagued your stomach, and only worsened by the sway of the massive raft on the battering tide. All that remained to comfort you was the sun, shining blazingly overhead. You combated the burning heat by staying beneath the overhang of the little shack built into the middle of the boat.

Meanwhile, Ahk stood with hair flying in the breeze, his crown long forgotten on the floor. The skirt he wore was the only thing on his body now, allowing rays of sun to shine off the sheen of sweat worked up by his succinct movements. Mid-air he caught a rope in his palm, twisting it so it wrapped around his hand, and tugging harsh till the sail calmed itself. The billows dissipated into a smooth pillow of white, standing like a cloud against the blue sky.

"What do you think so far, Amoke?" Ahk asked above the splashing waves and muting wind.

"Takes an awful lot of effort, don't you think?"

"I suppose so," he said, panting lightly as he released the rope and headed towards you. "I won't be doing the sailing on the way there, however. At least not most of the time. We'll have our soldiers do that. Besides, this ship is large. Perhaps it is the sail hindering our work."

Our work. He could galavant off to wherever he wanted to, fix the entire problem himself, and he'd still say 'our,' or 'we,' or 'us'. You couldn't quite pinpoint why that annoyed you.

Along with the help of several other sailors on the ship, Ahk brought the hull to a rest against the sandy shore, while the sailors began to strip the sail and replace it. While they did so, Ahk rejoined you beneath the overhang. Once he arrived, the two servant girls on either side of the door held up their fans, blocking the sun further for the King.

"It may be a little windy, but today is a beautiful day," he said to you, circling an arm around your back. He rooted his hand to your waist and pulled you closer.

"I don't... like big boats," you mumbled, shoulders tight as your fist.

"Really? Why's that?" He asked with a grin.

"The wind is unpredictable and you can't see past the surface of the water."

"I think I can help you with that," he said, and his hand fell from your waist, tangling his fingers in your own.

Before you could say anything in reply, he was dragging you out from beneath the shade, into the open, unmanageable expanse of floating wood. The floor swayed as the boat was removed from the makeshift dock, nearly toppling you over from your poor balance.

"Careful there, dearest," he said as he steadied you. You bit your tongue, but reluctantly accepted his help in leading you evenly forward.

He took you to the tall mast, almost swaying with its' thin height. Wind filled the sail with a great howl, and with a little assistance from the soldiers, the boat was back to coasting down the Nile with the new sail.

"The wind is coming from the southeast," he said, leasing his grip on you to grasp a loose rope. "It'll be coming from there all day, so you can adjust the direction of the sail accordingly. If the wind is blowing too strong, you tie up the sail so it doesn't catch the wind. If the wind is weak, you open up the sail. It's all very simple. The design of these ships are specifically tailored for conditions along the Nile, so it's very rare any ships are overturned.

"For example, right now we're going a little fast. A few pulls and a few knots later," he tugged hard, lean muscles popping up beneath tanned skin as he did. Your eyes widened, unconsciously staring at his arms. "There. Didn't close it up all the way, cause we'd probably go to a standstill at that point and it can be a little hard to pick up momentum again."

"... momentum?"

"Thrust force," he clarified. Despite yourself you blushed and turned away, embarrassed of your own question, and flustered by his answer.

"Right," you said, mouthing the word, though not fully saying it. "It is easier for things in motion to remain in motion rather than to stop and pick it up again."

"Exactly," he said with a grin.

He stepped nearer to you, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and pulling you in close. Your own shoulders locked and tensed as he did.

"You know, Amoke," he said, looking down to you, "I quite like having you along with me on my daily duties. I know it's not the most interesting thing for you, but... I hope you enjoy it as well."

The obvious answer, at least to you, was that you weren't enjoying yourself. Never once in your life had you given a thought to learning how to swim, which made you antsy and nervous whenever you were near water. Even a shore felt like too much. To be stuck right in the middle of a massive, overflown river with a man essentially holding you hostage kept you on overload.

As the boat continued its' leisurely pace down the water, your fingertips and feet began to itch, desperate to leave the swaying rock of the waves. Sickness welled in your stomach and crawled up your throat, acid burning the back of your tongue. You tried your best to swallow it down, but your discomfort was already noticed by the Pharaoh, whose eyes turned to concern as he faced you.

"Are you feeling alright? You look a little... um, nauseous," he said, his brow furrowed.

"I feel very warm," you admitted with flushed cheeks.

"Oh, well there's a very easy cure for that!" He grinned. "Do you know how to swim?"

"Never learned."

"Don't worry. I shall take it upon myself to teach you, for now and future instances," he said, placing his hands on your upper arms.

"I - I'm not sure I –"

"Don't worry," he murmured, pressing his cheek to yours so as to whisper in your ear. "Would you rather have to face the possibility of drowning, should I not be near?"

His hands traveled down your arms to your waist, where he began to tug at your belt. The motion had your hips bumping against his, and though you tried to jump back, all that did was loosen your skirt further. Your heart began to beat against your bones, practically thrumming in your chest. While your anxiousness grew tenfold, the Pharaoh kissed your forehead, soft as his ministrations continued.

Soon your clothes were tossed to the wooden floor, forgotten as he took in your bare form. For a moment he appreciated you, ran his fingers down your skin as his eyes dragged from your shoulders to your hips, keen to move exact and slow.

"Come now," he said, ceasing contact to take your hand, and leading you to the edge of the boat.

Steps built into the boat's side led down to the water. He led you down them, helping you to perch beside the rushing water as his own skirt fell, crumpled and tossed in the same direction as your own clothes.

By example you dipped your feet in the cool water, mimicking Ahk's own legs pushed to the side by the current.

"Moshe?" Ahk called over his shoulders.

"Yes, my King?" came from the bow of the ship.

"My pet and I are going into the water. Slow us down, will you?"

Your what?! you thought, but said nothing concerning that, and attempted to change the subject.

"Don't you have a lot of sails to go through?" You asked.

"We've got all day, and tomorrow. And maybe the day after that. After that, though, we're out of luck," he said, a wide, crooked smile cast across his face. "But, of course... anything for you."

You almost laughed with him, but you tempered it down to a half-smile. From the spark in his eye and his blushing cheeks, you realized that it didn't matter if you laughed or smiled––it was still a positive reaction in his view.

Once the river slowed to the steady pulse of a sail-less ship, Ahk dropped himself into the water, his head sinking beneath the murky surface. Your eyes widened, but you made no attempt to reach him. For a moment you imagined he'd died, and pondered upon what you would do then. Probably leave.

Wouldn't that be nice, you thought, spacing out as you stared at the sandy shore.

Drenched curls drew slowly upwards, till they sat plastered against Ahk's forehead. Droplets fell down past his eyes, trailing down his cheek, and settling on the bow of his lips. His hands reached for you, settling on your ankles with a tug. You instinctively jerked away, and he grinned slyly, humored by your easily-won reactions.

"The water won't bite you," he said, tugging harder on your ankle. "Promise."

When you still barely moved from your spot on the step, he said, "I won't bite you either, if you're worried about that. Tread water with me, dear."

Gingerly your legs untensed, thighs slipping into the water as you sunk down. You swallowed the lump in your throat as you stared into the hidden depths, hypnotized by the streaming rays of sunlight, reflecting off the sand floating in the river. His hand moved from your ankle to elsewhere, though you lost track of it until it reappeared on your hip.

"Not too cold, right?" He asked with a pleased smile.

"No," you said.

It was indeed a bit frigid on your skin, but you attributed that to the fact that you'd been overheating all day in the sun. The burning cold soon began to dissipate, and what you were left with was a pleasant relief from the sun, hidden in the long shadow casted by the boat upon the ripples of water.

"Keep kicking your legs or you're going to sink," he said, moving to give you room to experiment.

Once you got hold of your legs, he mimicked how to move your arms, and soon you were floating untethered to the boat. Before you realized it, the ship was drifting away with the cool breeze. You very nearly panicked, but Ahk began to swim leisurely alongside it, and motioned for you to do the same. The slow speed of the new sails treaded steadily on, allowing the two of you to keep the same pace as the hull.

"How do you like it?" He asked, turning to drift down the river on his back, hands entwined behind his head.

"What happens if there's a creature beneath us?" You asked in return, still attempting to see the bottom through the murky water.

"We get back on the boat," he said with a shrug, a sly grin spreading across his face as you glared at him.

In order to keep with his schedule, he soon hauled himself back up onto the ship's ledge, offering a hand for you as well. You took it, but remained on the edge with your toes dipped into the water. Behind you, Ahk discussed something quietly with one of his soldiers, and reordered the sails.

Those gathered on the boat––numbering about eight or nine––went through the seven variations in the sails, and soon the boat was pulling back into the docks with the scribe's notes in the Pharaoh's hands. The crew trampled off the ship, boarding the next one in line as the sails were moved from the first deck to the second. You watched from the side, careful not to interfere, and listened to Ahkmenrah's conversation with his scribe, whose name you learned was Zaid.

"Speed can be sacrificed for storage, if we leave earlier," Ahk mumbled, biting at his bottom lip.

"Those faster ones are easier to tear," said Zaid. "If you're putting even more weight on the ship, they aren't going to work."

"Hmm. No use debating when we've got four more boats to go through."

"Yes, my King. Very well."

Zaid left the Pharaoh's side to help with the sails, earning you once more time alone with Ahk. He stepped nearer to you, placing his arm over your shoulder and pulling you in, squeezing you in a gentle side-hug.

"Zaid is a very special scribe," Ahk explained, eyes still training after the crew. "He learned his trade from Piye while they were travelling the world on a soul mission. Piye doesn't remember him at all, but he does his job very well so I don't think it's a problem, even if he is lying."

"A soul mission?"

"Yes, well, Piye didn't always look like that. You know, the whole very tall, very dark skin and very white hair. They've got a very special magic about them," he said with a nod. "I believe most of it was unlocked during their soul mission, which caused the change."

"... right," you mumbled. Ahkmenrah had said a great deal of strange things to you, but claiming magic to be real was a little much, even for you.

Egyptians were always a bit of an enigma to you––from what you'd learned in your own travels, they were fiercely protective of their homeland, such to the point that they rarely invaded other countries. Magic was something as entwined with their daily life as eating or sleeping. Every town seemed to have their own pantheon of Gods, and each tomb their own spells scarcely found in doubles. Harmony was of utmost importance, and family life was revered, having its' own pedestal to rival the significance of the Pharaonic family. The incestual Pharaonic family.

You shivered instinctively at the thought. As much as you wanted to believe Ahkmenrah was not a part of that area of his culture, you had no way of knowing, and asking him directly seemed too great a task.

For the remainder of the day, your weight was grounded on wooden decks, only breaking when you let your feet hang off the side and into the water. Ahk tried to keep his focus on the project at hand, but his attention would often waver whenever he caught sight of you. Unfortunately for the crew of the ship, that was quite often, and the Pharaoh had no trouble acquiescing to your every desire. Be it questions, or a wish to swim or break the ship routine, he would immediately fulfill your request.

By evening the tests were finally complete, leaving a few stacks of papyrus containing Zaid's notes on the ships and their sails. Ahkmenrah invited him back to the palace, where the two of them conversed quietly in his study, ignorant of the outside world and ignorant of you. To bide the time you tried looking at star charts, as the actual night sky was blinded by torchlight both in the study and the city.

The rows upon rows of scrolls and tablets soon bored you, at which point you listened on the duller conversation between Ahk and Zaid, who had a pleasant back-and-forth concerning the trip to Thebes. Slow, soft murmurs brought your shoulders to sag, muscles aching from the minimal effort of the day. It had been a while since you'd gotten any true exercise.

You closed your eyes for a moment––you could swear it was only a moment––but when you opened them, you found yourself rustling from movement, and blearily realized you were being held. Someone was carrying you down a chill hallway, and by diminishing torchlight you recognized the face of the Pharaoh.

"Long day, hmm?" He said upon noticing you were half-awake.

"No," you insisted with a frown. "I'm awake."

"Not standing, though," he teased.

"I'll fuckin' stand if y-"

"Shhh," he said softly, leaning in to peck your forehead. "We'll be sleeping soon anyway. It's far too late to do anything else."

Morning came and you found Ahk already awake, dressed in commoner's clothes and speaking softly with Naguib. From your spot on the bed, your cheek pressed into the pillow, you watched their tiny motions and the few words you could hear.

A couple minutes into listening, Ahkmenrah noticed you were awake, and hushed Naguib as he turned to you.

"Good to see you're awake," he said with a peppy smile, too bright and cheerful for your morning eyes. "I'm afraid I have to go into the markets today for a special deal. I won't be able to take you along. You might get lost in the crowd, or get hurt, and I abhor that idea. You understand, right?"

He was lying. Something about his choice of words, or the way he held his shoulders, hinted at the lie. What the truth was you wouldn't ask, though you speculated it to be a shady deal he didn't want you to know about. Instead you nodded, shifting to sit up, silken sheets pooling around your hips.

"Naguib, does this door have a lock?"

"Only from the inside, sir," Naguib said, his hands dutifully behind his back.

Ahk paused for a moment to process the answer, a detached coldness glazing over his eyes.

"Fetch me some rope, will you?" He said, and your eyes went wide, limbs suddenly scrambling backwards.

"Yes sir," Naguib said as he left the room.

"Please don't," you asked, almost on the verge of begging. Your wrists were just now barely healing, the blisters from tweed rope bruised instead of bleeding. "I'll stay with you in the market. I won't try to escape."

"I'm sorry, pet, truly," he said as he knelt on the bed, crawling up until he pinned you against the wall, your thighs pressed tightly together as you stared with pleading eyes.

"Please, Ahk," you begged, succumbing to your natural self-protective instinct.

"It won't be for long," he promised, stroking your cheek with his thumb. You shivered in disgust of his movements. "I'll come back in a few hours and I'll... I'll take you anywhere you want to visit, alright?"

His kind words made you falter, and once more you reminded yourself of an unfortunate illness that happened often to those kidnapped by lust-driven people. It was a condition you'd seen a few times––the kidnapped begins to sympathize with the kidnapper, falls in love with them, and never realizes the implication of it all.

Those sweet words of his would not bring you to your knees. You kept your resolve best you could, even as tears began to well in your eyes, pain shooting through your nerves as he wrapped the tweed rope back around your wrists and tied you to the bed frame.

Before he left to follow Naguib, he kissed your forehead again, brushing the hair out of your face as he did.

"I'll have the servants bring you some food," he said, shutting the door behind him.

You sighed sharply. Since you were last tied up, this would be your first moment alone, hidden deep within the stone walls of an alien palace. Irritation grew within you as you looked to the paintings on the wall, and soon you were grunting as you pulled at your restraints. The rough hay poked at your skin, stabbed and chafed as you struggled, attempting to find some give in the tight knot.

In the end you lay back down on your side, tears crossing your eyes and temple as blood began to drip from your already-bruised skin.

Damn him, you thought, sniffling. I swear I'll kill him.

About an hour later––though you had no idea of knowing how much time had actually passed––a servant came to visit you, a tray of food in hand. You sat up best you could, attempting to wipe away your teary shame.

"My name's Haji," he said. "I've seen you around, with the Pharaoh. I'm sorry."

"... thank you," you said blankly, despite the horrifying array of emotions that came to you. That was the first time you'd actually gotten sympathy in this Godforsaken place. Mostly you were met with people who thought you were lucky, or people who thought you were bad for the King.

"Yeah.. do you want me to undo those?" He asked, gesturing to the rope.

"Yes please," you mumbled, shoulders tightening as a blush dusted your cheeks.

He reached up, nails digging into the strange knot. Slowly it began to loosen, eventually falling over your shoulders, with your arms no longer numb from blood loss. Freezing cold first overcame your limbs, followed by tingling warmth that finally brought about movement.

"Thank you," you said, reaching for a roll and biting into it. "Are you actually allowed to do that?"

"Not really," he chuckled, "but usually people like to keep their dignity and not be handfed as an adult."

"Right?" You said, your first smile in Egypt crossing your face. "Ahk insists on it sometimes, it's incredibly strange."

"He probably has some sort of weird mommy complex. I do know he really wants kids," Haji said, drifting off slightly in thought.

Your eyes widened. Is that why he wanted you? Then came the next question, barreling into your mind without thought for your sanity––were you the child, or was he keeping you there to have his children?

You very nearly threw up.

"... but that's probably just because he enjoys protecting people," he finished.

"You seem to know him well," you said, attempting to speak through your nausea.

"I've worked for the royal family my entire life. I kind of grew up with the Pharaoh... he used to steal wine from the kitchen and I always let him. Don't really want to risk saying no to a royal," he joked.

"I understand," you said softly. "If it makes you feel better, it doesn't really matter what you say. He'll take whatever he wants."

"I know," he said, looking to you with a regretful brow. He allowed a moment of silence before he asked, "you begged with him, didn't you?"

"Yes," you said, voice cracking.

"Bit of advice? If you struggle physically, he'll get more forceful, but if you cry, he'll feel bad about himself and stop," he said.

Without thought you burst out laughing, covering your face with your hands as you tried to stop the torrent of giggles. He grinned as well, less amused by his advice, and more delighted that you found it so entertaining. Caught up in your own laughter, neither of you noticed the door swinging open by the Pharaoh's hand. When you did turn, you found the King beaming at you, his smile bright enough to fill the whole of the room.

"Amoke!" He said, striding across the room to you. Your eyes darted quickly to Haji, who looked as alarmed as you, before you were pulled from your spot and heaved into a tight hug by Ahk. Even there you glanced to Haji, whose mouth was now open in disbelief.

"Um, I'll leave you two alone," Haji said, gingerly raising himself from the spot on the bed.

Ahk promptly dropped you back into the soft cushions, a high-pitched huff unwillingly leaving you as you landed.

"Nonsense Haji! You made my pet laugh," he said, turning from Haji to you as he spoke your name, fingers dragging beneath your chin to force you upwards. "Considering I've rarely seen Amoke smile, much less laugh, I think some new arrangements in order. You shall join us on our journey to Thebes."

"Like... a professional friend..?"

"Sure. Whatever you'd like to name yourself. Go get packed––we leave within the hour," he said, information that sent Haji bolting out the door with an obedient, 'yes sir'.

“You’re awfully chipper,” you noted with mild suspicion.

“Someone burned a whole pot of blue lotus and it got caught in the, um, room. With the traders. You know, where I was for an hour. That’s probably why.”

"Oh. I thought we were leaving in two weeks," you said with a confused frown, moving to your feet when Ahk pulled you to do so.

"Not sure where you heard that, but we were hoping to leave within a week. Do you have any belongings you want to bring along?"

"My clothes. I still haven't gotten them back from those washhouse servants," you said.

"Then it shall be done. By someone else. We need to get to the docks. I'm assuming you've never been to Thebes before?"

"No."

"I think you'll like it," he said, taking your hand in his and leading you out of the room. "The orgies there are fantastic."

#ahkmenrah x reader #Ahkmenrah #Night at the Museum #rami malek #rami malek character #ahkmenrah x male reader #ahkmenrah x female reader

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screamingatanemptyroom · 4 years

Text

Please Fix the Story pt 11- Fantasy World

Here it is! The last part of the Fantasy World!

Master post linked here.

Enjoy!

___________________________

Liam and I stared at him in shock.

“Stella… the Chosen One meant to save the world… took the forbidden dark magic artifact?” I rubbed my forehead. “What is she thinking?”

“Well obviously she isn’t the savior that the prophecies have made her out to be.” K’llean laughed bitterly. “They got a lot of things wrong now, didn’t they?”

Ignoring him, I threw on a cape over my sleeping clothes, grabbed some boots and headed towards the village center. Liam and K’llean trailed behind me silently, keeping a good distance between them.

As I reached the back room where the artifact had been kept, I paused in the doorway, staring at the empty pedestal where the amulet had rested.

Why would Stella take it and run off? Isn’t it the Dark Lord who is supposed to want the amulet? How far off course is this story?!

“K’llean.” I turned slowly to face the elf, who couldn’t meet my eye. “Did you plan this?”

His face paled, and he backed away from me a few steps. “Belaire, I…”

“After your plan to force me to form a life oath with you, to exile Liam or join him with someone else… Did you plan this next? As a way to force me to bond to protect everyone?”

“NO! I wouldn’t put the forest at risk like that…”

I grabbed his arm, stopping him from backing away further. “Then why do you look so guilty?”

“It’s not... I mean...” He trailed off staring that the ground.“Because…”

“Because what?!”

“BECAUSE IT’S MY FAULT!!” The words burst from him as he finally met my gaze, the pain in his eyes shocking me into releasing his arm. “I was supposed to make sure no outsiders could enter… but in the end… I left her alone next to an unguarded room.” He looked over to the empty pedestal where the amulet had sat and groaned. “I failed in my duties, practically handing over something that could destroy our home. I ran away.”

I shook my head. “Why…?”

“If I had stayed in here any longer, I would have taken the artifact instead.” He whispered, crouching down, covering his face in his hands. “It spoke to me in my head, offering me everything I ever wanted: home… a family…” he looked up, guilt distorting his features. “…you.”

“So you ran.”

“And put us all at risk.” He stayed crouched down, seeming too tired to stand again.

K’llean… Stella… these characters are broken. I sighed as I stared down at the desolate elf. Is it all my fault? Did I change the story too much?

But… it’s not like I can just sacrifice myself for them like the original story called for.

“Get up.” My words were cold, but K’llean almost seemed relieved as he jumped to his feet.

“Belaire…”

I interrupted him. “Gather the best warriors you’ve got. We’ll track down Stella before she can do anything bad with the amulet.

“Priestess, bad news!”

Dangit! Curse my foreshadowing mouth!

I looked over, surprised to see Violet the fairy, waving her hands anxiously as she called out to me. I reached out to her, and she landed on my shoulder collapsing and trying to catch her breath.

“Violet, what’s going on?”

“The Dark forces are rising deep in the forest.” Her small hands clutched by hair, trembling as she spoke. “The monsters are gathering.”

I felt my stomach drop. “how many?”

“Too many to count!” Purple colored tears dripped from her eyes. “They destroyed our flowers!”

“And they’re on their way here.” Prince Henry walked in behind her, his face grim. “My men have confirmed it. A shadow monster horde. Larger than anything we have ever seen.”

“Stella?”

He winced at the name. “She’s… leading them. Her magic has converted to dark magic now, but it’s much more powerful than it ever was in the past.”

To my surprise he fell to his knees in front of me, bowing his head in shame.

“I’m sorry, Priestess. We brought the enemy right through your doors, claiming her to be the savior. I ignored her willful and selfish ways, spoiled her shamelessly, always thinking she was the one spoke of in the prophecies that would save us all.” His head slowly raised. “But I was wrong.”

I grabbed his hand, pulling him to his feet. “We all make our own choices, prince. And we will all face our own consequences for them. I won’t hold you accountable for her mistakes.”

“Thank you.” A small smile flitted across his features. “I almost wish you were from another world. You are definitely someone I could trust with the fate of us all…”

…

I felt my smile stiffen in place as I turned towards Liam who winked at me, frowning back at him. Ignoring him as he broke into laughter, I finally met K’llean’s uncomfortable stare.

“Gather all the warriors, as well as everyone who can use magic.”

“Will we be able to defeat them?” He asked quietly.

“The horde? Definitely. Stella? It depends.”

“Depends on what?”

“Depends on just how much magic that amulet gave her.”

Taking a deep breath, I headed back towards my home.

“Where are you going?” Liam caught up with me.

“Changing clothes. I refuse to die in my pajamas.”

“…How about not dying at all?!”

I grinned, touching his face. “Of course. I haven’t kept my promise to marry you yet.”

“Belaire.” His voice was serious, catching my attention, forcing me to a halt. He seemed to be struggling to find the words to say, reaching over to pull me into a tight hug. “What if we’re not strong enough to beat them?”

“I’ll find a way.”

“But a life oath would multiply your strength ten times.” My face was pressed against his chest so I couldn’t see his expression, but his voice sounded near tears. “I can’t…”

“Liam.” I pulled back from his hug, reaching out to hold his face between my hands. His eyes widened at the short distance between us. “I won’t betray you.”

“But…”

“No buts.” I leaned forward, kissing him gently on the lips. “Stay by my side.”

“Okay.” Nodding with a helpless smile, we headed back to change.

Despite my confident words however, I felt a growing sense of dread. My mission was to push back the darkness without sacrificing the life of the priestess. It would have been fine if it was the original Dark Lord from the stories, but this was the Chosen One. She had already been powerful before encountering the dark artifact. If I wasn’t strong enough to take on Stella and the amulet alone…

You can’t escape your fate.

I shivered, feeling cold despite the summer’s warmth.

___________________________

“They’re coming.”

I stood at the main gate of the Elven Village, K’llean, Liam and Prince Henry at my side. Behind us were all the elven warriors, the rest of Stella’s party, as well as a few human guards that had come on the prince’s Request. We numbered less than a hundred, a pitiful few compared to the force we were facing.

I smiled at Liam. “Let’s move forward. I’ll keep a ward around the village, while everyone who can fight can try to take out as many monsters as possible.

“Wait.” Prince Henry frowned. “Why not just stay behind your ward if it’s so effective?”

“First, I don’t have infinite magic, and shadow monsters don’t tire like normal creatures. They would still be here long after my ward is down. Second, although it is a very powerful defense, I don’t know how much stronger Stella has gotten.” I gestured to the dark, shadowy forms in the distance. “She’s doing us the favor of sending her army in first, so we need to take the opportunity. If I have to face her and the monsters together…”

The prince grimaced, nodding his head. “Great, just great.”

“Regretting joining with us yet?”

“Give me a minute, I’m trying to find a suitably diplomatic answer.”

I laughed and walked forward, pulling Liam beside me. K’llean called out an order to the warriors behind us, and the elves marched behind, brandishing their weapons. I caught him glancing at me in the corner of my eye, and seeing my attention, he looked away uncomfortably.

“Don’t get hurt.” Mumbling softly, he drew his large sword, checking it over carefully.

“Same.” I closed my eyes briefly, finding my magic source and bringing it to reality. A light-filled dome surrounded the village, closing in behind the warriors that stepped forward. I opened my hand, and a sword made of light magic formed in it. Ready for battle, I watched, my heart racing as the twisted army approached.

One of the lead monsters, a seven foot long centipede-like creature with bright red eyes and large fangs, lifted its head up to the sky and let out a terrifying scream. The surrounding monsters, more than I could count, roared back, and then charged towards our small force.

The fight for survival had begun.

___________________________

I leapt forward, blade raised, slicing off the head of the centipede before slipping between the first line of creatures. Every step I was avoiding an attack, each movement a close brush with death. I struck left and right, leaving most of my technique behind. The monsters were so tightly crowded that even wild swings had a large effect. With each attack of my blade, light magic moved out in waves, burning and destroying the creatures around me.

To my right I could see K’llean, swinging his sword with both hands, taking out multiple creatures at a time with ease. The harsh training he had undergone, working tirelessly day and night to get stronger shined brightly, his movements flawless as he attacked in every direction. He coated his sword in light magic, occasionally sending out beams of it to assist some of the elven warriors who looked overrun.

Even in battle he’s still looking out for them.

Liam hung back, avoiding getting in the way of our light magic attacks. His bow drawn he shot arrows made of dark magic into the crowds. The arrows disintegrated each of the bodies it passed through, a wholly deadly force. It seems like as long as the dark magic is strong enough, it is definitely deadly even to shadow creatures, same element or not.

ROAR!

The angry cry of the creature in front of me brought my attention back to my own fight. Slowly, as I danced in between the monsters, I slipped into a comfortable mentality, one I hadn’t used since coming to this world. This was the me after Liam’s death in the zombie apocalypse. A warrior. Something that only existed to destroy all the monsters around me. I gave myself over to it, fighting on instinct, rampaging through their ranks.

I lost track of the hours, continuing to fight.

“She’s coming!” Violet’s whisper in my ear broke my daze, I sent out a wave of light magic, clearing enough space for our remaining fighters to fall back. As we gathered at the edge of my ward, I took gauge of our losses, feeling a pang as I realized that a quarter of our warriors were gone.

This wouldn’t have happened if I had formed a life oath. I wouldn’t have had to reserve my magic in fear of fighting Stella.

Selfish. Cruel.

Pushing these thoughts back, I had K’llean bring the fighters within the ward and turned back to see the situation.

Hundreds of shadow monster corpses littered the ground, splintered and broken. With my last magical attack the main wave had broken, the monsters fleeing back to hide behind their master who was walking slowly towards us.

Stella.

She looked the same but different. Dark mist surrounded her, moving restlessly along the ground, killing every plant it touched. Her body seemed unreal, as if the edges of her form were pushing against the air, breaking the reality around us. Her eyes glowed a bright red, the light in them pulsing in time to the glowing black jewel hanging around her neck.

She came to a stop a 50 yards away, speaking normally but her voice echoed in my ear as if she were right beside me.

“Belaire. I bet you weren’t expecting me...”

“Hey Stella. Going for a walk?” I smiled as I greeted her nonchalantly. “That’s great! Good for the health, you know, get outside, and breathe in that fresh smell of the rotting corpses of your evil minions.”

“YOU…!” Stella’s face distorted with rage, but I interrupted her swiftly.

“By the way, love the new look! The glowing red eyes really suit you!” I glanced down, grimacing. “Can’t say the same about your accessories, though, your taste in jewelry is just awful.”

“…”

Prince Henry sighed. “Please don’t antagonize the new Dark Lord before the final battle priestess.”

“What? I’m complimenting her!”

Stella couldn’t stay silent at that. “Shut up! I won’t let you annoy me this time around, elf!”

“Really?” I tilted my head quizzically. “Cause it sure seems like I’m annoying you.”

“SHUT UP!”

Prince Henry turned to Liam. “Can’t you rein her in a little?”

He shook his head. “No. I like her like this.”

“Don’t bother with them, Henry.” K’llean exited the ward after helping the last of the injured across. Ignoring Stella, he came to stand on the other side of me, shaking his head. “I’ve been trying for years to correct their bad attitudes without success. Something small like the end of the world wouldn’t be near enough to set them right.”

“Ah, I’ll bow to your superior experience then.”

I shrugged at Liam. “Why are they acting like we’re the strange ones?”

“Beats me.”

“STOP IGNORING ME!” Stella’s voice was inhuman, a monstrous roar that echoed through the forest. Her power soared. The skies started turning dark as all the surrounding areas filled with dark magic.

Ooh, that struck a nerve. Looks like becoming the new Dark Lord didn’t rid her of her inferiority complex.

I made sure Liam was out of the way, and then enlarged my ward to protect all of us, pouring as much of my magic as I could into it.

“You think you can beat me now?” Stella laughed excitedly. “You have no idea!” Her magic continued to grow, the trees and grass between us and her completely died as the space condensed with darkness. I felt the pressure against my ward, it bent inwards against the pressure.

The dome of my magic glowed brightly, but I could no longer see beyond it, everything outside my ward was filled with darkness.

She’s… a lot stronger than I was hoping she’d be.

A hand wrapped in dark magic could be seen just outside my ward, the fist coming down to strike it with a large ringing noise. I felt a stabbing pain in my head at the blow, forcing myself to stay focused, to strengthen the ward.

Stella’s eyes shone through the darkness as she stood just outside my protective spell.

“Do you know what wish the amulet granted me?” Her whisper traveled across the space louder than a shout. “My greatest desire was to be strong enough to utterly destroy you.” Her fist slammed against the ward again. I swayed in place.

Crap.

BAM! Her fist struck the ward again, fine cracks appearing at the blow. I hastily repaired them.

Is this really it?

BAM!

All those years of work, of getting stronger, of slowly feeding my life force to grow my magic, and she can be twice as strong with a WISH?!”

BAM!”

I felt a strong rage building within me; a frustration against the world that only gave benefits to the heroine, evil or no.

I hate main characters.

BAM!

“Belaire.” Liam’s pained cry distracted me for a moment. I could barely see through a red haze that was filling my vision, I felt something warm dripping from my nose. I reached up to wipe it with my hand, and it came away bloody.

“You can’t beat her.” His voice was filled with agony, as if he were the one Stella was attacking with her fist.

BAM!

“I can handle it.” I struggled to talk, blood spitting out with the words. My head was splitting, the pain increasing with every blow.

I have to save everyone from the Dark Lord to finish the mission. If I fail…I wasn’t sure what would happen, but I felt in my heart that it would be worse than death.

But the mission also states I can’t sacrifice my life like the previous priestess did. Given how powerful Stella is now, it would take every ounce of life force I have to beat her.

Is there really no way?

“Belaire.” K’llean sighed stepping in front of me, his face hazy in my blood stained vision. “She’s too strong.”

BAM!

Blood was dripping constantly on the ground, I pressed my hands against my head as if to hold it in.

“Please.” He begged. “Please, form a life oath with me.”

“No.”

“It’s okay if you don’t love me. But if you can’t combine your magic, you’re going to die!”

“…” I shook my head, having a hard time speaking any more.

BAM!

“PLEASE!” He grabbed my face, his tear-filled eyes the only thing I could see. “Don’t throw your life away! Even if you form the life oath, I’ll let you go with him! I won’t bind you to me, just don’t die!”

All nice sounding words. But he was wrong. A life oath would bind our souls together. For me to leave him would mean tearing his or my soul, like the priestess had suffered in the original story. There was no simple way to untangle a life oath.

But the harsh truth was I didn’t have enough magic to win.

“I could try.” Liam’s defeated tone made my stomach drop, even as I struggled to hold on to my ward. “If I fuel my magic with all of my life energy, I might have enough to win. “

“Don’t you dare!” I snapped, trying to focus through the pain. “I won’t lose you again!”

The look on Liam’s face as he died in my arms in the zombie world was imprinted on my brain, unable to be removed. I missed my chance in the last world. I can’t let him sacrifice himself for me again.

BAM!

“Belaire, please. It’s the only way to save us all.”

Is it?

I felt like everything had slowed to a standstill around me.

Is this the only way? A life bond with K’llean? Is this some sort of twisted destiny I can’t avoid?

Is this my fate?

___________________________

I walked down a path, silk cloth rustling as I moved. The garden around me was beautiful, teeming with life, the heavy scent of flowers hanging in the air.

“Mistress! Please slow down!” A voice called behind me, but I didn’t turn back.

“I can’t! He’s waiting for me!” My voice was filled with anticipation, excitement.

With love.

“MISTRESS!”

A white blur rushed past me, landing with a crash at my feet. I paused, my feet slowing coming to a stop as I stared down with confusion and growing horror.

A dove?

It had dived into the ground in front of me, landing head first on the stone path. Its neck was bent at a severe angle, clearly broken, its form was still.

Why?

From the ruined mess of flesh that had been its head, blood pooled, far more than could ever be contained within the body of such a small creature. The red liquid condensed, forming letters at my feet.

YOU MUST ACCEPT YOUR FATE

“No.” I was whispering, my head pounding, my vision tunneling.

“MISTRESS!” I head one last scream behind me, before I felt my whole body descend into darkness.

___________________________

“No.”

I spoke out loud, blinking back a memory that had overwhelmed my senses, coming and leaving without warning. “I won’t accept my fate.”

K’llean was crying now, trying to heal me even as I continued to sway on my feet. “Belaire… I know you love him, but magical attributes are an integral part of magic. It cannot be changed.”

Wait.

It can’t be changed?

Isn’t that what we said about the amount of magic? That we are born with a fixed final amount? But I proved that wrong. The priestess proved it wrong in the original story.

Magic can be changed.

It just comes at a price.

I looked up at the sky, laughing with relief.

“Liam.” I called out softly, immediately feeling his hand grasping mine.

“Yes?”

“If I told you there was a way to save everyone, AND stay by my side, but that it would cost you almost everything, would you do it?”

His hand tightened on my own, as he answered without hesitation. “Even if you want my life, its yours.”

BAM!

“I won’t take everything.” I turned around, pushing away K’llean’s hand that was applying healing magic and grabbed Liam’s face, bringing it close to my own. “But we’re not going to live long after this.”

“Belaire!” At K’llean’s shout I turned to look at him

“Get ready to protect the village, my magic won’t work well for wards in a few moments.”

“You…”

“I’m sorry, K’llean.” I smiled. “I’m not a heroine. I’m actually pretty selfish.”

Before he could answer I looked back at Liam and kissed him deeply.

The ward around us disappeared, but K’llean immediately replaced it, his face turning bright white at the strain. He was powerful, but nowhere near my level.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! YOUR STRUGGLES ARE MEANINGLESS!” Stella screamed as she attacked again. “I AM THE CHOSEN ONE!”

BAM!

We didn’t have much time.

I drew Liam’s magic towards me, our kiss dampening my gasp of pain as I felt it burning even as it just came near my soul. The light and dark attiributes were truly opposites, repelling each other even before they could touch.

But magic could be changed.

I drew from my life force, feeling it quickly drain from me.

Deep inside I felt a panic, an emotion not mine but from the priestess’ remnant.

I’m not sacrificing myself, Priestess. At least not my whole life.

Before I drew too much, I began pulling life energy from Liam as well. The power within me was bursting at the seems, and I applied it to my magic without hesitation.

One of us had to change to combine. We both needed to be light or dark.

I started changing my magic to dark.

As I used the energy to change the magic within me, I felt the light that shined deep within my soul turn black. My hair which was always a golden blond, turned black at the roots, the color slowly taking over the long locks hanging down my back. It was painful, deeply painful. Not just losing my life force but the changing of something so integral to my existence was pure agony.

Which is why I changed my magic and not Liam’s

Besides, dark magic is a better fit for a villainess like me.

As my magic changed attributes, I quickly began forming a life oath with Liam, our thoughts integrating with each other, saying the words of the oath silently between us.

I trust you with my life, my heart, my magic.

I will walk hand and hand and face all danger with you.

I promise to stay by your side forever, until there is nothing left but dust.

As the last of our magic combined, I whispered out loud. “I love you.”

The life oath was complete.

___________________________

As the magic combined, just as they said, the amount was ten times or more my natural source. Reaching for the unfamiliar dark magic, I stepped outside the barrier, smiling at Stella.

“Hey, Chosen One.”

Her dark magic crumbled around her, being overwhelmed by a much stronger force.

“Turns out you aren’t so special after all.” As her magic was crushed, I lifted her up into the air, separating the amulet from her.

I can give you everything you wanted.

I heard the faintest of whispers from the artifact, before using my dark magic to crush it to pieces. After not being able to leave even the smallest scratch on it when I had tried to destroy it months ago with light magic, the dark magic easily consumed it, seemingly breaking it down from the inside.

“NOOOOOOOO!” I wasn’t sure if it was Stella or the amulet that screamed in pain and anger, but I didn’t care. I walked closer to the heroine, my magic holding her in place. Leaning forward, I whispered in her ear.

“You’re not the only world traveling girl around. And I’m a lot meaner.”

Before she could respond, I reared my arm back and punched her in the face. She fell to the ground unconscious.

I heard cheering behind me, but I ignored it as I placed my hand against her head, using my powers to burn up all traces of her magic. When it was done, I leaned back with a sigh.

“You’re not going to kill her?”

“Too easy.” I grinned. “The thing she hated most was being unimportant. And now she’s completely powerless.” I stood up, cleaning my hands. “You can have her. Imprison her, cast her out in exile. I don’t care. Just don’t kill her.”

It wasn’t that I was against killing. I had already done plenty of that. But I wasn’t sure what would happen to a story world whose heroine was killed early, even a broken one like her.

Turning around, I stumbled a bit, the loss of life energy and the depletion of my magic making me feel drained. An equally tired but happy looking Liam placed his arm around my waist, supporting me.

“Thanks.” I smiled at him, feeling the comfortable bond of his soul against mine.

Liam placed his forehead against mine. “Anytime.”

“… I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

I sighed. “I had to use up the majority of our life force. We’ll only be able to live another five or ten years.” Compared to the centuries that the life expectancy of elves normally ran, it was a blink of an eye, but Liam just shrugged, unconcerned.

“Better five years as your husband than hundreds without you.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Noted.”

“…” An awkward silence fell as we reached K’llean, who was staring at me with a lost expression.

Finally I smiled sadly at him. “Sorry, K’llean, I won’t be able to be the priestess anymore.”

K’llean stared at my newly darkened hair, nodding slowly.

“Liam and I will get married, and then I think we’ll travel around…”

“WHERE ARE YOU GOING?” A loud shout interrupted us, as the elder of the village came out of hiding, glaring at me. “I don’t know how you CORRUPTED your magic, but you will fix it immediately!”

I chuckled. “Sorry, can’t. Even if it wouldn’t literally kill me to change it again, I’m already bonded to Liam here.”

“YOU BLASPHEME YOUR HOLY ROLE!”

“You’re welcome, by the way, for saving the village… and the world.” I shrugged. “But I’m not your priestess anymore, and I don’t feel like sticking around and waiting for you to figure out how to use my newly upgraded magic for your own benefit.”

“You can’t leave! You made oaths to stay and lead us!”

K’llean laughed, but it was a deeply sad sound. “She can leave anytime she wants. Her oath was to stay, lead, guide and protect us for as long as the light magic shines within her.” He smiled at the elder, gesturing at my changed appearance. “As you can well see… it no longer shines. So she’s free.”

“YOU…”

“Just shut up.” Sighing with frustration, K’llean applied magic over the elder’s mouth, as I had done multiple times in the past. I nodded with approval, giving him an awkward smile

“Thanks…”

“Don’t thank me.” He interrupted, no longer meeting my gaze. “You would rather risk everything, giving up the majority of your life span, than choose me.”

“…” I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t. He was speaking the truth.

His eyes finally met mine, but the pain in them was hard to watch. “It’s better if you both leave sooner than later. The village won’t forgive what you’ve done.”

“… Will you?”

“Forgive you?” He gave a helpless smile, looking up at the sky. “I honestly don’t know.”

“Then I’ll say goodbye, K’llean. I’m glad you were my friend.”

I took Liam’s hand and we walked towards Prince Henry, but behind us I heard a soft whisper.

“Live well, my friends.”

I felt a deep sense of relief and gratefulness. The last of the Priestess’ remaining emotions. I had saved her people, and found my own happiness. I smiled, feeling the last remnant of her faded away.

“Rest in peace, Priestess.”

In front of me formed bright blue words.

100% complete.

**** You have finished the mission! ****

Stay in this world?

YES/NO

I smiled, and for the first time in response to this question, said “Yes.”

Granted.

You will be transported to the next world at the end of your character’s natural life.

I was almost knocked over as Liam knocked into me, grabbing and holding me tightly to his chest, his face desperate.

“What’s wrong?”

He looked confused. “I don’t know. I just felt for a moment that you might leave me, and I was terrified to let you go.”

I grinned, kissing him. “Don’t worry. I’m here to stay.”

___________________________

We lived for eight years together as husband and wife.

Although the life oath was more intimate than any title, Liam insisted that we hold a ceremony in the capital of the human territory. Prince Henry helped him plan it out, and since I was the technical savior of the world, it turned into a rather large party.

Looking at the lavish decorations, the happy faces and magical lights floating in the air like balloons, I felt something within me relax.

I wish the Blood Wolves could have seen this party. Although they would have complained about the lack of explosive balloons and weapons.

The fairies had shown up, dancing in the air and drinking too much wine. Violet became a purple blur as she whizzed over our heads, shouting “Congratulations!”

K’llean was invited, but he never came.

___________________________

After the wedding, Liam and I traveled the world. Exploring dungeons, riding desert creatures, diving into the deepest of the dwarves mines, we tried it all, hand in hand.

One night, as we slept under the stars, a thought occurred to me, and I asked him.

“What do you think you would have done if we never met?”

Liam frowned, holding me tightly against his chest. “We did meet though. We’re married. No take backs!”

“No, I just mean, hypothetically, if you and I never met, what do you think you would have done?” I leaned into his embrace, patting his head comfortingly. It wasn’t as soft as his fur in his wolf form, but I did still like touching his hair.

“It… wouldn’t have ended well.” Liam sighed. “I was already on the brink of completely losing myself. I spent more time as beast than elf. If I hadn’t met you… I think I would have left to get stronger, and eventually come back to destroy them… maybe destroy everything.”

“So if you had run into the woods and say, found the amulet…”

“I would have immediately taken the power it offered.” Liam nuzzled my shoulder. “I’m not a good person, Belaire. Do you regret it?”

Did I marry the original Dark Lord?

I shrugged. “I’m not a good person either, so I think we’re even.”

___________________________

After six years, we ran into Stella again. It was on the streets of an outer human town. We had come back from a monster slaying quest, and had just turned in our spoils for a good profit. As I skipped next to him, happily counting our coins and discussing the lavish meal we would buy with it, I heard an angry shout.

“YOU SHOULD ALL FEAR ME!”

Liam eyes met my own.

“Is that…?” I hesitantly asked.

We both looked over. A disheveled young woman with wide eyes rushed towards a random pedestrian.

“I AM THE CHOSEN ONE! THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD!” She shook her head, confused. “No…. wait… I’m the DARK LORD! I will destroy you all!”

I stared at her, feeling conflicted.

What are the odds that we’d run into her?I shook my head. Nevermind, she’s the heroine, she runs into everyone.

I hadn’t liked her, in either the original story or this lifetime. But there was no escaping that I had changed her life.

Stella sat down, glaring at the ground. “If it weren’t for that stupid elf priestess, I would be living wonderfully. They’d be pampering me, protecting me... IT’S ALL HER FAULT! I’m going to kill her! Tear her to pieces!”

Well… not gonna lie… that makes me feel a bit better.

Liam was uncomfortably silent for a few moments. “Do you want me to kill her?”

I kissed his cheek, pulling him away. “Thanks for the thought, but she’s not a threat anymore.”

We left her behind, and never saw her again.

___________________________

Years passed, we lived each day side-by-side, happy to be in each other’s company. But all things come to an end, and as we came close to the eight year mark after the defeat of the Dark Lord, I could feel the life energy within me running out.

“Liam.” I held his hand. “I want to go back to the forest.”

He stared at me quietly for a few moments, and then smiled. “Of course.”

When we entered the village, I noticed a few differences. The area was bustling, filled with activity. There were more people from other races, traces of multiple types of magic being used. I walked further in, hand in hand with Liam, staring around in excitement.

“Belaire?” A familiar voice called out, and we both turned to see K’llean standing off to the side, watching us with a complicated expression. Despite the passage of time, he hadn’t aged much, other than a gentle maturity in his eyes.

“K’llean.” I smiled tiredly at him. “We’re home.”

He brought us to a large home in the center or town, one that hadn’t existed when we left eight years ago.

“Is this yours?”

K’llean smiled. “Yeah, it’s mine.”

“How’d you get such nice place?”

“Well…” Before he could answer fully, the door slammed open and a young warrior elf barged in.

“Elder, that brat the advance class is causing trouble again, can you come yell at him? You’re the only one he’s scared of.” He then noticed Liam’s and my presence. “Oh, sorry, didn’t know you had guests… dark magic elves?”

K’llean rubbed his forehead. “T’nial…”

“Do you know Belaire and Liam?” The young elf was too excited to notice K’llean’s warning tone. “They had dark magic too! They saved the world, you know, and they’re from our village!”

“T’NIAL!”

“What? Come on Teach, you act like you don’t talk about them all the time.”

Liam and I grinned. Seeing our expressions, K’llean frowned walking to the door.

“Out. Now.”

“But…”

“Or do you want to take over training the youngest class?”

“I’m heading out now!” With a cheerful wave, T’nial ran out, leaving a slightly awkward silence behind.

“Elder?”

“You talk about us?”

Liam and I asked different questions at the same time.

He sighed in response. “Yes I am the new village elder since the last one died three years ago. No I don’t talk about you all the time.”

We sat down, and K’llean made us some tea. As he poured, he asked quietly. “So what brings you two back? I thought you weren’t planning to come back.”

I leaned back in my chair, smiling at Liam. “We came back to die.”

CRASH!

K’llean’s hands faltered as I spoke, dropping the cup onto the floor, which shattered into multiple pieces. He blinked, staring down at the mess in confusion, and then looked up at me again.

“What did you say?”

“Our life energy is running out.”

“… “ He grabbed another cup, starting to pour tea again. “How long?

“A week, at most.”

He sat down hard, putting his head in his hands. “You really know how to break news, huh?”

“What do you mean? I’m super sensitive!��

Liam started to chuckle, a sound that he quickly disguised as coughs. I glared at him, causing both K’llean and Liam both lose it and laugh loudly.

After things had calmed down, K’llean sighed. “You two haven’t changed.” Pausing he added. “No… you’re happier than you ever were here.”

“You’ve done well too.” I grinned. “The village is so exciting now.”

“Just a few small changes.” He shrugged. “If we stay mired in our past, we’ll never move forward.”

“…K’llean?”

“Yes?”

“Can we stay here until the end?”

“…” There was a long, tense silence before he finally grinned. “Until the very end.”

There were tears in his eyes, but we all ignored them.

___________________________

A week passed quickly. I spent time walking the forest with Liam and K’llean, visiting our old training spots, seeing all the new changes with a smile. We argued constantly over trivial memories, none of us mentioned the fights that had truly torn us apart.

My energy ran out first, which didn’t surprise me as I had originally taken more from myself than from Liam. As I rested in bed, feeling the remainder of my life fade. K’llean sat down to say his goodbyes.

He reached out and held my hand. “I‘ll always love you, you know.”

I smiled at him. “I know. I love you too.”

“… just not in the way I wanted.”

“No. But you’re family, whether you want it or not.”

He laughed, gripping my hand as if he was afraid to lose it. “No, I want it.” Taking a deep breath, he added. “I’m sorry, that I tried to force you two apart.”

“It’s okay, fortunately you’re terrible at being the villain.”

“Fortunately.”

“…”

“… Did I ever have a chance?”

I sighed quietly. “No. It was always him.”

“Well… at least you’re honest.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead, his eyes closed to hide his tears. “I’ll go get your husband before he thinks you’re running off with me.”

“K’llean.”

He paused, looking back at me. In his eyes I still saw the shadow of the arrogant boy declaring that he was the strongest elf and would protect everyone. “Yes, Belaire?”

“Live well. Be happy, please.”

“Hmm…” He leaned his head against the doorframe, forcing a smile. “I was fortunate enough in this lifetime to love you. How can I not live well?”

He left, and Liam came by. Skipping the chair by the bed entirely, He laid down next to me, gathering me in his arms.

“Liam, sorry, I have to go first.”

“… You should be sorry. Next time don’t divide things so unevenly.”

We hugged silently for a few minutes, before I finally spoke up, my voice soft.

“I’m scared.”

“Don’t be, I’m here.”

“What if I can’t find you in the next world?”

He paused at that. “Even if you don’t, I’ll find you.”

“But you never remember me.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll love you each time we meet.”

I leaned close, kissing his cheek. “Good. Next time, you chase me, courting you is exhausting.”

“I’ll listen, wife.” Liam smiled. “I’ll definitely chase you next time.”

“Don’t forget your promise.” I tucked my head against his chest. “See you in the next world.”

He hugged me tightly. “See you soon.”

I closed my eyes, and in the darkness, bright blue words formed.

CHARACTER LIFE AT END.

TRANSPORTING TO NEXT WORLD…

I felt the brief nothingness between worlds, and almost instantly arrived in the next one. Surprised, I realized I was still lying down, but the soft bed beneath me had been replaced by a hard flat surface.

I opened my eyes, but saw nothing but darkness. Trying to sit up, I immediately hit my head on something hard.

“OUCH!” the sound as I yelled with pain was muffled. Concerned, I reached around, realizing the confined space I was in, Just big enough to hold my body laying flat. As I felt the velvet inner lining around me, I came to a grim realization:

I was in a coffin.

“SON OF A…”

___________________________

K’llean sat up as he saw Liam enter the room, dried tears on his face.

“Is she…”

Liam nodded. “She’s gone.”

He let out a breath he felt he’d been holding all day.

She was gone.

Ignoring the stabbing pain in his chest, he looked up at the dark haired elf. “How much longer until you…?”

Liam shrugged nonchalantly, sitting lazily down on the chair in front of him. “I’ll go in a little bit. No use staying here without her. But you looked like you wanted to talk first.”

K’llean’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you so different?” The change after Belaire had passed was striking. He looked the same, his form unchanged, but his eyes…

They were suddenly filled with a sense of deep wisdom, of strong power…

Of horrifying sadness.

Liam smiled. “I only get to remember things at the very end. Kind of a middle finger to me from the universe as I realize just how futile our goal is.” He shook his head. “But you don’t need to know all that. Why don’t you ask the questions you really want to know the answer to?”

“…”

“Come on, don’t be shy, I’m in a bad mood right now, so I’m much more likely to tell you the unpleasant truth than a sweet lie.”

“…Why did she never even consider me?” K’llean threw up his hands. “We met when we were kids, for crying out loud! I know I was little annoying…”

“Very annoying.”

“I know I was very annoying, but I matured, grew strong. I always stayed by her side, supported her, helped her… but she never even thought about loving me the way she did you.” He leaned back with a groan. “I just don’t know why.”

“Well, leaving out the complex discussion of my amnesiac wife being the woman you fell in love with, and how you’re lucky you struck out… the easy explanation is that you already had your chance, and you blew it.”

“I what?”

Liam looked up in the sky, seemingly silently conversing with something. “You owe me.” He muttered out loud, before opening his clenched hand to reveal a small red object. ”Ooh, a red pill, very sci-fi.” He tossed it to K’llean, who caught it, looking at it uncertainly.

“What is….”

“Swallow it.” Liam spread out his hands. “It will give you memories that you never should have had. Of this world as it was before my wife fixed it for you.”

Feeling a deep sense of dread, K’llean lifted the pill to his mouth and swallowed it. Immediately it felt that his head was splitting open and he fell to the ground, gagging.

“Oh you can’t throw it up. Knowledge, once you gain it, is yours forever.” He grinned. “Serves you right.”

K’llean blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of the completely different lifetime of memories that he had acquired. “I… married her?”

“Well, not really her. You did grow up with the Priestess. You married her. You betrayed her, and watched her die to save you and your lover.” Liam’s gaze was cold. “Now do you understand? You never had a chance because you already wasted it.”

“No… this isn’t right. Belaire… she never would have taken things so calmly… I could never turn my back on her.”

“On Belaire… no. On the priestess… definitely. You see, in the original, you grew up thinking you were the greatest. And the priestess always just agreed. You were an entitled, selfish brat who had everything, including affection, handed to you, and you thought it was what you were owed.”

“What I was owed…” K’llean winced. “It makes me sound like Stella.”

“Exactly, which is honestly why it’s surprising you hit it off with her so well. I assume it was some main character magic forcing the issue, at least partly.” He leaned forward. “At the end of the day, I don’t think you really loved the Priestess. I think you were fond of her. You saw her as a friend, as a companion. But, she was never as important to you as your happiness.”

“I…”

“My wife on the other hand… She ran circles around you!” He laughed. “No matter how hard you tried, you could never be stronger than her. She worked harder, cared more, and did it all without ever looking your way. You learned from her how to care for others, how to put everyone else before yourself. But you never lost that desire… the desire for family, for that perfect happiness that you sensed was within reach but could never touch.”

Liam stood up. “You went a bit crazy back then… but all protagonists do when the world that used to revolve around them suddenly grows bigger. It seems that you’ve become a good person despite it all, and I applaud you for it.” He started walking back to the room where Belaire had rested.

“Where are you going?”

“To follow my wife. She’s gone to the next world without me, and I can’t let her down.”

K’llean stood up. “What if… what if I followed her… tried to win her over this time?”

“You could.” Liam laughed. “But you wouldn’t.”

“Why not?”

“It costs too much.”

“I’m willing to pay any price!”

Liam shook his head. “You know, you’re better than that other asshole that half-heartedly follows her now. I actually thought you might be him for a quick minute… but you’re too messy in front of her. That guy always has to be the perfect hero, because he thinks that’s what she wants. He refused to sacrifice anything really, so he can’t follow her carefully, he just depends on that damned protagonist luck of his.”

“What are you…?”

“You’d probably be willing to give up your life, your future, even your memories… But what about the village?”

“…”

“What about those kids out there that you’re teaching magic to? What if the cost was all of them as well?”

“…” K’llean hung his head, surprised when Liam patted him on the shoulder.

“It’s okay. That’s why you’re a hero.” His body started being covered in a black fog. “And why I’m a villain.”

Now in wolf form, the familiar dark blue eyes seemed to be laughing as he disappeared into the room next door.

Stunned, K’llean followed after him, only to see the two lying side by side, no longer breathing.

“You both keep calling yourself villains.” He muttered to himself. “Why can’t I believe it?”

___________________________

Seven hundred years later…

K’llean found the old cave, the one where Liam, Belaire and him used to practice in. His bones creaked as he laid down, looking at the familiar patterns on the stone ceiling.

“I lived a long life, Belaire. I was happy enough I think. Are you proud?”

There was no answer.

He laughed softly, tears forming in his eyes. “I miss you, you know. Even after all these years.”

He rested in silence, counting his breaths, only to be shocked by the formation of bright blue words in front of him. He reached out to touch them, but his hand passed right through them.

“Magic?” He whispered, staring at the words.

Do you plan to reject your fate and follow?

“Follow?” His breath caught. “You mean see Belaire again?”

Yes.

Part of him wanted to shout “yes.” But he remembered that conversation with Liam all those years ago.

“What would it cost?” he asked instead

Paragraph after paragraph filled out in front of him, which he read with increasing horror.

“Liam, you bastard.” He finally whispered. “No wonder you call yourself a villain.”

He sighed, leaning back and covering his eyes with a hand.

Do you plan to reject your fate and follow?

K’llean laughed bitterly to himself. “No.”

You were right, Liam. I wouldn’t be willing to sacrifice that much.

The words disappeared, never to be seen again.

As his breathing slowed, K’llean hummed a old childhood song to himself, dreaming of a day in the forest, when a young elf girl with bright green eyes saved his life with a confident smile.

#writing #PFTS #fantasy #world hopping #elves #magic #final battles #life #death #romance #excited for the new world

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aliensunflower-fics · 4 years

Text

Wildfire

(( Hia! So here’s a little Lukanette fic I wrote because I get inspired way too easy and it happened. Enjoy because it’ll be back to Daminette right after this! ))

It hadn’t been intentional. At least not at first. All Marinette had wanted was a way to express herself a way to let out the emotions that threatened to pull her under, drown her, destroy her. She was Ladybug and if she let that negativity eat her up alive she would not have the luxury of getting akumatized having a tantrum then being saved. That wasn't how this worked. Luka was the one who saved her he saw the dark water filling her lungs and when she felt ready to take her last breath he extended his hand. And she had taken it unaware that the water would turn to gasoline or that Luka would help strike the match that would light her on fire and turn her into a star for the whole world to see.

It had started with music lessons. A guitar being slid into her waiting hands and a patient teacher. Luka had seen her spark fading bright eyes dimming Juleka who had always spoken kindly of Marinette began to hesitate and change Luka watched as she let her purple fade from her hair and changed clothes when he tried to ask her why shed mention a new girl Lila how Lila said this or that picking at anything and everything Luka tried to tell his sweet baby sister that she didn't need to change for anyone but she was scared to lose everyone but especially Rose. It has been only a week after that event when suddenly Luka was told he was being kicked out of Kitty Section. When he looked for an answer it was the name Lila Rossi that came back.

Eventually he set out to find Marinette hoping she would have answers to his questions, but what he found was hardly the girl he knew more like a scared husk the song in her heart was a nightmarish harmony. Fearing she’d be akumatized before his very eyes he took a seat behind her slid his guitar in her hands and helped her work her emotions out. The melody she created was heartbreaking the tears she cried were worse. After that Luka made it his goal to seek Marinette out and help her work out the emotions. She started picking it up and they started regular lessons. Her parents were left speechless when Marinette asked for a guitar instead of a mannequin or fabric for her birthday.

The day Marinette first sang Luka was left speechless. They had been playing together for months, in that time Luka learned just who Lila Rossi was. A liar a manipulator a bully. She had the school running like her personal kingdom and after stripping Marinette of everything, her reputation, her friends, her position as class president, she started targeting other students. It was not as head on as it had been with Marinette but rather subtle manipulation she made Juleka change herself to fit in, she broke up Kitty Section, she ruined relationships, and kept Adrien as a pet. But even still Marinette loved him until one day Lila decided that even the feeling love was too good for Marinette. Luka had still never found out what Lila or Adrien or both had done but that day Marinette played her new pink guitar like it was the only thing keeping her a float but then she started singing her gorgeous voice carrying lyrics of pain, anger, and betrayal.

When she was done she all but collapsed. Luka felt as though he'd seen her soul and what he noticed was that the spark in Marinette wasn't dead yet just waiting to be fanned into a fire. And Luka, well all he wanted was to see her light up the world like she was always meant to do. Luka knew someway somehow he needed to get Marinette up on a stage. She was a born star and Luka would do anything to see her shine.

Jagged Stone had been not only eager but insistent on hearing her sing and play. Marinette stared down at her pink guitar she had no one to blame but herself. After all she had been the one to introduce Luka and Jagged and they’d hit it off so when Luka told Jagged that his honorary niece was a star in the making what was she really expecting. But Marinette was terrified she wasn't meant to be on stage but behind it yet here she was guitar in hand with Jagged and Penny looking at her expectantly. She wanted to cry and puke and hide she had no control of her body when it ran from the room. Luka was quick to catch up, finding her hyperventilating in the hallway.

“I-I cant! I cant Luka! I’m not made to stand on a s-stage! I can't do this! N-not alone!” She tried to control her sobs but tears kept falling and her body was shaking. Luka knelt by her side and wrapped a strong arm around her shoulders offering the support she so needed.

“Who said anything about you doing this alone?” He saw the way her eyes widened as she looked at him. Truthfully he had not pictured himself next to her on that stage but he suddenly understood that if she was to shine for the whole world to see then she needed him by her side and really how could Luka ask for more?

They returned to Jagged’s room and with Luka at her side Marinette played and sang. When the duo finished Jagged and Penny erupted into applause and by 7pm that evening Marinette found themselves agreeing to be trained by Jagged Stone and all his many connections. That night Luka laid on his bed exhausted when he heard a knock at his window when he opened it Ladybug slid in. Seeing her up close Luka could see how tired she looked. He had noticed Chat’s many absences and how much harder Ladybug had been working as a result clearly it was taking its toll on the superheroin. Wordlessly she held out the snake miraculous and Luka took it with great confusion. The news playing in the other room gave no indication of an akuma attack and Ladybug herself did not seem in a rush. Just as he was about to open his mouth Ladybug spoke.

“You were right… who said ANYTHING about me doing this alone.” Luka’s eyes widened and he tightened his hold on the miraculous. Just how long? How long had Marinette been facing the world alone? Well no more! Putting a comforting hand on her shoulder he smiled and nodded understanding flashed between them and she burst into tears before hugging him closely and de-transforming. The next morning when Luka and Marinette left the boathouse together hand in hand with pink cheeks and shy smiles only Juleka was surprised, later when she asked her brother about the incident he answered honestly that Marinette had cried herself to sleep in his arms and he hadn't had the heart to wake her.

Having someone by her side in and out of the mask who liked her as she was changed the music in her heart. Luka would not lie, being a hero was tiring but akuma were back to being defeated in record time. Opinion of Ladybug skyrocketed back up and soon Viperion merchandise started selling better than Chat Noir. Every news outlet was all over the Ladybug and Viperion development theories of all kinds sprang up that Chat Noir wasn't helping because he was jealous or that he and Ladybug had broken up, that Viperion and Ladybug were in love. People got pictures of the pair holding hands on a late night patrol and it was all anyone could talk about. Luka could not help but be pleased when Marinette relayed the news that Lila Rossi was furious at not being the center of news at school for a few days. But what made him happiest was the confidence and strength he saw regrowing in Marinette.

A few weeks later, Marinette had introduced Kagami and Chloe to Luka. It had been awkward with all the different personalities but Marinette gave them balance, she was growing with each rehearsal with every song and practice she got brighter. Chloe who had never known real friendship where she wasn't in control and now was just as alone as Marinette in school seemed bothered and annoyed at first but Luka could tell her melody was softer then she showed and was eager to preen under Marinettes genuine encouragement and praise. Kagami who had met Marinette through an old mutual crush was cold and harsh but melted easier than expected when treated with the friendship she truly desired. They made an odd group and Luka was honestly confused but happy that the old Marinette was coming back stronger than ever and was eager to find honest people in the world.

The first time Kagami and Chloe were invited to rehearsal they ended up holding hands as they listened to Marinettes newest song a duet with Luka about growing love in unexpected places. And if Luka and Marinette could hardly make eye contact afterwords no one said anything about it in between teasing Chloe and Kagami. When both girls asked to join everyone was shocked. But Chloe was quick to scoff.

“Jeez, Marinette! Did you really think two rich girls from influential families wouldn't know how to play an instrument? Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!” Chloe refused to admit she’d learned the piano in hopes of playing with Adrien and Kagami knew multiple instruments and shyly admitted to having self taught how to DJ in hopes of being able to throw her own party.

Of course Marinette was over the moon to have them join the duo. But now they needed to name themselves, they argued about it over pizza in Jagged Stone’s suite while Penny and the aforementioned star listened in and laughed. In these moments away from those who hurt her Marinette was filled with light and fire her hand racing as she sketched all manor of designs. Luka who could not help but look at her in awe suddenly felt a name bubble to the surface.

“Wildfire.” They all paused to look at Luka a heavy silence falling over the room giving Fang the opportunity he needed to drag away half of Chloe’s unattended pizza. Feeling his cheeks flush Luka scrambled to try and find the words he needed to explain but Marinette spoke before he got the chance.

“Its perfect.” She grinned a wild look filling her eyes. “Our music its wild its raw! No one would expect it from any of us! But thats what we are! Were wildfire! And we are going to light Paris on FIRE!” The room erupted into cheers and Jagged Stone screamed out his signature Rock n Roll! Luka didnt cheer he just let Marinettes words vibrate inside of him as he watched the fire in her eyes blaze.

A day later when two new heroes joined Viperion and Ladybug, Luka wasn't surprised at all he felt Chloe made an excellent ‘Wasp’ and Kagami was definitely a perfect fit for the dragon miraculous. But whether they were in or out of costume the group worked like a well oiled machine. They spoke without speaking backed each other up without question and the double dates were not only fun but were impossible to ruin akuma attack or not. But maybe even better was that with the final pieces in place ‘Wildfire’ was finally able to put finishing touches on songs and begin releasing them. Jagged insisted that the music be released without revealing who any of them were just yet his arguments were pretty solid, all of them needed to be coached on how to deal with the stress of stardom but apparently more importantly Jagged stressed there was NOTHING Rock n Roll about just revealing who they were without an epic concert of some kind.

When Wildfire hit the number one spot in fan popularity Marinette felt grateful for heading her honorary Uncle's advice. The secrecy surrounding the band had fans running wild, theories from the realistic to the alien were circulating. They continued writing and releasing songs all the while being trained for everything from live performances to dealing with the press. Marinette felt like maybe dealing with the press would be easy after she let her parents know about Wildfire in their eagerness to show support while still being secretive they played all of Wildfire’s song on repeat in the bakery and regularly sent her to band practice with macaroons. Marinette blossomed under all the fresh positivity in her life Tikki and Master Fu were practically glowing with pride at the young chosen. Luka felt like he might go blind from how brilliantly she burned his heart that he felt could never hold more love for her filled even more and he knew he'd do anything to keep her happy.

The day she arrived at practice bruised and bloody broken guitar in hand Luka would have given Hawkmoth anything for revenge until Marinette collapsed into his arms and asked to play guitar with him the same as when he’d first started teaching her. Chloe had left school early to catch Kagami’s tournament, Marinette had wanted to go but had been late so many times to school that week that the teacher threatened to give her detention if she missed one more class. So Marinette had waved Chloe off telling her to cheer twice as loud so that it was like she was there also. The rest of the school day had been mostly uneventful, with Luka and her friends help Marinette’s confidence had returned so even with the whole class sneering at her day in and day out she no longer backed down. But it seemed like Lila had not been happy about that and had only been biding her time. Now with Chloe gone she struck.

“I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU WOULD DO THIS MARINETTE!” Marinette who was pulling her guitar from her locker froze and looked at Alya with confusion. The girl was absolutely furious.

“And what, may I ask is Lila accusing me of this time?” The whole class was glaring at her and Marinette felt herself grip her guitar tighter.

“UGH! I can't BELIEVE I use to be friends with someone like YOU! But I’m sure you’ll just keep playing dumb! So il jog your memory! You DESTROYED Lila’s dress! That was a gift from her late grandmother! Oh but I guess you can't stand the idea of anyone else dressing up for Adrien!” Marinette mentally sighed she hadn't so much as spoken to Adrien in months. Hearing the pitiful fake sobs Marinette glanced over Alya’s shoulder sure enough there was Lila sobbing into Adrien’s shirt vague stain covering the clearly cheap dress. The blonde was glaring at her but Marinette felt nothing. Finally Marinette sighed.

“Listen, if I say im sorry and vow never to speak to Adrien again can I go? I have somewhere else to be.” Alya narrowed her eyes and Marinette knew that would not be the end of it. She began looking around for an escape route but quickly noticed she was surrounded. Alya smiled a ugly horrible smile and Marinette felt her stomach twist.

“Oh your not going ANYWHERE Marinette.” Marinette saw the girls eyes fall on her beloved pink guitar, the one her parents had struggled to buy her, the one that held so many precious memories. She felt Kim grip her arms tightly and she screamed as she was lifted into the air kicking wildly. “Oh calm down Marinette, this is just justice. An eye for an eye right?”

Alya had all but ripped the guitar out of Marinette hands before slamming it against the ground over and over. Marinette had wanted to close her eyes but she kept them open and watched. Watched as her old best friend grinned like a madwoman as she slammed the precious instrument into the ground. Watched as Lila Rossi held Adrien close and smirked. Watched as Adrien did nothing but pout like an inconvenienced child at Marinette for crying as her guitar broke. Watched as they all bore witness to it, all except Juleka who closed her eyes tightly and looked pained and ashamed while holding Rose tightly. At least some felt guilt but Marinette was too devastated to care. When Kim let her go Marinette rushed to the remains of her guitar sobbing but the tears blurring her vision kept her from noticing Alya’s well placed foot she landed hard face first in the remains of her guitar, the wood cutting into her skin. But she didn't care all she could do was gather the remains of her precious instrument before she ran out. Not stopping till she was safe in Luka’s arms.

Now they sat as they once had when it had all started. Her back in his chest his arms wrapped around her guiding her small fingers over the guitar strings but it was different this time. In the past he had helped her play out her feelings but this time they played out their feelings together. His anger deep resounding, her sadness echoing soft, his concern questioning gentle, her relief delicate easy. Luka removed his hands from overtop hers to wrap his arms around her waist protectively letting his head fall into her shoulder. Marinette continued to play letting her feelings out as she did so, comfortable in the knowledge that that only Luka could understand what she was truly saying. The melody was confused at first trying to find itself Luka smiled to himself thinking how it was just like Marinette to struggle for words. Marinette soon found her music soft gentle there was an underlying sadness but that was to be expected, she found a rhythm and Luka hummed along he was still angry but he knew Marinette did not want revenge she wanted only for the truth. The music grew slowly it was warm and loving his heart melted and his grip tightened but Marinette played unbothered pouring her love and care into each note. She loved him and he loved her and in that moment even with all the horrible things that had happened and had still yet to come they were content.

An hour or so later when Kagami and Chloe arrived the store was retold and new anger sparked Chloe fumed and yelled while the ever calm Kagami sat like stone eyes staring into the remains of Marinette's most precious guitar as if trying to comprehend the senseless act of cruelty. But there was nothing to understand, only cold cruel reality.

“We can’t just let this go! They’ve gone too far!” Chloe despite all the advancements she’d made stamped down her foot angrily. It made Marinette who was burrowed comfortably in Luka’s arms snort in amusement. She shifted turning in Luka’s lap to better address her friends.

“We won’t. But were not stooping to their level either. I want the truth and I want to live my life free of lies and guilt and shame! They may have made me feel useless took me lower than ever before but Im not ever letting anyone do that to me again!” Marinettes words were so firm so full of fire that no one questioned her. There was a moment of silence before Chloe grinned.

“Alright. What do you need?” Marinette returned the grin her eyes darting around before she spotted her sketchpad. She had a song to write.

Months passed by and Wildfire announced that they were ready to be seen for the first time by the world in their first ever concert and a few days after that mysterious envelopes appeared on the desks of almost every student in a certain class at College Francoise Dupont. Almost because one Chloe Bourgeois and Marinette Dupain-Cheng had not received any such mystery envelope though they didn't seem bothered by that at all. As the class filtered in no one paid attention to the two girls sitting in the back together chatting amicably and sharing macaroons. Instead everyone was busy looking curiously at the unmarked delivery on their desks though none dared open it without Lila. Finally the class queen arrived followed by her ever loyal reporter they took their seats and sure enough Alya with permission opened the envelope, the following scream of joy was almost enough to shatter glass.

“Oh my GOD! Lila girl! You are to good to us! Front row seats to the first ever Wildfire concert hosted by THE Jagged Stone! Pinch me I’m totally dreaming!” Everyone now eager to see if what Alya said was true ripped open their envelopes and gasped. Lila knew she had not bought tickets she knew she wasn't responsible but her sheep were well trained so anything good was obviously her doing and she was quick to lie.

“Well of course! Didn’t I tell you guys I had a surprise in store! And Jagged was so insistent on me being there but I totally refused to go unless all of YOU could come!” The class erupted into compliments showering the girl in praise for her selflessness.

“I just hope you didn’t extend your generosity too far SOME people really don’t deserve it!” Alya shot a look at Marinette and Chloe. Lila was pleased to note that neither girl had an envelope it was almost too easy.

“Oh Alya you know I would have invited them but everyone in Wildfire and me are actually good friends of mine and they refused to let me invite my bullies! But I really wish it could have been the whole class.” She wiped a fake tear from her face and practically threw herself at Adrien demanding comfort from the boy.

Chloe and Marinette however said nothing only watched the charade with growing amusement. Marinette caught Juleka looking at her and an invisible message passed between the two before Marinette smiled warmly. Juleka had finally had a long talk with her brother and Marinette and had finally redone her purple streaks there was no more tension between them and if anything Juleka was excited to see Lila’s empire fall. For the rest of the day all anyone could talk about was the concert and Lila eager to keep eyes on her kept piling on lie after lie.

“I'm sorry I didn’t get us backstage passes but you know how celebrities are! Oh but don’t worry Alya i'm SURE I could get you an interview! I mean were just that close!” Lie after lie the bubble grew larger and Chloe could not wait to watch it pop.

On the night of the concert weeks later the one who might have felt the bubble pop hardest was Alya. With their tickets in hand the class had been treated wonderfully they got in easily had the best seats and compliments rained down on Lila for everything. Jagged Stone had played some music to keep the crowd entertained but then finally the time came for Wildfire. The lights dimmed and Alya felt her heart pounding in her chest this was it! The music that started was unfamiliar and Alya heard Nino and Adrien excitedly whisper about how they must be starting with a totally new song! The music got louder instruments being added Alya felt shivers run over her body the dark stage not betraying a thing until all at once the music hit a peek the lights flared and there they were Wildfire for the first time in the flesh.

Alya was dizzy with excitement her eyes darting around trying to take everything in she was obviously recording everything on her phone that dizzying excitement at the thought of her next scoop is why she remained blind to what was truly in front of her. The lead singer had her eyes closed letting herself soak in the music as she played with her band Alya felt she was so familiar but it wasn't until her eyes slowly opened as she sang the first words that it dawned on everyone. Those bluebell eyes were unmistakable.

“MARINETTE?” It was Adrien who shouted it first he sounded horrified. Alya wanted to say he was wrong but despite how different the bluenette looked from earlier that day it was her. The blue flames that danced in her eyes the confident and almost wicked smirk as she sang her voice so different but now familiar like a siren drawing in the crowd.

“Its… not just Marinette.” Alya could barely hear Nino from the roar of the crowd and fire filled song on Marinette’s lips. But he was right slowly the class looked from person to person. Luka was possibly the easiest to recognize having changed his style the least. Chloe was next her hair and makeup altered but her unmistakable yellow theme showing through. The other girl was harder to pinpoint but finally Alya brain supplied a name ‘Kagami’ she remembered seeing Marinette climb into the girls car with Chloe for a shopping trip.

The memory made her jaw clench. Why had she not been invited? Why had she not been told? Marinette was lead singer for THE most popular band is paris and yet Alya her best friend knew NOTHING. ‘But are you really her friend?’ Alya felt her grip on her precious phone tighten until her knuckles were white. Of course they were friends! They had to be… Alya felt her shoulders sag as she listened to Marinette’s song. It was raw, anger, betrayal, fire, and Alya couldn't help but feel the lyrics were aimed at them. Her eyes looked over the pink guitar in Marinette's hands the one she played so expertly now and Alya bit her lip remembering the precious guitar she’d ripped out of Marinette’s hands and destroyed. The lyrics and tone of the music changed it was still heavy still the rock and roll Alya never would expect from Marinette. She tried to focus on what she was singing but it was painful to hear, moving on, getting stronger, burning those who wronged her into the ashes of the past. It got louder and louder and the concert Alya should have been loving felt like torture Marinette and her band all of Wildfire was practically screaming now it was passionate it was raw, it was a slap in the face.

When the song finally ended there was silence then a roar of applause the crowd loved it. But near the front the group save Juleka who was overjoyed and yelling wildly sat numb the lyrics coupled with realization of what was done and said leaving them feeling exposed. Lila however felt nervous her gut churning her mind racing, before the concert was over she needed to find a lie to cover for everything or her kingdom would crumble. When the applause died down the music began anew each song was different and unique each conveying emotions wild and unchecked and in Paris a land where emotions were kept so lidded due to Hawkmoth it was like a breath of fresh air. Then the music slowed the love duet that had helped skyrocket the band into popularity in the first place. Marinette who for the most part stood apart and in front stepped back to be near Luka the two looked at each other as they sang their eyes never parting as they sang together then back and forth the soft loving smiles they had was enough to fill Lila with jealousy, the liar had thought she'd taken away the love of Marinette’s life but here on stage for all to see the two were practically declaring their undying love for all too see. And one glance at Adrien Agreste showed how unhappy how clearly jealous he was.

Finally what felt like an eternity later and 2 encores later the concert came to a close. Marinette grinned as she took the microphone into her hand waving enthusiastically to the crowd. “Thank you each and every one of you for coming out to Wildfire’s first ever concert! We cannot wait to perform and sing more for all of you another day!” The crowd cried out praises as the group disappeared behind stage. Soon people began to file out but the class stayed where they were struggling to process all that they had just heard and witnessed. Finally it was Rose who broke the silence.

“Lila you…You! Lied! To us!” The small girl was trembling huge tears threatening to fall from her large eyes. Juleka placed a supportive hand around her to keep her steady. Alya reflexitively went to defend Lila only to bite her tongue. Lila had said she was best friends with Wildfire, she claimed the tickets were her doing, she’d been saying for months all Marinette wanted was Adrien and she’d bully anyone for him but she sang of Luka and smiled for him. Just how many lies had Lila told?

“R-Rose how c-c-could you! I would never lie! Right Alya!?” Lila sobbed out. “I-I’m so hurt you would say s-such an AWFUL thing!” Lila threw herself into Adrien’s arms crying into his chest.the class exchanged a look they were confused. It was Nino who came to Rose’s defense first.

“You said you were Wildfire’s friend but Marinette like hates you dude.” The class murmured in agreement which gave Nino the encouragement to continue. “Also I just don’t believe Marinette would sing like that about Luka if she was really after Adrien you know?”

“SHE- SHE’S JUST USING THAT LUKA GUY!” Lila’s facade was cracking the panic she felt bubbling into her desperate words. The class was muttering now, were the tickets really her? What about saying she was Prince Ali’s secret lover? Or saving Jagged Stone’s cat? Had he had a cat?

“There’s an easy way to solve this you know.” The class looked at Juleka stunned waiting for her to continue. “We just ask Marinette.” She pointed to Penny Rolling who stood at the entrance to the backstage checking her clipboard. Lila was quick to try and cut in but Alya gripped her tightly and dragged her towards the backstage the class in tow none noticing the amused smile on Juleka’s lips.

Getting back stage was surprisingly easy Alya had all but demanded to see Marinette and Penny would normally refuse but when she saw Juleka in the group she gave a forced polite smile and guided them. When they entered the room where Wildfire was relaxing Alya felt the air and whatever she had planned to say leave her body along with her soul. Marinette sat her back to Luka’s chest the boy holding her tenderly a soft smile on his face as he watched his beloved Marinette negotiate with a CROCODILE ‘Fang’ Alya’s mind supplied about how no the scaly creature did not NEED another slice of pizza and no puppy eyes would change that. Chloe meanwhile had her head in Kagami’s lap while she redid her nail polish. Kagami was lovingly stroking the blondes hair while arguing with Jagged about which pizza toppings should be illegal. The whole scene was too much and Alya felt her brain short circuit and rage build it should have been HER she was Marinette’s best friend!

“Well, well, look what the alley cat dragged in~” Chloe had been the first to notice vengeful wicked smile plastered on her face as she sat up and wrapped herself in Kagami’s arms. “I hope you all LOVED the show!” Alya felt her rage build until she felt she’d pop.

“HOW COULD YOU MARINETTE! I thought I was your BEST FRIEND! Why didn’t you tell me!” Fang who’d previously been relaxed turned and growled at Alya causing the girl to shrink back.

“Oh please Alya.” Marinette’s voice was cool, the blue flames dancing in her eyes. “You? My best friend? I think that would require us to talk. And your daily insults hardly count.” Alya felt a pang in her chest guilt eating at her shame staining her cheeks.

“Tch. I know Ive certainly never heard of any friends who break each other guitars on purpose.” Kagami’s voice was like ice piercing the classes hearts shame and guilt wracking them.

“So… Lila really was lying then?” Alya shot a glare at Nino causing the boy to wither under his demanding girlfriend gaze. It was Chloe who burst into laughter first high and mocking followed by Marinette. Alya bristled not understanding what was so funny. When Marinette was done laughing she stood Luka easily letting her go his loving eyes watching his now confident sweet girlfriend.

“Lila is a liar.” It was a fact nothing more but it bit like teeth. Marinette began slowly walking back and forth in front of the class “She’s lied to all of you. About everything, she isn’t Prince Ali’s secret lover, she isnt Wildfire’s good friend, Ladybug’s got no clue who she is, no she didn’t buy you the tickets tonight, I’ve been dating Luka for months, I don't care enough to bully her, and for the last time Jagged Stone never owned a cat.” To that Jagged cheered and threw his beloved Fang another slice of pizza.

Lila burst once more into sobs and clung onto Adrien as she whined about how cruel Marinette was. “Oh those are the fakest tears I’ve ever seen! I can’t believe any of you fell for it! Ridiculous! Utterly Ridiculous!” The class looked if possible even more ashamed. Finally Adrien who’d been silent broke.

“I can’t believe you Marinette! I thought we’d agreed but no you had to pull this ACT all because I didn’t love you.” Marinette simply scoffed letting herself fall back on to the couch and into Luka’s waiting arms.

“Oh please Agreste. I never agreed to anything. And in case you didn’t notice. I don’t need or want YOUR love.” Luka who had seemed previously content to sit by pulled Marinette close to himself protectively she giggled at the rare show of jealousy. Nino’s eyes widened as he stared at Adrien.

“You knew?” The class paused finally realizing. “Adrien, bro answer me! DID YOU KNOW!” Adrien stiffened and nodded. That was it the class erupted accusations firing in every direction Lila sobbing trying desperately to get pity. The noise was silenced when Kagami loudly whistled. But it was Chloe who spoke.

“Listen. As fun as it is to watch you idiots realize just how stupid you’ve all been its been a long night for us~ So I think its time for dear Uncle Jagged and auntie Penny to give you your farewell gifts. What do you think Marinette?” The bluenette was comfortably nestled in Luka’s arms gently caressing her boyfriends cheek with a small hand but she gave an absent nod to go ahead. With the signal to go ahead Penny handed out large stacks of paper to Lila and Alya respectively.

Alya felt the numbness return to her body. Adrien had known, shed destroyed Marinette’s guitar and trust, Lila had lied potentially as Mari had said about EVERYTHING, how could things be worse. At Lila’s screech of horror Alya finally looked down at the papers. “Your… Suing us?” Her tongue felt like led.

“Oh not us.” It was finally Luka who spoke the usually calm boy clearly containing some hidden rage he felt toward the class though it seemed Marinette’s touches helped him remain composed. “Just some celebrities including Jagged are. After all you wrote a LOT of stories about them.” The boy looked pleased.

Beside her Lila kept sputtering angrily but Alya was completely frozen this had to be some mistake! Marinette! Marinette would help her. “Mari gurl! Your joking right?” Alya grinned wildly looking much like a crazed animal “I mean you won't let anyone sue me! You’ll help me right? You know I'm sorry about the guitar thing!” Marinette’s eyes grew uncertain the fire in them dimming Alya felt her heart leap in hope until Luka took her gently by the chin and they looked each other he silently shook his head no and just like that the wildfire in her eyes returned. The bluenette looked at her old friend and Alya felt like her skin was on fire.

“I think its about time you all went home.” Alya screeched trying to protest Adrien and Lila joining in. Juleka left the rest of her stunned classmates to sit with Luka absently petting Fang as the chaotic confused student body was pushed out by security. Luka smiled proudly at HIS wildfire his beautiful brave Marinette the spark in her was brighter than he'd ever thought it could be she was a beautiful star one he felt undeserving to be loved by. As if reading his thoughts she smiled and kissed him sweetly.

All of this, none of it had been intentional. Not falling in love with both music and Luka. Not exposing or getting her class sued. No all Marinette had ever wanted was to express herself proudly to feel each emotion good and bad. But as a member of Wildfire Marinette had gotten everything she’s wanted and more. As she curled into Luka ever warm and comforting arms she felt herself relax in a way she’d never thought possible. Yes nothing had been intentional but it didn’t need to be.

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#lukanette #marinette x luka #miraculous fanfic #miraculous salt #so much salt #i just want good things for luka #my fic

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littlenoona · 4 years

Text

Untouched.

Summary: Your long time crush finds you in a club and unexpectedly takes you home.

Warnings: Virgin kink(I think? Probably not tbh now that I read through it), rough sex, multiple orgasms, over stimulation, dirty talk, praise, throw some noona in there, big dick, alcohol, oral(f), kitten, babygirl and baby pet names.

Genre: Smut & fluff.

Pairing: Jungkook x Reader(F).

Word Count: 5,553.

Masterlist.

Leaning your bare shoulders against the cold tiles of the club’s wall you sipped on your drink, the sour of the alcohol hitting your tongue and making your lips purse slightly, your short black dress feeling a little tighter than when you left home, your feet stinging from the prolonged use, despite wearing a pair of flat shoes.

Your eyes fell on your friend, Narae, dancing in the middle of a pile of people, as she always did, full of confidence and life, she was such an opposite to you - she always managed to pull you to these places despite your introverted nature, though you couldn’t say you didn't often have fun when she did it, the night usually went well and a good sleep was certainly had after.

Downing the remainder of your drink you put the empty glass on an unoccupied table nearby, a hand grabbing your wrist as soon as you placed it down, pulling you into a firm chest, arms wrapping around you to hold you tight, you nearly screamed but it was stopped when you heard a familiar deep voice cut through the music and reach your ear, “Well if it isn’t my favourite noona!”

You smiled and leaned into the hug, your own arms enveloping the waist of the man in front of you, his aftershave causing butterflies in your stomach, “Jungkookah!”

He leaned back and his eyes found yours, his heart fluttering smile appearing, “I haven’t seen you for so long! How have you been?”

So much was true, Jungkook was not in your circle of friends, an extended acquaintance that you had been pining after since you met him - he always treated you like you were above all whenever he saw you, which didn’t help the feelings you continuously felt for him, but you held your tongue, he was so far out of your league and the fact that you didn’t have an established friendship only added to that.

“Same old, same old. Too much work, not enough play.” you shrugged, “How about you?”

“Busy, busy!” he laughed, running his fingers through his messy hair, making you realise that your arms were still around him, as was his remaining arm around you, holding your body close to his.

He’d changed a little since you last saw him, his hair was longer, almost hiding the piercings in his ears, his body had swollen significantly, you knew he liked to work out and you could see, as well as feel, how well it paid off - a few buttons open by his neck, his white dress shirt sat tight around his torso leading down to his small waist, a belt embedded in his black slacks emphasising it before leading down to his thick thighs and round behind, all of it making Jungkook, standing tall above you.

Luckily, his sweet black doe eyes and expressive smile hadn’t changed, the same old nose scrunch and full body movement when he laughed - something you adored so much.

“Are you eyeing up the crowd for a guy to take home?” he queried, his eyes peering through the massive amounts of people - you opened your mouth to respond but before you even managed to utter a word he continued to speak, his eyes returning to yours, “I’ll have to assess him first and I can already tell you, none of these are good enough for you.”

“I’m your innocent and uncorrupt noona, remember?” you smiled, shaking your head, but when he raised an eyebrow at you in response you chuckled and explained it plainly, “I’m a virgin, Jungkookah.”

The drinks swirling in your bloodstream may have given you more confidence, made you say and do things you wouldn’t normally do, destroy some inhibitions, make you a little wobbly on your feet, but you didn’t miss the way his eyes seemed to change, grow darker below his brows and show a hunger you hadn’t seen before, though it was short lived as they quickly returned to their normal adoring state.

His finger went under your chin and lifted your head slightly, “Come find me if someone makes unwanted advances on you, noona, I’ll be your boyfriend for the night.”

You didn't know how to respond, but you could feel the fire in your cheeks, the position he had you in and the words he spoke, you were done for - as if called to save you Narae appeared, bowing towards Jungkook as a greeting before turning to you, grabbing your arm, “Come dance with me!”

Smiling at Jungkook, he let go of you and you followed her into the crowd of people, the music growing louder with every step you took, the heat from the other bodies radiating onto you as she stopped and started to move her body in front of you, and you did the same, the blinking lights above you causing everything to become stop motion movements.

You mimicked her movements, swaying your hips, rolling your body in ways you didn’t even know you could, letting your hands roam your own body, the thud of the music escaping the floor into the soles of your feet, the base emitted from the speakers beating in your chest.

Between light flickers one of Narae’s old flames had found her in the pool of people and had his body pressed against hers, her eyes opened and fell on you to judge if she should push him away, to not make you uncomfortable, but your stare had found someone else's - Jungkook’s - standing at the edge of the room where you had left him, his hands in his pockets, leaning against the wall as he observed you move so suggestively, his eyes locked on you as a predator would his prey below his furrowed brow.

You slid your hand up your body and into your hair, leaning your head back in a pleasured manner before letting it glide back down your throat, between your breasts and down to your core, rolling your hips against it, biting your bottom lip as your other hand raised and gestured for him to come to you.

He responded instantly, walking towards you with a glare that could send you to your knees, moving between people without losing sight of you until he reached you, his arm extending to put his hand on your stomach, moving behind you, holding your body tightly against his as he swayed with you, moving his face into the crevice of your neck, you could feel his breath and lips on your skin, your hand going behind you and into his hair, feeling the softness of his locks, you leaned your head back on his shoulder as his other hand held onto your side with a strong grip.

Your body continued to move, molded to his, despite the music changing pace, whether it be faster or slower, you didn’t change yours, rolling against him as if no other people were around to see, the fire under your skin controlling your every move, your hand holding onto his arm on your stomach, feeling the protruding veins of it against your palm - the heat radiating off of him causing a shine to appear on your skin.

Pressing his hips against you, you felt how hard he’d gotten from watching you and you grinding on him, returning the play you pushed yourself back on it, hearing a harsh sigh released from him, his fingers digging into your body to signify his need and approval of your movements - a throb in your core made the slick between your folds very apparent.

You turned your head and you were face to face with him, his eyes flickering between your open mouthed breaths and eyes, as yours did with him, so close, yet so far, his lips almost touching yours, but he stayed away, playing on your desperation for him - his hand on your side moved up between your breasts and to your throat, gripping it softly, leaning his mouth to your ear, his other hand slowly running down to your core, but never touching it, “Let me take you home.”

Looking over at Narae, she was equally as occupied with her flame, but as if she felt you looking at her, she opened her eyes and you flicked your eyes to the exit before going back to her with a suggestive smile and she nodded softly with a smirk, knowing exactly what you meant, returning her full attention to her chosen one of the night.

Leaning away from Jungkook, he looked down at you and you nodded with your lip situated between your teeth, an excitement in your body you couldn’t describe, your stomach clenching - he took your hand and kept you close as he guided you out of the club, the cold burning your skin while you walked towards one of the taxi’s already parked outside, the dull thud of the music fading, your eyes noting the large amount of people stood outside smoking.

He opened the door for you and you scooted in, moving to the middle so he could get in after you, he gave the driver his address as he closed the door and the lights above you turned off, the driver moving off quickly - Jungkook looked at you, moved his arm behind you, pulled you close to him, his body heat warming you up quickly when you leaned into him, his hand coming to rest on your thigh, sliding it under your dress, his thumb caressing your skin so close to your core, your own hand grasping his shirt and thigh as he leaned his face into your neck, running his nose along it.

The drinks you had served to make time pass faster, Jungkook’s movements only assisting that, finally pressing his lips fully to your neck, placing kiss after kiss, opening his mouth to run his tongue along your skin, taking what little breath you had away from you, you closed your eyes, your heart pounding in your chest as it raised and fell heavily, a soft moan escaping you when you felt his fingers dig into the skin of your side and thigh, a deep chuckle leaving him in approval.

The car stopped and Jungkook detached his lips from you, noticing that you’d arrived at his, he moved to pay the driver, opening the door to get out with a, “Keep the change.”

He extended his hand to you and you took it, getting out of the car, shaking slightly on your legs as he led you to his door, extracting his keys from his pocket, unlocking the door and motioning for you to enter, following behind you, locking the door before he grabbed you and pushed you against it, pressing his body to yours, one arm resting above your head, the other next to you, looking down at you with hungry eyes, licking his lips.

“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” he whispered, “You can say stop at any time.”

You offered him a shy smile, appreciating his need for your consent, reaching up to cup his cheek, “I want you.”

As if to confirm to him, you leaned in and pressed your lips to his, they were as soft as you’d always imagined - his hands ran down your sides and under your thighs, lifting you up, your legs wrapping around his waist, your shoes falling off your feet in the process, feeling him press his member against your core, a choked moan stuck in your throat because of it, he deepened the kiss, your other hand sliding into his hair, desperately holding onto him.

Pulling you from the door, he walked through his house with you attached to him, softly kicking the door of his bedroom open, leaning over the bed to put you down slowly, hovering above you as your back hit the mattress, his arms extended on by your sides - his lips never left yours, moving against them with hunger and need, yet delicate and considerate.

He placed his hand on your chest and you felt the scorching heat of it, goosebumps rising on your skin, he dragged it up to one of your shoulders, sliding the strap of your dress down before doing it to the opposite side too, returning his hand to the middle again, hooking his finger under the fabric to pull it down to your waist, exposing your bare torso and allowing your arms to slip out of the straps, his fingers tracing up to your breast, one of them circling your nipple softly causing a slight shiver in your breath, flinching your chest away from him - your lips stuck together slightly as he pulled away to look down at you, your hair dishevelled around your figure, your eyes opening slowly to reveal blown out pupils, your cheeks flushed.

“So sensitive..” he purred.

He moved further down your body, attaching his lips to your other nipple, flicking his tongue against it, circling it, biting it softly, causing you to whimper, your hand finding the back of his head, intertwining your fingers in his locks, electricity sent directly from your breast to your core, a needy clench in it before he kissed down your stomach, pulling your dress with him until he could pull it off your legs, leaving you in only your underwear.

Sitting down on his knees on the floor, he leaned in between your legs, moving them onto his shoulders, he kissed along the edge of the fabric on your stomach, loving the soft sighs you released, dragging his lips against your inner thigh until he reached your core, the wet spot on them allowing pride to swell in his chest - he planted a kiss to your folds, opening his mouth and letting you feel his breath on your core before he swiped his tongue along it, your breath hitching at the action.

He hooked his fingers under the hem of your underwear and pulled them off, returning to his position between your legs, looking at the shine of your core while you thanked yourself for insisting you shaved before going out.

“Such a pretty cunt, baby.” he growled, his fingers spreading your folds to adore the sight, “You’re so small, I might break you.”

“Jungkookah..” you released your breath, his words so new to you, but making you feel so good, his tongue pressed against your clit and you gasped, your fingers digging into the sheets below you.

“Mmm?” he hummed against you, letting his tongue circle your most delicate spot.

“Fuck..” you mewled.

He hooked his arms under and around your thighs, pulling you closer to him and to hold you in place while his tongue slowly swiped up and down your slit, your hand came down to hold onto his hair, feeling his head move in rhythm with his tongue - his lips wrapped around your clit and he sucked gently on it causing a feeling in your heat that had your toes curling behind his head, extracting small whimpers from you that only grew in volume until they turned to moans, his tongue widening to cover all of your clit while he repeatedly licked it.

Moving one of his arms away from your thigh, his fingers instead slipped between your folds, letting one finger circle around before pushing into you, keeping it still momentarily, listening to your sharp and quick inhale, the newfound feeling sending a shock wave through you - he moved it slowly, looking up at you through hooded lids, watching as you surrendered yourself to him, closed eyes, reddened cheeks, mouth ajar, sounds of lust leaving it, grabbing at the fabric below you.

Letting a second finger slip into you he waited for it to be coated in your essence before slipping a third into you and you felt the burn becoming harder to ignore, a pressure in the back of your core coming closer the longer his mouth was attached to you - his tongue licking across the top of your clit, circling around it, drawing crosses on it and sucking on it, his fingers maintaining a slow pace in contrast to his tongue.

He felt you clench on his fingers and he knew that you were getting close, confirmed by your stomach tensing more and more, your legs quivering beside him, your moans becoming shorter and more frequent separated by quick pants and curses - he curled his fingers inside you, finding a spot you didn’t know you had and didn’t know could feel so good, throwing you to the generosity of your orgasm, his grip on your thigh strengthened and his tongue grew more vicious, so desperate to hear and feel you come undone by him, to taste your release.

“J-Jungkookah..” you desperately breathed, arching your back into the mattress while the muscles of your body became rigid and the pressure in your core was on the breaking point.

He sucked harshly on your clit and your orgasm broke loose, sending wave after wave of pleasure through your body, clenching repeatedly on his fingers while he continued his actions, your breathing laboured and shaky, such intensity rippling through your body while you lost almost all control of it, but his movements didn’t stop and you became increasingly sensitive, almost not able to handle the pleasure.

“I can’t..” you panted, leaning your head into the mattress below, “F-fuck..”

Your hands reached down to him, but he didn’t stop, pulling his fingers from you to grab your wrists and hold them against your thighs, keeping you where you were, completely at his mercy, his tongue ruthlessly swiping across your clit repeatedly, growling in approval into you as you writhed below him, your body trembling, your hips raising and lowering as much as his grip allowed, desperately trying to move away from him, but to no avail, loud whimpers extracted from you endlessly, a blaze rising behind your clit causing your body to still entirely, your hands fighting against his as another orgasm surged through you, almost painful but so powerful, an intoxicating feeling.

He finally let go of you, standing up to lean down to you, encasing you between his arms, as your body twitched and you grabbed a hold of his shirt, “I’m here, I’ve got you.” he cooed in your ear, “You’re okay, you did so fucking good for me.”

Kicking his shoes off, he undid his belt and pulled his slacks as well as boxers down, leaving his shirt on as you were still holding on to it, he hooked his arm under your back to move you up to the headboard, placing you down gently on the pillows - he laid down on top of you, keeping his arm around you, the other by your side, pressing soft kisses to your neck, humming softly as he saw you stretch it to give him more room, “Still want more?”

“I do..” you breathed.

He raised himself above you and your fingers found their way to the buttons on his shirt, one by one revealing his extremely muscular body, your hand gliding down his chest and stomach, feeling the curves, dips and dents of his body before going back up to his shoulders, each of your hands pulling the fabric down his arms, your hands not even able to fit half way around them - you were in awe of his figure and he could see it on your features, exactly what he wanted.

Ridding himself of the clothing he pressed his lips to yours, desperation clear by the way he was pushing against you, a hungry frenzy taking over him, he positioned himself closer to you and you finally felt his member lying heavily against your stomach, a nervousness settling in you when you felt the size of it - he playfully bit your bottom lip and you opened your mouth in a groan, his tongue experimentally swiped against it after and you let your tongue out to find his, a fight for dominance short lived as you let him take over you, feeling his hand slide down your side and under your thigh, lifting it up against his side, pressing his body against yours.

His hand slid from your thigh to your core, taking his member in hand to slide it up and down your folds, coating himself in your wetness before pushing slowly into you, the burn of his large member radiating through your entire body, a painful pleasure you could easily get addicted to only increasing the further in he pushed, your legs squeezing around him, your nails digging into his chest when you released from his lips and leaned your head back, a whimpering moan leaving your lips.

“So fucking tight..” he growled, looking down between your bodies, watching as he disappeared into you before leaning into your neck, his hands grasping at the sheets below you, a soft groan released from his lips when his hips finally met your skin.

“God.. Jungkookah..” you mewled into his chest, “I should’ve found someone with a smaller cock for my first time.”

“I wouldn’t have let them take it, your virgin cunt is mine.” he chuckled lowly, “Only mine.”

Slowly pulling out of you he started a slow pace of grinding into you, getting you used to him as he filled you completely and you could feel every movement he made - he rested on his elbows beside your head, making you feel so small below him while he pushed his lips to yours, soft moans leaving him only overshadowed by your own slightly louder ones, your hands going under his arms to his back, feeling his muscles flex below your palms when he moved, his own hands gripping the pillow under you.

He detached his mouth from yours, letting it instead find your neck, biting you gently as his hips increased their pace, turning into a proper thrust instead of grind, a new, more sharp, pleasure shooting through you - you leaned your forehead against his shoulder, your nails digging into his back, scratching down his skin causing him to growl against your skin, arching his back into your action.

You released a breathy laugh, a smile painted on your lips, “Love a bit of pain, do you?”

“You have no idea, baby..” he whispered as he held still, lifted himself and grabbed your arms, removing them from his back so he could grab your wrists and hold them down against the mattress next to your head, looking down at you with a cocky smirk, “But you’re not quite ready for that kinda roughness yet.”

“Scared you’re going to break me, Jungkookah?” you teased with a fake pout.

He raised a brow at you, tilting his head, “Playing with fire there, kitten.”

The new nickname caused your core to clench around him, something he very clearly noticed because his smile grew wider - your cheeks started heating up and you averted your gaze from him.

Leaning down to your ear, he whispered mischievously, “I’ve barely started with you, I’ve barely taken your virginity, and you want me to be rough with you already?” he paused, and you could hear a soft snicker leave him, “Is that right, kitten?”

He didn’t miss how your breathing hitched, so he let go of your wrists and leaned back to sit on his knees, pushing his hair back before he grabbed your hips and forcefully pulled you close to him, burying himself in you causing a whine to leave you, he placed his hand on your stomach, spreading his fingers and let it drag up to your throat, holding onto it, you tilted your head back, welcoming his hand, he watched as your breathing became heavier and your lips parted to accommodate, he spoke, “Remember what I told you, you can say stop at any time.”

You nodded softly as he let go and his hand returned to your hip, his thrusts starting slowly but increasing in pace and force quickly - you couldn’t help but close your eyes and let yourself succumb to his movements, your fingers digging into the sheets while your mouth fell open, letting moans escape repeatedly.

His hands slid to the back of your knees, pushing your legs towards your stomach and spreading them further apart, his stare falling to where he pushed in and out of you, allowing him to go slightly deeper into you and you felt like he might actually break you, his eyes indulging in the sight of you, naked, vulnerable and surrendered to him - you opened your eyes and looked up at him, his hair hanging in strands in front of his face, a shine of sweat across his body, his abs flexing every time he thrusted into you, as did his arms as he held your legs in place.

His eyes flickered up to yours, hungrily looking down your body under his furrowed brow, “You look so fucking gorgeous, baby.”

Pulling out of you, he used his grip on your legs to turn you around, spreading them to move between them, hovering above you resting on his stretched arms, while you rested on your elbows, he moved your hair from your shoulder to the side, softly kissing the skin of your neck, “Raise your ass a little for me, babygirl.”

You did as he asked and he pushed back into you, your mouth falling open in a silent moan, loving how he filled you in a whole new way, your fingers digging into the pillow in front of you, hearing Jungkook let out a slight hiss.

“You take me so well, kitten.” he smirked against your temple, “So tight around my cock.”

Humming softly in response, you felt him start a slow pace but quickly changed it to faster and harder thrusts, panting against your shoulder, biting it harshly making you whine loudly, leaning your head forward while he swiped his tongue across the mark he had left - you looked back at him and he instantly captured your lips in a heated kiss, hardly able to keep them pressed to each other because of his hips continuously pushing you forward.

You couldn’t keep up with the pleasure surging through your body, you let go of his lips and leaned your head back on his shoulder, mewling while your body shook beneath him - he slowed down slightly, his voice smug, “What’s wrong, baby? Can’t handle it?”

You couldn’t even continue the cocky game you were playing, your body and mind was so desperate for release, you gave in, whining back at him, “I wanna cum so bad, Jungkookah, please, feels so good..”

“Yeah?” he purred, making you quickly nod in response before he continued, “I’ll take good care of you.”

He returned to his forceful thrusts, angling his hips slightly different hitting something in you that had bolts shooting through your body, a sensation you couldn’t describe rising in your feet and thighs, your legs tensing and locking in place, your heart pounding in your chest as you desperately begged for your orgasm to come closer, Jungkook’s pace making it a reality.

Your core snapped and clenched tightly on him causing him to bury his member deep inside you, your back arching into his body when your abs constricted again and again, bliss pouring through every part of your frame.

“Fucking..” he groaned, overwhelmed by how good it felt having you cum on him before he praised you, “Good girl..”

He throbbed needily inside you, letting you calm down from your high, waiting for your body to stop shivering, pressing sweet kisses to your skin before he pulled from you and sat up on his knees, pulling your legs closed beneath him, sitting down on them to pull your folds apart and push into you again, chasing his own high which was so close he could feel it in his stomach.

One of his hands rested on your hip, the other on your shoulder, pulling you back as he pushed against you, his soft moans becoming more apparent between his exhausted breaths, “God.. Fuck..”

Your overstimulated cries intertwined with his as his hips stuttered and stilled when he spilled inside you, thrusting softly to ride his orgasm completely, his body shuddering when he had nothing left to offer, his hands letting go of you, sitting back on his heels, heaving for air, your body falling flat on the mattress, equally exhausted and gasping for air.

He pulled from you and stood up next to the bed, wobbling on his legs before disappearing into the bathroom and you heard the shower start - you turned onto your side, a direct line of sight to the bathroom from where you were, you watched his figure step under the running water, but you closed your eyes and let your body regain some strength, though it wasn’t long before heard shuffling next to you and the back of his knuckles tenderly swept across your cheek, “Let’s get you cleaned up, get some food and water in you.”

You merely mumbled in response, an objection because you didn’t want to leave the bed, but he didn’t give you much choice when he hooked his arms under your legs and back, your own wrapping around his neck as he carried you to the bathroom, putting you down by the shower, finally opening your eyes, he pressed a kiss to your forehead, “There’s a towel and one of my shirts you can wear by the sink, call if you need me.”

He walked out and left you to your own, giving you a few seconds to admire how his sweatpants were hugging his small waist and how his bare back was covered in your scratches, causing a smile to appear on your lips as you stepped into the shower and washed yourself.

Drying off and putting on the shirt he’d left for you, his scent filled your senses with joy while you walked to the kitchen, seeing him sat by the dining room table swallowing noodles, motioning towards the bowl across from him, set up for you.

You’d both sobered up quite a bit after eating, you were sat taking small sips of the glass of water in your hand, your eyes fixated on the floor, absent from reality and Jungkook could tell something was wrong.

“Noona?” he spoke softly.

Your eyes returned to him with a smile, “Mmh?”

“Are you okay?” he asked, his features worried.

You nodded in response, but you didn’t quite sell it to him - you didn’t regret coming here, you didn’t regret having sex with him, but you were sad that you’d probably not see him again for a long time, that he wasn’t someone you frequently spoke to, that he wasn’t aware of how much you wanted to be with him, how your feelings had developed over so long.

“Do you..” he hesitated to ask, “Regret coming home with me?”

“No!” you responded quickly, raising your hand to dismiss him, “No, I don’t.”

He stood up and walked over to you, squatting down by your chair and you put your glass down, turning your body to him, he placed his hands on your bare thighs, his thumbs caressing your skin softly, “Was it something I did? Was I too rough?”

“No, Jungkookah, it was amazing.” you laughed, “I just..”

Your eyes dropped to where his hands were placed on you, your smile fading, you didn’t know how to say it, or even if it was a good idea to, knowing how it would probably sound like the virgin he’d just taken home got attached, but you had feelings for him before this happened, since you first met him quite a few years ago and you only fell harder every time you saw him after that, every time you spoke, when you learned more about him, when he treated you like you were his favourite and was always by your side when you unexpectedly met, whether it be at parties, random gatherings between your circle of friends or just in town.

“You’re worried you’re not going to see me again, aren’t you?” he intervened your thoughts.

Raising your gaze, you saw the sincere concern in his near black eyes, almost hidden behind his dishevelled hair and you offered a small nod - he hit the spot.

“Baby..” he sighed while standing up, he placed both his hands on each of your cheeks, making you look up at him as he leaned down and placed the most tender kiss to your lips, your own hands holding onto his wrists, feeling his thumbs gently swipe across your skin - the kiss hurt your soul, a cold thud in your chest as your heart’s pace increased, leaving you in a limbo with no answer until he let go of your lips and looked at you with a smile.

“That’s not going to happen, you’re my favourite noona, remember?” he smiled, “I’d like to see much more of you.”

“Really?” you blurted out with surprise.

“Yes.” he chuckled, wrapping one of his arms around your back to pull you up and stand against him, “Care to join me in bed? I’m exhausted.”

“Mmhm!” you hummed in excitement, wrapping your arms around his neck as he almost carried you to bed while you dangled off of him, his laughter at your silliness sounding sweeter than ever.

Please do not repost. If you wish to repost, please contact me directly requesting permission, with details of where, and on what account(name). I will put the details of approved reposts below.

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perriewinklenerdie · 5 years

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Fight for me (Ethan Ramsey x MC)

Open Heart, Ethan Ramsey x MC

Author’s note: Hi! As you can probably already guess, that was, as always, meant to be a short one shot about our favorite doctor… but I apparently cannot seem to shut up about him, no matter if I’m speaking or writing :D So, that is based on a request from @abbyarchie (The request was Ethan and MC being married and a little bit of a protective husband when someone attacks his wife action). I started writing it and my imagination just started flowing, that’s why it’s so long and has so many different stories in it. Anyway, I really hope you enjoy it, English is still not my first language and my MC is still Clarissa “Claire” Herondale…in this fanfic she’s actually a Ramsey, but I’ll let it slide :D Enjoy! <3

Word Count: 3651

People in the hospital have always spoken well about Ethan. Be it either with respect for his knowledge and his work, or with a lovesick undertone, talking about his good looks.

Overall he was rather reserved, keeping his distance. Always a little to harsh for the interns, his demeanor didn’t change even when he was talking to his long-time colleagues. Everyone just assumed that that was the type of person he was, definitely not shy, he was beaming with confidence most of the time, but he was seen as a person that would rather avoid other people when he could.

When Claire walked into his life, he started to change. He saw it himself, didn’t know what it was about her, but it made him want to open up, be honest with her. His face would light up when she walked in the room.

Their relationship had a rocky start. They begun dating back when she still was an intern and she was still a part of competition. They tried, really tried to stay away from each other. But it only made them want each other more. He was running to her more and more, to kiss her, to take her home with him or simply just so he could lay his head on her stomach and vent, then listen to her sing to him softly.

Then, Harper found out about them. She was not pleased to say the least. She threatened them both with revealing it to everyone, ruining their careers for good. It destroyed Claire’s heart when she broke things off with Ethan.

He was crying. For the first time since his childhood he cried. Begged her not to leave him alone. She cried too. For the love that could never be.

They spent the next month apart, avoiding each other, knowing it would hurt them to see each other and not be able to fall into each other’s arms. They both died inside everyday but they knew it was for the better.

When the day of the final results came, Ethan didn’t know what to expect. He stopped paying attention to other’s rankings, so he really had no idea who would be first.

He was shocked to see her name next to a number 1 on the list, but he was not surprised. She deserved it, she was brilliant, spectacular… he knew those things.

He watched for afar as she cheered with her friends, hugging them and talking. He decided to walk up to her and congratulate her, even though he knew it was their first conversation since their breakup. He stood next to her and put his hand on her shoulder.

“Claire…. Clarissa… congratulations. I always knew you could do it. You’re not an intern anymore.” He spoke softly, squeezing her shoulder. Her eyes met his, warmth emitting from them.

“Ethan…” she whispered, biting her lips, her gaze softening.

He knew when he was walking up to her that it would be hard to control himself. He fought. He swore he would. But around her all of his resolve just… disappeared.

“Claire…” he breathed out the words, barely audible but she heard him. And she understood.

She stood up on her tiptoes just as he leaned down to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate lock, their arms wounding around one another, holding each other close, much closer than they probably should given the time and place they were in but neither of them seemed to care. What mattered was that they were together.

He broke the kiss, resting his forehead on hers, his eyes close, breathing in her scent. She smiled, a small laugh escaping her lips. They were oblivious to many shocked looks they were getting, from both internes and older doctors. Harper couldn’t say she was surprised. She was debating in her head whether she should do something about it, ultimately deciding against it, she was glad that Ethan has finally found someone who could break down his barriers.

They stepped away from each other, hands intertwined. Big smiles on their faces said it all. They loved one another and not even time apart or distance could keep them from their feelings.

Her friends came up to them, shock evident on their faces. Sienna approached them and hugged her best friend while the rest just smiled.

“I’m so happy you two finally got together!” Sienna squealed, excited for the couple.

“Wha… How did you know?” Claire asked, disbelief on her face. Ethan had a small thrown upon his features, mixed with amusement and shock.

“Oh, come on. You two would always look at each other when you thought no one was looking. We saw that in your eyes. Dr. Ramsey… no offence, sir, but you look like a lovesick puppy when Claire is in the same room. And Claire… your eyes shine, you smile brighter” Sienna said, the rest of the interns nodding their heads in agreement.

“We were really that obvious?” Ethan mused, looking at the woman beside him, his arm still around her.

“Yes. We were wondering when you two would finally have the guts to get together.” Elijah laughed, the others joining him.

That was almost a year ago. Since then a couple of things changed.

She started working with him, the diagnostic team took her in with excitement, making her feel welcome. Meanwhile they were both trying to solve the mystery of Naveen’s sickness.

Then, after three months of nonstop work, they managed to find the cause of his condition. They immediately began treating it, bringing Ethan’s mentor back his health. The old man was now enjoying the pleasures of a work-free life, the pair meeting with him once every two weeks for dinner.

Five months after their relationship really began, he offered her to move in with him. He helped her pack her stuff and move them to their shared space, making her feel at home with him and Jenner.

That dog fell in love with his woman the moment he saw her. He adored her and she adored him, both of them spending quite a lot of time together.

He could very clearly remember the moment he realized she was the one for him. They were having dinner with Naveen, food already gone from their plates. He went to the kitchen to get a bottle of wine. Coming back he stopped for a second to take a look at the pair of people at the table.

Claire was talking to Naveen about their latest case, the old man listening with a smile on his face. He told Ethan how impressed he was with her compassion for people and intelligence, her ability to listen to what others are saying, the want to get to know them, all the things Ethan himself picked up on ever since the first day he knew her.

He loved her. That much he knew. He told her that in a heated moment of passion, his voice out of breath. She smiled, the biggest and brightest smile he has ever seen as she said it back. She is his best friend, biggest support. She can and wants to listen to him, she cares what his opinions are, what he thinks about, what is happening to him. He just cannot and doesn’t want to live without her.

So he proposed. He organized them both a quiet evening at home, he cooked dinner, they ate and talked. Then, he got down on one knee and said the words. Words of love, comfort, belief in one another. She fell to her knees, grabbed his face and kissed him, hard, pulling him to her. He laughed as he asked for her answer and she said yes.

Their wedding was beautiful. He got to meet her family, her parents were amazing people and they seemed to like him. Her brother is a good man, he enjoys talking to him. Naveen got to attend as well, Ethan’s family showed up too, despite him being sure they wouldn’t. They adored their new addition to the family from the start.

When he saw her in her dress, his heart stopped. He was mesmerized, her gown hugging her in all the right places, white and gorgeous. Her hair pinned up in an elegant manner, her makeup delicate. He wanted nothing more than to run to her, scoop her up in his arms and kiss her until they were both out of breath, take her away somewhere private and worship her but he knew better and decided against it.

The ceremony was beautiful. True to his words, when it was time for him to kiss the love of his life, he took her in his arms firmly, dipping her low and kissing her, her fingers tangling in his hair. The audience exploded with cheering and clapping but they didn’t seem to notice it. You could hear someone whistle at them, people laughing.

Finally, they separated but Ethan didn’t place her back on her feet yet. His arms still securely around her, their foreheads touching, he whispered to her breathlessly:

“I love you, Mrs. Ramsey.” They both smiled at her new title.

“I love you too, husband.” She looked into his eyes, full of light, a flirty sparkle in them.

He put her back on her feet, his arms not letting her go. They went to their reception, their first dance on their minds.

Ethan took her gently by her hand, placing his arm around her and burying his face in her hair, his mouth on her neck.

“How long are we supposed to be here for?” he asked quietly, his lips moving to her ear. he felt her shudder at the sound of his voice.

“We literally just got here. What, you don’t want to be seen with me?” she joked, her arms around his neck at this point, her lips on his ear too.

“You know I want to show you off to everyone, Love. But what I want to do more is just take you home and begin our honeymoon early, make sure everyone knows your new name.” He bit her earlobe lightly, a low grumble escaping his throat, his grip on her tightening. He heard a quiet moan straight in his ear.

It was going to be a long day.

Everyone could see they were a happy couple, they didn’t show too much affection at work, but they didn’t shy away from it either. There was no need to hide, they were married, everyone knew it.

Ethan became happier at work. He smiled more, was generally less grumpy towards his coworkers, although interns still annoyed the hell out of him.

The new batch of interns arrived at Edenbrook two months ago. There were a few promising ones. They seemed to know what they came for.

Interns that knew that they were married tended to not react when they did display some affection towards each other. There were a few which didn’t know they were together but they were quickly updated, one way or another. And there were a lot of situations in which they could obtain that knowledge.

Ethan was walking down the hall, files in his hand. That day was a disaster, his patients were rude, interns kept on bugging him and he didn’t have time to get coffee nor see his wife. He noticed a few interns standing by the wall of the hall, talking.

“Hi, dr. Ramsey!” one of the female interns said. He was not in the mood to get involved in any kind of conversation with them, so he chose to ignore them. He heard their voices but paid them no attention.

Then, he suddenly felt his files being ripped out of his hand and before he knew what was happening, Claire ran past him in the direction of his office, her laugh loud and teasing.

“Oh, she’s in so much trouble. Who is she even? Does she have a death wish?” he heard interns gush behind his back but he didn’t have time to tell them off.

He started running, trying to catch up to her, a smile appearing on his face.

“Ramsey! Ramsey, get back here, now!” he shouted, laughing. Nurses that passed him smiled at his lovestruck state. He couldn’t see the priceless faces of interns when they realized that the woman was actually his wife, shock and amazement painted all over their features.

Their internship was going smoothly, not without sacrifices and losses, but they were coping. Around a two months mark something weird begun happening. And not necessarily with interns.

It was his wife.

She was closed off. She begun pushing him away. When he asked her what was going on, she either avoided the subject by cutting the conversation loose or by distracting him. And she did have her ways to do just that, her hold over him not lessening over time.

She seemed insecure at work. When he asked her about something regarding the case they were doing at the moment she couldn’t form her words.

He knew something was happening. He just couldn’t figure out what it was.

Then, one day, he was walking down the hall, his eyes in the file he was holding when he passed a room. The door were open and he could hear the conversation the interns sitting inside were having.

“… and dr. Ramsey.” At that he stopped. He stood outside, his arms folded and pressed against the wall.

“dr. Ramsey? Please, she’s nothing more than a gold digger and an opportunist. Have you heard how she got on the diagnostic team? They had a competition and Ramsey was choosing who would win.”

“I heard she started sleeping with him to win and then she got pregnant and that’s why they are together.”

“I’m sure she’s not that great of a doctor, how much could she know? I bet I am a better doctor than she could ever be.” A young man said. Ethan had no idea what his name was but to be honest, he didn’t really care.

He felt his blood boil. Never before in his whole life has he heard such bullshit. He began wondering where did they get those idiotic ideas from and why do they have so much free time that they were able to come up with something like this. Then it hit him like a lightning.

Was that why Claire was so closed off? Has she heard what they were talking about her and took it to heart? He knew she already headed home for the day. He sprinted to his office, changed and grabbed his stuff and sprinted towards his car.

He entered their apartment, looking around frantically for his wife. He found her on the couch, cup of tea in hand, a book on her lap, covered with a blanket. He set his stuff with a clank on the table and went to stand next to her. He fell to his knees. The sudden movement made her look at him.

His face broke her heart. He looked lost, helplessness in his eyes, tears threatening to fall from his beautiful eyes. She put away her tea and book and took his face in her hands.

“Hey. What happened? What’s wrong?” she asked softy, her thumbs smoothing over his cheeks. He snuggled his face in her small hands.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, his voice breaking.

“Tell you what?�� she knew exactly what he was talking about but she hoped she was wrong.

“Why didn’t you tell me they were saying such horrible and false things about you? We are supposed to tell each other everything.” He touched her hands with his, their eyes meeting.

“I didn’t want you to worry. I didn’t want you to think you have to protect me, I should be able to do that on my own.” Her voice was quiet, her head low, looking at the pattern on the blanket.

“I want to protect you. It’s my job as your husband to protect you. And by now you should know I take my job very seriously.” He smiled, lifting her chin to make her look at him. The corners of her lips turned up a little.

“I know you do… but…”

“No “but”. I am putting an end to all of those nonsense rumors and accusations. I will not let them berate my wife just because they cannot do their job properly.” He had a stern look on his face. She leaned forward to kiss him, her hands never leaving his face.

“Thank you. I really wanted to tell you but I was… embarrassed.”

“By what?”

“Have you heard what they were saying? They weren’t just accusing me of cheating my way into the diagnostic team. They were accusing you of being bias just because we’re…”

“In love? Seriously? Why would I be mad or embarrassed at someone saying that I love my wife? Because that’s what it is, darling. I love you. I’m proud that I can say that I love you. I love your brain, I love your ability to stand up to me when you see I go too far, I love how your body is made to match mine perfectly…” he pulled her closer at that, a laugh escaping her lips. “Let me handle it. I will talk to them tomorrow and put a stop to all of this nonsense.” He kissed the top of her head and picked her up.

“Where are we going?” she asked, an amused smile on her face.

“To the bedroom. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty tired and could use a couple of hours of sleep with my ear on your heart.” He placed her gently on their bed.

“Brilliant idea, Mr. Ramsey.”

“You spark my genius, Mrs. Ramsey” he winked at her before they both got ready for bed and went to sleep, entangled in each other, falling asleep peacefully.

The next day, after they had their morning cut short (much to their disappointment) they arrived at the hospital and begun their work. He sent her off with a kiss, not a peck on the cheek or her lips but a full-blown kiss, his arms around her, keeping her close.

“I love you, Mrs. Ramsey. Have a good day, honey.” He pecked her lips one last time before letting her go.

“I love you to, Ethan. Now go, before someone says we are lazy and don’t work.”

“I am doing something.” He said, a playful tone in his voice.

“Oh really? What?” she laughed, looking at her husband curiously.

“You.” and with that he turned away and went towards his first patient. She blushed. And nurses and other doctors stopped what they were doing, stunned at the boldness of the normally reserved doctor. A group of interns was standing on the side, looking at the whole situation. Claire went her way, not paying any attention to anyone.

Ethan walked into the cafeteria and spotted Claire sitting at the table with Harper, Ines and Zaid, all of them in deep conversation. He took his food and sat down next to his wife, kissing her cheek softly as a form of greetings. He joined the conversation, his right hand taking her left underneath the table.

Interns were sitting by the table next to theirs. They could hear their conversation very clearly.

“She’s faking it so hard it hurts to look. Honestly…” they didn’t have the opportunity to finish their sentence. Ethan stood up abruptly from his seat and turned towards them. The whole cafeteria fell silent.

“Would you like to say it louder? I don’t think everyone heard you clearly enough.” They were looking at their plates, clearly avoiding eye contact with him. “What? You don’t want the whole staff how you think dr. Ramsey is a gold digger, how she doesn’t know how to do her job, how she cheated her way into the diagnostic team? What? You don’t have the guts to tell it to her face so you choose to do it behind her back?”

“We…” one of them started, but Ethan was on the roll.

“Do you have any respect for me?” he asked. The interns were stunned.

“Of course we do, dr. Ramsey.”

“Then why would you not respect my wife? I chose to marry her and thank god she chose me too. Remember who you are talking about here. She’s the single most important person here in my eyes, so if I were you, I’d be careful with what I say about her.” With that he stormed off, not looking behind.

The cafeteria was silent. No one dared to say anything. Everybody was shocked. Ethan Ramsey was the most reserved person in there. And yet, when someone attacked his wife, he completely lost it.

Claire stood up and ran after him. He was in his office, fuming and pacing back and forth.

“Hey… it’s okay, deep breaths, yeah?” she touched his shoulder gently. He looked at her and instantly relaxed.

“You think it will keep them in line?” he asked with a smile on his face.

“Oh, I think they will never speak to either of us. You scared them. Almost to death. I think we’re in the clear.”

“Good. How much time do you have left before your break is over?” he sneaked his arms around her.

“Thirty minutes… why?”

“Oh, no reason. “a teasing smile appeared on his face as he spun them around and pressed her against the wall, kissing her hard, making the most of their time together.

In the end, Claire was right. The interns stopped talking. What is more, the next day, there they were, when Ethan and Claire arrived at the hospital, with a bouquet of flowers and a huge apology.

Everyone knew not to mess with a doctor in love.

Tag list: @paleweasels, @lilyofchoices, @hopelessromantic1352, @valiantlychaoticbarbarian, @radlovedreamer, @usuallyamazinglyaverage, @palestazure, @galaxiia-quean, @cordoniaqueensworld, @universallypizzataco, @princess-geek, @faithhasnowords, @fangirlingmum, @claudevonstruke, @punk_kaomoji, @mightyfangirlofthefandoms, @noneotherthanthejoker, @drakewalkerfantasy, @timmagicktoad, @laceandlula, @greywitchyshots, @llamasgrl, @gingerjane15

If you want me to tag you, let me know and if I forgot to tag anyone, tell me so I can correct that! :D

#dr ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey #mc x ethan #dr ethan ramsey x mc #dr ethan ramseyxmc #dr ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #dr ramsey #choices #ethan ramsey x mc

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young-writer1787-blog · 5 years

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Scene 2 of The Fallen

In the time I spent in the cramped, dank cell, drowning in the moans, I plotted. I set the rules for my little game. It was funny. I shouldn’t have laughed given the circumstances, but I did. I drew up the gameboard in my head. I had to lest I go mad. I couldn’t kill myself. That was out of the question. Guards watched me with careful eyes. When I slept, when I shit, when I ate. And there were the chains. Everyone feared the fallen gods and wouldn’t risk disobeying Edam. Let them be afraid. I knew I had changed. I did not know whether it happened the moment I killed Him, or whether it had been slow coming since the incident. Regardless, the fact remained. They came for me in the dark of night, at least I thought it was night. One could never tell down here where the sun was too repulsed to shine. Would they kill me now? Would the gods show mercy, just this once? Rough hands groped at me in the darkness. They found my shackles. I rubbed my wrists where the metal cuffs had been moments before. They were tender, but I had grown so used to the steel digging into my skin that it felt almost natural. I was hoisted into the air, as if I weighed nothing. That was probably close to the truth. I had hardly eaten. I felt too sick to eat, sick at what I had done; what I had failed to do. The only reason I didn’t starve to death was because my guards wouldn’t damnwell let me. The dim torchlight burned my eyes as if someone had brought all the stars in the night sky hurtling towards my vulnerable face. As my vision adjusted to the harsh light I took notice of three figures stanidng outside my now vacant cell. My two guards who had gotten to know the insides of my throat quite well by now, and Haldar. He looked older than the young seventeen he had been when I last saw him. A short and well kept beard spotted his jawline, chin, and lips. Haldar leaned casually against the rough stone wall of the narrow corridor. There were the usual moans and cries and shrieks from the other cells, but Haldar did not seem preterbed. Haldar looked up as the larger guard, Joggen, brought me to him. At one point in my captivity, I had shoved my own food down his fat neck after he tried to break open my jaw. Joggen knew how to make enemies. He, naturally, became the first piece on my game board. I spat in Haldar’s face. I wanted to kill him, right there. He had ruined everything. I knew that the Brotherhood were a treacherous organization, but never would I have thought that one would work for the Watchers. I didn’t think I could trust anyone from that point on. “How could you?” I hissed. “They were your brothers.” “Look,” Haldar said. “You were a fool to think that everything would go as planned. You of all people should have known. They see everything. It isn’t simply good and bad. It just is. You yourself hired killers. I just happened to see the truth first. Now, the King would like to see you.” The King. I had killed a High Priest, yes. But the King wouldn’t have time to sort out internal issues. That was the job for the--well, the priests. Haldar led me with fat Joggen and the other guard--I hadn’t asked for his name--at either side of me. With us were five knights; quite an honor if I do say so myself. I half limped, half clumbed up a tall winding staircase and into the cellars. We walked down several long corridors before stepping out into a small and ornately decorated courtyard. The light of the sun didn’t affect me as much as when I first came out from my cell, yet pain erupted in the back of my eyes nonetheless. The throne room lay past the fountain depicting quite attractively dressed men and women kneeling before the Fallen Lord, the mantle of the Head Priest. My breath lost itself as we entered the vast room. It was huge. The dim light, rather than festering a sense of dark foreboding, it cast an awesome attitude. This was the home of the man who ruled your home, it said. Bow before him. I had to resist the urge to drop to my knee the second we entered, but somehow I knew that would be wrong. One of the knights stepped forward. The men and women, the Nobles’ Council, crowded around the high table below the throne became silent. The knight adressed the figure in the marble throne, “My King, we bring Gared of House Bowman, convicted of treason and disturbing the peace. He is here as requested.” “Thank you Ser Tel.” The man in the throne was far more impressive than the royal seat he sat upon. He did not wear the plentiful robes that one would expect of a king. Nor did he wear the royal blue. Rather, the King sat in simple dark leather armor, the sygal of his house upon its breast. He was lean and well built, an impressive man no doubt. Put a leather duster about his shoulders and he would look much like Cog. The King gestured silently to the nobles at the table. They packed up quickly and scrambled out, carrying maps, parchment, pen and ink, in their arms. “Send for the High Seat,” the King said, adressing a stout man at the base of the throne’s dias. There came a mumbled “yessir,” and the man left. The King was obviously in control. He did not strike fear, but I could see more than feel an air of intense respect that the nobles held for their Majesty. “I will speak to him now,” the king said to no one in particular. They brought me forward. Before, I would have been nervous, my heart leaping out of my chest. Now I felt calm, confident, in control, just as Loth had before he died. “Why in all hells uncle?” The King asked. I looked into his tired eyes, he seemed older than I at the moment; commanding yes, but tired. I felt sorry for my nephew, he probably didn’t care that his son had died, but how could he when the weight of the kingdom perched on his head, hiding itself as his crown. I was just lucky enough that my sister’s son had married the most powerful woman in the kingdom. The King had had a fairy tale romance, one that could only come from a god more merciful than the Fallen. “The only thing keeping me from letting you rot for as long as possible is the fact that I was already planning on killing that sick sadist Edam.” Not even because we were family. I found myself disliking him, just enough. They say isolation can change a man, turn them mad. That is likely what they will say of me, in time. But it is not solitude. No, isolation kills. Isolation destroys the economy as it did Rodau. Isolation breaks, but it does not change. We are changed by our experiences, isolation is the product of those experiences. So yes, in a sense, isolation turns people. But when you look at the root of it, it is the people you failed to save. The hearts you broke. The bittersweet knife of betrayal in your back. “How?” I said. I probably wasn’t allowed to speek, but I needed to know. I glared at Haldar. He had taken up a position just to the left of the dias, by one of the large stone pillars. The King noticed my look. “How should I know? I’ve been too damn busy trying to keep Boraus from breething down my neck. They want us, the other countries. We have technologies they don’t.” Guns. “I am tired uncle,” the King continued. “Go to the docks. Continue working. The economy can’t run itself.” “But--” “Now!” “Kyde, I--” “Your Highness,” the King bellowed. I bowed then, not from my knee, but a slight nod of the head. I hoped the message was clear. “Yes, your Highness.” I said it coolly, a touch of anger in the back of my throat. I left through the large doors that I came in from. The guards scrambled to follow but when the door shut, no one made chase.

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upsmymindwanderedagain · 6 years

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Story of The Ice Wolf

PART 15

OTHER PARTS:

PART 14 PART 13 PART 1

WARNINGS: mentions of scars, blood, implied sex.

Hey fellas! First I’m sorry for the delay. I hope the wait is worth it. This is a 12K chapter, I hope you enjoy it.

I’d love to read your thoughts on the story.

“Oh oh Capwolf little wing-ed hell wants trouble” Barton calls. You were nursing your usual coffee mug before your main morning workout “what’s up kiddo?”. “You and me training room, now” she says sternly with a murderous scowl, as quick as she came in, she banishes. A loud whistle fills the kitchen “Anyone wants to bet?” Tony asks looking around

Just as Anika vanished Pepper walked in the common room "Ok is it my imagination or Anika just disappeared before me? I swear is bloody early for this". Tony quickly moves to Pepper's side to kiss her good morning "Is not your imagination honey, let's go to the training room and see how Anika destroys robowolf". ("The pup will kick big Wolf ass") Orion and Nebula chant in your mind before running ahead, you glare at their retreating forms. Loki walks ahead passing by you "Let's hope Valhalla's door won't open for you this dawn Wolf" he says with his trademark wicked smirk. You smirk back at him "Otherwise be certain I will hunt your ass for the next millennia acquaintance". Is not uncommon for the team to stay at the compound after a long or big missions given that the facility has a bigger medical wing than the tower. And after yesterday's mission which consisted on raiding a base hidden in the Pakistani mountains you all decided to stay at the compound after reporting the successful mission to Nick and Maria. All the avengers are gathered outside the training room, the thick laminated structural glass wall is the only division, but they have feedback from the inside. Slowly you walk in with an air of authority, sure you have an idea what all this is about but Anika tends to be quite theatrical "what's the meaning of this kiddo?" you ask casually. She rolls her eyes at the nick name "Come on old wolf don't 'kiddo' me right now" she says with a frown. You cross your arms tightly on your front your bulkier form appearing more intimidating over this past month you put up 10 pounds of lean muscle "Who pissed you off?". "You" she states with a big scowl. Muffled "Ohhs" and cat calls can be heard from the outside. When you turn around to glare at them Sam, Steve, Bucky and Barton salute you "Pleasure serving with you capwolf" after a few silent seconds of you glaring at them all of you burst out in laughter. You are still trying to catch your breath when you flip them off "I live with assholes". "Tell me about it. I want my revenge" she says her eyes shining with battle thrill. Your eyes widen in faked surprise "Is that so? You did not ask before" you say with a little hint of mockery you take off your hoodie, so you are left with your black sweatpants and long sleeve light grey rash guard muscles dancing under the skin tight cloth, the team begins to whistle and catcall as Wanda rolls her eyes muttering a low 'show off'. Pietro throws a pair of MMA style gloves and a wrap at you, Anika is already geared up. You do a quick job wrapping your left hand and putting on the gloves. Shaking and rolling your shoulders you loosen the muscles as you address her "Rules?" "Just don't kill each other!" Bucky shouts from behind the wall with a serious face both of you look at him before looking at each other to nod in agreement with a shrug. "I'm gonna kick your ass old dog!" she summons her wide white archangel wings. Anika is the first one to throw a right round kick, which you easily elude it backing your head a little with a half step back to avoid her wings, she quickly turns around with the momentum and throws a quick combo of punches jab, jab, hook with a swift move of your hips and head you dodge them all. "Is all you got brat?" you throw tauntingly at her as you shake your arms with guard down. She just smirks before stepping in again. As more punches are thrown. Fury, Hill and Zrinka with Fedor walk to stand with the rest of the team. "Is F.R.I.D.A.Y recording that?" Maria asks as she shakes softly her head at the girl's over confidence when she drops her guard to taunt you. *Yes ma'am* F.R.I.D.A.Y. Answers. "Want to bet?" Tony asks casually, Pepper just rolls her eyes before slapping him lightly in the arm. Before he Fury can answer your back is slammed against the glass wall, Anika’s knee collided in your joined forearms, her hands slammed against the glass simultaneously with your body. Before you push her off, she throws a wink at them. Fedor babbles happily he is not new to the sudden hard sounds as Zrinka usually hangs around while you all train. "Hundred to Wolf. The kid is reckless as always. Hill?" the man says as he puts his hands on his hips. "Same. Anyway the only one getting the high price is Wanda" Maria says shrugging with her arms loosely crossed on her front. Tilting her head Wanda asks "Why is that Maria?" she asks with confusion all over her features. "Because someone will need a good massage later" Nat answers with a wink "If you don't want the task "I can do it" she says with a slay smirk, Bucky glares playfully at the redhead before he pinches her above her hips making her yelp in surprise. Wanda's cheeks flare bright red. Before she can retort Anika is slammed against the glass wall wings wide open, the wolves wag their tails harder and Fedor shrieks almost in delight. "Will someone stop them before they kill each other? “Pepper says out loud with concern in her voice. The rest just shrug. After fifteen minutes of tight battle both of you have busted lips, Anika swung a good elbow at your face making a cut above your left eyebrow. It didn't take you long to return the favor, now she has a cut on her right cheekbone from a reverse circular elbow. Anika has several darkening bruises, her spandex shorts and low cut top letting them visible, the clothes don't let them show but you can feel your fair share she has become really strong. Anika's ragged breath is faster than yours but her sassiness doesn't lower as she dances and jumps a little taunting you "What's up old dog, You can't take a kid down? Should I call Wan to back you up?". "Speak for yourself birdy, you are eighteen years younger and you are winded out". "I'll leave you wind out and not from screaming my name old dog" she says with a feral grin, Pietro quickly covers his baby ears to chastise the young woman "Anika! Don't talk dirty in front of the baby!" "Such a responsible papa" Maria throws teasingly at him, Pietro just gives her the sassiest look before grinning lightly as he kisses his baby boy crown that is now in his arms the little boy's back flush to his front so he can see. The last round is harsher, this time she uses her teletransportation none of you holding back. The battle is thigh, she has become less predictable and more precise after training with all of you, she is an avid learner. She manages to sweep you off your feet but your muscle memory kicks in and you recover doing a macao move and you counter back with a tornado sweep. She is getting tired and is easier for you to follow her even with her speed (thank god you always train with Pietro). She goes for a superman punch busted with her teletransportation, but you sense it coming, you side step her right fist, tilting to your body to the right at the same time you throw a left upper cut to her exposed liver making her groan in pain. When she is pushed back by the force of your punch you tackle her to the ground, gaining the upper mount position for a ground and pound, but instead you force her on her left side for an armbar to her right limb. She tries to slap you with her wings but you don't lose the grip, your heavier body and moves are so fast that she has no option but tap out. You quickly release her arm, and roll backwards avoiding her wing, staying on seiza posture traying to catch your breath. "Holy shit, you still move fast old wolf. I thought I had you" she whines within her ragged breath, but she still laughs. "You almost catch me in that last punch. Sit on your knees to catch your breath" you instruct between pants. "Nah I'm good just like this". She says putting her hands under her head wings sprawled on the floor. --- "Holy fuck!" Sam exclaims, extending a hundred bill to Steve. "Wanda your girl still has the moves. Time to pay fellas!" Clint exclaims. "That was they 'training'?" Pepper asks having a hard time believing what she just witnessed. --- Two pair of boots catch your hearing even though the thundering of your heart fills your ears. "Are you done playing Y/N?" the harshness of his statement tries to hide the glee on his voice. "That boldness after I made you gain some silver Nick?". Maria stands in front of you extending her hand, slowly with her help you stand up. "That was a fine show of skill Wolf". Anika is not impressed with them not addressing her, mockery mode on she monologues "Are you ok Anika? Yeah thank you, do you need some help? No thanks I'm doing fine lying on the ground, beautiful view". Maria address her turning her head her body still facing you "You choose to stay there kid". "Hill has someone told you that you have a nice side profile view?" She says while she ranks her eyes from her face to her boots "I could stay on the ground forever" she says winking at Maria. Hill frowns and Nick hardens his stare on Anika. "Kid shut your mouth before agent Hill show you some moves that won't be pleasant at all". "Really? For the record, I want to try some kinky stuff if you are up to agent Hill" she throws a wink at the older woman while she beckons her curling her index finger. "I'm regretting saving you kid" Maria says arms crossed and deep frown on her face. Everyone laughs at the annoyed statement. "That hurt" she says while putting her hand above her heart, "If you change your mind I'll be in the shower" she throws a last wink. Before Hill can try something she vanishes. Hill turns around to glare at you, you only shrug "I don't blame her". "Take a shower Wolf we have things to discuss" Fury orders. You nod and turn around to walk out, Maria still glaring at you, turning your head backwards you throw her an "As entertaining as that could be, I'm sorry Hill but you can't join me". "I'm going to kill you Y/N" she says with a deep frown as she uncrosses her arms. "Not if I reach her first" Wanda says eyes bright red you try to outrun her off the gym and you briefly do but using her powers she propels herself latching herself on your back like a koala, her arms around your neck in a head lock, you fake tumbling before going down on your left knee "Get off me you little feral red panda!". "Give up Wolf!" she grunts tightening her hold. "Let go or I'm rolling on the floor" you warn her 'sternly' her eyes shine in mischief "You won't" she states with singing voice. "Oh really?" you say playfully as you get on your feet, instead of a front roll you secure her arms and stroll up a few paces gaining momentum to swiftly do a double leg flip she shrieks in surprise when you land she laughs and leans forward to lightly nibble your earlobe "Ouch! Wan! Oow!" The rest just laugh at your playful banter. --- After a 'quick' shower your hurry back to the conference room. Fury and Hill are not the only ones there. Bucky, Nat and Barton are already there "What's up cap you had another round?" Clint throws playfully from his place sitting by Nat's ride side, Bucky by her left. "Shut it Barton" you throw at him with a tiny smirk. "keep personal matters to yourselves please... You all have done an amazing job training that problematic kid Y/N" Nick states with his usual stern face. "Thank you Fury, but she was deadly already. Did she apologized Maria?" you enquire looking at the woman. "She did, the sassiness and boldness against her sweetness is worth a whiplash" the woman tries to keep her stern demeanor, but a tiny smile appears on her face. "That's Anika. However, we are not here for bets and discussing Anika, are you?". "Take a sit Wolf" Nick orders lightly and you relent sitting by Bucky's left. "You have a mission" He slides a folder towards you. "You have 36 hours max to execute the operation, leaving in three days by night, after Morse and Carter are back from their mission and catch some rest. You have available an untraceable quinjet, bring them alive". You grab the file to skim over the information the mission is in south-west India... You are hunting down a group of rogues: Hydra, C.I.A, ex-military, former S.H.I.E.L.D two of the people listed look 'familiar' but you can't really recall from where "What's the catch Nick? A Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Agent 13 and the Ice Wolf just hunting down some rogues" the last you say it more as a question than statement. "We saw what you did before your extraction" Fury set a grim look at you "Some of the agents you are hunting down were on Raft, the mission might trigger some memories". "And still you are trusting me to go and follow orders? I want blood Nick" you state in almost a growl. Fury sets you on a even harder scowl and leans his open hands on the table "This is a mission Wolf we are sending YOU because if someone can identify anyone else is YOU, there was a lot of cover up from the government". You chuckle a little "I've been having flashbacks from those months everything is blurry but the fucking pain is there, just as real as the day they cut me open, and you really think I will hold back?" "You are better than an animal seeking revenge Y/N, you are cold, precise and sharp when needed. If you wanted 'BLOOD' as you claim you'd have gone to that prison and slaughtered everyone already" he states staring down expectantly at you. You chuckle dryly as you shake your head softly, the man stares sternly at you "Have I ever told you I hate when you are right old man?" you say as you lean back lazily on the chair. "Never told me out loud but... you aren't that unreadable after eight years" He says as he stands tall again and shrugs. "I don't know if I should be grateful or freaked out by that Nick". "See it as we care about you, that would makes it less...scary for you" Maria says with a wink. --- You walk in your loft which is empty the rest are still hanging out in the compound. "F.R.I.D.A.Y can you ask the twins to meet me here when they are back, please". *Of course capwolf*. (Damn tin man and his damned humor). In your walk in closet, you push a panel hidden in the wall. A tall sliding shelf pops out, there are four metal cases with your gear and weaponry, the largest one at the bottom is forty inches long, three more of twenty-five inches are piled up. You take the one above the biggest one. Slowly you release the security clasps and put the code on the small touch window. After a soft click you open it. In the top lid your twin twenty-four inches wakizashis are secured alongside two military hunting knives. In the box, there's two twin barettas with the respective suppressors, three sets of maggs for each one. These weapons have the Ice Wolf symbol engraved, they are plain matt charcoal black. Unlike the other set of weapons this aren't for show off or intimidation this set is your 'hunting set'. Methodically you begin to check them over. You hear the twins entering but you make no move to hide the gear, instead you keep sharpening your sword. Unknown to you they exchange worried glances. Pietro is the first to ask "When do you leave?" you turn your head around to face him "three days by night time", his eyes speak a million words but he doesn't speak his mind instead he just states "I'll check your motorcycle and have it ready" with that he leaves the room. Wanda gets close to sit by your side silently she starts checking the maggs. Her soft voice halts the sharpening of your swords "Are you sure about this Y/N? I know you've been training harder, but I have also seen your nightmares and flashbacks" she turns around to set her gaze on yours "Are you ready to go without us?". This past month you've been in several missions but never alone, you have been with either alongside the twins and Anika or with the whole team. You briefly squeeze your eyes close "Wan I can't keep hiding behind you guys, I love working with all of you but... I need to be able to work alone again". She locks you on a stern look, she would never just read your mind, that doesn't mean she won't pressure a little to make you talk. You have an awful tendency of bottle up everything. "Wan... I need to do this. No one messes with the 'Ice Wolf' and lives to tell the tale, also... I barely have memories of what happened but I know they won, they broke me and almost kill me, as much as this is revenge this is also a power play, Hydra is rejoicing in the fact that they almost kill me" you sigh before you keep sharpening the swords. Wanda sighs in defeat "And that's why you have to kill them?, we both know than with this" she says nodding to the suitcase "Is not just kill them, that will be a bloodbath" she takes stops your moves taking your steel hand in hers. "I'm just worried, I know how hard is to wash off that much red" she speaks softly her bright green eyes beckon yours. You set the sword over the wet stone and shuffle a little to face her. Taking her hands in yours, "Will you be here for me?". She shuffles closer "I told you before babe, always". With your left hand you cradle her face, thumb softly tracing her cheek bone, wasting no time you lean forward to kiss her, the kisses are hard and slow her soft lips brushing against yours you let her set the pace. Someone clearing it's throat makes you drift apart. "Shall I come later? Clint says small smirk on his face, he doesn't miss the weaponry at display. Your eyes never leave Wanda. "Barton, what can I do for you?". "Is it true that you know chef Rachell from Collin's?" he enquires a little sheepishly. You tilt your head in curiosity before looking at the man "Yes I do, do you wish a table?" he nods "If is not much asking" he adds. "I'll get you a table Clint, better yet, I'll give the chef your number, set the date, the tab is on me". "Thank you Y/N, I'll leave you to go on with... Another round" he says throwing a wink before rushing out. --- After checking over the weapons you set the cases aside and hug Wanda from behind while she washes her hands "Hey baby what about you ride with me I'm going back to the compound to beg Cho once again before I lose a million". "You just want me flush in your back" she says with a smirk as you catch her eyes in the mirror. You lean in to kiss her jaw "Can you blame me? Besides you have an excuse to feel up my abs". "You are trouble Y/N" she says with a snort. "You love trouble little one" you lowly murmur in her ear and kiss her ear shell. --- Back in your days as Hydra you spied around the globe you've been many things, from scum to one of the most respected captains of the Russian army, you've been a killer, a mentor, a captain, a fight dog, you've been the 'good guy' but one of your favorite things is that you fill up the role of 'bad guy' effortlessly. Black clothes, check. Leather jacket, check. Dark sunglasses, check. A sweet ride? Check. Beautiful woman to ride with you? Double check. Both of you wear leather you opted for dark grey slacks and black leather motorcycle jacket with the wolf head yellow gold tread work. Wanda wears charcoal leather slacks with a scarlet leather motorcycle jacket the line work is gothic cross with back and gold thread and both of you wear combat boots, tactical shoulder dual holsters under the jackets, and combat knives hidden on the boots, you all know better than get your guard down. As both walk out of the loft you whistle in appreciation at the view of her rear, you slap her cheekily, she smirks before sharply turning around to yank you down by the leather jacket to kiss you, but instead she just ghosts her lips her warm breath caressing un parted lips before running ahead. The elevator opens revealing the vehicles and motorcycle collection that the three of you have which is quite 'modest' today's selection is a nice sweet ride a Harley-Davidson Softrail Deluxe in pearl white and ice white of course the suspension was modified to withstand your weight and the seat is larger to fit a second passenger, your girl. Your ride helmets are AGV Pista GP R E2205 with polarized automated visors. On the go ride you take the handle Wanda behind you and absolutely feeling up your abs, another feature added to the helmets is the integrated comms that allow you both to hear and talk freely. As you ride in the outskirts to the compound surrounded by the forest you feel Wanda loosening her hold and her cellphone appears on your chin level you feel her body lifting off the seat to rest her head over your shoulder "Lift your visor" she orders "Trouble" your murmur but you do as she says pressing the button of the temple to lift the visor. "Come on Love! At least smile" she says playfully you try to stay cool and collected but can't really keep stern when you are riding and Wanda is standing on the bike trying to get a selfie, you smile broadly as she takes the pic and lowers herself on the seat again as you lower back the visor "Hold tight love" she puts the visor back in places and does as you requested and you speed up to the compound. After parking on the indoors garage you walk in the compound, you ask F.R.I.D.A.Y to call Cho in one of the empty conference rooms. As you walk to the conference room you see the recruits giving both of you side glances and fangirling until Hill calls them out of their bullshit, threatening them with a even harsher training session. Wanda and you only look at each other with knowing smirks and she winks at you, the fitting leather gives a good idea of what’s underneath. Wanda and you laze around in the conference room as Zrinka, Pietro, Costel and Anika tease the shit out of you in the group chat after Wanda sent them the pic. Sam W: what?! WOLF actually smiles?! Anika: Mommas on a joy ride you didn't take me with you </3 Silver Devil: Sistra I want my twin back in a single piece. Wanda don't get handsy in the bike! ;) Too late Maximoff! ;) Mama Zrin: Pietro! Leave them alone, looking good guys! Romanoff: Wolf I wouldn't mind going on a ride with you ;) Little one: Natalia back off! >:| ;)) B: Don't you dare Natalia! Looking good guys. Next time let's ride together! I'm sorry Buck, we don't play that way :) Stark: Roasted! Hahahaha. You've made my day capwolf. Sam W: CHARRED!! W.S: Come on Wolf! I didn't mean that. @Steve Rogers back me up man. Cap Rogers: You played yourself Buck... After a while you lit a cig which Wanda and you share. For your surprise instead of one set of footsteps there's three sets nearing and you know damn well who those belong to. Helen speaks up as she walks in "Y/N I told you I won't help you with that request" she says sternly as she pinches the bridge of her nose you notice the slight nervousness on her body language, she told Fury and Hill. You sigh a puff of smoke. "Y/N what's your deal with Ulysses Klaue? You know who he is, right?" Maria voices sternly. "He is an old business partner of ours. We made a deal with him and part of our pay is what we requested of Helen" Wanda says with an even voice as she takes the cig of your lips. Maria and Nick tilt their heads in disbelief if this wasn't that serious you'd laugh at the sight. "Enlighten us Wolf what was the deal about?" Fury asks with a little mock in his tone. "Intel, getting back something he stole and paying off an old debt". "And you expect us to let him enter the country and the compound with that enlightening answer?" Hill chimes in. "Getting him in is not trouble neither was bringing him to the compound" you state a little too boldly, Helen stiffens a little and the intensifying atmosphere. "What are you playing Wolf now you deal freely with international most wanted?" Nick throws as he gets closer to stare down at you. You shrug a little before leaning back on the chair "Come on Nick, you all know where I come from". "And that's past" He says sternly "Or do you still give reports to Hydra?" he throws hitting a sore spot. You get angry at that last low punch quickly getting on your feet to tower over the director, Wanda quickly grabs your left hand grounding you and keeping you in place with her powers "That's low Colonel, if that was the case I'd be stored in cryo waiting for a mission not dealing with PTSD" you sneer at him, at least Fury has the decency to show a little regret at the low blow as Maria adverts her gaze briefly. Clenching your jaw a few times you set to answer after taking back your sit, Wanda intertwine your hands calming you with her powers "I bought his last vibranium vial, I paid a reasonable price for it. The old debt was his lost merch when Ultron severed his arm..." you clench your jaw at the las missing part luckily Wanda cuts in again "The intel was Y/N's possible relocation to Raft". Nick sighs in contemplation and Maria paces a little, Helen just stands a little uncomfortable due to the whole situation. But the doctor has her own questions "Why offer him that Y/N?" Helen asks finally, curiosity shinning in her eyes. "I used it to lower the price of the vibranium. We also played a part on the loss of his arm and most important I gave him my word. I have a reputation to withhold... If you refuse my request I'll have to pay the last half of the original price and my word will become worthless" you say with a shrug. Helen looks at the two commanding officers, she wants to help is a good opportunity but she does not want to over-step due to the fact that Ulysses is one of the most wanted criminals. "Is he a liability?" Fury asks after pondering options. "Well he is bat shit crazy, prone to talk-back and say stupid shit, but he is not that bad. We've been doing business for years, he kept his mouth shut while I worked behind Hydra's back. As annoying as it will be we can keep him in line" you grab another cigarette to light up. After some pondering Fury finally relents "Make sure no one knows about this and tell him to keep his big mouth shut" Nick orders, he waits until you lit the cigarette to snatch it out of your lips "Stop smoking for fuck's sake" he keeps the Insignia on his grasp and walks out of the conference room. "You could have asked for one!" you shake your head in amusement and take out the package to take another, this time Maria waits until you grab one to snatch the package "Pleasure talking as always Wolf, director's orders" she walks out too. You grin as you shake your head in amusement Wanda laughs at the commanding officers blunt snatch of cigs. "Hey Helen can I smoke this or you'll snatch it from my lips?" you say lifting the roll between your fingers. "Nah I don't want your saliva on it" she graciously takes the tobacco roll from your grasp and walks to the door "Have him in my lab in a week time, nice chat guys" she walks out. Wanda laughs as she walks around to stand before you and leans in resting her hands on the arm rests of the chair "Since when a mortal can snatch something from the big bad Wolf?" she says kissing away your frown softly. "Since I can't kill for overstep" you say with a sigh before grabbing Wanda's nape to pull her down to kiss her deeply. Wanda straddles your lap resting her shins on the seat. The taste of the hard tobacco gets in the way of the kiss but neither of you mind. Her hands travel to your hair scratching your scalp as your hands travel up her tights to below her but cheeks to pull her flush to you, caressing her rear your hands stay at her lower back. The make out is bruising hard and yet controlled and slow you are getting a little carried away when a voice snap both of you from the make out. "For fucks sake Wolf! Go to your room" May exclaims with annoyance on her voice as she signals the door and then crosses her arms in authority. "You slay dog, you are corrupting the sweet innocent Wanda!" Skye throws in between laughter as she walks in, Jemma by her side with flushed cheeks. "Like you are better Skye, do I have to remind you how the tower shakes lightly after or during a party? F.R.I.D.A.Y can you tell us the last source point". *The last source point was the kitchen in the common room below the party level, the two participants in the intercourse were...* "OK OK! I get it that's enough F.R.I.D.A.Y" Skye exclaims in a mild panic as May glares at her in disbelief. After teasing the hell out of Skye and almost getting your ass kicked by mama bear May the two of you ride back to the tower, this time Wanda takes the handlebars you engulf her midriff completely with your arms. --- [Phone ringing] *My beloved Captain! Are you calling me to give me green light to cash the cheque? * You sigh in annoyance *No. I'm calling you to inform you that I want your ass in a week time at the coordinates I'm sending you*. *What the hell Wolf?! If you wanted to kill me at least do it where someone can find me* You slap the heel of your metal hand on your forehead *Ulysses that's an abandoned airport in Yucatan, Mexico. Get your ass there and we'll go for you* *I take you are giving me a ride back? * *Yes Ulysses, I'll take you back. Be at 01:30 am* *I'll see you there. Goodbye my lover* he sings the last part with his usual annoying banter. When you end the calls Wanda is snickering behind her hand, you pinch the bridge of your nose in exasperation, you begin to wonder if it’s better to loose a million instead of dealing with him. --- After a good tiresome afternoon of training and training recruits, Wanda is setting up a bath for the both of you however, you have your own ways to woo your girl and it’s been awhile since you last saw Rachell. [Phone ringing] *Hey chef, can you set a private in the garden tomorrow night?* *You don't have to ask Y/N, is 19:30 good for you? Is just you and Wan or Pietro is joining? * *Just Wan and I chef, I don't know if he wants to tag along*

*I’ll check with him. Do you have something especial in mind?*

surprise us* after bidding farewell you hung up. Wanda calls from the bathroom "Did I just hear you setting a date puppy?". "I will woo off your fancy dress tomorrow little one". "F.R.I.D.A.Y can you ready the red and black Veyron by seven" *Of course capwolf* After a few seconds Wanda's laughter fills the bathroom. You just sigh in defeat before you rush in the bathroom to attack her with tickles, she laughs freely as you scoop her and walk in the shower stall. Little mind note, change back F.R.I.D.A.Y protocols. --- You don't always do fancy, but when you do, you both do it damn right. You are wearing a Georgio Armani a grey palette tuxedo made by request with a silk black dress shirt (Take that Tony) the last touch to your attire is a soft black leather glove for your right hand. Wanda is wearing a Givenchy long sleeved wine red night dress with a low cleavage and black high stilettos, she kept her make up mostly natural, with smoky dark shade on her eyes making them even shine brighter, red lipstick on point. You crock your right arm "Shall we my lady?" "Lead the way captain" she says flashing you a dashing smile. --- Unfortunately or luckily you need to pass outside the living room to take the lift to the garage area. You try to make your exit without catching any attention, but Natasha has other ideas. "Wan! Don't you dare to leave without flashing us a look" The rest of the team follow her line of view they all are left staring at you jaws hanging open. Bucky's serious expression changes to a full smirk "It's been a while since I saw both of you dress to kill" he says winking in mischief. Tony wastes no time to walk up to Wanda to kiss the back of her hand like the gentleman he is "Wanda you look gorgeous, looking sharp robowolf, from now on I expect no less in my parties" you merely roll your eyes "Not a chance Stark, now if you excuse us we have a reservation". Pietro with Zrinka and Costel with Anika came behind you "Y/N! Can I drive the lambo? Pietro is taking the Centenario" Costel half asks half whines, the young man is in a charcoal tuxedo, Anika is wearing a strapless black dress and high heels. Pietro is wearing a white and silver tuxedo, Zrinka is on a forest green slim dress and high heels, Fedor is in Pietro's arms wearing an adorable bear onesie. "Sure young man, Anika you look gorgeous. secondly I hope you didn't asked for the same table Pietro, no offence". "Non-taken Wolfy, I know you want to woo that red dress off" Anika says throwing a wink at Wanda "I don't blame you, I wouldn't mind taking that tuxedo off though" Costel covers his ears "Come on dude, I don't want to know your wet dreams!" he whines. Pietro shakes his head in amusement as he glares at the young ones "No sistra, we asked the chef for separate tables I don't want to deal with those two either". Tony's brain gears begin to work "Wait a minute, where are you all going dressed like that? All the restaurants with that dress code need months ahead for a table...". "Collin's" Pietro says wide smirk on his face as aunty Nat walks close to take baby, Fedor he wastes no time diving in the redhead's arms "You look so adorable little man" she coos at the baby, with her back on Tony she dares to smirk she knows how you know the chef. Tony can't hide his surprise at Pietro's answer "How? Even I have to warn the chef days before". With a neutral face you state "Tony we own fifty percent of the restaurant. Now if you excuse us" you flash him a little side smirk before walking to the elevator. "Burn!" Sam hollers from the kitchen, you all might think Fedor is way more intelligent and awake than a normal baby because he started to gurgle happily in Nat's arms after Sam’s callout. "Fedor! that's betrayal young man, you are just like you papa" Tony says crossing his arms loosely indignantly but the baby keeps his toothless smile at him which makes the genius give in and smile at him "Lets upgrade that adorable onesie". "Tony No!" Steve, Bucky and Sam chastise him at the same time while Clint throws a "Hell yes!" the wolves rush to push Tony away from the baby. --- You chose to use the main entrance, nevertheless to say the clients waiting for their respective cars, looked surprised when the three luxurious cars came to a halt and the six of you step out of the Veyron, Centenario and black and copper Aventador. The hostess rushes to you, "Maximoff's a pleasure having you all here!" she extends her hand to Anika, "A pleasure finally meeting you Anika, my name is Lilian". Anika's eyes shine with the glint of trouble. Lilian is a beautiful woman her cat-like blue hazel eyes shine brighter due to her kind personality and welcoming energy, besides she and her wife are in a great shape "Kid don't flirt the dame, she is the chef's wife" You say in warning.

The young one rolls her eyes "That's a shame, however I'm not the jealous type" she throws a wink at the older woman. The five of you merely shake your heads is disapproval "My apologies Lilian, she is a little bold and a flirt". "It's cute. Actually, Anika I'm not the jealous type either, however my wife is and as Y/N said she is THE CHEF" Anika gulps a little as the rest of you smirk. --- The garden is the most exclusive spot in the restaurant, there's only six tables. The space is divided by several waterfalls and ponds with islands of Japanese sand gardens, the natural elements give privacy to the tables, surrounded by beautiful flowers, the lighting is dim and warm, several rows of light bulbs hanging above give a starlight like environment. Wanda and you don't sit in the typical in front of each other arrangement both of you prefer sit side by side, Wanda by your left side to feed each other, in the moments between plate courses both of you intertwine your hands. Chef Collin's didn't took for granted your request, she personally cooked some fancy and elaborated dishes that are not on the regular menu along with ridiculously fancy appetizers, even the desserts were on point, she sent the most exclusive wine selection with each plate. As almost everyone knows who you are and Rachel's staff know you, you decided to take off the right glove the upgrade that they did allow you to take things and even use touch screens without the need of a glove, god bless Stark's and Shuri's genius tech. By the end of the dinner the one and only chef Rachel Collins and Lilian walk to your table, Stolichnaya Himalayan edition in her hand. "Hope you don't mind us crashing in for a toast Y/N" the woman states, she is wearing a black uniform jacket, she has her trademark hairstyle which is a pixie cut, the woman is 5'3" tall with an athletic build, as much as she loves food she loves training, mostly CrossFit. "Never my friend, take a sit" you say with a smile motioning to the empty seats in front of you. She starts pouring the drinks "I have to say Y/N you scared the fuck out of us, I thought we lost you, not just once but twice. I hope you don't pull another stunt like that again" Rachell says with a smile. "I hope that too my friend" you say with a smile After some clings from the glasses you drink the liquor. "By the way I left some Mamont and Kauffman bottles, and sokovian beer in the cars". "You are spoiling us my friend, thank you... However, I have a small request" you say casually, Rachel looks almost offended "Y/N you don't need to ask, what can I do for you?" she says leaning in a little. "A friend of ours wants a spot here, special date with his wife". You take a small card from your jacket name and number written down. She reads out loud "Clint Barton, Hawkeye right?" you nod taking another sip from the vodka "Make it special the tab is on me". "One condition" you peek over the rim of the glass with curiosity, she goes on "Tell the kids to stop flirting with my wife and staff. I have enough trouble with my female staff trying to get close to Pietro. Now everyone wants Costel's and Anika's numbers, by the way what the hell are you feeding Costel with? He is so big If I didn't know better I'd think he is actually Pietro's kid". You can't help snort a little "Well he lives with a bunch of super soldiers and trains with us. Did Anika flirt with both of you already?" you barely hold your laughter. "Let me quote 'Sexy fit hottie in uniform, knows how to cook? And model wife to share, sign me up already' Costel burst out laughing" the woman says with a frown. Wanda jiggles behind her hand before speaking up "Please ask for something else Rachel, that's almost impossible. She can apologize to both of you though". Lilian cuts in before her wife "Nah is ok as long as she doesn't cross the line" she says waving her hand Rachel just frowns further. As you talk over the liquor you see something in Rachel's and Lilian's eyes, Wanda takes your left hand in hers ("Rachel wants to ask you on partnership for a third venue. Lilian is wondering about the scars on your left hand"). When a natural comfortable silence sets in you take the chance to tease the women "My friends talk, ask away or I'll ask Wan to read your minds". The two women are taken off guard and look a little sheepish, Rachel clears her throat nervously "I have an idea for a third venue I was hoping you three will hop in the train with me again" she says fidgeting a little with her glass on the right hand as Lilian tries to calm her down touching her left forearm. Wanda and you smile at her and rise and eyebrow teasingly, your woman makes the real questions "Do you have a location, concept and budget?". "Just like that?” Racchel’s face lights up in surprise “Come on guys at least make me beg or something, you are way too kind" She says between snickers "Yes I have, take a look" Lilian hands you the tablet, even though your new bionic arm has no issue grabbing things without risk you use your left hand by pure habit and you catch Lilian briefly inspecting the scarred flesh. The location is Chicago, the renders are astonishing the venue is sleek modern, everything states luxury and yet it gives a warm feel. It has several indoor gardens, the venue is bigger than this one, being the roof garden the most exclusive spot with several ranging in size tornado fountains... You whistle lowly in appreciation "This looks astonishing" you say out loud. "1,600,000.00 greens" Rachel states nervously. You snicker at the number "I was expecting no less" you say with a smirk, "Tomorrow I'm heading for a mission... Give us a week or so... Same deal, Fifty?". "Actually I was hoping you guys will put a sixty..." she begins to get nervous "...I-I could get other partners if that's too much..." as she rambles Lilian shakes her head softly before halting her with a kiss on her cheek. You lift Wanda's hand to kiss her knuckles as Rachel’s brain stops short-circuiting, Wanda smiles fondly at the nervous woman "Relax, we can ask Tony or the other's to hop in if we can’t make it". You smile at Wanda's statement, money or business partners aren't an issue "The venue is dealt with, Lilian ask away" you say with a small smile. "I'm sorry Y/N, I didn't meant to stare" she says sleepily fidgeting with Rachels ring. "Is ok Lilian, I know this is not an easy sight to take" you state opening and closing your hands slowly, Wanda skims her hand over your left forearm to rest over your wrist, Wanda breaks the slight awkward atmosphere "I was hoping this stubborn woman will take some time off, but here she is heading to the field tomorrow" she says pinching your left cheek playfully, you turn your head to bite her fingers lightly, before stealing a peek on her lips. Lilian lightly breaths out in relief and this time is Rachel’s turn to ease her down. "I'm sorry I need to ask, is that white gold?" she half wonders half enquires sheepishly. You smile broadly at her "It is, not my choice though. All of this was a gift". After the bottle is emptied, Wanda and you left the restaurant. Pietro and Zrin were still chilling around while Anika and Costel were stuffing their stomachs. The funny part is that the patrons waiting for their cars thought that Stark lend you the cars, if they only knew. One nice thing about slightly tipsy Wanda is that she gets quite forward kissing and nibbling your neck and jawline while you drive back "Keep that up Wan, we are not making it to the tower" she just smirks before easing back on the seat, well that didn't work as you planned. --- You kill off the engine as you kiss Wanda's forehead "let's see what Collins left and set our party on in the loft, I have plans for your dress code Maximoff" she blushes before smirking in mischief. There's two boxes, one wood box has the liquor and a unannounced boxed bottle of Stolichnaya, the second case is a wheeled metal suitcase with the sokovian beer buried on ice. Wanda peeks at the liquor at display "She definitely wants another venue" you raise your eyebrow in question, "What? Her mind was running miles per hour" you kiss her in the corner of her lips "You are trouble Maximoff lets hide this before the vultures take it away". --- After storing the liquor, you opened two beer bottles and walked back to the living room to sit in the sofa "Wan?" you hear her heels clicking behind you "Looking for me?" that husky accented tone makes your brain short-circuit. Next thing you register is her sitting across your lap. You give her one of the opened beers, with her free hand she unties the bowtie and unclasp the vest, "Eager much little one?" you tease peeking her lips "The less clothes, more comfy" she stated nibbling playfully your jaw. Both of you stay a while simply enjoying the beers and each other warmth, Wanda shifted to lean her back on your front and your right arm moved to lay across her hips. Wanda took the chance to fidget with the leather glove as she took it off the metal hand. Is almost the calm before the storm, when the beers are over, you put the bottles aside in the corner table, and waste no time trailing your hands under her dress, as you nibble her neck you ghost your hands over her thighs to lift her dress your left hand registers the lingerie set, you reach up under her breasts, effortlessly you guide her to turn around to straddle your lap you lean up to talk lowly in her ear "Maximoff I told you I have plans for your dress code" then you move down to trail your tongue and bottom lip from the bottom of her cleavage to her jawline, then nibble her ear as her breath hinges softly, her hands skim from your shoulders to tug your hair, you grab her by her tights just below her but cheeks without halting your ministrations you stand up to move to the built in personalized big bed. By the door Wanda eases back down to walk ahead to stand by the bed she gets rid of the dress using her powers to be left standing only in stilettos and gear belt lingerie (Fucking lucky bastard). ("Will you stand there looking captain? Or you will actually do something?") she beckons you curling her right index finger, eyes shining light red and full of lust. --- You wake up with a numb feeling on your left arm, as your mind tries to race you register the soft breathing on your neck, that makes you relax again, you lean over a little to kiss her head, then you turn towards the clock in the night stand it marks 04:31 , you whisper a low and husky "Little one" you sense her wake but she keeps her eyes close, "Wan my arm is numb" you feel her kissing softly your clavicle and lowly she murmurs "Sore, can't move" you laugh a little "That's not a problem" you lift her with the numb arm to have her lying over your front, she yelps in surprise "Y/N! Not fair your chest is cold" she slides back to your left side burying herself further on your warm skin "Shit! sorry little one" you grab the comforter to cover the right side of your chest to set her atop again, you set your left arm on her lower back, both nod off again. --- Your slumber is interrupted by the comforting smell of food and the sound of something frying. The clock marks 7:45 (She must be anxious). You put on a pair of black short jogger pants and a grey sports bra, as you move and fiddle with the clothes you feel a sting on your back but you ignore it, as you walk out you notice that the dress shirt is missing. You walk to the loft's common kitchen, in the counter are some of your favorite foods ready, Wanda is standing by the stove, her front towards you but she plays fool, you quickly make your way behind her, she is only wearing the black dress shirt, her long hair on a messy high bun. Resting your chin on her shoulder you proceed to slid your hands under the shirt, hands gracing over the scarlet lingerie. "Y/N you'll make me burn the food, take your coffee mug and sit on the bar stool" you stop your wandering hands under her breasts, and whisper in her neck "What if I want something else for breakfast darling?" her movements stop, you keep my hands at place and start kissing the crook of her neck, nibbling her neck up to her jaw. "Y/N! Oh god my eyes, not again" Pietro says dramatically turning around, Anika comes behind him "Piet, what’s going...Oh god! Y/N! that was something I never wanted to see! my innocence is fucking gone" she exclaims dramatically covering her eyes, Costel just turns bright red and Covers his eyes. Zrinka walks in covering Fedor's eyes with her right hand "Come on you bunch of whiney babies, it’s like you have no idea about sex". You put a last kiss on Wanda’s head before addressing them "what the hell are you all doing here?" clear annoyance in your voice but you can't be mad is good having this normalcy. "Well your girl called us for breakfast. But I see you have other ideas. Is it safe to sit in the bar stool? By the way the over grown pups are with Bucky" Anika says as they walks close. "I'm sorry babe, I should have warned you". Wanda says going back to cooking. "Is ok little one" after kissing her temple softly you turn around to grab five mugs of coffee and pour one. "Oh my god! Wanda are you a shifter?!" Anika screams. The green-eyed woman tilts her head in confusion as she cooks “No, why are you asking?" "Look at wolfy's back and tell me you didn't shift into a tigress or something" she says pointing behind Wanda. Pietro starts laughing out alongside Zrinka "Sis, you over did it" he exclaims within laughter, the brunette's eyes widen in realization. You try to look at your back but you can only catch the beginning of a scratch mark starting at the top of the left shoulder, however that's not the only one you can feel the sting of other starches in different places. "That bad?" you muse with a wide smirk. "I would say that good instead babe" Wanda says winking at you. "Oh my god, guys let's have breakfast somewhere else" Pietro says motioning to stand up. "Nah I'm good, Wanda's food is worth having to hear them flirting and witnessing their sex marks" Anika says with a shrug as Costel hangs his head backwards doing dead whale noises. Zrinka just jiggles as he pulls Pietro back on his seat. You leave a coffee mug by Wanda's side with a kiss on her cheek and sit beside her and put a mug holder and the jar of fresh brewed coffee. "What else did you do last night guys?" you ask at the young ones, Fedor motions grabby hands at you and you scoop him from Zrinka's arms and cradle him with your left arm avoiding your cold right side he begins to play with the metal scales on your chest. Anika shrugs "Well nothing as exciting as you two clearly" she says waggling her eyebrows "The chef left some sokovian beers in the lambo, but not her number, we went to the beach to drink some". Your eyes widen as you sip the beverage "Anika I told you to be careful were you drink, I know that you didn't have that problem in Hydra, but now you are an Avenger" you say with a light frown "Costel?" "Don't worry Y/N we went outskirts, no witnesses, it was just a couple of beers". Costel says in their defense. Wanda sets the last plate and sits beside you "Anika Y/N is right, just be careful. Let's enjoy the breakfast". "Yes mom". After the ridiculous amount of food is gone Pietro clears his throat grabbing your attention "So sistra, I was thinking..." "Oh no that is bad" Costel teases him with a smile. Pietro glares at him while Zrinka tries to hide her smile behind her napkin. "... we need a new SUV, one not so big, but faster to ensure a swift scape if needed... As he rambles on you lift your eyebrow in annoyance, Wanda rolls her eyes and gives her hand to Fedor so he can play with her rings. You cut off Pietro "If you want the Urus buy it yourself, you are a big boy Piet pay for your shit". "ROASTED!" Anika exclaims pointing at the silver haired sokovian as she laughs, Pietro glares at her as Costel loses it almost spiting his drink. "Aw! Come on baby I told you, don't be a grumpy" Zrin says kissing his cheek. "Besides you'll lose the maximum speed after you bulletproof the SUV" you point out the small detail looking at him, as you feel Fedor slapping your upper chest lightly to grab your attention. "I would have asked Shuri to coat the SUV in vibranium" he says with a shrug.

You are cooing at the baby when Pietro’s statement makes you snort "So, you don't have money to buy the vehicle, but you have money to coat it in vibranium? You are unbelievable Piet". --- Wanda and you spend the morning chilling out in the common living room, both wearing sweat pants and S.H.I.E.L.D shirts. Fedor stayed with you both lounging on the big sofa watching movies and eating a mix of junk food and fruits giving him some smashed soft fruits. Pietro and Zrinka took the chance to go ahead and do a trip to the mall for baby stuff. The wolves went with Anika and Costel for a jog in Central Park. Fedor is quite easy to take care he is calm and easygoing, he is quite engrossed by the metal on your body so he usually plays with the metal scales or even explores the uncovered scars, which is soothing for your soul that he is by no means afraid of you, he likes to have your metal arm around him so he can pat and feel the metal scales. When he is in Wanda's arms he plays with her rings and necklaces, he loves grabbing her attention and get a view of the smoky shapes Wanda makes with her powers making him gurgle and shriek in delight. Wanda is cuddling on your left side as the baby plays with the cross charms of her necklace your arm is over your woman’s shoulders, when he gets bored he starts to wiggle to change positions and lay with his belly on Wanda's shoulder, you feel his tiny hands tugging your shirt to pat and scratch lightly the scar tissue as he inspects it, but he gets a better idea and you end up with your bicep drenched on baby slobber. "My love, you'll end up being his teether if you let him keep mouthing your scars" Wanda says as she tilts her head up and watches Fedor sucking your bicep as you discuss with Wanda the pros and cons of letting Fedor do that, Peter walks in shyly and stands the beside the T.V. He smiles fondly before speaking "Slobber suits you Ms. Wolf" you catch the nervousness of his voice, which now is odd after your first encounters he has become more at ease with you. "Hello Peter, what can I do for you?" you ask with a small friendly smile, is not every day that he comes to you for help usually Papa Tony or Grandpa Steve has everything covered. He scratches the back of his head a little before crossing his arms nervously "Can... Can we... Maybe talk for a second?" the last part has such a hopeful tone that kind of worries you. "Sure young man" Fedor protest a little when you shift your arm from the spot and lean forward in attention, Wanda shifts him to lay him on her arms again his back on her belly, hands around his middle and he begins to play with her rings. You look at him expectantly with a teasing smirk, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Why can't I join all of you in the big missions?" he asks in a rush and breaths out in relief. You briefly side eye Wanda, clueless of how to answer that. You know that Peter always want to prove himself specially to Tony "I'm sure you asked Tony and Steve that. Why do you want my answer?" you enquire in confusion prompting him to rub his face in annoyance. ("Wrong answer puppy, everyone is doing that to him"). "Why you all do that to me?" he exclaims a little exalted "You take Anika on big missions, she even goes with you guys. That's not fair! I train as hard as her, we are almost the same AGE!... Come on someone has to give me a better answer!" As you follow his outburst you see Fedor getting upset, not because he is afraid of Peter or the shouting, he is upset due to Peter's distressed outburst. "Peter..." he keeps going "Peter! calm down" you raise your voice slightly and yet with a heavy commanding undertone. "I'm sick of calming down! I'm sick of all of you treating me like a fragile thing! I could stand my own against YOU and Mr. James!" (time to show some respect then). You stand up bluntly, startling Fedor lightly. Walking up to Peter with a tight and commanding demeanor he immediately shuts up and loses a couple of shades of color. "Oh my god" he covers his mouth with his palms in surprise as he steps back slightly "I'm sorry captain". You fold back your arms to your waist line to retrieve the two handguns hidden on your waist line and take off the safety. You keep one on your right and give him the one on your left. He shakily takes it and keeps the muzzle to the floor. You raise yours at him "Shoot me or I shoot you" you order coldly. His eyes widen "What?! NO! Why?!". "Three, two..." He quickly puts the safety back and drops the gun, you see his breath getting ragged "I won't shoot you!". "I gave you an order, shoot or I shoot you. Life or dead situation, Hydra got me back in asset mode there's no back up for you. I'm the one in the path of saving Tony. If you don't shoot me I kill both of you". You hear Tony's hurried steps entering the room alongside Steve, Natasha and Bucky the last two flanking Tony. Wanda took the chance to move away Fedor secured with a red bubble. You show no trace of faltering when you shift your gun to Tony the bullet path is straight to hit above his arc reactor if you pull the trigger. Peter gets visibly anxious. "Y/N! The fuck are you playing to?! Drop that gun!" Steve exclaims, before Tony. ("Buck and Nat are ready"). "Shoot me Parker! Three, two, one" you shoot but instead of firing at Tony you move the trajectory at the last second towards Bucky who catches the bullet with his metal hand. Still you scare the shit out of Peter. In a millisecond after thought he launches himself at you with a well-placed and hard as hell right hook at your temple, you barely dodge it leaning back. Instead of hitting your temple there's the distinguishable sound of something breaking and you feel the bone and cartilage of your nose breaking. Well you have to admit the kid is absolutely strong and fast, besides you never foresaw him launching at you. The punch sends you to the floor belly down, he almost knock the shit out of you which is no easy feat. With ragged breath Peter is standing with his arm still crossed in the direction of the punch. When he snaps out of his stunned panicked state he realizes that Tony is safe and sound, Bucky simply uses the kinetic energy of the arm to turn the bullet to dust, his hand opens to reveal the dust remains with a tiny smile on his lips. "Well that should be lesson enough, don't you think Nat?" Steve says with his arms crossed over his chest and motioning with his head towards you. Natasha smirks and walks a few steps to kneel beside you, as Wanda still covers the baby's eyes with one hand shaking her head softly in disapproval "I told her it wasn't a good idea". "Oh my God!" Peter exclaims when he realizes he indeed punched you and hard. Wanda smiles softly at him and uses her powers to calm him down, her warmth smoky energy waves wrap around him like a hug "Ms. Wanda I'm sorry". You lift your upper body leaning on your right forearm your breath is a little ragged "Don't sweat it kid, indeed you can pack a punch" you state with a snicker before forcibly breathing out through your nose, staining further the floor in crimson, you feel blood pouring down your nose and slipping on your throat. "That's disgusting Wolf" Nat says with a hand on your shoulder with a broad smirk "F.R.I.D.A.Y could you please call Dr. Cho tell her our beloved Wolf needs cosmetical fix before we head to the mission tonight". *Right away miss Romanoff* Her request makes you snicker a little "You are enjoying this, aren't you?" you shift to sit on the floor breathing through your mouth. "Is not every day that someone almost knocks the shit out of you Wolf" Bucky says trying to keep his smile at bay. You see a handkerchief appearing before you with alongside a "That, was stupid robowolf" the genius can't keep the smile from his voice, you take it with your left hand "Thanks tin can". "I'm serious robowolf" you smirk at him before using the handkerchief to stop the blood. "Any explanation Wolf?" when you turn left towards Tony, Steve and Wanda, Fedor gurgles happily at you shaking his chubby hands and legs "At least someone is having a blast". Peter kneels in front of you, his eyes speaking volumes of worriedness and regret, your voice is a little muffled by the pressure applied to stop the bleeding "Kid, don't sweat it. It might have not been the best way..." Steve frowns before cutting you off "It was stupid Wolf". You give him a mighty eye roll that makes Peter smile shyly "As I was saying. What I put you through is what can happen in a mission Peter" his eyes snap to lock in yours "The enemy will explode every weakness and every chance to put you off balance and make you falter with no regard of using those who you love to break you". "Yes you are strong, yes you've been through a lot, but you have never killed in absolute cold blood. Those big missions you are so desperate to prove yourself in, they have no survivors". "But I thought... Does Anika... What?" "Anika wasn't trained by the Avengers Pete, she was trained in Hydra, killing is just a skill set to master. All the ex-Hydra and this red head" you motion at Nat "We do the dirty work it has to be done. Clint and the others don't doubt either". You put a reassuring hand on his shoulder "We love having you as an Avenger Pete, we might be selfish but allow us to preserve that good heart of yours” you say as you put your metal index finger above his heart “Believe me you are not the same after your first kill". You see him relax a little "So… I'm good enough? You all weren't sugar coating that I'm bad?". You give him a smirk "Pete, sugar coating is Tony's and Steve's thing not mine. Besides you are the friendly neighborhood spider-man" you say the last thing with a little groan as you stand up you give Peter a hand. "I'm sorry Wolf, for the punch" Peter begins to babble you stop him pulling him in a half hug, making him stop. "Pete I kind of deserved it, let's say this makes us even". After the hug is over Bucky hands you your guns with the safety on, you nod at him in thanks and tuck them back in place. "Give me a hug love" you open your arms at Wanda she scrunches her nose in disgust "Hard pass, you'll left us sticky bloody" Fedor has other ideas and makes grabby hands at you "Don't even think about it Wolf" she says putting up a smoky barrier. --- By the time you reached the lab the bleeding had stopped. Wanda and Fedor hang out with you until Cho arrives, "Y/N... Puppy" Wanda's voice snap you out of the train of thought you were lost in while you are sitting in the exam table. You still get angsty and anxious in the labs the last nightmares you've had showed you flickers of labs, blood and pain. Now is not surprise the why your brain reacts this way. Even though you wish to deny it the brief choking sensation that give you the blood pouring down the back of your nose and throat almost give you a panic attack. Unknown to you Wanda followed your train of thought as she skimmed her left hand through your hair. "Take off your shirt, I'll help you clean up before Helen arrives" with Fedor resting on her arms she moves to retrieve the medical kit. You take off the shirt and leave it in your lap. Wanda comes back, she is about to hand you Fedor when he begins to gurgle happily at the door, the two of you turn around to the sight of Helen, Fury and Maria walking in. Fedor motions grabby hands at Maria and the woman loses her stern demeanor and walks up to take the baby dives in nuzzling briefly on her neck, before leaning back to stare in her eyes. Maria hands you a new uniform shirt before securing him in her arms. You eye the shirt, it indeed is your size "How do you know my size ma'am?" you wiggle your eyebrows playfully but you soon regret it with a stab of pain in the bridge of your nose. "There's a data base with your measures Wolf" she says with a frown "You aren't that lucky" you smirk at her come back. "I think you'll be his forever crush Maria" Wanda says, she cradles your cheeks softly her warm hands soothing you and close your eyes, she begins to softly rub off the dried blood of your face. "Why do you say that Wanda?" the deputy director in current baby duty asks tilting her head a little. "He loves your eyes" Wanda says with a hum as you enclose her with your arms. Maria blushes faintly at the answer and looks down at Fedor who is staring at her attentively, Nick gives her a small teasing smile "Just like his father" he says shaking his head before he locks you in a hard stare. "Don't look at me like that Nick I can't turn around" you say lightly without opening your eyes. "Wolf can't you refrain from doing stupid shit for one miserable day?" the director half states, half muses. "I have my days. The kid got the point though". Nick pinches the bridge of his nose with a deep sigh in annoyance "Helen will she be ready?". Helen is setting up her equipment, without looking away from the screens she answers with all seriousness "Well I can't repair her stupidity, but her nose will be ready". You snap your stare at her making Wanda roll her eyes at you "I have a huge need to feel offended Helen" you say with a frown. "Get over it. Keep frowning you'll get wrinkles" Helen says with a teasing tone. Anika, Costel and the wolves rush in and the young adults burst out in boisterous laughter at the sight of your broken nose. Costel accented voice is the first to tease "Man! Peter packed you a hell of a punch!". Anika goes next "Come on old dog! That's a shame to the family". You lock them in murderous scowl "Director can I get a window to hide two bodies?" the man just side smirks a little. You feel Wanda's hands moving back your face towards her "No killing family Y/N" she says with a stern face "Now you two you better run before I show you why the 'scarlet' in my code name". The two young adults gulp heavily before rushing out, the wolves wag their tails at they rushed backdown ("The big pups run fast"). After a further scolding from Nick and Maria due to reckless behavior while Cho helps you with her tech. The earful lecture ends when the commanding officers leave the lab.

A/N:

Hey fellas! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

I keep the question, is anyone interested in the prequel?

By the way now we are one away from 99, holy shit! that’s awesome!

As always my inbox, asks are open for you all if you want to chat or know a little more about this universe of the story.

#wanda maximoff x reader #scarlet witch x reader #pietro maximoff x reader #quick silver x reader #avengers x reader #shield x reader #story of the ice wolf #part 15

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elenajohansenauthor · 6 years

Text

Fictober18, Day 23: “This is not new, it only feels like it.”

OCs: Shannon and Noah

Project: Untitled paranormal romance for Fictober18/NaNoWriMo, now tagged #spookyromancenovel on my blog

Potential Triggers: none

Word Count: 2,127

About: Shannon and Noah manage to talk and admit some squishier than usual feelings.

I gave myself the next three days off. Not of work—I still opened the shop and sold things and drove my little engine of merchant capitalism—but of Noah-related stress and worry. I destroyed the list of names and phone numbers, along with all my notes about my secret plan. It hurt to let that much work go, but once I had, I felt immeasurably lighter.

Scheduling my life around not seeing Noah was easy, too. He returned to my apartment in the early mornings. I heard him come in as early as two, as late as five—he must be enjoying the new shift in his body, even if ultimately it wasn't something he wanted. If this kept up, the entire district would be ghoul-free in just a few weeks.

Unless he went farther to hunt, to keep that exact thing from happening. Since my eye-opening chat with Orlando, I was trying to think more strategically, since that was the first obvious step in my journey to getting smarter. Or wiser, maybe that was the right term. Less naive was the end goal, either way.

If Noah completely depopulated one area of ghouls, someone would probably notice and wonder why. There weren't many nearby, as I'd seen on my way to Orlando's—but there were still some.

In the mornings, all I needed to do to avoid Noah was to stay in my room past sunrise. I liked to wake up early, but I stayed in bed with a book, reading for pleasure instead of research. If Noah knew I was awake, he had no obvious reaction, like knocking on my door just to see me.

At night, I stayed at work well past sunset. My shelves had never been so organized, the floors swept clean in every corner, the windows shined to an alarming sparkle. My midnight outing had given me a paradoxical confidence in my own self-reliance physically while still turning my brain to mush intellectually. Walking home safely through the dark seemed so trivial, now that I knew I could handle myself with just a few precautions. And with Noah keeping down the local ghoul population. But even if they'd been more prevalent, I still could have managed.

With a few hours of concentrated prayer and a shitload of material components, I'd enchanted a small bit of black tourmaline, the stone of protection against spiritual and psychic harm. It was also said to help break obsessions and unwise habits; a side benefit I could definitely use. Over those base properties, I layered charm upon charm to turn it into a potent amulet—it carried the strongest version I could muster of my concealment spell, as well as minor charms for silence, clarity, and courage. With it around my neck, I felt practically invincible, though I reminded myself often that it wasn't true, and letting the magic do the work for me was a quick way to make a sloppy mistake and get myself into trouble.

But no trouble found me on those night walks. I had missed the velvet feeling of darkness on my skin, the difference between a day breeze and a night wind, and the stars. I had missed feeling safe enough to look up at the stars. Gazing at them from inside my apartment, even with all the lights out, wasn't the same.

At the end of the third day, I went home early, mid-afternoon. I hadn't had many customers that day anyway, and I wasn't expecting any regulars. Instead of working, I sat on my couch for a few hours looking at Noah, kneeling in a shifting patch of sunlight because I'd thrown the curtains completely open. It didn't hurt him, he didn't react at all. I studied him and thought about what I wanted to say, now that I felt ready to tell him what had happened.

I was going to have to, because I'd figured out, finally, what Orlando needed from me to make his plan work. What a fool I'd been. Maybe the way he'd played me, played us, should have made me distrust him. Yet, how could I blame him for his games when he'd set my feet on a new path, one that would make me a stronger person? He wasn't my guru, I wasn't about to become a disciple and worship his every utterance.

But I also couldn't deny that the harsh truths he'd shown me had undoubtedly saved my life. And thus, Noah's—so I would never be able to thank Orlando enough. Noah hadn't wanted me to try for the Archives, and I'd dismissed his concern as simple overprotectiveness—a mistake I wouldn't make again. But Orlando had made me understand just how foolish I was, and how far I had to go.

I didn't want to help him out of gratitude. I wasn't sure I wanted to help him at all. His idea was still so far beyond what I'd planned that it stole my breath if I thought about it too long. The audacity of it, the potential for failure. It was too big to handle alone. So I had to tell Noah. I had to explain everything.

I braced myself for being called an idiot again, but it didn't deter me from what needed to be done. I was there, waiting, when the sun sunk below the horizon and Noah woke up.

I let him roll his shoulders and get to his feet, to flex his muscles and shake himself back to life. He knew I was there, certainly, but neither of us said anything.

Eventually he settled cross-legged on the floor, in my usual spot at the table. He glanced at it, visibly noticed it was bare, and looked up at me. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“What's up?” Not why have you been avoiding me, though in fairness to me, he hadn't made any attempt to bridge the gap. No notes left for me, no showing up to the shop, no knocking on my bedroom door. Noah's eternal respect for my boundaries was a blessing, but it also meant I could never do the peevish thing and expect him to come to me after a fight.

“I'm not going to the Archives.”

He blinked, his head snapping back. “Um, good?” He waited for me to explain. When I didn't, he cocked his head, studying me. “What's changed?”

I told him everything. It took two hours, due to three interruptions from Noah (two angry, one confused;) a short period of time where I talked through making dinner, and then through eating it, alternating sentences with bites of food; and an unexpected phone call from my mother, who gushed for a few minutes about the preliminary design she'd come up with for my dress, she was so excited she couldn't wait until next Sunday to tell me.

Overall, I think Noah handled it pretty well. No threats of murder or dismemberment, which wouldn't have bothered me much, being clearly hyperbolic. No threats of ending our friendship, either, which would have been far more devastating. I'd've continued to search for a cure anyway, because giving up was out of the question, but I'd be saving him only to let him go at the end, to let him leave my life for good.

But it didn't happen. I'd been more than a little afraid it might, given how long I'd been lying to him, and about such a serious subject. I spoke excitedly, maybe even passionately about my reaction to Orlando's wisdom, waving my hands in wide gestures that Noah watched with uneasy attention. I knew I was being over the top, but when I thought about how foolish I'd been and how I was trying to change, the combination of shame and elation was this weird, unstoppable high. I couldn't contain it, only channel it into what I hoped was a convincing speech.

It was only toward the end that it finally occurred to me: I might like the person I was becoming, but Noah might not.

He seemed to sense my sudden fear when I faltered mid-sentence. I gripped the amulet around my neck, reminding myself to be brave. “I've come so far so quickly, but it's a big shift in the way I look at the world. I'm used to being The Smart One, all the way back to the first days of kindergarten when I already knew my alphabet. It's hard to accept that relying on that self-image was actually getting in my way. And I don't want to change so much that you don't recognize me anymore.”

Noah “I don't think this is new, Shannon. It only feels like it.”

I shook my head. “I don't understand.”

“I get that you've had an epiphany, and I don't want to take that away from you. Growth is hard work. But you've always been changing your outlook. You've always accepted that you don't have all the answers, and you've never been afraid to admit that you're wrong.”

I took a step away from him, still sitting easily on the floor. My back hit the wall and I pressed myself against it, into it. “I'm plenty afraid. I've made a lot of mistakes, so many it's hard to think about them without feeling overwhelmed.”

Noah stood and held out his hand. “Not so many, really—I know what you're thinking, but the research doesn't count. Those weren't mistakes, those were hypotheses you proved incorrect. That's just part of the scientific method, right?”

A smile tried to form, tugging at my lips. “I'm not a scientist. My sample size is one and I don't have a control group.”

“Okay, then, you're a mad engineer.”

I couldn't help it, I laughed. We'd had this discussion while watching Young Frankenstein one night instead of studying for a biology test.

Noah took a step forward, his hand still waiting for mine. “I don't like that he calls you 'duckling,' though.”

Was that a hint of jealousy? I'd become a nun before I ever fell in love with Orlando—he was too bizarre, too avuncular, and if my guess was correct, far too old for me. “I actually do. It's cute without being insulting.” To soften my disagreement, I took his hand.

He led me to the window and wrapped one arm around my shoulders. We looked out into the night sky. “If you're okay with it, I guess I have to be.”

His physical closeness was strange, after he'd spent so long keeping me away from him. He must really be getting comfortable in his new body, finally. On the thought, I gasped.

“What? Shannon, what's wrong?” He went tense. I'm not sure how I could tell, exactly, because his muscles were already as hard as stone, but they definitely tensed.

“Here I am trying to be better,” I whispered, “and I've just spent the whole evening doing nothing but talk about me. I'm so self-absorbed! It's stupid, I'm so embarrassed.” I wanted to slip free of his arm and hide—not even my shiny new amulet could deflect that amount of shame.

But Noah used that arm to turn me to face him, placing both hands on my shoulders. “Shannon, you've spent the last three years entirely on me. You don't think I want to hear about you for a while instead? I didn't like everything you had to say, but don't you get how happy it makes me that you finally told me?”

I leaned forward, hiding my face by thunking my forehead against his chest. But I miscalculated and it hurt, driving a soft ow from me. Noah chuckled. “You're the most selfless person I've ever known. Now, why don't we put on a movie, something you like and something I've missed while I've been...well, away. I don't have Netflix like you do. Catch me up a little.”

I looked up to find an absolutely serious expression on his face. He wanted to watch a movie? Not how I expected my night to end. I thought I'd be crying in bed after Noah ranted at me for all the shit I'd pulled. “You're not hungry?” I asked in a small voice.

“I'll be fine. I'll hit the town for a few hours after you go to bed.”

“Okay.”

He let me go, but detoured around the couch and headed into the kitchen, opening and closing cabinets systematically. “Noah?” I called as I settled on the couch.

“Aha!” A few beeps later, I heard the whirr of the microwave. “I knew you'd have some.”

I leaned my head back, slouching deeply. I did always have popcorn, and I always let Noah make it for me. Some things, apparently, wouldn't change after all.

#writeblr #fictober18 #original fiction #spookyromancenovel #amwriting #FOUR SCENES IN ONE DAY #I CAME BACK TO THIS BEFORE BEDTIME #i'm still a week behind

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gyusfault · 6 years

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‘I can´t’

‘You- You know I can’t… like… - I can’t’

‘I don’t even care anymore’

Pairing: Male Idol × Reader

Genre: Fluff, a bit angsty if you will… tbh I’m not even sure

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.383

A/N: I’ve had this scenario in my head forever and I finally managed to write it down & share with everyone ♡ I made this with no particular idol in mind so it should be fitting for whoever you prefer.

& also my first scenario posted here on tumblr, yay

PS. English is not my first language, so please don’t be too harsh on me if it’s not perfect c:

Enjoy~

'You know it’s my last day here.’

You looked to the side to witness him nodding slightly while still enjoying the view over the city lights. You looked back down onto the floor in front of you, cautious as to not trip over any loose stones on the pavement.

You felt his gaze shift towards you. 'You must miss your home a lot. I mean, you haven’t seen your parents in, what? Two months?’

'Mhm’ You looked up to him once again, only being able to see his silouette as you were passing by a broken streetlight. 'I haven’t seen them ever since I came here… I do miss them a lot. But I’m going to miss you a lot as well.’

He changed his gaze back onto the skyline before pointing it to the dark pavement in front of his feet, showing a small, shy smile on his lips.

'I’ll miss you, too.’ He whispered, only loud enough for you to hear.

Still looking at him, you briefly slowed down in your tracks until you finally came to a stop right in front of the railing, seperating you from the brightly light up city below you both.

Noticing you had stopped, he slightly turned to look at you over his shoulder, a questioning look laying on his face.

You stood there still, taking in every detail of his features you could make out under the dimmed shine of the old street light closeby.

His eyes, searching your face in a confused pattern, his body slowly turning towards you completely, giving you all the attention he can bear.

'What’s wrong?’

You completely lost track of time as you stood there in front of him, admiring his presence like you’ve always liked to do. But other than right now, he never noticed you secretly staring at him whenever he was in the room with you, whenever he wasn’t looking your way, busy with many other things.

He turned his head to the side, stepping a step closer and placing his hands on your shoulders, forcing you to wake up from your sudden trance and staring into his still questioning eyes, eventually realizing how weird you must’ve looked, standing there completely motionless, simply staring at him.

'What’s wrong?’

He asked again, searching your face for any kind of emotion. Becoming slightly embarrassed by your previous actions you escaped his intense gaze by looking onto the floor between the two of you.

He stood very close to you, obviously, as he held onto your shoulders, now trying to get your attention back by lowering his head even more.

'Nothing’ You simply answered, avoiding his glance.

'You sure?’

You simply nodded, too distracted by your inner thoughts to form a sentence explaining whatever you just did.

You were looking down at your feet, overwhelmed by the many thoughts flying around your head, confusing you even more than your emotions already did.

You slowly raised your gaze up to his face, meeting his warm eyes for a second, suddenly experiencing a boost of confidence a you looked at him lovingly. Now or never. You leaned out of his grip, up to his face and simply kissed him. Nothing special, just a quick peck surprising him in his actions and leading him to freeze completely.

As you leaned back out, he looked at you wide-eyed, still not moving as you took another step back to look at him, trying to analyze his motionless facial expressions. But he simply stood there, staring in front of him, looking like he just got hit by a lighting strike.

You put on a small, reassuring smile, trying to regain his attention as you shifted your weight from one foot to the other nervously.

Oh no, what have I done.

You tried not to let your inner nervousness and insecurity show as he slowly averted his gaze towards your slightly shining eyes, looking at him expectingly.

He opened his mouth a bit just to close it again right afterwards. His hands were still frozen in the air where he held your shoulders only seconds before.

'I - …’

He stopped mid-sentence, continuing to stare into your eyes.

'You- You know I can’t… like… - I can’t’

He looked down at you with an empty expression, searching your eyes while still remaining in his previous position, not even daring to move his arms to the sides of his body.

You kept on giving him your best small reassuring smile. 'I know’

He mouthed a tiny 'what… - why’ while keeping his now again confused stare on your face.

'I wanted to do that for so long. I mean, I’m leaving tomorrow anyway so if you hate me now we’d never have to see each other again.’ You tried to explain yourself, hoping your voice didn’t shake as much as you felt your inner self shaking out of uncertainty.

He slowly got out of his trance-like situation, lowering his arms to the side of his body in what felt like minutes, his gaze never leaving yours and you then just stood there, looking at each other like you had done before but now with a whole different range of emotions.

You tried reading his face, his eyes, as they looked at you in an intense way but you couldn’t figure out what he was thinking just like you were usually able to do.

It felt like minutes had passed before he suddenly took a step towards you. His next move happened almost too quick for you to comprehend, yet the moment seemed to pass by in slow motion.

He leaned down, just enough to keep his face only centimeters apart from yours, looking deeply into your eyes for only a brief second before leaning in completely, connecting his lips with yours with what felt like a huge wave of emotion exchanging between the both of you through this special gesture. He briefly placed his hands on either side of your face holding you in place while still giving you enough space to pull back if you wanted to.

This time you were the one frozen in place, obviously shocked at his sudden change of behaviour as he kept his lips connected to yours, eyes closed, desperately waiting for you to respond.

So you did.

You slowly closed your eyes as you started applying slight pressure on his lips, returning the sweet yet deep and emotion-filled kiss while moving your hands to hold onto his jacket on either of his sides.

You started smiling into the kiss as he started to kiss you even deeper, pouring out all of his emotions just like you did.

Happiness, relieve, love but also a lot of concern regarding your future relationship.

You’ve been holding your immense love for him back for as long as you’ve been close to each other, ever since you fell in love. You didn’t want to destroy your friendship, neither of you did, so you never took it that one step further.

But now you had taken that step. And now there’s no way back anymore. You just seriously endangered your relationship with each other, knowing the hard dating ban rules of his company that won’t allow him to be with the one he loved.

That’s why you always held back. Besides of your relationship, you also endangered his career as an idol just now. You knew that too well. And he did, too. Yet he was the one kissing you, holding you like this, pouring out all his emotions that he’s been holding back, just like you did, into this moment, into this kiss.

He slowly backed away, keeping his face only millimeters away from yours, looking at you with his eyes filled with love and affection. You reflected his emotions while looking back at him the same way, completely forgetting time and place as well as all the concerns you’ve had in the past. Time seemed to stop as you stood there, holding each other, staring into each others galaxies within your eyes in front of the light up city below you.

'I don’t even care anymore’

That was all he said before he leaned back in, kissing you ever more passionate than he had before, the both of you fully immersed in the moment.

masterlist

27.02.2018

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sssssssim · 6 years

Text

May we take a moment to discuss the colors of Reylo?

Today I am going to analyze the ship of Rey and Kylo Ren from a fun perspective: colors.

How the two characters came to have a distinct color associated with them, how the choice was far from random, but most of all, how these colors are used to emphasize their stories and give us a bit more insight to it.

Our story starts at the end of The Force Awakens, but it takes place mostly in The Last Jedi. So join me in a tale with both Jedi and Sith undertones, interesting details, some heartbreak, loads of gifs, some strategically placed outer-links and a bit over 3k words.

Sometimes, this will be a story of purple.

There is no doubt in my mind that the colors these characters have been assigned come from the colors of their lightsabers.

As we know, a lightsaber is a powerful weapon, used by the Jedi and Sith both. However, according to the Star Wars wikia, “Though also used by the Sith, the lightsaber is synonymous with the Jedi, with some in the galaxy believing only Jedi can use lightsabers.” That feels a little like a detail lost across the centuries, because the Sith have always used lightsabers, as far as we’ve seen.

Fun fact! (that doesn’t necessary tie in with our story): the main difference between the two factions, when it came to lightsabers, is that the Jedi favored natural crystals, whereas the Sith almost always used synthetic crystals.

Let’s go back to our characters and their lightsabers.

Kylo Ren’s lightsaber is a crossguard he had made based on an ancient design dating back to a time where the Jedi had attacked a Sith temple, activating it and killing everyone on the planet (the Great Scourge of Malachor). The horrors of this battle apparently would go on to inform Jedi legends for millennia to come, and it tells us something about Kylo’s state of mind. He chose to build his lightsaber based on historic events that didn’t fare well neither for the Jedi, nor the Sith. Not only that, but based on a truly horrible event, and it did nothing to deter him.

Also, we have to note that the lightsaber contains a cracked Kyber crystal, and that is the reason for the lateral vents on the handle, used to divert the extra heat. It is an unstable weapon, not just in appearance, as the plasma blades have a flickering appearance, but in functionality as well. The crystal is barely able to contain the weapon’s power, but Kylo still uses it. Stubbornly so, I think, and once again, it helps characterise him: volatile and unstable, just as his saber.

Another important detail is the color of the crossguard: red. According to basic color theory, red is a color associated with energy, war, danger, strength, determination, and it is a very emotionally intense color. The lightsaber’s color is used to help characterize its wielder, for all of these things are found in Kylo’s personality.

I also feel the need to point out that we’ve only ever seen Sith wield red lightsabers. Sidius, Vader. Red, totally dark side. Heck, if Snoke got a saber, they would’ve need to invent a brighter shade of red. So Kylo is totally dark side. D’uh.

However, red is also the color of passion, desire and love. With Kylo, we caught a glimpse of that in The Force Awakens, but not in the fluffy way you’d expect. When he killed Han, Kylo renounced all of these characteristics. Unsuccessfully, as the next movie points out, but we’ll get to that later.

Rey’s lightsaber is not her own, yet it called to her on Takodana, and it activated her powers. Originally, the lightsaber belonged to Anakin Skywalker, who had made it during his Jedi training. Thus, it is tainted with the dark side, which is a detail we must remember for later on.

However, after Anakin, the lightsaber was passed on to Luke, who used it in his training to become a Jedi. Pretty ironically, it was Darth Vader who cost him the lightsaber (and hand). We don’t actually know how Maz got a hold of it after that, but it did, eventually, end up in Rey’s hands and not only did she (and Finn) use it to fight Kylo on Starkiller Base, but she also used it to bargain for Luke’s return to the war.

This lightsaber isn’t just a weapon, but a symbol and a plot device.

It is bright blue and basic color theory tells us that it is the color of the sky (which Rey dreamed of exploring) and the sea (which she had dreamed of, foreshadowing her journey to Ahch-To). It is associated with depth and stability, and symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith and truth, which are all characteristics Rey undoubtably stands for. It is associated with tranquility and calmness, with heaven. The light.

Which is a stark contrast to Kylo’s red hell.

These colors have been used since the first moment Rey and Kylo interracted. It happened when she touched Luke’s lightsaber, and it is the first moment the viewer sees the bond between the two characters. Rey is thrown into a vision, that leads to Kylo’s side. Just as he’s killing someone, ouch.

But the entire scene is bathed in blue. And Kylo’s lightsaber shines bright red.

Red and blue are both primary colors, but not complementary to each other. The contrast created between them is stark and harsh, as is the battle between Rey and Kylo. At least at the start.

But what happens when you put red and blue next to each other? You create a new color.

Back at it with the basic color theory: purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. It is associated with royalty, it symbolizes power, luxury and ambition. Wisdom, dignity, independence, mystery and magic.

What does that mean for our two characters? Light purple evokes romantic and nostalgic feelings, whereas dark purple evokes gloom and sad feeling, causing frustration.

...Sounds about right.

Let’s go on to The Last Jedi, where all the juicy stuff happens. Right from the start, the movie consolidates these colors and their characters.

The first time we see Rey, she is surrounded by the blue sea.

First time we see Ben, it’s a bit more complicated. He’s covered by black, only to be revealed surrounded by white. He gets out of the elevator and into the throne room, which is a shrine to the color red.

Why white, you ask? Well. Basic color theory tells us white is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity and virginity. YEAH MAYBE NOT. It is considered to be the color of perfection. I know we all love Adam Driver, but DEFINITELY NOT when it comes to Kylo.

However, white can represent a successful beginning. I’m not sure of the successful part, but this is surely a beginning for Kylo Ren. And every beginning starts somewhere, somewhere the character has been before: hence the violent red in the next scene.

After his conversation with Snoke, Kylo gets back on the elevator. While it’s still prominently white and black, there are very small splashes of color: the panels behind him have both red and blue lights.

And as he is destroying his helmet, the red is the color evidenced the most, but blue is still there. Not only that, but the lights he smashes go off with a vaguely blue spark.

It is a little bit of foreshadowing, and it is going to keep happening throughout the film. The red is always there, by Kylo’s side, but in smaller doses so is the blue. ... Rey, I do mean Rey. Kylo has his reddark side, but Rey is always there, in the back of his mind.

I’m not going to lie, I haven’t noticed it happening as much with Rey’s scenes, at least not until she connects with Kylo. All of Ahch-To is a little blue, because of the ocean that surrounds it, but it’s not very evident.

There’s no red, thought, and the lack of it makes sense: she doesn’t care much about Ben at this point, does she? He’s her enemy.

Do you know what is blue, though? The beacons that will bring Rey home. In case you were doubting her place wasn’t by the light.

The first time the bond connects them, this status quo persists.

Kylo is surrounded by red things, with just the tiniest bit of blue, coming from the light above him. Completely dark, with a hint of light threatening to escape.

Rey is completely devoid of blue or red. Neither light, nor dark. Well, maybe that grey has a blue undertone, but that’d be stretching it a bit thin.

But when the bond connects them, it’s very interesting because neither of them have any of their colors around. They are both completely neutral, in their shared shock.

They both get over it and run out of the rooms they’re in, and the status quo returns, again.

Rey has no trace of red around her, but a hint of a blue sky.

Ben has evident red marks around him and in the very background, the slightest hint of blue.

The color display is still a testament to the feelings they have for one another.

Rey sees Kylo as the enemy, the dark side which she wants to keep at bay, far away from her. He is curious about her, scared to let her in, but unable to control himself.

This changes the next time they connect. Because Kylo is surrounded by blue.

He was thinking of her, wasn’t he? Quite a lot, I’d assume, considering he is completely surrounded by her color.

And Rey is as well, but there’s a hint. The light coming from the Falcon’s hatch isn’t red, not yet, it’s orange.

But the jump from orange to red is very slim and by the looks of things, it’s going to happen soon. She has felt the dark side by this point, trully, and she is starting to let it in. Just a hint.

The next time she talks with Luke, he tells her the story of how Ben destroyed his temple. As she’s asking Luke to help her find her place in all of this, even as she’s vowing, loud and clear, that she will not betray Luke as Kylo did... the orange light that is bathing her face looks like it’s one step closer to turning red. Here, have a completely unedited version.

Which brings us to the I’d rather not do this now scene. No, let’s do this now.

Rey wants to know why Kylo killed Han, and she thinks that he had attacked Luke, unprompted. Of course, she is drowning in blue, pushing him away.

At first, Ben does it too. There is a general blue-ness to the scene, but it’s not as evident in an unedited version. There are a few bright red lights, though.

But then, as he’s telling Rey his side of the story, of waking up with his uncle wielding a lightsaber over him, he takes a step towards Rey, thus including a few faint blue blinking lights in the background.

He wants her to understand, and he wants her to Let the past die. So there are more blue flashing lights than in any of his scenes before.

But Rey still pushes him away, no hint of red whatsoever.

And then, Rey goes to the dark cave and things change. She gets out and runs to Kylo, seeking solace because she knew Luke would give her none, seeking understanding.

She is covered and surrounded by red. Well I mean as much red as you can get from a fire, but we’ll roll with it, it’s red.

There is still a hint of blue, by the window on the left, but it’s far away from Rey and out of focus.

In a similar manner, Kylo is surrounded by blue light, with just a few hints of red, far away from him and out of focus.

This is the moment when they truly let each other in. This is the moment when they form a connection, a willing one, and when they do, it’s red.

Fully and completely red, his color, the color of the dark side. Remember when we discussed how Luke’s lightsaber was tainted with the dark side? He had fought against the pull of it, and against his father. He had thought Rey was going to fight against Ren. But seeing this... no wonder Luke thought she was going to turn.

As they meet in the middle, Rey is just red.

And Kylo is just blue.

Together, they should be purple. They’re not, because that is the color of their fights.

Instead, they’re both bathed in his red, with just a hint of her blue by Rey’s head.

As the story shows, this doesn’t mean that Rey is turning to the dark side. No, this shows that while she is still keeping what she stands for (a hint of blue), she is now on Kylo’s side. Ben’s side.

Remember when we were cataloguing what red means? We concluded that passion, desire and love were characteristics that Kylo has relinquished. This is the moment when that changes because this red, it’s not the destructive red of his lightsaber. This is a warmth of passion, desire and love, or at least the possibility of it.

They have reached an understanding. Of course, we know it doesn’t last.

But Rey does ship herself straight to him, in a Millenium Falcon escape pod that has a random bit painted red.

Also (fun fact!), it apparently says PROPERTY OF HAN SOLO / PLEASE RETURN. “Rey wished she could ask Han if that ever worked.” Well it sure as hell worked now, because Han may be dead, but the pod is on a straight course to his next of kin. Anyway, let’s move on.

They are together on the Supremacy.

The elevator they are riding has a red... arc reactor (what do you even call the underneath of an elevator?).

The cuffs Rey was put in are locked on red.

But the elevator, as before, is mostly white, with hints of red and blue. Because they are together, for real, in the same space, for the first time since Starkiller.

As Rey pleads her case, we see a panel lighted blue with hints of red. Just in case you were fearing she was going to turn dark, by this point it’s clear that she’s not.

Kylo rejects her offer, but doesn’t quite reject her, thinking she will be the one to turn. He is once again surrounded by white, by a beginning. One that is clear he wishes to come true.

But Rey doesn’t agree to it, so she is forced to step into Snoke’s red hell.

As stated before, everything is hella fucking red here.

Sure, there are a few blue blinking lights, but you barely see them because of the abundance of red.

And Kylo is most definitely red. Not drowning in it, but enough contrasted by it.

Rey... is not. This lighting is very dramatic (I love and live for it), and you think it is white. And it is, mostly, but look at it a little more closely. The shadows on her face have a blue tint to it, and (I swear I’m not crazy) even the lipstick/lipstain she’s wearing is a pink with a blue undertone.

Yes, I know, that might be stretching it a little. But the blue is there. Barely, but there.

It gets stronger, when Snoke is torturing Rey for information. In a poetic manner, the blue is at her back while the red is at her front. As far as symbolisms go, it makes you think she will shed what is behind her for what is in front of her. Forget the Resistance, join Snoke.

It’s a discombobulating trick, because we see blue again, in a respite. Rey is shown the fate of the Resistance, and the red slowly disappears, while the slight blue sheen of the glass does not.

Meanwhile, the angle in which Kylo is filmed had changed, revealing some really vague and diffused blue lights. A hint of the fact that Rey is still on his mind.

And then Snoke asks him to kill Rey. What does he do? Gets up and completely covers the red lights.

There is no blue, though. So by this point, you’re thinking that Kylo will do it, he will kill Rey. Because that’s what he wants Snoke to believe.

Rey believes it too. The screen is split, between Snoke and her, and she’s framed by red. Not a testament to the dark side, no, but knowing what is coming right next, this red is protection. It’s a foreshadowing of Kylo protecting her.

As he’s saying I know what I have to do, there is still no blue around Kylo. Just really bright red. On one hand it’s because, as I said before, it’s what he wants Snoke to think.

But, on the other hand, it’s also a foreshadow of his final decision, isn’t it? During these scenes, this lack of blue, this onslaught of red? Biggest foreshadow we’ve missed the first time we saw the movie. (I’m just mildly bitter about it.)

The story continues with Kylo cutting Snoke in half (good riddance, asshole). And immediately after, we return to what we have seen at the beginning of Kylo’s journey in this movie, and what we have seen with Rey in the smuthut.

Rey, face lightened by her blue, surrounded by Kylo’s red.

Kylo, face lightened by his red, surrounded by Rey’s blue.

Together, they fight. But it is not purple, because they are not fighting against each other. They are on the same side now. No Jedi, no Sith, the red and blue of their lightsabers does not matter anymore.

What matters is the fact that they are still in Snoke’s red hell.

After the fight is over, Ben starts by saying It’s time to let old things die. He’s not completely surrounded by red, but he is completely surrounded by the type of red you can get with fire as your light source.

But as he’s continuing his explanations, there are small pieces of fiery red falling all around him. And, to note, the hull of the ship in the background looks white.

Rey, while she is surrounded by the same bits of fiery red, the ship in the background is a lot more blue.

And this is where their understanding ends.

You know what happens next. Kylo makes his plea, begs Rey to join him. Surrounded by fire red, but blue as well. Because he wants it, he wants her to join him. He wants her.

Rey, while still surrounded by fire, is framed by some very contrasting pieces of blue light.

She refuses, and they fight, they are fighting against each other. Just like on Starkiller, even if the method is different, and even they are different.

It ends with blue devouring all the red around it. It ends with Rey winning, because she was the one to wake up first and she managed to flee the ship.

It ends with both of them losing each other. And thus, we’re back to how things started, to how things are supposed to be.

Kylo, with his red, fighting his family and all they stand for.

Rey, with her blue sky, saving the Resistance and the people she cares for.

And the end of The Last Jedi?

It ends with Kylo against a vaguely purple background with very distinct buttons, one red and one blue. He still wants her by his side, but he doesn’t want to step away from the dark side.

It ends with Rey against a background that is not quite red. She closes the hatch on their connection, on him.

What does this mean for our character’s future? Except for the fact that there is one, I can’t really say. He still wants Rey by his side, but while she doesn’t hate him anymore, she doesn’t justify his (evil) actions, either.

It’ll be interesting to see what happens, of course. I predict some red and blue will be involved. Maybe some white. Hints of purple.

#star wars #reylo #reyloedit #kylo ren #starwarsedit #my edit #my gif #edit star wars #edit other #sim watches star wars

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somethinglacking · 6 years

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Cruel Angel’s Thesis Chapter 3

Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Category: F/M Fandom: Mystic Messenger (Video Game) Relationship:707 | Luciel Choi/Main Character Characters:707 | Luciel Choi, V | Jihyun Kim Mary, Vanderwood 3rd, Jumin Han, Zen | Hyun Ryu, Yoosung Kim, Jaehee Kang, Main Character, Rika, Saeran ChoiUnknown | Ray

It was late in the night, or early in the morning depending on how you choose to view it. V's fever had returned it had been alarming. Nari wiped the sweat from V's brow with a cool cloth. His skin was flushed and felt hot to the touch. Nari brushed his hair from his clammy flesh. Vanderwood and Seven seemed to be talking about something important in the other room. The door was cracked, but all she could make out was hushed harsh tones. Nari sighed; it appeared Seven was now fighting two hackers instead of just Ray. She laced her fingers through V's in hopes to comfort the sick and broken man before her. She opened the messenger app. 2 missed chat rooms, one with Rika, and another with the second hacker. Nari sighed to herself as she logged back out. She couldn't even bother herself to read the chat rooms. She set the phone down and laid her head down on their conjoined hands. Her eyes looking at V's sleeping face. She felt helpless; she didn't have the supplies she would have liked. She knew she was lucky to get what she had, but there where many things she didn't realize the importance of until now. Closing her eyes she realized that without the hospital she was useless. That was depressing.

She woke to the feeling of a finger running through her hair. She sighed a little at the comforting touch, before opening her eyes. Brown met with mint.

"Nari... are you awake?" His voice was soft.

"V how are you feeling?" She asked not lifting her head allowing him to keep playing with her hair.

"I'm much better... because you stayed with me all night long. Thank you, Nari." V's eyes where kind as he moved his hand to pet her head. "I went there to save you, but instead, I'm getting help from you. You seem to be a very strong person. But compared to you, I'm..." He paused collecting his thought. "I'm not at all responsible as a person in charge of an association."

Nari closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "It's alright. You're good enough just the way you are."

"Thank you for saying that. I feel so comfortable, so at ease when I talk to you... I'm not sure why. Is it because this vibe you have...?" His confession made Nari blush slightly. "I'm... arguing every day against myself... whether I'm on the right track... However... when you support me when that happens... I get a little... very little confidence that I am on the right track. Sorry for making you see me like this." His voice was breaking a little. Nari opened her eyes to look at the gentleman before her. "Nari, please don't be too nice to me, I'm not worth it." She went to say something and he shook his head, fingers still tangled in her hair." as I was talking to you, I was able to realize so many things I never knew. Once my vision, I could see little by little of how trapped I was in my world. However... I'm already a sinner. There are so many sins I've committed. I don't deserve to be happy with someone. The happier I become... the more Rika would hate me. There will be even more misfortune and unhappiness. I must do something about Rika. I must sacrifice myself to stop her." Nari' s head shot up startling him a little. Her eyes were hard as she looked at him.

"There goes your habit again. You're trying to handle everything by yourself-." He silenced her out bust by placing his fingers on her lips.

"Do you think... this is my habit?" He questioned her soothingly stroking her hair again, Nari could only nod.

"But this is a bit different. This is something I must handle on my own. I can no longer watch any other people getting hurt. I'm the one who ruined her... so I'll be the one to put her in peace. It takes only me. If I sacrifice myself, Rika will stop. That's all I can ever wish for. I'll be at peace too... if I do that.." His eyes were sad, they were focused on his hand on her head as he spoke.

"You don't have to do this alone. We can work together." Nari assured him.

"I'm not the type of man who could do that. I've already failed once... Rika changed like that. It's because of me... it's because I loved Rika. Please, let me do this alone. There's only one victim necessary- me. I'll stop Rika and protect everyone. That's the only meaning left in my life. I can never forgive myself... maybe I shouldn't have started this... maybe I should've never done something like love. If I'd known this is how things would turn out... then... I wouldn't have started it in the first place..." He confessed. Nari looked at him with sad understanding eyes.

"There's nothing that shouldn't have started. Back then you only have innocent intentions... you only wished to experience love." Nari tried to soothe him.

"Nari, you keep telling me that I might as well really trust that your right. Do you think I'll be forgiven?" He asked eyes looking at her. Nari smiled softly and nodded.

"Haaa... you'd better stay away from me. I..Im a bizarre person, just like Rika. I might hurt you. You might find yourself in greater danger because of me. What if you suffer... because of me...? I'll be in so much pain... If I think that you might suffer because of me. What if you become like Rika...? What if I ruin you as you stay with me? I'm a monster, like Rika. Please... I don't want to hurt you. Not you." He was getting mystical with his thoughts.

"You're not a monster, V!" She yelled loudly causing him to close his mouth looking at her in surprise. She flushed, it came out so loud she was sure the others heard her.

"You're just... you've experienced tragically sad love. That's all." She voice was soft and quiet.

"No, I am a monster... I was addicted to loving someone endlessly, to the point I devastated someone. I was a fool... a monster... who thought that was the proper way of love. I'm just an empty shell... that tried to find meaning in love. Because I didn't even know who I really am." He sighed sadly closing his own eyes, his eyebrows scrunched together. He was fighting a battle within himself.

"Nari... this is who I am. I'm a photographer, the head of RFA, Rika's past love. The one who ruined Rika. A scaredy-cat trapped by my own fear... Wait... actually, I don't know... I don't know who I am, what kind of person I am. Perhaps... There is no definition of the real me. I'm just a bunch of complicated problems like a package of white blank puzzles..."

"You can find your hue from now on. You can start discovering yourself from the beginning." Nari mused softly, His eyes opened on surprised.

"Thank you... Nari. I wish I could have met you sooner... But I if I did... do you think there would've been anything different?" Nari flushed as he spoke. Unable to form words herself.

"This idea wouldn't leave my head. Do you think I would become like this... Rika would've become like this... if you were there? Haha... seriously I keep wondering why I had to meet you now... it's already too late... I'm determined to vanish alone once I stop Rika." His voice getting quieter as he spoke.

"Please don't go. Stay. Stay and find a new path." Nari heard her voice crack as she pleaded with him.

"I must go. It's too late to find another path. I've come... too far. So please... don't try to comfort me anymore, Nari. I... I can't stay with you. I don't deserve it. But thank you, Nari... if there comes one more chance... no nothing... if I continue this conversion... " He moves to stand, Nari, moved to allow him to do so.

"I fear I might say something funny to you. I'm sorry... and thank you for bearing with me." And with that, he left her alone in the room. Nari bit her lip thinking back on the conversion. She wanted to help him; she'd do anything to help him.

After a few moments, she realized just how stiff her body was. She stood stretching her worn out body, it popped and snapped in protest. She flinched at it. She took a deep breath before walking into the main room herself. Vanderwood and Seven were quietly doing things on their computer, but V was nowhere in sight. Realizing he probably wanted to be alone and went outside, she took to the kitchen.

Thanks to Vanderwood there was actual food to prepare. She was preparing omelets from everyone. She wished she had rice, but since there wasn't a rice cooker here, Vanderwood didn't bother getting any. She sighed they'd have to make do without. She made herself busy chopping some vegetables when V walked back into the cabin. Her eyes met him and he smiled before turning to busy himself with whatever Seven was doing.

Nari was about to place the omelets in the pan when her phone went off. She sighed picking it up checking the caller ID... Reluctantly she answered Rika's call.

"Good morning, Nari!" She shined and Nari rolled her eyes.

"Is there something you needed, Rika?" Nari asked. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at her. V was quick to his feet as he moved closer to her. Seven was right behind him. Nari put a hand up to stop the approach.

"I just called because I missed you." She replied.

"Is that all..." Nari questioned knowing it wasn't all.

"Well, I've been thinking about what we've been talking about in the chat rooms. I wanted to warn you not to trust V so early... he'll destroy your evil too. It's such a beautiful demon I couldn't bear it if you lost it."

"Rika, I want to help you... can't you just let go and stop all of this. Please." Nari pleaded with the girl eyes moving from Luciel's and V's

"Fallen angels like us are here to help those in pain from being shunned by the light!" Rika explained and Nari pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Maybe someone should tell these fallen angels it's the pain that makes us human," Nari muttered hitting the call end button dropping the arm with her phone to her side.

"You okay?" Luciel asked being the first to break the silence. Nari looked up smile plastered on her face.

"Yup! Breakfast will be ready soon!" She exclaimed bidding her emotions as she turned to finish cooking. The boys look unconvinced but didn't push the matter further.

Later on, Nari decided to step outside to enjoy some of the afternoon suns. She was starting to see groggy and hoped that small walk around the cabin would wake her up. She had a patient after all; it was already irresponsible to leave him in the care of Vanderwood. But both he and Seven insisted she takes a break since V currently took a nap. She argued back, but with the two men tag teaming against her it was a losing battle from the start.

She smiled looking up at the clear blue sky feeling the suns warmth on her skin. After speaking to V, she now understood why he was so fascinated with the sun. It really was the mother of all life. It made her feel safe; yes being under the sun had always made her safe. Like a mother's warm hug. She frowns shaking her head. Now was not the time to be thinking about mothers.

She sighed turning to return from her brief break. Once she entered the cabin, she noticed V and Vanderwood almost sizing each other up. Nari raised an eyebrow walking toward the men.

"There's no time... I'm fine. I can handle this. Could you please help me?" V asked the other man who looked at him like he was crazy.

"I'm already helping you," Vanderwood stated.

"Please take me where I tell you. I must see Rika." V was practically begging. Nari eyed the redhead in the corner; she could slightly hear the music coming from the headphones he was wearing. "I must see her in person... at mint eye."

Nari scoffed gaining the attention of the men. "You're not even doing well! Stop being so stubborn." Her tone was stern.

"Wow, that was a bullseye, miss," Vanderwood said in shock. "You'd better listen to her."

"There is no point in talking to Rika like this. It'd be different if I talk to her face-to-face."

"V, please for the sake of what's left of my sanity don't go." Nari pleaded causing V's eyes to meet hers.

"I'm sorry I'm being difficult, Nari. This is something I have to do." V spoke carefully trying to make her understand. Nari sighed pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Enough with your obsession with Rika! You should treasure yourself more." Nari practically growled through her teeth. Vanderwood looked startled by the venom in her tone. V only gave her a sad smile.

"She's right. You should treasure yourself. Why keep playing the hero?" Vanderwood backed her up. V sighed closing his eyes.

"Thank you, Nari. There was only one person who ever told me that, and now that person isn't even part of this world." His eyes bore into hers. She saw the pain. The fear. The uncertainty.

"You don't have to sacrifice yourself for Rika..." Her voice cracking as a tear spilled from her eyes. "You're already priceless to me."

V looked at her with a surprised expression at her confession. He closed his eyes taking a deep breath while a frown formed on his lips. He was quiet for several moments. "Luciel was right. You're so virtuous and brilliant."

She gasped and flushed at that. Her eyes didn't leave V's while he collected his thoughts and debated his options.

"I already know it's too late, but I keep regretting that I met you so late." He laughed humorously. Nari raised an eyebrow trying to understand what the mint-haired man was trying to tell her, without actually telling her. She was missing something she was sure of it.

"Nari?" He questioned when you were quiet for too long.

"You already have the courage to put an end to your obsession. It's already inside you, and I'm sure you can find it. Give yourself more time." She beamed him despite her frustrated tears.

"Courage to put an end to obsession." He pondered to himself.

"Now that sounds good." Vanderwood chimes.

"Nari, tell me to do you think I could really do That?" His eyes were searching to find the strength to within hers.

"Of course, as long as you love yourself," Nari answers softly.

"As long as I love myself? I..." he stopped mid-sentence and quietly walked into the bedroom. Nari kept a wary eye on him as he retreated. Vanderwood just gave her a small smile before returning to work. Nari sighed laying down on the couch.

Luciel eyes Vanderwood as he sat down on the other computer returning to the images. Luciel had only clued in there was an argument when Nari yelled. He didn't draw attention to himself, but he muted his music to listen in. He was stunned to hear the girl lose her patients with V, but was kind of relieved she managed to talk him out of going to Rika. That would have only made things worse. He sighed staring at the lines of code before him; it was infuriating that the opposing team's hacker was better than him. Whenever there was an opening there was also an attack. It was either take the opening or defend against the attack. He groaned tapping his keyboard a little too hard in aggravation. Seven then stood from his computer earning a frown from Vanderwood.

Ever since Vanderwood confronted him about Nari and her behavior toward V, he hasn't been able to concentrate. He walked toward the kitchenette to grab another. His hold eyes landed on the sleeping girl on the couch and he smiled a little to himself. She had her cherry lips slightly parted, and her long lashes laid upon her. There was a slight flush to her face as she slept. His eyes wandered down her body, the dip from her hip to waist was delectable. Her long coffee hair scattered about her frame. There was no denying she was a beautiful woman. Luciel eyes the girl over one more time before grabbing a discarded blanket and covering her. He felt Vanderwood's eyes on him as he softly felt her hair and gentle carcasses her cheek.

"You should get back to work." Vanderwood harshly whispered to gain his attention but not to wake the girl. Seven closed his eyes before shooting a glare toward his handler.

"Mmmm... Seven." She mumbled shooting a sense of panic down his spine. He stared at her wide-eyed as she shifted. Soon enough she settled, clearly still in a deep sleep. Luciel let out the breath he was holding before his eyes softened on the girl before him. A smug smile formed on his lips, she was dreaming about him. Deciding he was safe to move Luciel moved back to the kitchen to retrieve that he needed.

Soon enough he was stationed at his computer again. Ph.D. Pepper and HB chips before him, and never-ending broken code flashing upon the screen. The hacker apparently didn't know when to give up. Seven sighed bring a chip towards his mouth and bit it, typing with his left hand. He was trying to recover the messenger's core data, boot out the intruders before dawn, but it seems the other hacker had other plans. It was nothing but unrelenting attacks to his algorithm in place.

"Just remember what we discussed," Vanderwood mumbled toward Luciel gaining his attention.

"I thought I told you this isn't some soap-opera." He practically snapped back while his fingers typed.

"Honestly I understand the appeal of her," Vanderwood admitted causing Seven to look at the man.

"Her appeal doesn't matter." Luciel bit back, his eyes looking back at the computer sipping his drink.

"I mean there is no rule about fucking her..." Vanderwood stated causing Seven to choke on his drink.

"Shut up! I'm trying to work." Luciel snapped placing his headphones over his head blasting music into his ears. His mind filled with not so safe for work images of the petite brunette on the couch. He squeezed his eyes shut trying to tame his thoughts. He took a deep breath through his nose and allowed it out threw is the mouth. Vanderwood said that as if he went there with Nari it would be enough. Luciel knew that if he crossed that line there wouldn't be anything he could do. He'd be selfish and keep her. He lends back in his chair placing a hand in his packet. Vanderwood had said that just to make him feel complicated He was sure, but now the floodgates of his mind where open.

Nari woke to hear Vanderwood and Luciel muttering to one another in English. She frowns as she listened to them. It seemed they weren't getting any lead way with the hack... hackers? It seems like Mint-Eye wouldn't go down without a fight. She sighed stretching upon the couch. She looked toward the window to see the sun starting to set. Nari brought a hand to her eye looking at the blacker place on her. She smiled at it. Someone had taken the time to care for her.

"Forget the girl and work!" Vanderwood yelled in English causing her to sit up to look at the two behind the couch.

"Think what you want, but she's the one in danger!" Seven yelled back in English.

"You both know I speak English, right?" She informed the two men on perfect English, causing them both to whip around. She smiled at the two frazzled men before her.

"Sorry, we didn't mean to wake you." Seven apologized.

"It's fine, I probably slept too long." She yawned while both men eyed her.

"I'll be damned she really does know English." Vanderwood gasped in Korean.

"It helps when you're working the ER." She explained switching back to her native tongue as well. Luciel just smiled before turning back to the computer.

"Any other languages?" Luciel questioned resuming his typing. She shook her head though he couldn't see.

"Nope. Just the two." She explained as Vanderwood turned back to his computer.

The two resumed talking in what she assumed to be Spanish. She sighed just how many languages did they know? Instead of letting curiosity getting the better of her, she stood from the couch and wandering into the bedroom to check on V. He was still sleeping peacefully. She smiled as she walked toward his bed before placing her fingers on his neck to feel for a pulse; startling the man awake.

"Nari?" He groaned.

"Just checking in on ya!" She chimed with a smiled. His mint eyes met with her honey brown ones. He smiled softly sitting forward.

"Give it to me straight Doc." He joked taking her off guard. She smiled before letting out a giggle.

"Congratulations! YOU'RE GOING TO LIVE!" She yelled lifting her arms up dramatically. In return, she got a heartfelt chuckle.

"All thanks to your efforts." He smiled.

"Thank you! Thank you!" She muttered in English bowing.

"I'm going to head to the restroom. Thank you, Nari, for everything." He stood as she moved to the side to allow him room.

"It was nothing." She brushed him off while waving her hand inform of her face. He just smiled at her before taking his leave. She sighed moving to make the bed.

Nari found herself outside layer the evening. Score for the RFA, but mostly Seven for reviving the messenger, but also score to Mint Eye for making Rika and Ray unable to be deleted from said messenger. Luciel was still hard at work trying to boot them out before actually allowing the other back into the messenger. She sighed looking at the rising moon starting over the trees. She took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. It was always one small victory for them, that lead to an even greater victory for the opposing team. She honestly worried for Luciel at this point. She hasn't seen him sleep since they've arrived at their little hideout. If it wasn't for her cooking, and Vanderwood getting food, he would have been living off of HB chips and Ph.D. pepper. The whole situation was infuriating to no end.

"I'm so mad." Nari mutter as the redhead walked up behind her. "I just feel like screaming."

"Then why don't you?" He asked joining her, looking at the moon with her. She closed her eyes taking a deep breath in.

"ARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH!" Nari screamed at the top of her lungs into the night sky catching the hacker by surprise.

"Did that help?" He asked with a frazzled smile.

"I do feel a bit lighter. Why don't you try?" She turned to him smiling.

"I don't really think simply yelling for no reason will help." He muttered turning his gold eyes toward the girl.

"Never know unless you try." She pushed and he smiled taking in a deep breath.

"You have to do it with me." He stated and a grin graced her lips. She turned forward head tilted toward the sky, moonlight making her honey eyes sparkle.

"On the count of three?" She suggested and Luciel chuckled.

"One." He started the count

"Two." She giggled.

"Three!" They muttered together.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" They both let out a scream from the top of their lungs. Then there was a moment of silence. Nothing but the light bristle of leaves. They then looked at each other with beaming smiles. Gold met with brown entrancing the duo.

"What the fuck is wrong with you two!" A very angry Vanderwood snapped from the door, V was behind him looking bewildered.

It caught them from their daze and they erupted with laughter they both had to grab their sides.

"It worked." She chimed still laughing.

"Even though it was ridiculous it did." Seven laughed with her.

"Nothing's wrong?" V asked breathlessly looking at the pair laughing at him.

"You're both insane! Absolutely insane!" Vanderwood yelled stroking back into the cabin. The two doubled over in more laughter.

"I'm so sorry we startled you!" Nari gasped through her giggles.

"It was your idea!" Luciel informed her.

"I know. I'm so sorry... not sorry. Sorry. Not sorry..." She chimed causing Seven to laugh harder.

"Please don't do that again. We thought something happened." V said evaporated.

"Sorry... not sorry." Nari continued still laughing moving toward the cabin. Her laughter was cut when foot caught a rock-throwing her forward. A strong arm caught her before she could hit the ground. Opening her eyes she looked up at Luciel's face a flushed. It was that moment she got a good look at the hacker. He was about four inches taller than her, with endless gold eyes that bore into hers causing her to flush. His red curls move in the light breeze. The only conclusion she could come up with was he was beautiful.

"Careful." He muttered helping her upright.

She listened carefully to the deep husk of His voice, truly listening to it. She felt his arm started the release his grip on her small frame when she started laughing. He raised a confused eyebrow.

"You're always picking me up when I'm down!" She spoke honestly watching a flush snake its way up his neck. As if she burned him his arm withdrew from her. She frowns a bit at the loss of contact instantly missing his warmth. Realizing this Nari felt her cheek warm as she blushed under his stare, probably confusing the man before her further.

"Would you have preferred to have fallen?" He asked.

"Oh, you know what I meant." She muttered sticking out her tongue with a wink before starting toward the cabin.

She laid a hand on V's arm as she muttered something with a small giggle and beaming smile. V nodded to Nari before her figure disappeared from Luciel's sight. Luciel's eyes met with V's before he followed behind her. He knew that look. It hadn't been one he himself has gotten directly, but he has seen enough movies to know what the mint-haired man was thinking. Suddenly the situation felt like a soap opera. Luciel sighed picking the rock that tripped Nari before turning back toward the moon. He looked at the moon as he sighed. He was only human after all.

#Mystic Messenger #mysme 707 #707 x mc #Spoilers #Another Story retelling

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seyaryminamoto · 7 years

Text

Azula Ship Challenge: Day 4 - Bad Joke

OTP: Sokkla ; BroTP: Azula + Gaang

Rated: T

The red standards flew in the air along with the blue ones. Horses charged without any restraint, weapons shining in each warrior’s hands. Resistance was futile: every military unit was being wiped out systematically by the powerful siege weapons that tore down buildings, walls and guard towers. Nothing could slow down the destruction of an entire civilization, as the winds of conquest swept by. Time was running out already, but the untimely demise of the Japanese civilization could not be slowed, not when all their castles and samurai had been slain…

“Ugh! I quit!” Toph shouted, throwing her hands up in the air. Suki groaned.

“Come on, just a little further, we have resources…!”

“They’ll have wiped out our buildings before we can do a damn thing. Leave it be! Quit and let them celebrate already!”

Suki sighed and resigned from the game, and on cue, the red and blue team started their mandatory celebration, laughing and kissing as the rest of the competition sighed in defeat.

“Well, you should be glad you guys were the last to fall, if anything,” Katara told Toph and Suki, pouting.

“Yeah, well, your team was very easy to target once we realized Aang had no military forces,” Sokka laughed at Katara, with Azula’s arms still around his neck.

“We are most grateful for that, Aang,” she said, smirking at the bald, defeated boy who scowled a little at her. “A population limit of two hundred, and you made a hundred and eighty villagers… did you just want to be wiped out, really?”

“Well, as much as he only had villagers, at least he wasn’t the first to fall. Next time we’re not getting paired with Zuko,” Toph pouted. Zuko jumped.

“Hey! I was working just as hard as everyone else here!” Zuko exclaimed, blushing.

“Zuko, you know as well as everyone else that your strategy skills were, uh… lacking,” Suki said, eyes wide. Azula snorted.

“Poor, innocent Zuzu, too unprepared, too lacking to practice the art of war on Age of Empires…” she snickered. Zuko huffed and glared at her.

“Shut up. That joke’s not nearly as good as you think it is,” he grunted.

“Well, the bad joke of the day really is the whole lot of you, I’d say. Beating you didn’t even take an hour,” Azula smirked. Sokka chuckled next to her.

“In all fairness, Azula, we’re just too smart for them to handle,” he said. Azula sighed in agreement.

“Indeed. Whatever they may do, there’s no contest against us,” she said, with a contented smile. “We ought to invite Ty Lee and Mai the next time.”

“Oh? Think they might be better competition?” Sokka asked, squeezing her shoulder gently. Azula snorted.

“No, I simply want more people to crush,” she said. He laughed again.

“You’re unbelievable,” he whispered, kissing her cheek.

“I don’t know what’s more gross about the two of you, your displays of affection or your teamwork,” Toph growled, shaking her head. “Maybe a mix of both.”

Sokka only smiled proudly at his girlfriend and she gave him one of her trademark smirks too. Too often their displays of affection were over the top, just to make their friends uncomfortable, but the teamwork was something they took pride of beyond most anything else about their relationship.

It was to be expected for them to pull off such remarkable victories over their friends, seeing as they had spent the better part of two years playing games together, even before they were dating. Before they knew who the other was, too.

But while they loved playing in Dannan, they had other games they rather enjoyed, too. And Age of Empires, a game of strategic warfare, was certainly one of their favorites.

While Sokka and Azula usually spent most their free time alone together, this weekend was different. After Toph had badgered them enough about wanting to play with them, Sokka and Azula finally had decided that the best game they could play with her was Age of Empires, rather than Dannan. Yet Toph suffered from the obvious problem regarding games: she couldn’t see. So that had brought her to ask her friends if any of them wanted to help her play against the gamer pair, and that had stirred everyone’s curiosity quite a bit. Katara was the first to volunteer, but Toph had decided to pick Suki as her proxy instead, as she was more likely to listen to Toph’s orders, instead of stubbornly doing whatever she thought was best.

The conversation had caught Zuko and Aang’s interest too, and in the end, everyone had showed up that Saturday with their respective laptops, ready to install and play the game. Sokka and Azula hadn’t been expecting such a turnout, but they were far from displeased: it would be much more fun with more players.

They set up their computers in Sokka’s living room, some of them sitting on the couches, others with the computers on the coffee table. After a quick rundown of how to play, they had set up the first game between them all: a seven-player game, where Sokka and Azula had comprised the red-and-blue team, Katara and Aang had been the yellow-and-turquoise one, and Zuko had joined Suki and Toph’s unit, playing as the orange-and-green team.

Sending two teams of rookies against two experienced players could only result in total annihilation. And the pair responsible for such a feat were clearly quite proud of themselves.

“You know, we just need practice,” said Katara, scowling at Azula. “We’re going to be much stronger eventually and then we’ll fight evenly, you know we will.”

“Say what you will, I think we’ll have the upper hand no matter what,” said Azula, smirking proudly.

“Only because you’re paired with each other,” said Suki, shaking her head. “You two have been working together for ages now, of course you’d know how to beat everyone else at this game.”

“Yeah, I bet you’d stop being so smug if you got paired with Zuko instead,” said Toph, smirking.

“Uh, possibly, but really, even Zuzu can’t be so bad that he’d cause me to lose,” said Azula, shaking her head. “I’d still win.”

“Are you sure?” Aang chimed in, with a small smirk of his own. “Even… if Sokka’s in the opposite team?”

Those words were the first to make Sokka and Azula tense up in the entire day. They frowned, looking at Aang with uncertainty.

“I’m just saying…” he said, but Katara stepped forward and looked at them with amusement.

“He’s suggesting something really good, actually,” she said, with amusement. “How well would you two fare against each other, instead of being on the same team, for a change?”

“That… is a terrible idea,” said Sokka, looking at his sister pointedly. “It might end up being a twelve-hour game, or so…”

“Oh, I think watching you two destroy each other will be well worth twelve hours,” said Katara, with amusement.

“Well, unless they’re scared of doing it because, you know, they might break up because of it?” said Toph, smirking and shrugging. “Seeing how competitive they both are…”

“Please,” said Sokka, rolling his eyes. “We wouldn’t break up over something like this, of course we wouldn’t. Right?”

He looked at Azula, but she remained silent, a thoughtful look on her eyes. Sokka’s eyes widened and he nudged her with his elbow.

“Right?!”

“Uh, heh? Depends on how the fight goes, really…” Azula said, with a dry grin. Sokka’s jaw dropped.

“Say what?!”

The others laughed at Sokka’s response. Azula simply shrugged apologetically.

“What can I say? I don’t like losing and I know neither do you, but one of us is going to lose anyways…” she said. Sokka snorted, in disbelief.

“Fine then,” he said, shaking his head and standing up. Azula watched him as he picked up his laptop.

Her eyes followed him as he moved to sit opposite to her, their tilted screens in light contact. He fixed her with a steady gaze, to the brim with determination. Soon enough Azula smirked.

“Well, then… we’re doing this for real?” she asked. Sokka nodded.

“You bet we are. Though if you want to break up after I kick your ass, well, I won’t stop you, but I would’ve thought you wouldn’t be such a sore loser…” he smirked, as he started setting up the game. It was Azula’s turn to laugh in disbelief.

“Ah, well, if you’re so confident, I do hope you won’t come crying to me once I make you bite my dust,” she said, shaking her head as she leaned forward towards her computer too.

On cue, everyone else gathered behind the two players of this round, filled with perverse curiosity. Zuko and Katara drifted to Sokka’s side, while Suki, Aang and Toph moved towards Azula’s. Yet neither of the competitors took much notice to how the groups had distributed. They were too busy trying to intimidate each other before their battle.

“I’m picking the Byzantines,” Sokka declared. Azula smirked.

“Good luck. My Spanish shall blow you to smithereens,” she said. He scoffed.

“You can’t break the best civilization of the game with a few guns, I thought you already knew that,” he said, shaking his head. “But I suppose Gilded Fire has always put too much faith in firearms…”

She laughed again and looked at him with skepticism. Sokka smirked back at her, his mouse hovering over the button to start the fight.

“Ready?” he asked. She smirked.

“To write your epitaph? Afraid so. You were loved dearly, Sokka,” she said, mockingly. He couldn’t help but laugh again before starting the battle with one click.

It had been a brutal, fierce fight. The Nomad mode of the game was harsh, and without their awareness, they had set up camp far too close to each other. Battles had ensued, conflicts had arisen, but Sokka had been able to respond well at first. He built up a strong army, with large groups of priests that quite often converted Azula’s units and caused quite a lot of trouble for her.

Yet as Sokka took three relics for himself, Azula took the last two. And where Sokka walled himself in his territory, while also seeking to destroy Azula’s initial base, she set up a new base elsewhere, and waited patiently, quietly. The red soldiers were building their strengths, and she focused on developing all the technology she needed to fight back, even as Sokka frequently sought to siege her new base. But it wasn’t enough. Not even his best units could tear through the full defenses of Azula’s own walled territories.

After a few scouting missions that he couldn’t stop, she found his monastery. And with a massive army of paladins, conquistadors and trebuchets, she tore through his lands without breaking a sweat and destroyed his army, along with his every military building. Just as she was stealing the relics from his fallen monastery, the unsurprising message had blinked in her screen: Sokka had surrendered.

“Woah! That was amazing!” Toph shouted, laughing and patting Azula’s shoulder. Suki had narrated everything for her as it happened. “Damn, you kicked his ass!”

Sokka groaned and dropped his head on the keyboard as even Zuko and Katara went around the table to congratulate the winner. Azula was beaming with pride, hearing them recount the most impressive of her tactics.

“So wait, she had already set up elsewhere on that area while Sokka was busy wrecking her first base?” Katara asked, impressed. As she had been at Sokka’s side, she hadn’t seen any of what Azula was doing.

“I don’t know how she did it, but she did it,” said Aang, with an amazed laugh. “Though he almost got her at a few points…”

“He’s good at quick responses,” said Azula, smiling fondly at her sulking boyfriend. “But it’s hard to outdo me when it comes to long-term plans, and he knew that. He tried to strike first to stop me from doing what I did, but… it was too late already.”

“Yeah, well…” said Sokka, grimacing and lifting his head only to bow towards her. “Good game, good game…”

“Why, thank you,” said Azula, smirking. “Though you ought to address me with more respect, now, Sokka…”

“Huh?” he said, raising an eyebrow. Her smirk only widened as he grimaced. “What, you don’t want me to call you empress or something, do you…?”

“She did win at the Age of Empires…” Aang said innocently. Azula laughed as Sokka snorted.

“Heh, well, fine, I’ll humor you,” he said, with narrow eyes. “Empress Azula… conqueror of my heart!”

“Oh god, Sokka!” Katara groaned, as Toph made a face of disgust. The others laughed while Azula blushed but smiled, shaking her head at him.

“What? It’s still true, I wasn’t going to break up with her because she beat me!” he said, beaming proudly.

“You should kick his ass again, Azula, please.” said Katara. “Make him stop being so corny.”

“If you want me to, gladly,” said Azula, smirking at Sokka. “What’s it going to be now? Fortress? Arena…?”

“Team Islands,” Sokka said, with a raised eyebrow. Azula tensed up.

“N-no, you can’t…”

“Oh, yeah, I can,” he said, with a proud smirk.

She wasn’t very good at maps with water. Sokka was far too talented in them, better suited for water-based warfare than anything else. But she couldn’t falter. She shouldn’t.

“Fine. Fine,” she said, raising her hands before glancing at everyone else. “Well? Are you lot going to join in this time, or not?”

“Woah, are we?” Aang asked, looking at Sokka with unease. “I thought you two were going to have it out again…”

“Oh, we can. On opposing teams,” said Sokka, smirking.

“Huh, well, then I’ll join Sokka this time,” said Zuko, beaming. Sokka tensed up.

“Heh? Don’t you want to join Azula instead…?”

“Oh no, you keep Zuko, I’ll take Aang,” said Azula, smiling as Aang jumped to his computer. Katara looked at Toph and Suki.

“So I guess we’re going together this time?” she asked. Toph smirked and Suki nodded in approval.

“Let’s do this!” Toph exclaimed.

Their day was drifting by rather quickly, but the group of friends were far too entertained to notice the passage of time. As much as they spent most their time bickering through their games, this experience only seemed to bring all of them closer together.

#azulashipchallenge #azula #sokkla #sokka #aang #katara #zuko #toph #suki #gaang #this is actually aaaaaaaaaaaa...#modern AU #if any of you wanted more of IHTBY #here's a tiny thing :D #it's not the huge sequel I promised but #it's something?

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allyinthekeyofx · 7 years

Text

Painting by numbers 1/? (W.I.P.)

Case file - season 6 Heavy on the Mulder angst/hurt/injury

CHAPTER ONE

October 19th 1989

*He takes his time. There is no rush. Everything must be in order. His thoughts, his feelings, his quietude. They think he needs rage and violence and harsh light to do this work. But they are so wrong. It is precise. With great measure, understanding and detail. It cannot be hurried or the colours will not sing to him. And he needs to hear them. To burst forth and fill his soul with their beautiful words.

The canvas gleams white, inviting him to share his inner most thoughts and desires. It’s almost alluring. Tempting him in, knowing that he will not be able to resist. That only by immersing himself in the darkness, can he ever hope to gain the understanding he needs.

It speaks to him. Whispered words that invade his dreams. Taunting him, testing him. Finding him to be somehow wanting. Building him up before discarding him again.

Stripping him away to his very core. A mind laid bare. Knowing that what he is doing is wrong. So very wrong. But the voices are filling his mind, he can no longer fight against this need inside him. He can’t sleep, can’t eat, can’t think beyond this moment.

Flesh, blood and bone.

The pallet of the Gods.

Laid out for him to take. Only then can he hope to understand.

He picks up the paintbrush, it’s tip glistening deep scarlet in the diffused light that caresses the small room.

He does not see the red. At least not in a sense he understands. It is red, but at the same time it shines a myriad of colour and form. It is everything. It is nothing.

He closes his eyes, an almost rapturous expression on his face, feeling a jolt of electricity in his very core as he brings the paintbrush to the roughened surface, tentatively at first, then with growing confidence as the lines begin to take shape before him.

The blood is congealing by the time he has finished. But he is happy. Spent. Sated even.

And he drops the brush on to the floor of his apartment, soiling the carpet below. But Mulder doesn’t notice. He concentrates only on his work*

XXXXXXXXXX

J Edgar Hoover Building Ten years later 7:09am

But the 28 year old Dana Scully was no more. That youthful exuberance that she could change the world had long since disappeared as she came to realise that it wasn’t she who could change the world, but rather the world who had changed her. Those days were gone. And the woman who had replaced her, while outwardly the same, was more damaged inside than she thought she would ever be. As each painful betrayal eroded her a little more, the blind trust she once had seemed like a lifetime ago. And over the years, she had learned to be ever more suspicious of those imposturous allies who alleged to be her friends.

But the one constant each morning had been this man. Aside from a brief absence when his wife had passed away prematurely a couple of years ago, Moses Abraham had been the one who, each day had been the first to greet her as she made her way to work.

“Morning Agent Scully. It’s a beautiful morning today.”

Scully flashed him a smile, same as always.

“It sure is Moses.”

“Early meeting?”

“Afraid so”

He nodded. In all these years they had never exchanged more than a dozen words at once. But the easy familiarity was there.

“Well you have a good day Agent Scully.”

“You too Moses”

Scully made her way to the elevator, relieved to discover she was the lone occupant. Because as fiercely independent as she was, she had never quite got used to the curious glances that seemed to follow her around the building. Since her near death and subsequent recovery from terminal cancer – a condition that had become the hot topic of discussion amongst her peers despite her every effort to have it remain private –the glances and whispered speculation had increased tenfold.

Mrs Spooky wasn’t just spooky by association anymore. Oh no. Now she was a walking, talking, breathing X-File all of her own. And the rumour mill flourished as a result.

Mulder had learned to ignore them. Or at least to never react. But Scully knew that on the occasions when a whispered comment managed to reach her and the faint flush appeared to blemish her fair Irish skin, that she would never become accustomed to being the butt of so much speculation from her colleagues.

If only they knew – even the half of it – then perhaps they might not rush so headlong in their judgement.

The interior of the elevator was mirrored and Scully glanced across to check all was in order. A meeting with AD Skinner, regardless of the hour, demanded that she look her professional best. He had been their friend when no one else had, but that didn’t make him any the less uncompromising in his expectations of her as an Agent and she used the time to smooth a few errant wisps of hair away from her face, tucking it neatly behind her ears in the hope that it would stay there. It was shorter than she’d ever worn it, a decision taken when she had first been diagnosed. To try in some way to take control over at least a small part of her body. And also, in some kind of mental preparation for when the drugs destroyed the follicles and it began to fall out. To her surprise though, the hair loss had been minimal, which, given the amount of drugs they had pumped in to her, was nothing short of miraculous. But aside from a few more strands than usual washed down the drain when she showered, her hair had remained largely unaffected.

It wasn’t usual. But then nothing about her cancer had been usual and a fine collection of hats donated by various family members still languished, untouched on a shelf in her wardrobe. At one time it had seemed like everyone was throwing headgear at her in an attempt to validate their support when there was nothing else left to do or say.

Everyone except Mulder that is.

When she’d admitted her fears to him in a rare moment of female fragility – ridiculous fears given the gravity of her illness – that she was terrified of losing her hair, that she would somehow become less of a woman, he had simply put his arms around her and told her without having to speak, that she could never be any less to him than what she already was.

She had kept her hair the same length since that day.

And now it had become almost a kind of talisman against the cancer coming back. A stupid, childish deal with God but one which still seemed important.

The elevator reached its destination, the sharp chime dragging Scully’s attention away from the mirror and, dropping her hands back to her side, she exited quickly, side stepping slightly to avoid the pair of Agents waiting to enter. She vaguely recognised them from her brief but painful secondment to the domestic terrorism section where she and Mulder had spent long, fruitless days searching for and cataloguing the nation’s agricultural fertilizer purchases. It had been, in every sense of the word, a shit assignment.

Her keen ears caught the word ‘Mulder’ although nothing else registered. But for once it didn’t bother her.

She and Mulder had escaped the shit.

They hadn’t.

And that was enough of a victory for her to hold her head high as she walked along the corridor to Skinner’s office.

She entered the small ante room where his secretary normally guarded entry like a lioness protecting her cubs. No appointment, no audience. No excuses and no exceptions.

Mulder had butted heads with her on more than one occasion, but, like most unannounced visitors, he had usually been sent to wait on one of the hard chairs that bordered the room. Tail tucked firmly between his legs until she granted permission to enter the inner sanctum. She might not be a fully fledged field agent, but Holly Merryman took her responsibilities very seriously.

But the hour was just early enough for Holly to have not yet made an appearance and the desk was unmanned so Scully crossed directly to the door which opened even before she had a chance to knock, bearing witness to the fact that Skinner had been looking out for her.

He held the door open and waved her inside.

“Agent Scully.”

Scully nodded slightly.

“Sir.”

Skinner wasn’t generally big on the perfunctory greetings, deeming them a waste of time.

Scully was surprised to see that another Agent was already seated on one of the two chairs directly in front of Skinner’s desk and she was slightly heartened to see that he, at least, acknowledged she was female, rising a few inches out of his chair and hovering there until she had seated herself beside him.

Skinner took the chair behind his desk and waved a hand in the direction of the unknown male.

“Agent Scully, this is Special Agent in Charge Robert Roberts”

Scully felt her left eyebrow start an ascent up in to her hairline and she suddenly wished Mulder were here. Only a few days ago they had shared a fairly hilarious conversation over one too many beers about the very subject of parental imagination –or lack thereof- when it came to naming their offspring. They had concluded that, despite the obvious butt-clenching childhood embarrassment, children with memorable names tended to be more destined for success. There was absolutely no scientific basis for this, especially given that ‘Fox’ was possibly the most out -there name Scully had ever encountered and career-wise at least, Mulder was in no way batting a thousand. Or even a hundred for that matter.

*Robert Roberts. You’d love this Mulder.*

But aware of Skinner’s eyes on her, Scully quickly composed herself, holding out her hand which Roberts shook briefly.

“Pleased to meet you Agent Roberts”

“Likewise Agent Scully. Thank you for coming in at this early hour”

Scully nodded. He didn’t need to know that she had been awake since just before 4am – since the cancer her sleep patterns were royally screwed and bouts of insomnia were still a regular occurrence in her life. She had confided in both her doctor and her partner. The medical suggestion had been pills. The Mulder suggestion had been to just sleep when her body told her it was necessary, shrugging it off as no big deal when she occasionally fell asleep in the middle of the afternoon in the car on their way to a case, or with her head resting on crossed arms as she grabbed a nap at her desk while he worked quietly at the opposite side of the room. Sometimes he would wake her up with a gentle touch to her shoulder, occasionally to her face. At other times he would just leave her, allowing her to awaken when she needed to. Never making her feel awkward that she had zonked out on him again. Ironically, she seemed sometimes to have less energy now than when she had been fighting to stay alive. But Mulder just accepted it.

Her body was still adjusting he said. Her mind was still adjusting. He got it. He also got that it didn’t need constant analysis by either of them. For the moment at least, it was just something that happened occasionally.

“You’re welcome.”

And then she looked questioningly at Skinner.

*Why am I here?*

Skinner reached over the desk and handed her a manila file stamped ‘confidential’. A case file.

“Agent Scully are you familiar with the portrait murders?”

Scully glanced down at the file she now held in her hands and dragged her mind back.

“Um…..I believe they were a series of murders that took place in the late 80s in the DC area. A random series of victims who were found with their throats cut…..I believe the killer painted a portrait of them and left it at the scene beside them…..um….I believe the murders ended abruptly in 1989 and the killer was never found.”

Skinner nodded.

“In a nutshell Agent Scully. Although there were a few aspects of the case that were never released to the media. “

“Sir?”

Skinner nodded his head towards the file.

“Take a look”

Scully slipped a thumb between the cover and the first of many pages beneath and flipped it open. She gasped as the first thing she saw was an eight by ten of one of the victims – a young woman, maybe in her very early twenties. Slumped against a wall, eyes unseeing but wide open, her mouth fixed in a silent scream of terror. But what really struck Scully as particularly grotesque was the way her head lolled to the side, held in place by nothing more than a few sinewy strands. Her throat had been cut with such force that she had almost been decapitated. The blood loss was horrific; in fact it was like she had bathed in it. She must have bled out incredible quickly because the entire floor around her was awash, a crimson sea, slightly darker around the edges where the blood had begun to congeal.

And then she saw it, just to the left of the body. An artist’s palette, a selection of brushes, a few tubes of what looked like acrylics and in the foreground, a framed canvas, depicting the image of a young woman, smiling, highlights bouncing off glossy hair, eyes crinkled up in amusement. It was beautifully painted in every sense of the word and Scully swallowed, quite unable to reconcile this exquisite work of art with the ravaged and defiled woman beside it.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Scully narrowed her eyes. Aside from the obvious, something wasn’t right. The detail of the portrait was undeniable. The skill was undeniable….but……

Scully gasped and her hand flew to her throat. A purely involuntary action brokered by the sudden realisation.

“Oh My God. It’s her blood.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“He painted it using her blood?”

“Yes.”

Scully closed her eyes briefly. The psychosis at work to decapitate a victim with such force was one thing. But to paint using the spilled blood as a medium? That went way beyond criminally insane. It was almost inhuman.

“You see why it was never released in to the public domain?”

Skinner didn’t wait for her to answer.

“Has Agent Mulder ever discussed this case with you?”

Scully looked at him sharply. She was suddenly aware of a pulse beating in her ears. And she knew with a certainty she couldn’t explain that whatever was coming next, it was going to be bad for her partner. She shook her head slightly, her mind’s eye still focused on the bloody canvas in the photograph. And then she knew.

“This was Mulders case?”

Skinner nodded.

“Yes. Mulder was lead profiler. He……..Agent Scully it didn’t go well for him.”

“Sir?” She heard the way her voice’s tone had jacked up a notch. “What do you mean ‘It didn’t go well for him?”

Skinner rose from his position behind the desk, coming around to instead perch on the corner, arms folded as he regarded his female agent.

“Agent Mulder got in very deep. Too deep Agent Scully. He became immersed in the victims, in the murderer. He claimed he was inside his head…”

“Mulder was a profiler Sir” she said, stating the obvious, “A profiler by their very nature…”

Skinner cut her off

“Mulder was 28 years old Scully. Twenty eight. He was barely out of the academy but already making a name for himself as a brilliant criminologist. His ability to put the pieces together, to find cause and effect….well, it was uncanny. But he didn’t know when to stop. When to take a break. When to rest. You know what I’m talking about. We’ve both seen it in him.”

“The Mostow case?” Scully was barely aware of asking the question.

“Yes. But that was just a taste. Compared to the portrait murders, the Mostow case was like a walk in the park…….but there were…….similarities in Mulder’s behaviour during both cases.”

He reached forwards and took the file from Scully’s hands, flipping through it until he found what he sought.

Another portrait, this one slightly cruder. A young man. Younger. So much younger than she had ever known him to be. But despite the age of the subject, the less gifted hand, the way the lines blended together on the canvas, she would know that face anywhere.

Scully felt a sudden burning at the back of her throat.

To know an artist you have to look at his art……

“Mulder did this?”

Skinner took the file from her once again and laid it face down on the desk.

“Yes. “ “Whose blood is it? Is it his?”

“No. It’s pigs blood. Mulder had a receipt from an abattoir.”

“Oh God”

Scully wiped a hand over her mouth, suddenly desperate for a drink of water.

“There’s more Agent Scully”

*More? How much fucking more can there be?*

Skinner’s voice sounded tight. She had heard the tone before. Used only when he was either desperately annoyed or desperately worried. She was in no doubt that it was in response to the latter.

“Agent Mulder didn’t report to his ASAC that night. He was found in his apartment. He had overdosed on barbiturates. He barely survived. “

Scully heard a gasp. It took her a moment to realise that the sound had come from her and she suddenly found that drawing a breath was impossible. Her heart was beating so fast she was afraid it would break out of her chest.

*I don’t want to hear any more.*

“Mulder was hospitalised of course. He recovered. He was immediately removed from the case and relieved of his investigative duties. He underwent intensive therapy and returned to work six months later. Shortly after that he requested a transfer out of the unit. It was granted without question. The murders ceased. As you said, the killer was never caught.”

Scully tried to absorb what her superior was telling her and her eyes widened in shock.

“Sir, you don’t think Agent Mulder……..?”

Skinner held up a hand.

“No Agent Scully. NO I absolutely do not think that. There was nothing to tie Mulder to the crimes….”

“ I’m sorry Sir I don’t understand…….”

“Agent Scully?”

Scully started as Roberts spoke for the first time. She had almost forgotten he was beside her, so focused had she been on Skinner. Dumbly she observed the file he held in his hands, almost identical, but clearly newer.

“Three nights ago a woman’s body was found. Next to a portrait. A portrait painted in blood…..yesterday morning I received this from my Assistant Director….”

He handed her the duplicate copy of a paper form she knew well. She had filled out hundreds of them since joining Mulder on the X-Files. It was a form that requested involvement on a case. A case being handled by another agent, department or field office. Protocol dictated that permission must be given.

She recognised the slightly untidy scrawl immediately.

Mulder

And with a rapidly escalating feeling of dread, she realised his request had been approved.

Continued chapter 2

#pbn #my fic #case file

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torestoreamends · 7 years

Text

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Fic: Finding the Words

8k words, G rated

Scorpius is being weird – more weird than normal, that is. He’s spending longer than ever in the library, he hasn’t spoken to Albus in weeks, and he keeps forgetting to do his homework. Albus is determined to find out what’s wrong with him and help. That’s just what you have to do when your best friend is upset.

Thanks to @abradystrix for being a stellar human being and beta, and thanks to @the-eighth-story for nudging me to add the last scene. <3

Scorpius is being weird. Given that Scorpius is always weird, this shouldn't be that remarkable, but this isn't the normal sort of weird. It's not a good kind of weird. He's gone all quiet, and distant, and he's spending twice as long as normal in the library (which is quite a feat, considering how long he was already spending in there). He also looks tired, and Albus thinks he might not be sleeping very well.

Albus found out quite early on in their friendship, within the first couple of weeks of first year, that Scorpius doesn't sleep well at the best of times. Anything and everything wakes him up, from the temperature, to changes in the amount of light in the room, to the tiniest whisper or creak. If he's worrying about something, or his mind is working over some problem, he'll lie awake for hours, wriggling around and muttering to himself. And on the worst nights he has nightmares, that leave him shaking and in tears.

They've only known each other for just over a year, but Albus has lost count of the number of times Scorpius has come crawling into his bed, looking for warmth and comfort in the middle of the night. But that hasn't happened for weeks now.

Even though Scorpius looks exhausted, and keeps drifting to sleep in lessons, and there are dark shadows under his eyes, he hasn't asked for help once. Albus is starting to think about staying awake one night, just so he can find out what's wrong with Scorpius to make him this tired.

Normally he'd just ask what the problem is, but as hard as he tries, Albus can't seem to get a second alone with Scorpius right now. Scorpius doesn't seem to have time for him anymore. Any request to practice spells together seems to fall on deaf ears. Meal times involve Scorpius shovelling food into his mouth as fast as he can, and barely responding to any conversation Albus tries to strike up. At the weekend Scorpius simply vanishes into thin air. The one time Albus goes looking for him, to ask if he's okay and if they can work on their Transfiguration essays together, he finds Scorpius curled up in a corner of the library, barricaded behind a wall of books, hair all ruffled and stressed looking. Despite his better judgement, Albus goes across to talk to him, but Scorpius just snatches up some of the books and runs away without another word.

The strangest thing about all this is that Scorpius has always excelled in class. He's never once been behind on homework. His spell work is so effortless that he isn't set extra practice. It's not as if he has masses of revision to do. It's March, so the exams are on their way, but not for a couple of months. And last year Scorpius had drawn up revision timetables for both of them, and they'd done the work together, so it makes no sense for him to have decided to fly solo this year.

Albus simply doesn't understand what's going on. He feels lonely, confused, and worried. He's worried that something is wrong with Scorpius that Scorpius isn't confiding in him. He's worried that maybe he's said or done something awful without meaning to, and now Scorpius doesn't want to be friends anymore. He's worried that maybe something has happened to Scorpius's mum, although last he heard she was alright; at home, doing well. He's worried that maybe he's a terrible friend for not being able to work out what's wrong. He's worried... well, he's worried about everything.

Another horrible consequence of him and Scorpius not spending all their time together is that there's no one to defend either of them from the bullies. One afternoon, Albus is on his way back from Transfiguration when he's ambushed from a secret passage by a couple of third year Hufflepuff boys. They destroy his school bag, steal the packet of Pepper Imps he'd been saving to give to Scorpius later, then they shove him sideways into a suit of armour that collapses on top of him, leaving him winded and pinned to the ground. He manages to free himself using Wingardium Leviosa, but his ribs and head don't stop aching all evening.

Just a couple of days later, Scorpius shows up in Potions after a lunchtime library session with a purple bruise on his cheek, and dried blood staining his tie. When Albus asks what happened, he changes the subject back to the Potion they're meant to be making in that day's lesson. Albus tries multiple times to check if Scorpius is okay, but Scorpius just ignores him.

That Potions class is also the first time Scorpius forgets to do his homework. As far as Albus knows it's the first time Scorpius has ever failed to do a piece of work, and it's so bizarre and shocking that Albus has no idea what to do with himself. When they're asked to hand in their essays on the uses of Mandrake root in Potion-making, Scorpius stares up at their teacher aghast,

"We... had homework?" He breathes.

Albus glances sideways at him, eyes wide with amazement. "Did you not do it?" He asks. "I thought that was what you were doing in the library."

Scorpius doesn't answer. He dives down and grabs his bag, riffling through it for his homework planner. When he pulls it out he looks down at the page, and his eyes swim with tears. "I-I didn't think we- I missed it. I forgot."

He looks so distraught that he doesn't get detention, just ten points from Slytherin as long as he promises never to do it again. At the end of the lesson, he sprints from the dungeon at top speed, head bowed, face still red with shame. Albus packs his bag as fast as he can and chases after him, but he loses Scorpius at some point, and by the time he gets to the crowded entrance hall, Scorpius is nowhere to be found.

Over the next two weeks, Scorpius seems to be working harder than ever. Albus never sees him any more. He doesn't come down for meals. When Albus wakes up every morning his bed is empty, and he doesn't get into the dorm until after Albus has gone to sleep each night. In fact, the only way Albus knows that Scorpius is sleeping at all, is because one night he wakes up to use the bathroom, and finds Scorpius sprawled out on his bed, fully clothed and fast asleep, a book lying open on his chest. He marks Scorpius's page for him, puts the book away, and tucks the blankets over him, careful not to wake him. He looks like he desperately needs the sleep.

Despite everything, despite all the hard work and studying, Scorpius forgets to do his homework four more times. In two years, Albus has seen Scorpius do extra homework countless times, but never fail to do it. It's just unthinkable. And by the time Scorpius is on his third detention of the week, Albus is seriously considering writing to Scorpius's parents to ask them to step in.

At the end of Transfiguration on Wednesday afternoon, Professor McGonagall asks Scorpius to stay behind to talk to her after class, and Albus decides to try one last time to find out what's going on for himself. There's only one way out of the classroom, and if he waits right outside, maybe he can trap Scorpius and force him to talk about whatever is going on.

For a couple of minutes he paces up and down the corridor, trying to decide what to say. He has to be sensitive about this. He can't just pin Scorpius against the wall and demand to know everything. Maybe he can be more gentle, tell Scorpius how worried he is, ask if he needs any help with his work, suggest they start doing their homework together again like they used to...

He's just rehearsing exactly what he's going to say, when the classroom door flies open and bangs against the stone work. A streak of blond hair and black robes comes sprinting out, so fast that Albus almost misses him. His head is bowed and his hands are covering his face. Albus can see his shoulders shaking, and hear muffled sniffling over the sound of his running footsteps.

Albus is faster than Scorpius, so he catches up with him quickly, and follows him down the hall to the boys' bathroom. Scorpius seems entirely oblivious to his presence, because he doesn't look round at Albus as they go inside. He throws himself down on the floor in front of one of the sinks and rests his forehead against the ceramic basin, his entire body shaking with desperate sobs.

Albus hovers in the doorway, clutching the strap of his bag with both hands, and watching Scorpius. After several long seconds of indecision, he takes a deep breath and steps forward.

"Scorpius," he says. "What's wrong?"

Scorpius jumps. He swings round and stumbles to his feet, tripping on the hem of his robe. His face is red and raw, shining with tears, and he hurriedly scrubs at his eyes as he faces Albus.

"Go away," he says, avoiding looking at Albus, voice harsh and quiet.

"Did McGonagall tell you off for-"

"I said, go away!" His voice rises hysterically, cracking, and breaking into another sob.

Albus takes a step back. Scorpius has never shouted at him before. Scorpius isn't the sort of person to shout. But now, here he is, covered in snot and tears, and yelling, and Albus has no idea how to respond.

"I'm only trying to help you," he says, firing up. "We're supposed to be friends, Scorpius. You have to tell me what's wrong with you. You have to let me help."

"I don't have to do anything. I don't have to tell you anything," Scorpius shouts, voice echoing off the tiled surfaces. "Just leave me alone!"

Albus folds his arms and stands in the doorway, so Scorpius has no way of escaping. "No," he shouts back, then draws in a deep breath to calm himself down. He doesn't want to fight with Scorpius. He wants to make this better. "You've been weird for weeks," he says, forcing his voice to be quiet and steady. "I want to know why. And... and I'm not moving until you tell me."

Scorpius wipes his nose on the back of his sleeve, then draws his wand. "Get out of the way or I'll hex you."

Albus blinks at him in shock. "You wouldn't."

Scorpius levels his wand, hand perfectly steady, despite his hiccuping, shaky breaths. "Wouldn't- wouldn't I?"

Albus takes a tentative step forward. "Scorpius," he says softly, one hand on his own wand, just in case. "Please don't hex me. I just want to know that you're okay. I know you've been struggling, but maybe I can help. Did I do something wrong? Are you mad at me? Or are you ill? Have the bullies done something horrible? Is it- is it your mum?"

"Expelliarmus."

Albus doesn't even see him move. He doesn't have any time to defend himself, to tighten his grip, before his wand spins out of his hand and clatters away across the bathroom floor. For a moment he stares at his empty hand in amazement, then he looks up at Scorpius, whose eyes are narrowed, and who still has his wand levelled at Albus's heart.

"Leave me alone," Scorpius says, low, and dangerous and unsteady.

"But-"

Scorpius gives his wand a tiny flick. "Rictusempra."

Albus ducks just in time, the streak of silver light flying over his head and bouncing off the wall behind him. It ricochets back and hits one of the sinks, which starts spraying water everywhere. He doesn't need telling twice.

He raises both hands in surrender, scuttles sideways to collect his wand, hurriedly stuffing it into his pocket so it doesn't look threatening, then he backs toward the door. "Okay," he says. "Okay, I'll leave you alone. I'm sorry."

He fumbles behind him for the doorknob, keeping his eyes on Scorpius the whole time. When he finally grasps the handle, he twists it and stumbles backwards through the door, nearly falling into the corridor. He rights himself, straightens his robes, and glances back. As the bathroom door swings shut he sees Scorpius's wand fall out of his hand as he collapses onto the floor, lost in a wave of broken sobs.

Albus doesn't really pay attention to where he's going as he walks. He feels numb, and lost, and he has no idea what to do. His best friend is in pieces and won't let him in. It's a bit terrifying, really, the sense of powerlessness. He's scared of what's happening to Scorpius, and the fact that he can't help.

There's only one possible thing he can try, but he isn't sure if it would be a betrayal. What if he tries to help and just makes everything worse? What if Scorpius never forgives him? He's already tried to hex him for helping... What will life be like for Albus without a best friend? Lonely. Miserable. Much like it is now, probably. But if Scorpius is in such a state then maybe none of that matters.

His feet carry him to the Slytherin dungeon without him planning to go there. It's dinner time, and he should probably be in the Great Hall, but he isn't hungry anymore. In fact, the idea of eating anything makes him feel sick. Instead, he mutters the password to the blank stone wall outside the dungeon, and drags himself across the common room and up to the dormitory.

He's grateful to find it deserted, and he dumps his bag on the ground and collapses face down on the bed. Behind his closed eyelids he can see Scorpius's tear streaked face. Desperate, and angry, and so unlike the normal happy, bouncy Scorpius he's used to.

It's such an awful image to think about, that Albus sits up, rubbing his eyes to clear away the picture. He curls up, hugging himself, and staring blankly across at the dormitory door.

After five minutes of empty numbness, he decides that he can't just sit and do nothing. Scorpius might never speak to him again, but that's better than seeing him suffer. Anything is better than that.

He crawls to the edge of his bed and leans over the side, pulling open his drawers so he can grab a quill, ink, and parchment. Then he curls up against the pillows and starts to write.

Dear Mrs Malfoy,

I don't think we've spoken before, but my name's Albus, and I'm Scorpius's best friend. He might have told you about me.

I'm writing to you because I'm really worried about Scorpius. He hasn't talked to me in weeks, and he's been forgetting to do his homework, and I'm not sure what I can do to help him. I tried to talk to him earlier, but he ran away from me.

I thought that maybe, since you're his mum, you might know what's wrong, or you might be able to help him, or maybe you could tell him that I want to help him.

I'm really sorry for intruding, and I think Scorpius might be upset with me for writing to you, but I just really want him to be okay.

Thank you for helping.

Sincerely, Albus

He stares down at his letter, trying to work out if it sounds stupid or not. He wonders whether writing to Astoria is even a good idea. If something has happened to her, if she's the reason for Scorpius's unhappiness, she might not be well enough to read letters. He might send this only for it to sit there for weeks and weeks, while Scorpius gets more and more upset. Writing to Draco might be a better option, but the idea of that is downright terrifying. Draco has always seemed a bit forbidding, and sending him an unsolicited letter isn't something Albus would even consider. Not unless writing to Astoria fails first.

He folds the letter up and slides it into an envelope, then he gets to his feet and starts to cross the room to head to the Owlery. But after a few steps he stalls. Maybe he should try to fix this himself, just one more time, before he gets Scorpius's parents involved. He knows he can do better, knows he can get through to Scorpius. They're supposed to be best friends after all. And giving up after a handful of failed attempts isn't what a best friend should do. If it were the other way around Scorpius wouldn't give up on him. He would keep trying. And Albus is going to have to do the same.

Determined, Albus tightens his grip on the envelope and marches back to his bed. He tucks the letter under his pillow, to keep for later, just in case he needs it, then he flumps down on top of the covers, kicks his shoes off, and sets about waiting for Scorpius to get back. After a few fruitless minutes of staring at the door, he gets his Transfiguration homework out. This is probably going to be a very long wait.

Several hours later, the dorm is pitch black apart from the pale light of Albus's wand. The room is full of the sound of snoring and quiet breathing. It's peaceful, almost too peaceful. Despite all his anxiety, Albus is starting to get drowsy. The wand light is making his eyes sting and water, and he has to squint to make out the text of the book he's reading.

Normally he finds his Potions work so interesting, but now his tired, worried brain keeps bouncing off the words. He's already written his Transfiguration essay, done a little bit of Charms practice, and finished a sketch for Herbology, and he's exhausted. He has no idea what time it is. Definitely after curfew, but there's still no sign of Scorpius, so all he can do is struggle on with his work and try to stay awake.

He blinks blearily down at the Potions book and tries to work out which line he was reading last. Nothing on the page looks even a little bit familiar, although he's been staring at it for at least ten minutes. He doesn't know what any of it means, and he isn't even sure what this chapter is meant to be about anymore.

He rubs his eyes and yawns, then he glances across at the door. There's no sign of Scorpius anywhere, not so much as a creak from the staircase outside to indicate that anyone might be coming upstairs. But it has to happen sometime. It has to. Scorpius can't have just disappeared from the school, can he?

The pages of his book rustle as he turns them. His eyes burn with tiredness. The bed beneath him feels so soft and comfortable. He sways where he sits. No. He has to stay awake. He has to- He covers his mouth as he yawns, and he tries not to think about how warm it is and how exhausted he is.

His eyes drift shut. His head droops.

Twice he starts awake and scolds himself for being so weak. He scrubs at his eyes and drags his hands through his hair. The words of his book swim and become nonsensical. His lit wand falls from his hand and goes out, and he's vaguely aware of his body slumping sideways as he loses his battle with consciousness.

The next thing he's aware of is that he's lying with the corner of his book digging into his cheek. It hurts, and he groans and shifts his head into a more comfortable position, pushing the book away. He opens his eyes a crack and peers around.

The dorm is no longer completely dark, but it's not daylight that's brightening it up. Daylight in here is of a turquoise, watery consistency, but this is silver. Silver and flickering, and it seems to chase and dance across the room, although it's very faint.

At first he has no idea where the light is coming from. He's never seen that colour and quality of light anywhere before. It's not a Lumos spell, none of the lamps are lit; the lake light is still a murky green, almost black.

He sits up a bit, rubs his eyes, and happens to glance in the direction of Scorpius's bed.

With a jolt of realisation, he sees that Scorpius's hangings are closed now. He must have come up to bed while Albus was sleeping. He also realises that the flickering light is filtering through the drawn curtains. They're so thick that only the barest glimmer escapes through the bottoms and tops and edges of the hangings, but it's enough. Enough to know that Scorpius is there, and that he's awake, and that he's doing... Albus has no idea what he's doing.

Albus glances around. Everyone else in the dorm is fast asleep, so they won't be disturbed. Still, just to make sure, he draws his wand and waves it in a circle, pointing at each of his sleeping dorm mates in turn.

"Muffliato," he whispers. It's a spell James taught him, and it's one of the few spells he's good at, because he's practiced it so often. He and Scorpius have been using it to hold late night conversations for almost two years now. He hasn't had much chance to use it in the last couple of weeks, but if this conversation goes well, hopefully he'll be able to start practicing it again.

Staying as quiet as he can, he slips off his bed and tiptoes across the creaky floor between his and Scorpius's beds. When one of the floorboards squeaks he stops dead, waiting for any sign that Scorpius has noticed him, but the silvery light keeps flickering and dancing.

Albus exhales and pads the last couple of steps, then he stands and faces Scorpius's hangings. The emerald green expanse looks black and forbidding in the darkness. Opening the curtains is a step he can't turn back from, and he has no idea how Scorpius will react when he does it. But he has no choice. This is the only way forward. Swallowing hard, Albus reaches out a shaking hand and pulls the curtain back an inch.

"Scorpius," he whispers. "Scorpius, are you-" He breaks off at the sight in front of him.

Scorpius is sitting against his pillows, wand in his hand, eyes half closed from exhaustion. A thin, silvery mist hovers in the air in front of him, and Albus recognises it from a book he read once for Defence Against the Dark Arts class. His eyes widen with amazement.

"Is that a Patronus?"

Scorpius looks at him, and he seems to tired; too miserable for surprise. His expression barely flickers as he takes in the fact that Albus is standing there, although his grip on his wand loosens, the silver mist fades away, and his lip trembles. As they're plunged into inky darkness, Albus sees by the very last silver flickers of light that Scorpius's eyes are swimming with tears.

In the blackness of the dorm, he hears rather than sees Scorpius collapse. There's a squelchy, muffled little gasp, and then Scorpius breaks apart. The bed creaks as his shadow curls in on itself, and Albus hears, for the second time that day, desperate sobbing. Alarmed, but glad Scorpius isn't going to try and duel him this time, Albus scrambles up onto the bed, shuts the hangings behind himself, and lights his wand.

Scorpius is huddled in a little ball, face buried in his knees, whole body wracked with sobs. Albus doesn't waste a moment. He crawls in beside Scorpius and wraps both arms tightly round him, and Scorpius melts in his grip, all resistance apparently now gone.

He feels thinner and bonier than he had last time they hugged, and Albus is certain he must have been neglecting to eat. When he brushes his fingers through Scorpius's hair it feels limp, and a bit greasy, but Albus doesn't stop. He cares less for Scorpius's current state, and more for making sure it doesn't get worse. And this, shuddering and weeping but letting Albus hold him, is a sign that maybe there's a chance.

"I'm here," Albus murmurs, because it's what his mum says when he cries to her. "I've got you. It's going to be okay."

"No," Scorpius says. "No it's not." The words tear out of him, tight and strained and a bit hysterical, and Albus clutches him tighter.

"Why?" He asks. "I don't understand. Scorpius, what's happening?"

Scorpius doesn't answer. He opens his mouth to speak, but all that comes out is a little hiccup. He shakes his head and pulls the sleeves of his sweater over his hands, curling up tighter in Albus's grip.

"Take your time," Albus murmurs. "I'm not going anywhere."

Scorpius gives a little twitch of his head, that's probably meant to be a nod, and tucks his jumper-covered hand in between his and Albus's bodies, curling his fingers into Albus's t-shirt.

For several long minutes they sit there. Albus's arms begin to hurt from the awkward way they're curled round Scorpius's body, and the knee of his pyjama trousers is splattered with Scorpius's tears. The sobs seem to be lessening though, and Scorpius is dragging in more desperate, shaky breaths. Albus tries not to look at how red and wet his face is, shining with tears and snot and spit. Seeing Scorpius doing anything other than smiling feels weird, and upsetting. Scorpius is supposed to be the happy one. Bouncy and full of life, not a care in the world...

After a little bit longer, Scorpius starts mopping his face with the sleeve of his jumper. He's still sniffling a bit, but he seems better. Calmer. And Albus releases him, although he keeps one hand on his back.

"Please tell me what's going on," he says, and he can hear the concern in his own voice. He doesn't mean to sound so worried, so shaky, but he can't help it.

Scorpius shakes his head and picks at his sodden sleeve. "I'm alright. You don't need to worry about me."

"Then what do I need to worry about?" Albus's voice snaps harshly in the silence of the dorm, and Scorpius blinks and looks up at him. Albus sighs, shoulders slumping. "Sorry. I'm just-" He runs a frustrated hand through his hair. "You haven't been eating. You haven't been sleeping. Your homework... you keep forgetting it, and you never forget homework. You haven't talked to me in weeks. I want to help. I'm your friend, Scorpius. Friends are supposed to help each other, aren't they? You help me all the time, with bullies and schoolwork, and- and now I want to help you. So please?"

Scorpius looks at him for a moment, then he bows his head and picks at the hem of his jumper. "It's..." he takes a deep, unsteady breath. "It's Mothers' Day. This weekend. And I've been trying to... to work out a way to show my mum that I-" He breaks off, twisting himself away from Albus, so Albus can see is his back, and a bit of blond hair. "I don't know what to do. Nothing is working, and-" he pauses as his breathing starts to go shallow again, more tears flooding in. "And she's never going to know that I love her." He breaks again, burying his face in his hands.

In spite of himself, in spite of the whole situation, Albus laughs. "But that's silly!"

Scorpius goes stiff, shoulders tightening, and Albus realises his mistake.

"Sorry," he says quickly. "Sorry, I didn't mean-" he moves closer to Scorpius and puts a hand on his arm. "I just meant that, well, surely she already knows you love her? And why can't you just send her a card, or make her breakfast in bed, or... I don't know. There are loads of things you could do!"

Scorpius gulps in several breaths before he glances at Albus. The tears trailing down his cheeks glitter in the wand light. "My- my mum's going to- my mum's going to die. Soon. And this might be the last chance I get to- I have to do it properly."

Albus grips Scorpius's arm tightly, reeling from the new information about Astoria. He knew she was sick, but he didn't realise- it must be really bad. It must have got so much worse since last time he and Scorpius properly talked.

"I'm sorry," he breathes, because he doesn't know what else to say. "I didn't know it was that... I thought you said before that she was alright?"

"She's been in hospital for weeks," Scorpius mumbles, inspecting his fingernails. "It was a really sudden- She just got really bad, and ever since then..." he draws in a trembling breath. "She's been improving recently but we've still been told that she only has a few- a few months left." His voice breaks and he takes a second to compose himself, while Albus stares at him, speechless. "Every time Dad writes I keep thinking it's too late, that she's..." He trails off, and wipes his eyes with his fingers. It makes no impact on the steady flow of tears that are still pouring down his cheeks and dripping off the end of his nose. "I-I wanted to do something special. I thought I could- There are spells to conjure flowers, but I couldn't make them work. And then I wanted to try a Patronus Charm, using a-a happy memory of her, but I'm not good enough." He flicks at his wand with his fingers, and it goes rolling up the bed away from him, showering little gold sparks everywhere. "I've been practicing for weeks, and now I've run out of time and I don't know what to do." His tone rises with frustration, and he kicks at his blankets.

"Those are N.E.W.T. spells," Albus says in amazement. "Is that what you've been doing in the library all this time? Is that why I haven't seen you? Because you've been practicing?"

Scorpius nods. "And it was all a waste of time, because now I've got nothing." He gives a mirthless little laugh and shakes his head. "Stupid idea, all of it."

"But you've still got yourself," Albus says, nudging Scorpius's arm. "Are you going to visit her on Sunday?"

Scorpius shrugs. "I don't know. There's no point if I don't have anything to give her..."

Albus shifts on the bed so he's kneeling beside Scorpius. "I think you should visit her. And -- you probably won't agree with me, but -- I think you should just tell her how much she means to you, and how hard you've been working. You don't need fancy spells to show her that. I mean, Patronus Charms are amazing and impressive, but even my dad-" he breaks off and runs a hand through his hair. Thinking about his dad always makes him feel thoroughly miserable, and he tries not to ever do it.

"The point is," he continues, shoving Harry well out of his mind. "I think you can just be you, and she'll understand. I think it's a parent thing." He looks at Scorpius, desperate to convince him. "You know, last year me and James and Lily tried to make a big meal for Mum? James and I came home for the weekend, and we were going to cook something fancy. But James is the worst cook ever, and it all ended up burned and rubbish, and it was awful. But when Mum found out, she said- she said it didn't matter, and that she knew we all loved her without the silly meal. So maybe your mum will be like my mum was, and it won't matter that you can't do the things you wanted to?"

Scorpius sniffs and wipes his nose as he looks up at Albus. "Do you think?"

"I don't know," Albus says honestly. "Parents are weird and I don't understand them. But I think it's worth a try. And maybe-" he bounces on his knees as the idea comes to him. "Maybe instead you could write her a letter or something. To make sure she really knows? Letters are easier than saying things in person I think. I can help if you want. We could write it together and then you could give it to her on Sunday!"

Scorpius hugs his knees and frowns. "How are you supposed to put all of that sort of thing into a letter? The reason why I wanted to try the spells was because... because I didn't know what to say. I didn't know where to start."

"Well we can try it at least," Albus says. "It's worth a go, isn't it? Let's do it now!" He picks up his wand and shoves Scorpius's hangings aside. He flops half over the edge of the bed, head and wand sticking out past the curtain, and rummages through Scorpius's drawers, searching for parchment, ink, and a quill. He's such a geek that he keeps them in his top drawer, ready to be whipped out at a moment's notice, so Albus quickly locates them and scrambles back inside the hangings, almost losing his balance and toppling out onto the floor. Scorpius grabs his ankle and helps him, and soon the two of them are curled up by Scorpius's pillows, staring down at the blank piece of parchment.

"Dear Astoria," Albus suggests. "That's how you're supposed to start letters."

Scorpius steals the quill from him. "Dear... Mum," he says, as he scrawls the words down. He glances up at Albus. "Happy Mother's Day?"

Albus nods. "That's good."

Scorpius pokes his tongue out from between his teeth as he writes. When he's done he stares blankly down at the parchment. "Now what?"

Albus leans against his side and also stares at the parchment, hoping it will give him some inspiration. It doesn't.

"Maybe this is the part where I tell her about the spells that didn't work," Scorpius suggests. "I think I should say sorry at the beginning, and then tell her all the things I really wanted to tell her afterwards..."

Albus nods. "That sounds good."

"Alright," Scorpius says. "I think I can do this."

For the next few minutes they sit in silence. Albus listens to Scorpius's quill scratching on the parchment, and his mutterings as he tries to work out what to say. Occasionally he pauses to ask Albus a question, or Albus will make a suggestion as he reads over Scorpius's shoulder, but mostly Scorpius works in silence, pouring his heart and soul out onto the page.

Eventually, with one final flourish, he signs his name and looks down at the letter. The wet ink glints in the pale wand-light, and Scorpius blows on it to dry it out.

"I think that's what I want it to say. I think that's good."

Albus puts an arm round his shoulders and hugs him tightly. "I think it's perfect."

"Me-" Scorpius breaks off as he yawns widely. "Me too."

"And now I think we should go to sleep," Albus says, poking him in the arm. "We can leave the letter to dry while we rest. You need to sleep, Scorpius. You haven't slept in weeks."

"Mmm," Scorpius agrees. He pushes the hangings aside and sets the letter, quill, and ink on top of his set of drawers, then he wriggles his way under his covers and curls up.

Albus moves to get up and go back to bed, but Scorpius catches hold of his wrist.

"Don't go," he says, looking up at Albus. "I've missed you. And it's easier to sleep if you're here. I mean, you don't have to, but-"

Albus crawls under the covers beside Scorpius and lies on his side, facing him. "No. I'll stay. I missed you too."

Scorpius squeezes his hand. "I'm sorry I tried to duel you earlier."

"It's okay," Albus murmurs. "If you want I'll try to help you catch up on your homework?"

Scorpius rubs his eyes and smiles. "That would be..." he yawns. "That would be nice. Thank you."

They mumble a few more increasingly incoherent things into the dark, quiet space between and around them, until first Scorpius and then Albus drifts asleep, their hands still clasped together on the bed between them.

---

Astoria drifts along the shoreline between sleeping and waking. She can feel the soft bed beneath her, feel the warmth of sunlight spilling through the window onto her face, but she can't find the motivation to open her eyes. It's easier to just stay asleep for now.

Time flows in strange patterns. It's difficult to tell how long she spends asleep or awake. She loses track of time. Someone was supposed to come and wake her up just before lunch, but there's no one here yet, so it must still be the morning.

At some point she hears the door creak open and closed. Footsteps, two pairs of footsteps, tiptoe across the room, and a pair of familiar voices whisper to each other.

"Go on. You can sit there."

"But this is your-"

"I want you to sit there, Scorpius."

"...okay. Thank you."

Scorpius's voice sounds tight, and small, but just the sound of it is music to Astoria's ears. She turns her head to the side, opens her eyes, and beams at her son, who's sitting in the seat next to the bed, clutching a letter and a book, and looking very uncertain. The sunlight shines through his hair, making it glow golden. He looks older and more handsome every single time she sees him, and her smile widens to the point where her cheeks are aching.

She starts to claw her way into a sitting position, and both Scorpius and Draco, realising she's awake, get to their feet and rush to help. She waves them both away.

"I'm fine. Sit down. Draco, I said I'm fine."

Scorpius has already returned to his seat, but Draco is still hovering over her, the familiar worried crease carved into his forehead. She reaches up and smooths her fingers over it, then she pecks him on the lips.

"I'm so fine they're talking about letting me come home on Tuesday. Now would you sit down?"

Draco sighs and returns to his seat. "We thought you were asleep. We didn't wake you, did we?"

Astoria shakes her head. "Not at all. I was actually wondering what time it was." She runs a hand through her hair and looks around for her wand and glasses. Scorpius passes them both to her.

"It's just after eleven," he tells her, before retreating back to his seat and curling up into a little ball, hugging his book to his chest like he's trying to protect it.

Astoria watches him carefully. He looks a little paler than usual, and it's unlike him to be so quiet. She wonders if there's something wrong. Although it's possible that she's what's wrong with him. She hates thinking that she's causing her son any sort of suffering, but she can't deny that she is, and there's nothing she can do about it. She hates it. It might be the worst part of being ill.

Her smile fades and she swallows. "So," she says, forcing herself to sound cheerful. "How are you both? It looks like a beautiful day."

"It is quite nice," Draco says, glancing out of the window. "I think the weather's going to hold this week. It'd be nice to have you home while it's still warm. Your garden is doing beautifully. I don't think I've done too much catastrophic damage to your roses yet."

Astoria tuts. "You won't damage them as long as you follow the instructions I left you."

"Your instructions are twelve pages long," Draco says, smirking at her. "It's almost as if you don't trust me."

"I trust you with my life, Draco dear. But you never did have green fingers. Daphne told me how you killed your Venomous Tentacula in fifth year." She grins at him, then glances across at Scorpius. He's staring down at his feet like he can't even hear the conversation.

Her smile softens and she reaches across to him. "Scorpius... how has school been this week? Weren't you about to start studying the wizarding wars in History of Magic?"

Scorpius glances at her and shrugs. His fingers stroke the parchment envelope in his hands, and he hugs his book tighter, resting his chin on it.

Draco turns to watch him for a moment, then he gets to his feet. "Would either of you like a drink?" He asks. "I'm going to go and get some tea. Not the muck they serve upstairs. I'll go to that shop down the road."

"There's Muggle money in my purse," Astoria says, not taking her eyes off Scorpius for a second. "Do you know how to-"

Draco plucks a note from the top and waves it at her. "This one's worth £10. I've been learning." He glances between her and Scorpius, then backs towards the door. "I'll see you both in a bit." The door clicks shut behind him as he leaves, and Scorpius and Astoria are alone.

Once Draco has gone, Scorpius wriggles in his seat and tucks a bit of hair behind his ear. He glances at Astoria, then away again.

"Are you alright?" Astoria asks, voice soft and low. "You look unhappy."

Scorpius looks down at the book and envelope he's holding, then he pulls his chair closer to the bed, scraping it across the floor. "I wrote this," he says, holding the envelope out to her. "For you." He glances up at her, and as she takes the envelope, he pulls the sleeves of his sweater over his hands and holds them so they're covering his face. She thinks he might be chewing on the wool, but he looks so anxious that she doesn't comment.

"What's this?" She asks, turning the envelope over in her hands. Scorpius's seal is pressed onto the back. It's so neat, as is the way he's written her name on the front. He's clearly taken time and effort over this.

"It's a letter," he murmurs. "Because it's Mother's Day."

She smiles and places her finger next to the seal. "Can I open it?"

Scorpius goes pink all the way to his forehead, and nods, grey eyes wide and shining in the sunlight.

Astoria slits open the seal and pulls the letter out with slightly shaky fingers. She lays the letter in her lap, clenches and unclenches her hands to try and steady them, then she picks the letter back up and reads.

Dear Mum,

Happy Mother's Day.

I wanted to do something really special for you this year, because you haven't been very well, and because you deserve to have a good day. I tried to learn all these different spells, to show you that I love you, and that you're the best mum ever, but I couldn't make any of them work. I'm sorry that I couldn't do anything nice for you, but Albus said you wouldn't mind, and that I should write a letter to you instead, telling you how I feel, so I hope that's okay instead.

First, I want you to know that you're the best mum ever, and you always will be. I think you're amazing, and I like reading with you, and playing the piano with you, and looking at the frogs in the river with you. I'm glad you're there so I can talk to you, and I think it's going to be very hard when you're gone.

Second, I want you to know that I love you a lot. You make the perfect hot chocolate, and you taught me how to dance, and you make home feel like home. It's always quieter without you.

It makes me sad that you're ill, and I'm sad that you're hurting. I wish I could make you feel better, and I'm sorry I can't. But I hope that maybe I can make you forget about it all for a bit. I've brought our favourite book with me, for us to read together if you're feeling well enough. And if you're not then I'll leave it for you so you can read it later.

I really hope you know that I love you, Mum. I'm always going to love you, and I'm never going to forget you. Have a very happy Mother's Day.

Love you forever,

Scorpius

Astoria's eyes prickle with tears as she reads. Twice she has to stop because her vision is too blurred to see the words anymore. When she's done she takes a deep breath and brushes the tears off her cheeks. For a moment she tries to compose herself, then she glances at Scorpius and reaches a hand out to him.

The second she lays eyes on him, her beautiful, sweet son, who's growing up to be so brave and brilliant, the tears start to well up again, and she sniffs and beckons to him. "Come here."

"Is it okay?" Scorpius asks, finally removing his hands from his face, and getting to his feet.

"It's perfect," Astoria replies. The second Scorpius is within her reach, she pulls him into the tightest hug she can, brushing her fingers through his soft hair. "I'm going to love you forever too," she says. "You wonderful boy." She kisses the top of his head, and he squirms. She releases him, but all he does it put his knee on the bed and frown.

"Will I get told off if I-"

"I won't let them tell you off," she says, putting a hand on his shoulder.

He gives a shaky smile and crawls onto the bed next to her, curling up by her side and wrapping his arms round her. She folds an arm round his shoulders in return.

"I tried to learn the Patronus Charm," he says. "I can get a bit of silver mist but I can't do it properly. And I was trying to learn Orchideous, so I could bring you flowers, but that was too difficult as well. So I brought our book instead. And myself. Albus told me that might be enough."

Astoria blinks very hard to hold back her tears. "Your best friend," she says, voice a little shaky, "is quite a smart young man." She squeezes Scorpius tightly and drops another kiss into his hair. "Of course this is enough. This is wonderful. You are wonderful." She gives Scorpius's shoulder a little shake and looks down at him. "Never forget that, okay?"

Scorpius looks at her and nods. "Okay," he murmurs. He picks at the hem of his jumper for a moment. "I really meant what I said in the letter," he says. "All of it. I love you, Mum."

"And I love you too," she says, holding his gaze, fierce in a way that she hopes will convince him to believe it, and remember it.

He blushes a faint pink and drops his head onto her shoulder. She gathers him in close, and gently slides the book from his hands.

"Do you want me to read this to you?" She asks.

"Maybe we can read a bit each," Scorpius suggests, reaching out to trail his fingers over the cover.

"I think that's a good deal," Astoria says, kissing his temple. "Shall I go first?"

Scorpius nods, and he wriggles in closer so he can see the book open across both their laps.

As they read, Astoria rubs his shoulder, and feels him wriggle and breathe against her side. He's a lot bigger than he was as a baby, but he's still just as wriggly, and just as excitable. He's still her little boy, and she's never been more confident in the knowledge that he loves her deeply. She only hopes that he knows, that he will always know, that she feels exactly the same way in return.

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