#sorry but the vivid mental image this paints

[incorrectplanet]

zhang hao: where’s the broom?

matthew: you’re… voluntarily cleaning?

zhang hao: nope. kuanjui won’t get down from on top of the fucking fridge. i’m going to whack him.

matthew: wh—

#sorry but the vivid mental image this paints #kuanjui as the type of guy to hang out in the most random and inconvenient places #and in weird contortionist sitting positions too #zhang hao as the type of guy who absolutely does not tolerate it #mnet boys planet #boys planet #kpop #incorrect kpop #incorrect kpop quotes #incorrect boys planet #mnet #g group #chen kuan jui #zhang hao #seok matthew #haojui

[sga-owns-my-soul]

Every like, 6 months or so I'll go through a phase where I paint my nails a lot and get really into my nails for a bit and I just had a thought: If Teyla didn't need to punch people so often she would probably LOVE getting her nails done.

I wouldn't be surprised if Athosians did nail staining of some kind but there's probably not a whole lot of color options in that. She would be THRILLED at all the color/finish options in nail polishes and that you could basically change the color every day if you wanted to.

Now I'm thinking about Elizebeth or Sam taking her to earth and having a girl's day at a nail salon to relax🥹 (she probably wouldn't like all the shit they do to your cuticles, but I think she would like, and deserves, to be pampered)

oh my god sorry i just got the most vivid mental image of teyla punching a guy, breaking a nail, and then punching him again for making her break a nail

tbh i desperately want more of teyla doing stereotypical girly things and then turning around and kicking everyone's ass (we were ROBBED of her sprinting after someone in heels and a floor length gown tbh THATS the brainstorm we deserved smh) so the idea of her getting beautifully manicured nails and still kicking more ass than any of the guys in the field is SUCH a good concept to me i love this so much

#this ties in beautifully with my lesbian femme!john idea #imagine them doing their nails together #bonding over a twice monthly nail session #omgggggg john getting zpms and control crystals on her nails #one hands a puddle jumper #teyla get athosian symbols on her nails #omg i love this concepttttttt #teyla emmagan #asks #sga #stargate atlantis

[thebabblingbrookenook]

Hand Painted

Pairings: Benedict Bridgerton x Reader

Summary: Modern AU - It’s Opening Night and your stage makeup has to be just right. You are left in the very capable hands of Benedict Bridgerton.

Warnings: PG-13 lol. We get some light groping and definite sexual tension.

Word Count: 1.2k

Author’s Note: This was a birthday wish fulfillment for a lovely Tumblr mutual with an appreciation for Benedict’s hands. I’m with you girl! Those mitts could paw at me any day. Happy birthday @queen-of-the-misfit-toys , I hope you enjoy 💕

____________________________________________

"Hold still," Benedict scolded for the third time. "I'll never get this done with you wiggling like that."

"Sorry, Ben. It tickles." You squirmed again as the bristles from his brush glided across the skin on your side.

"Just hang in there a bit longer. These markings need to be perfect. I want to make sure the details translate on stage." He scrunched his nose in concentration, willing the brush in his hand to do his bidding. 

Sometimes you forgot that the stakes of this production were just as high for his career as they were for yours. If the showcase went well, there was a chance to establish a real foothold in the world of professional theatre. 

You steadied yourself, determined to stay as still as possible for him. You refused to be the reason his talent wasn’t properly seen. He had too much to offer the world to remain hidden. You would use your naked body as a flashing billboard to display his unique and breathtaking skills.

He looked up to meet your gaze from where he rested on his knees in front of you. “Sorry, I know this is taking forever.”

“No rush. Take your time. I don’t mind.” He had no idea just how thoroughly you didn’t mind. There was many a night where you imagined him on his knees in front of you. This would provide you a vivid mental image for later.

“Are you ready to take your bra off,” he asked, completely unaware of the impact those words had on your brain. 

“What,” you gulped. You needed him to confirm that you hadn’t just been revisiting a favorite daydream that he regularly starred in.

“Your bra,” he stated. “I need to paint your breasts.”

“Oh,” you gulped. “Right, obviously. Is it safe to bend my arms yet, or will it mess up your work?”

“Hmm,” he mused. “Better not to risk it. I’ll do it.”

This had to be a figment of your imagination. Reality was never this good to you. 

Very gently, and with enough skill that confirmed this wasn’t his first time removing ladies delicates, his fingers unhooked the clasp at your back and slowly inched the straps from your shoulders to slide them down your arms without touching your skin.

“There they are,” his eyes widened in terror. “I mean, there we are! As in… you’re all set. Oh, god… Forgive me. I swear I’m not a pervert.”

Your responding giggle was so infectious it even had him cracking a smile. “It’s okay Ben. They are, in fact, there. I think I would have been more offended if you didn’t notice.”

His cheeks were flushed with the most alluring shade of pink you had ever seen. Sometimes he was inexcusably adorable. It didn’t seem like the laws of nature would allow for this much perfection to exist. He was an anomaly.

Eager to escape his embarrassment, he dipped his brush back into the paint without another word. You watched in awe as he mixed the paints to create the perfect hues of color. He went somewhere else when he was creating. The world around him paused, leaving nothing else to exist but himself and the canvas he worked with. Today, that canvas just happened to be you.

If you weren’t painfully aware of how close he was to touching your body with his own, you might have found this relaxing. But relaxed was the last adjective you would have used to describe yourself as you watched his tongue rub against the corner of his mouth.

His eyes were burning with concentration as he studied the lines of your body. You tried not to take it to heart when he huffed in frustration. “This fucking brush is pointless. I’d do better to just use my hands.”

Your core clenched at the thought of it. “Why don’t you?”

He took in the details of your face for any signs of a joke. “That wouldn’t make you uncomfortable?”

It would, but not in the way he worried. “Nope. Be my guest.”

A spark of excitement lit the blues of his eyes. “Really?”

“Mmhmm,” you consented.

That was all the reassurance he needed. His long, elegant fingers dipped into the deep crimson shade on his palate before he brushed them along the heated skin above your left breast. You wondered if he could feel your heartbeat running rampant at his touch.

Tingles spread across your chest in his wake, the sensation so overwhelming that you almost shivered. His hands traveled with precision, etching beautiful intricacies along your collarbone. 

Cleaning his sullied hands, he scooped a generous handful of a different color. "I'm going to use this color as a base to add shadowing. Contour you a bit."

Even through the cold, wet paint, you could feel the warmth of his fingertips saturating your ribs with color. Inch by inch, he made his way up to the curve of your full chest. You fit perfectly in his hold as he cupped you. Kneading and caressing, he sculpted your body as if you were unshaped clay that simply needed a little coaxing to take your true form. When he was satisfied with his work, he mirrored his actions on the other side of your body.

Need was burning through you now. Everything about him to his very essence was sensual. The way he moved. The way he smelled. Even the way he breathed was a Siren's song. But the most intoxicating part of all was that he had no fucking clue. He wasn’t even trying. You could only imagine what his touch would be like when provoked by desire of his own. You doubted you'd survive it.

When your entire chest was properly coated to his liking, he brought his thumb to the hollow of your throat and drug it down the center of your body, between your breasts, over your sternum, further and further until he reached the top of your underwear.

You knew the way you panted was indecent, but there was no controlling your ravenous flesh. When he knelt before you again and lightly blew his breath across the skin below your bellybutton you couldn't stop the tiny whimper that escaped you.

When you met his gaze, his pupils were blown wide at the sound of you. "This spot is still a little wet," he blew again. "Better to not tempt fate."

As if he hadn't just doused you in gasoline and threw a match onto your libido, he stood back to his full height, towering over your small frame. "You look perfect. There's nothing more to be done. You might be my masterpiece."

His lazy, lopsided grin was going to kill you one day. You did your best to gather your composure before speaking, but your voice still held an almost post-orgasmic timber. "I'll wear you proudly tonight."

"Good luck," he whispered before brushing his lips over your cheek.

As you walked away from him, drunk with lust, all you could think about were his hands on you. It's a good thing this play didn't require him to paint between your thighs. You would have ruined all his hard work….

______________________________________________

Tags : @faye-tale @eleanor-bradstreet @queenofmean14 @angels17324 @musicismyoxygen84 @bridgertontess @heeyyyou 

#Benedict Bridgerton #Benedict Bridgerton Fanfiction #Benedict Bridgerton and Reader #Benedict Bridgerton and You #Benedict Bridgerton x Reader #Benedict Bridgerton x You #Bridgerton Fanfiction

[wildernessuntothemselves]

Ooooh that chapter was a 10/10.

The failed betrayal scene was so so satisfying to read. I knew that dagger would come into play again in a pivotal moment. It's almost funny how Oc supposedly knows Beomgyu better than anyone else in the world and still makes the mistake of taking him for dumb just because he is impulsive and viscerally emotional sometimes. He is devoted, not stupid. She has more than enough evidence to never forget his scheming ways and how far he is willing to go... and yet she does every once in a while. She keeps trying to outsmart him, but she is not smart enough for that.

I did however feel bad for Oc in some parts. The game has never been in her favor, but at this point she really is looking more like the ball than like one of the players. Nothing ever goes the way she wanted it too... either she gets the opposite of what she wanted, or she gets it only after paying a ridiculous price that makes her regret asking for it in the first place.

And don't get me started on the smut scenes! You kept saying it was too much for one chapter but it felt just right. It's hard to say which one was the best honestly - i am inclined to say it was the first one for how gone, just gone, he was and the bits of humiliation thrown his way. You're so good at painting such vivid mental images, I could imagine every detail of each scene. Such a smut artist ♡♡♡

Oh, and I still maintain my opinion on Soobin. I wouldn't call him spineless... it's just that while everyone else is playing a game of power, he is playing a game of survival. He does what he gotta do to save his skin and stay alive in the middle of all that madness. Not the most honorable modus operandi, but fuck honor when your is neck is on the line.

(sorry for disappearing, I was busy literally almost dying... again)

~♡anon

welcome back babe! i'm sorry to hear you're sick again 🥺 i hope you're better now ❤️

oc thinks she can pull the same tricks she used before on him (like when she escaped) but while gyu is obsessive and acts pitiful towards her, he's arguably the smartest character in the fic (though wony is also very smart). even though oc herself calls herself stupid for having believed he might leave tyun alone and for believing she could pull one over him, it was more wishful thinking on her part as evidenced by her attempting to have a backup plan if he betrays tyun. it's just that she doesn't have a lot at her disposal. she doesn't have allies. she doesn't have power. she doesn't have any influence. what can she really do? she wanted to believe that she could do something because the alternative is just so depressing. she knows gyu has been controlling her life all this time, even when she left with tyun, he was still controlling her life. she wanted to believe that she could stop him or even just make him falter for a second because fuck not even tyun can stop him? that's soul crushing

"either she gets the opposite of what she wanted, or she gets it only after paying a ridiculous price that makes her regret asking for it in the first place" that's basically the theme for the next chapter lol just oc realizing that it's hopeless and that she's just making it worse every time she tries 😬

thank you 😭 it definitely felt too much but i just couldn't sacrifice any of the scenes because first of all they're hot, and second of all i feel like each scene represents a different plot point. the first one is oc letting her anger out and attempting to dupe gyu by using his love for her, the second one is her letting him get his anger out to try to control him and also to demonstrate how angry gyu is still about her leaving him, and the third is her giving into him and him in turn trying to get her to just let him in

idk i feel like both are true. he is trying to survive and by doing so he is betraying the woman he is in a relationship with, and more importantly, his queen that he has sworn to protect. if that's not spineless idk what is.

#ahhh i missed you babe #love you #mort talks #yamqn #♡anon

[teshamerkel]

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Seekers of Soul

[Chapter 21] (32 Pages)

<< First | < Previous | Next >

Tobias and Nia make the journey to Ghatha!

-

“Are we getting close?”

Tobias swallows back an annoyed growl, trying to keep his temper under control. He will not snap at his partner. Or light her on fire. “For the fourth time, Nia, we’re almost there. Stop asking before I turn us around.” 

The riolu shrinks into herself with a sheepish smile. “S-Sorry. I’m just excited.”

Tobias doesn’t answer, hoping Nia will finally fall silent and let them walk through the forest in peace and quiet. He doesn’t mind going on this trip to Ghatha, and although he’d never admit it, he isn’t even that annoyed by Nia’s presence anymore. Most of the time.

But by Entei’s fire, Tobias has his limits. There’s only so much excited rambling he can handle in one short walk to the flight outpost.

“O-Okay, actually important question.”

“Hm.”

“Should I eat before we fly? Or, uh...”

Tobias finally cracks a grin. “Or are you gonna barf your brains out? Dunno. Guess we’ll see.”

Nia‘s nose scrunches up at the mental image. “You sound a little too happy about this.”

“I will definitely laugh if you puke.”

She shoots him a playful glare, so Tobias adds, “If you want an actual answer, I wouldn’t eat before we go up. If you’re fine flying then you can eat on the way there. If not, then we won’t immediately tick off our ride by puking all over ’em.”

Nia fidgets nervously with the strap of the satchel thrown over her shoulder. “That makes sense. I’d like to be on good terms with the Pokémon carrying us 10,000 feet in the air.”

There are a few minutes of quiet after that, and Tobias takes advantage of them to enjoy the cool morning air. Dawn sunlight is filtering through the trees of the forest, clearing away the chilly fog of the night. He notices that the green leaves overhead are starting to shift to gold, catching the morning rays. It really is going to be fall soon.

“Are you nervous?” Nia asks. “About flying?”

Tobias mourns the loss of silence with a sigh. “You do know my final evolution is half flying, right?”

“Well, yes, but that doesn’t mean you can fly now. So I just wondered. Have you ever flown before?”

For a heartbeat, memories slip by before Tobias can stop them. Vivid snapshots of sitting atop a broad orange back, wings spread endlessly wide on either side of him. His hands, much smaller, clutching tight to warm scales, the blue sky seeming to go on forever in all directions, the wind whistling by and stealing away his laughter.

Tobias shoves the memory from his mind, holds his breath until he knows it won’t shake. Keeps his eyes glued to the foliage around them. Eventually, he manages to say, “I’ve been flying before. A long time ago.”

Maybe Nia can hear the lump in his throat, because she falls silent with a tiny, “Oh.”

They continue on, Tobias focusing his senses on the world around them to distract himself from the memories suddenly trying to rise up and choke him. His heart twists inside his chest, and it takes everything in him to blink back rising tears.

The trio. The outlaws. Focus on them, on taking them down. Focus on what he needs to do.

“Is that it?”

Tobias snaps out of his musings to look up, and sure enough, the outpost is in sight. It’s still halfway hidden by the trees and undergrowth, a lanky structure of white-painted wood, but it’s definitely what Maggie pointed out to him from the mail floor, years ago.

A quiet rabble of voices meet them as they get closer. Calm conversation, occasional laughter. The two of them emerge into a small clearing, and there it is: a tower reaching almost too high up to see the top. Roosts of moss and hay and twigs are haphazardly wedged here and there throughout the structure, and flying Pokémon of all kinds flit about. Some are napping, others chatting, and a few are on the grass, talking with clients.

“Wow,” Nia breathes, eyes wide with wonder.

A talonflame is the first to notice them, and glides down to meet them with a respectful dip of his head. “Greetings. Looking for a lift?”

Tobias nods. “We’re guild members under August. We need a ride to Ghatha.”

The talonflame tilts his bright head, humming thoughtfully. “I don’t take on distances that far, especially with fighting types on-board. But I think I know who can give you a lift. Wait here.”

The fire type beats at the ground and lifts off again, flying high into the roost. Nia follows him with her eyes, brow furrowed.

“Fighting types can be squirmy in the air, and talonflame are already lightweights,” Tobias explains, snorting. “Don’t look so offended.”

Nia’s troubled expression clears, and she gives him a thankful nod for the explanation.

A large, winged silhouette takes off from one of the perches, circling down to land before the two of them in a gust of wind. A braviary. She’s huge, easily four times the size of Tobias and Nia, with navy and crimson feathers and a soft mane of white. She’s clearly a sturdy Pokémon, with a few scars visible on her body, cutting irregular patterns through her feathers. Most startling of all is the closed, puckered skin over where her right eye should be, a thick scar running across the area and cutting into her beak. A bright yellow designated flyer’s scarf is tied around her leg. To say she’s impressive-looking would be an understatement.

“Hey there, folks! Name’s Felicity,” the braviary chirps, her voice bright and sharp. “But y’all can just call me Fliss. I hear you two are hoping for a ride to Ghatha.”

Nia looks as awed as Tobias feels by the flying type’s presence. “Y-Yes, ma’am!”

Fliss laughs, loud and hearty. “You sure look spunky for a fighting type at the outpost. You ever flown before?”

Nia opens her mouth to respond, then pauses, a distant confusion glossing over her expression. Tobias has seen that look before. Are her memories acting up again?

He’s about to cut in when the riolu blinks back to the present, hesitantly answering, “U-Uh. No? I-I don’t think I have, at least.”

Fliss gives Nia a curious look but doesn’t push, instead giving the riolu a firm nod. “Well, I’ll do my best to keep it a smooth flight. Since you’re both small, it’ll only be 400 poke for a one-way trip. Discount since you’re in the guild.”

Tobias nods and gestures for Nia to let him rummage around in their satchel. When he pulls out their team poke pouch, Nia pulls out her own personal bag as well. She grabs 200 poke, handing it to him and answering his questioning frown with a small smile and a shrug. “I’m the one who wanted to go on this trip in the first place—it only seems fair that I pay a little extra from my own cash.”

Tobias doesn’t argue, accepting the poke and gathering it with the other 200 from their team earnings. Fliss holds out her leg, and he dumps the coins into a thick pouch strapped securely to her foot, which she ties shut with her beak.

“Great! You two ready to set off?”

Tobias and Nia nod, and the braviary crouches down low, belly to the grass and wings spread wide to help them get on her back.

Nia freezes, wide-eyed. “W-Wait, there aren’t like, safety harnesses or something? S-Seatbelts?”

Tobias rolls his eyes as Fliss guffaws. “Don’t be silly! We wouldn’t be flying grounders around if we weren’t confident in our ability to keep ‘em safe.”

“But what if we f-fall?”

“Then I’ll catch you,” Fliss replies simply. “Look, hun, what’s your name?”

“N-Nia.”

“Look, Nia. I’ve flown all over the world, and I’ve taken a lot of passengers along with me. Haven’t dropped a single one—promise.”

The riolu still doesn’t look convinced, and Tobias groans. “Arceus, would you just get on? Pokémon do this every day!”

“And the winds are in our favor today, too,” Fliss adds, motioning Nia forward.

The riolu steps up to the braviary’s side, and then uses the offered wing as a boost to climb onto Fliss’s back. Nia sits, paws hesitantly holding onto her feathers. “A-Am I hurting you?”

Fliss laughs, making the riolu jump. “You’re light as a feather. Feel free to hold on tighter if you need to, I’ve been through worse.” Then she turns her gaze to Tobias. “Up ya go. What’s your name?”

“Tobias,” the charmander replies, watching Nia as she fidgets. “Where should I sit?”

“Probably in front, so the little fighter’ll have something to hold onto.”

Right, that makes sense--even if he really doesn’t want her clinging to him the whole flight. Tobias climbs up the braviary’s back and plops down in front of Nia, carefully setting his legs on either side of Fliss’s feathery shoulders and letting his tail curl over his leg.

“Hold on tight to my feathers, now!” Fliss calls. “Riolu, if you get scared just hold on tight to your partner.”

“Or don’t,” Tobias mumbles under his breath.

“I-I think I’ll be okay just holding on,” Nia says, voice high and unconvincing.

“Suit yourself! We’re taking off, so if you need me, tap my back three times!”

And with that, Fliss beats her wings hard, powerful gusts of wind tearing at the grass and billowing out in all directions. Slowly, they rise up, and Nia squeaks from behind Tobias.

Tobias can’t help a sudden burst of excitement. He watches eagerly as the forest sinks around them and they rise higher and higher, above the treeline, into bright morning sky. It’s windier up here, a little more chilly.

It feels like freedom.

The wind smells fresh and whistles past them as they gain altitude, fluttering his scarf and Fliss’ feathers. The world stretches out around them, all at once remarkably small and endlessly large. There’s forest as far as the eye can see, making up Bethoc’s Haven. Tobias laughs, unable to contain the giddy feeling in his gut. He’d forgotten how exhilarating it was to be in the sky like this. To fly.

“All right! Hang on, kiddos—we’re off!”

Tobias grips the braviary’s feathers and grins, thrilled as Fliss snaps out her wings and catches an air current. They shoot forward, picking up speed in an instant.

Nia screams, and then there’s a pair of arms locked around the Tobias’ middle, squeezing the life out of him. Tobias chokes, immediately moving to pry the riolu’s wrists away. A quiet whimper stops him, buried in his shoulder and just loud enough to be heard.

The snarl dies in Tobias’ throat as he hesitates. He doesn’t want Nia pressed so uncomfortably close, arms determined to cut off his breathing, but…he also hasn’t heard her this scared in a while. Plus, shoving her off would probably break the unspoken rules of their Tobias Not Being a Jerk team agreement, so. He sighs, resigning himself to this embarrassing situation and forcing his body to relax.

At least the sights are a distraction. The view really is gorgeous, an expansive sea of forest, leaves just starting to turn from green to warmer shades for the fall. The day is bright and brisk: perfect flying weather. Tobias feels a bittersweet tug in his chest, but tips his head back to enjoy the wind and sun on his face with a content smile.

After a few minutes, Tobias peers over his shoulder, only able to see the top of Nia’s head, her ears still pinned flat to her skull.

“Hey,” he calls.

She doesn’t answer, but the hold around his torso tightens.

“It’ll help if you look around.”

The riolu shakes her head against his shoulder, a muffled, “No!” barely reaching his ears.

Tobias rolls his eyes at the childish response. He knows that fighting types tend to have problems with heights and flying, but this is just ridiculous. He is not going to have this flight ruined by Nia cowering in terror and slowly cracking his ribs.

Plus, this is too beautiful a view to miss.

“Just try looking around.”

Nia whines again. “Why?”

“Because we have three more hours of this and I’m pretty sure you’re trying to suffocate me.”

Nia manages to loosen her hold, just a bit. Tobias can breathe again, but the riolu is still quivering, face tucked away.

“Nia.”

“No! I’m n-not looking!”

“Just look up! Don’t look down, idiot, that’ll make anyone’s stomach jump.” Nia doesn’t respond. Tobias peeks back at her again. “Okay, what’s it gonna take for you to look.”

“Take me back to solid ground!”

Despite his frustration, Tobias snorts a laugh. “Too bad, pick something else.” No response. Stubborn. What would entice her enough to surpass her fear? “I’ll, uh…Tell you about the landmarks we pass if you look. You mentioned wanting to know more about geography or something, right?”

Nia shifts against his shoulder, hesitant but clearly interested.

“You’re such a nerd,” Tobias snorts.

“I-I like learning stuff,” she defends. At least, that’s what he thinks she said. It’s hard to properly hear anything up here.

“Well, you have to look for me to teach you, otherwise you won’t know what I’m talking about.”

Nia slowly lifts her head, still tucked close to his shoulder with her eyes squeezed shut. A few seconds pass.

“We’re gonna land in Ghatha before you open your eyes.”

“J-Just give me a sec.”

“Look up first, not down.”

Tobias can feel the riolu take a deep breath. Then, she cracks her eyes open, looking up into open blue sky. He watches as the riolu blinks, then lets her eyes open a bit more, squinting ever-so-slightly against the wind. Good.

“Still alive,” he teases.

“S-So far,” Nia shoots back.

Tobias moves his gaze away, to the forest underneath them. Even without looking straight down, there’s a huge chunk of the region visible. Mostly trees for now, a few fields and clearings, but a set of mountains can be seen faintly in the distance.

“Try looking forward,” he suggests.

“Y-You sure?”

He shrugs, the movement odd with the weight of the riolu still wrapped around him like a scarf. “Gotta do it eventually.”

The riolu seems uncertain, but takes another deep, bracing breath. Her ruby eyes flick a degree down from the sky overhead, looking forward as they fly. For a moment, her expression drops into something awestruck, and Tobias almost smiles.

Then she shrieks a terrified sound, and is back to burying her face into his shoulder.

Tobias groans. “C’mon!”

“J-Just give me a bit, o-okay? I...I’ll try again in a bit.”

Tobias huffs an irritated breath, disappointed. How can Nia not love this view, this feeling of freedom and speed? It’s so soothing being up in the air like this, effortlessly gliding over miles of woodland that would take them hours—days, even—to cross on foot. The brightening sky is slowly changing the hue of the treetops below them, cooler grays coming alive with color, and there’s just something hypnotic about the gentle dip and rise of Fliss’ flying, the slight shifts between air currents. He almost feels like he’s in a trance, with the heat of the rising sun and the balancing bite of the wind, Nia a warm weight against his back. Tobias could probably fall asleep up here, if he tried.

After a while, the fuzzy silhouettes of the mountain range become more visible, fading into existence as towering peaks of white, their tops cloaked in eternal snowstorms. Even the winds feel colder as they fly on a current slightly closer to the mountains, though they’re still a great many miles away.

“You can kinda see the Silenfroar mountain range from here,“ Tobias says, far too casually. “We’re passing by right now.”

Nia’s curiosity is too much for her, and she tentatively lifts her head to peek over Tobias’ shoulder.

“To the left.”

Nia follows his instruction, and all at once he sees amazement take over the fear. She unfolds, ears pricking up, head lifting, the hold around his gut loosening until she’s lightly gripping his sides.

Tobias can’t help it—no one can see him up here anyways. He grins, gazing at the mountains as well. “Pretty cool, huh?”

“They’re beautiful!”

“There’s a village on top of those mountains!” Fliss shouts over her shoulder, catching their attention. “I hear they aren’t fond of outsiders, so I’ve never been there myself!”

“August trained up there for a while!” Tobias yells back. Maggie had mentioned it once or twice, quoting it from the rillaboom’s younger days. Apparently the treacherous Silenfroar settlement is infamous for being an incredibly challenging training ground—or so August says. “He’s still on good terms with ‘em, from what I hear.”

“Whoa,” Nia murmurs, still mesmerized by the intimidating mountain peaks.

Tobias shifts his own gaze down to look at the landscape below them. The trees are starting to thin out a bit, meaning that they should be hitting the Bethoc Bluffs and the Obsidian Sea relatively soon. Tobias is nervous about crossing the stretch of open ocean between them and Ghatha, but Fliss seems strong—

A tiny eep! of fear is Tobias’ only warning before Nia grabs him in another death-hug, crushing the breath out of him.

“Arceus, Nia, give me some warning!” Tobias wheezes, pulling her arms a bit looser. She’s stronger than she looks. “Is this how you’re gonna be the whole way?”

“N-No, it’s getting better! J-Just, uh. Slowly.”

Tobias rolls his eyes and focuses back on the flight, determined to enjoy the peaceful feeling of it all. As they fly, the landscape transitions from forest to rocky pines as they near the edge of the region. They pass several different settlements and tiny villages along the way, the homes and Pokemon living there barely visible from their height. Some are set up in clearings, quaint little homes and businesses clustered close together, and some are nearly hidden by leafy treetops, a bit more spaced apart.

Tobias has traveled to villages like those in the past, he thinks, with Maggie. Usually to treat a severely ill Pokémon or purchase rare herbs. He can’t really recall much about those trips, and certainly not any of the tiny towns’ names. Fliss, however, seems to know them by heart. She calls out each village’s name as they soar over them.

Nia leans forward to hear the braviary better as she speaks, hanging onto every windswept word. After the second or third village, Nia leans back, tightens her grip on Tobias, and cranes her neck to catch a glimpse of the town below. She retreats almost immediately, and Tobias isn’t sure whether to encourage her or make fun of her, so he settles for both.

“Wow, don’t get too adventurous,” he drawls.

Nia gives him a powerful squeeze in retaliation that makes him cough.

From there, the flight is quiet and uneventful, Nia’s face once again hidden in Tobias’ shoulder as the charmander enjoys the wind whipping past them. He doesn’t speak again until he can finally see the glitter of the ocean on the horizon, meaning they’re almost to the bluffs, where the region drops off into the sea.

He taps Nia’s arm to get her attention. “Ever been to the ocean?”

There’s a moment of thoughtful silence, and then, “I-I...don’t think so? I don’t remember seeing the ocean, at least.”

“Now’s your chance.”

That catches Nia’s attention. Slowly, the riolu peers over Tobias’ shoulder. Then she gasps and straightens up, ruby eyes blown wide with wonder. The ocean and the scraggly cliffs of the seaside are coming at them fast.

“Beautiful, ain’t it?” Fliss calls. “That’s the Obsidian sea! We’ll be flying over it for another hour or so before hitting Ghatha.”

Tobias isn’t particularly fond of the sea himself, for obvious reasons, but he does have to admit that it’s pretty to look at. And the salty air smells nice.

To Tobias’ surprise, Nia stays where she is, watching with open awe. She doesn’t even flinch as they finally meet where the water touches the cliffs, Fliss’ wings carrying them out over open waves. The water is dark with slices of white waves, choppy ripples reflecting pieces of the sky. The braviary’s flight levels out into a gentle glide, and she slowly lowers them closer to the water until they can see their own reflected shadow speeding across the waves.

Tobias holds on tighter to Fliss’ feathers and brings his legs up higher, feeling a pang of fear in his gut. If something were to suddenly happen to Fliss and they dropped into the sea, he’d be a goner this far from the shore.

A wave crests underneath them, spraying up a salty mist. Tobias leans away from it, hissing, and Nia laughs. It’s so unexpected that he looks back at her, caught off-guard by how she suddenly looks totally unafraid. She’s leaning right over Fliss’ side, watching the ocean waves with delight, one paw outstretched to catch more of the ocean spray, one paw still gripping Tobias’ side. Tobias blinks. He knew the height was an issue for the fighting type, but seeing such a drastic shift just from them lowering their altitude is really…something. Too bad Tobias feels like he’s currently dangling over certain death if Fliss gets so much as a wing cramp.

“S-So you haven’t ever like...crashed or anything, right?” Tobias yells, turning to look forward again.

Fliss’s back rumbles underneath them with a laugh. “‘Course not, hun! You think I’d offer to fly a fire type across the ocean if I had? We’ll be fine, trust me.”

Tobias takes a deep breath and tries to relax. It doesn’t work. Nia leans forward to catch his eye. “Hey, you okay?”

Tobias snorts, eyes forward and resolutely not on the ocean below them. “Fantastic.”

Nia stares at him with a little frown, before her expression clears. “Oh! It’s the water, huh? I didn’t even think of how scary that’d be for you. Sorry.”

Tobias doesn’t answer, trying not to feel embarrassed by how tense he is, and for a moment Nia is silent too. Then she leans forward, past him, and yells, “Hey, Fliss? Can we go a bit higher? J-Just a little!”

Fliss turns her head to give Nia a confused look, and Tobias does the same. “Odd request from a fighting type,” the braviary says. “But all right.”

Fliss tilts her wings and flaps, catching an updraft that takes them a bit higher. They’re still over open water, but it feels less threatening when it isn’t clawing at Tobias’ feet and spraying his skin with salty, stinging mist. He relaxes, and both of Nia’s paws hold firmly to his sides again. When he glances back at her, she still has her eyes open, looking out over the horizon. She doesn’t look quite as at-ease as she was before, but she doesn’t seem terrified, either.

Nia notices his stare and furrowed brow, and shrugs with a little smile. “S-Seemed like a good compromise to me. Better for both of us to be a little uncomfortable rather than either of us being completely terrified, right?”

Tobias blinks, surprised by the explanation. He…guesses that makes sense. If it keeps him from getting sprayed with stinging water and Nia from breaking his ribs, then he’ll take it. He nods and looks forward again.

After that it’s silent, save for the roaring wind and the crash of sea waves below them. They’re making good time from what Tobias can tell, but they’ve still got a bit of traveling ahead of them. Tobias has taken to closing his eyes and losing himself in the relaxing sensations of the flight when Fliss makes a mildly surprised sound that puts him immediately on edge. He looks around, not seeing anything, then follows the braviary’s gaze down to the ocean, heart jumping in his chest when he sees the shadow of a Pokemon speeding along below them, serpentine and absolutely massive, easily multiple times longer than Fliss is large. Before he can get concerned, Fliss takes them higher, safely out of range of the mysterious Pokemon.

“By Yveltal’s wings, that’s a big ‘un!” the braviary cries out. “Must be a gyarados. Likely travelling to Ghatha too.”

Tobias watches the shape, frowning. It’s still matching their pace perfectly, nothing but a dark blur broken up by the choppy waves. A gyarados, huh? He can’t remember seeing one before so he can’t be sure, but something about the silhouette seems…different from what he remembers in the books.

“Th-That’s a Pokemon?” Nia asks, clinging closer to Tobias. “I-It’s huge!”

Tobias doesn’t respond, watching as the shape suddenly falls back and out of sight.

Nia cranes her head back to watch it go, then leans into him again with a more relaxed grip. After a moment, she asks, “‘By Yveltal’s wings?’ Yveltal is one of the, uh...the legendary Pokémon, right?”

Tobias nods. “God of destruction, but also a deity of flight and war.”

Nia blinks, looking startled. “War?”

Tobias glances back at her. “Yeah. Hasn’t been a war in centuries, but a lot of Pokémon still look to the war deities for help in battle.”

After a beat of silence to digest that information, Nia hesitantly says, “I’ve been meaning to ask, a-and I hope this isn’t like…offensive? But, uh. What exactly is the deal with legendary Pokémon? I’ve heard people reference them and I’ve read a couple of books but are they, like...real Pokémon?”

Tobias bites back a sharp retort. He’s not allowed to snap at her for asking questions about the Pokémon world, no matter how ridiculous they are. “Did you not have gods in your world?”

“Well,” Nia says thoughtfully. “From what I can remember, there were different...religions, in the human world. So, like…I think my family believed in one god and one god only. But some people believed in a different god. Or multiple gods. Or no gods at all. And there wasn’t ever really any hard...proof, I guess? Of any of them existing. So I guess I’m wondering if it’s the same way here.”

Tobias frowns. “The gods here are real Pokémon, as far as we know. According to records and some of the older Pokemon, we used to see them and interact with them regularly, but in the last century or so they’ve just...disappeared. We don’t know if something happened or they just abandoned us or what.”

“You don’t sound all that worried about it.”

Tobias shrugs. “What’s there to be worried about? The situation’s been the same ever since I’ve been alive. Nothing’s changed for me.”

“But most Pokémon still believe in them, right?”

“To an extent, yeah.”

“Do you?”

Tobias pauses and looks up at the endless blue sky, thinking about how to respond. He hadn’t ever given it much thought, honestly. “…Maybe. My parents prayed to a few of them, and Maggie is pretty devout even if she keeps it quiet. I don’t really know if I believe in them or not. All I know is that if they used to be real, they aren’t watching over us anymore.“

“Really? Why do you say that?”

Tobias feels something tighten in his chest as he remembers rain and fear and a terrible sense of being completely alone, no matter how much he cried for help.

“Because they sure weren’t watching over me when I needed them.”

Nia goes quiet. Then, softly, she says, “I think I believe in a higher something, but I don’t know for sure what that is. Especially now, coming here to this world. I’m just more confused than ever.”

Tobias makes a noncommittal noise in his throat.

“I’ve read about some of them,” Nia continues. “You’ve mentioned an, uh...Entay?”

“Entei,” Tobias corrects. His parents had taught him to pray to the legendary beast when he was young. “Protector of fire types and children. Part of a trio alongside Suicune and Raikou. Suicune protects water types and watches over lakes and rivers. Raikou protects electric types and watches over storms.”

“Oh! I think I remember seeing a picture of those three. They kind of looked like…dogs? Or tigers, maybe? Weren’t there two birds, too?”

Birds? Tobias thinks Nia has called some of the flying type Pokemon that before. “Probably Lugia and Ho-oh—deities of the moon and sun. Lugia controls the seas and protects ocean voyages, and Ho-oh controls the Summer and Autumn seasons. Protects from fires.”

“Wow,” Nia breathes, sounding fascinated. “That’s so specific! And there are a lot of other ones, too, right?”

“Yeah, but they’re not all that specific. Like…Mew is just called the Mother of All Pokémon, so she’s more of a common deity. It’s said that she’s willing to help any Pokémon because in a way we’re all her children or something.”

“I think I remember Mew. Little pink cat Pokémon?”

“She’s definitely pink.”

“Okay. So is there like...a god above all the other gods?”

“There’s Arceus,” Tobias says, slowly. “I guess they’d be the closest thing. Although that’s one Pokémon they say no one ever saw, even when all the others deities were pretty common. They say Arceus created the other legendaries, who in turn created us.”

Nia’s silent again, probably thinking, and Tobias takes advantage of the brief moment of quiet, closing his eyes again to fully enjoy the sun against his face. He really missed flying.

“But not all gods are like...good, right?” Nia asks eventually. “Like yuh...yuveltel? He’s a god of war, right?”

“Yveltal is the god of destruction,” Fliss corrects, startling them both. “But that doesn’t mean he’s bad. All things have to die for new life to take their place, after all. It’s just the natural order of things. Yveltal destroys and ends, and Xerneas creates and starts anew.“

“I...guess that’s true,” Nia says, still sounding doubtful. “But war isn’t a good thing, or necessary.”

“But it still happens,” Fliss says. “Battles happen and we all need someone to turn to for hope in bleak, bloody situations. So Yveltal got that job, as a destruction legendary. If it’s too late to hope for peace, it gives a lot of hope to think you have the god of destruction himself on your side.”

Nia hums. “Okay…I guess that makes sense. But what about that one kind of scary legendary Pokémon? The legends made him out to be really, really bad.”

“Darkrai?”

“It looked kind of like a dragon. Something about dimensions?”

“Ah,” Fliss says, nodding. “That would be Giratina. He was exiled long before the other legends disappeared, banished to the dimensional rift. I will admit he’s a real piece of work, according to the stories.”

“I couldn’t find much about him,” Nia admits, leaning past Tobias to talk more directly to the braviary.

“That’s because a lot of Pokémon ain’t comfortable talking about him!” Fliss crows, sounding amused. “But I ain’t scared of some dusty old tall tales. Wanna hear about his banishment? My granny told me the story when I was just a chick.”

Nia grins. “Yes please!”

Fliss laughs, and Tobias doesn’t complain when the braviary slows, leveling her flight into a smoother glide over ocean drafts. The charmander is admittedly curious, too. He can’t remember anyone telling him much about Giratina’s story before, though he’s heard the name whispered once or twice over the years.

“Well, the legends claim that Giratina was once the guardian of our world’s borders,” Fliss begins. “He kept our dimension safe and sturdy, keeping out anything that didn’t belong in the Pokémon world and making sure no Pokémon got too big-headed and tried to explore past its borders. Myths about humans existed even hundreds of years ago, y’know? Some suspected that if we could cross that dimensional border, we’d find them. It was part of Giratina’s job to keep Pokemon from trying to do so.”

Nia’s hold on Tobias tightens as she whispers, “The human world?”

“I guess it would have messed with something, if we were allowed to hop between worlds like that,” Fliss continues. “So it was Giratina’s job to upkeep that land surrounding our own, keep us in and others out so nothing would be disrupted. He was always a bit of a shiny wooloo among the gods, never deigned regular Pokémon worthy of his presence and kept to himself. But he did his job! They say Pokémon would see him sometimes in reflections, blood-red eyes cold and fierce. But he was never aggressive, never abandoned his duties.”

“Until one day,” Fliss’ voice drops to something low and dramatic. “He just lost his head. Attacked another legend out of the blue and nearly killed ‘em! I believe it was Cresselia? Or maybe it was Celebi. Anyways! As punishment, Arceus themself banished Giratina to his own dimensional rift, trapping him so that he couldn’t leave it or even contact our world. They say he’s still there to this day, plotting his revenge, and that on still nights you can see the shadow of him flickering in reflections, watching and trying to break free.”

A beat of quiet, and then Nia shudders behind him. “O-Okay, that’s creepy. So no one knows what set him off? Why he would just attack another legendary like that?”

“Beats me!” Fliss says, chipper once more. “Most Pokémon don’t even like to talk about him, so we don’t know a lot about the story anymore.”

Nia makes a dissatisfied noise, then asks, “Well, what about the dimensional rift between the Pokémon world and other dimensions? Has anyone tried to cross it since Giratina was trapped? There are humans popping up in this world, so wouldn’t that mean something’s gone wrong there?”

There’s a heavy, out-of-place pause. Then, Fliss says, “You aren’t a normal Pokémon, are you Nia?”

Nia jerks back in surprise, and Tobias freezes.

“Most every Pokemon knows about the gods, after all,” Fliss continues casually. “You wouldn’t happen to be heading to that human meet-up in Ghatha, now would ya?”

For a moment, Tobias thinks of August’s warning for them to keep quiet about Nia being human. From how Nia clutches him tighter, he bets she’s remembering the same thing.

“I, u-uh. I am, actually,” Nia finally says, quietly. “Is that okay?”

Fliss laughs as Tobias gives the riolu a nasty glare for blowing their cover so easily. “Sure! It’s just fine with me, lass. Just hope you weren’t trying to keep it a secret—if so, you’re doing a right poor job of it!”

Nia makes a quiet, unhappy sound in her throat. “Should…Should we be keeping it a secret?”

Fliss makes a thoughtful trilling sound. “Heard about that squabble between the humans and Pokémon, eh? I doubt you’ll run into any real trouble around here, but if you’re worried about it then don’t go asking such obvious questions in front of other Pokémon, all right? I knew something was odd since we left port.”

Nia groans and bumps her head dejectedly into Tobias’ back. “I’ll…try to keep that in mind.”

Fliss laughs again. “Aw, cheer up! I’m excited, at least! Never thought I’d be takin’ a human across the sea! What a world.”

Nia and Fliss continue to chatter on about humans and Nia’s experiences since coming to the Pokemon world, and Tobias closes his eyes to relax again. He gets dangerously close to dozing as they continue into the roaring wind, sun rising higher to warm them and dazzle the sea. Nia and Fliss eventually fall silent, and the riolu slowly relaxes against him as the minutes pass, probably falling into a nap herself. Tobias idly wonders if every charmander or bagon feels this connection to the sky, or if it’s just him.

They stay like that until they hear a distant cry, nearly snatched away by the wind. Fliss calls back, loud and jarring, and Nia jumps. A moment later, Tobias spots a small flock of Pokémon flying to the left, veering towards them. Fliss doesn’t seem alarmed, and as they get closer, Tobias can pick out a togekiss and flygon guiding a group of smaller flying type Pokémon, letting them ride their drafts in the harsh wind.

“Fledglings?” Fliss calls, eyes fond as she spots a little rufflet in the pack.

The togekiss corrects a wobbly swablu’s form and the flygon nods, eyes flicking from Fliss’ designated flight scarf to Tobias and Nia before he smiles. “First day out over open ocean.”

Fliss laughs. “Terrifying, ain’t it? Feels like Kyogre herself’s gonna leap outta the ocean and snatch you up! If y’all are out here, that must mean we’re getting mighty close to Ghatha, right?”

Tobias feels a stir of excitement—comfortable or not, he’s ready to stretch his legs—and squints at the direction they’ve been heading in for the past hour or so. Is that a faint silhouette on the horizon or is he just imagining it?

The flygon nods again, looking at Tobias and Nia. “You two been to Ghatha before?”

Nia must shake her head no, because the flygon smiles. “Well, you sure picked a perfect time to come visit. There’s a magic show planned for tomorrow evening! A big one, at the convention center at central square”

Nia gasps behind him. “A magic show?!”

Flygon nods. “Cheap admission too. I think there’s a big meeting happening at the conference center beforehand so it’s sure to be packed, but I’ve heard of these guys so they should be good. I think they do a lot of fire manipulation.”

At that, Tobias perks up. A magic show could be all right, but a fire-based one? He doesn’t get to see many fire types aside from himself in the Haven. It can feel a bit isolating, especially with so many grass and bug types around.

Fliss sighs. “Darn. Wish I could stick around to see it, but I’ll likely get called away for a flight before then. The kiddos could probably go, though!”

“Thank you for letting us know!” Nia yells over the wind.

The flygon nods, then glances at his flock. “I have to head back. Enjoy Ghatha!”

The dragon type tilts his wings and wheels back to his group. Tobias watches him go, wishing somehow he could join them, until Nia squeezes him.

“Look!”

Tobias does, eyes widening at the sheer size of the city they’re approaching. The silhouette of it becomes more detailed as they get closer, murky grays revealing tall stacks of stone buildings, almost all of them painted with bright accents of color that give the city an immediate sense of life. It’s huge, sprawling along the oceanside cliffs and stretching from one edge of Tobias’ sight to the other.

Fliss is clearly familiar with the area, and immediately flies to a tall flight tower right along the edge of the cityscape. She circles it, finding an empty loft before gliding in and flapping to a stop. It’s dim inside, and a few flyers glance over at the new arrivals. A swellow lifts a wing in greeting, calling, “Fliss! Long time no see.”

Fliss laughs and calls back, “Cobalt! Good to see that handsome mug. Gimme just a sec to set these two off.” She crouches low to the ground, wings spread, and glances back at Tobias. “All right, kiddos, Ghatha awaits!”

Tobias slides off the braviary’s back and barely manages to catch himself before his legs buckle from the long flight. With a yelp, Nia falls onto the ground beside him in a heap, clearly as stiff as he is.

“Thank you for flying us, Fliss,” Nia says once she gets back to her feet. She gives the flying type a grateful smile. “Really. It would’ve been a rough ride without you.”

Fliss laughs and retracts her wings. “Not a problem. You’re two of the most pleasant customers I’ve had in a while!”

“Maybe we’ll see you again on the way back,” Nia suggests hopefully.

“Maybe so!” Fliss gives the two of them a wink. “For now, you two just have a good time in the city and enjoy that magic show. Stay friendly, okay?” Her gaze flicks to Tobias, an unfamiliar note of something serious entering her voice. “Just not too friendly.”

Tobias stiffens. That...was that a warning? Fliss hadn’t acted particularly concerned about Nia keeping her human life a secret during the flight, but…

Fliss gives them both another nod before walking over to the swellow. Tobias looks at Nia, wondering if she caught the braviary’s subtle warning, but the riolu is just digging through their satchel with an oblivious smile on her face. Great.

Tobias sighs, wordlessly turning and leading the way to the staircase when Nia finally looks up with an eager expression and a thumbs-up. They descend to the ground level and wave at the check-in Pokémon, an emolga. Before they can step out into the street Tobias reaches out to grab Nia’s arm.

“Wait.”

Nia does, looking at him with a tilt of her head.

Tobias glances back to make sure the emolga isn’t listening. “Look, I know it’s important to you that you used to be human.”

Nia pulls her arm away from him, open expression becoming more wary. “Yes?”

“And I know we’re here for the human meetup. But I’ve been thinking about what August said, and I think he might be right. Just…try to be discreet, all right?”

Nia frowns, looking disheartened. “What? But I thought everyone said not to worry about it too much.”

Tobias has to take a deep breath not to retort with something sharp. Nia’s not dumb by any means, but she’s just so trusting. It’s gonna be a problem one day. Fliss might’ve wanted to spare Nia any unwarranted panic, but Tobias is more concerned about them being attacked than the riolu’s soft heart.

“Did you not hear Fliss up there on the flight floor? That was a warning. Whether anything actually happens or not, it’s a good idea to lay low when we can.”

Nia looks away and whispers, “I guess.”

Tobias sighs. “Good. Let’s get a move-on, then. We should find this place right away so we know where to go tomorrow without getting lost. We can decide where to stay afterwards.”

They step out onto the street, and Tobias barely catches Nia’s sullen expression smoothing away to something awed and starry-eyed as she looks around. He’s too busy doing the same.

If the city looked huge from far away, then that’s nothing compared to being in the heart of it. The streets are bustling with all kinds of Pokémon going about their business, types and species he’s never even seen before in real life. A huge copperajah passes by, making the cobblestone road beneath them shake with her steps, and a group of tiny mincinno dodge around her legs with ease, not even breaking their conversation. A Seeker team lead by a rapidash trots by, laughing, and a couple of starly swoop by overhead. The stream of Pokémon is endless, a thick crowd blocking out the buildings on the opposite side of the street entirely. Everything is in noisy motion, and the energy in the street is unreal. Beyond the passing Pokémon there are shops bracketing the path, and a few vendors yelling to try and market their wares. It would be stifling if not for the brisk sea breeze cooling everything down, a cut of bright sunlight slanting down between the maze of buildings.

“Oh wow,” Nia breathes, a beaming smile forming on her face. “And I thought Afon’s Cap was amazing!”

“This place makes Afon look like a dump,” Tobias agrees, still looking around. He’s never been here before either, and it more than lives up to the hype.

“How’re we ever gonna find the meeting place?” Nia asks, digging into the satchel to pull out the crumpled flyer for the human meetup.

Tobias leans over to look. “It says it’s just north of the main plaza. Whatever that means.”

“I guess we’ll have to just ask around?”

Tobias nods, looking around at the crowd. “Yeah. Let’s just ask for the plaza, so Pokémon don’t start wondering why we‘re looking for the convention center.”

Nia wilts, giving him a pathetic look. “Do you really think Pokémon would attack us? If they knew I was��well. You know.”

Tobias sighs. “No, not really. But I’d rather not take any chances. This place is different than the Haven, and we don’t know anyone, either. We get in trouble here and we’re screwed.”

Nia doesn’t look happy with that answer, but she nods. “I…guess you’re right. Pokémon have just been so nice to me that it’s hard to believe any of them could be cruel like that.”

Tobias looks at her, then gestures to the scarf tied around her arm over fang-shaped scars. “You already forget how you got those?“

Nia winces. “Of course not. But that was an outlaw.”

“Any Pokémon in this city could be an outlaw. Trust too easily and it’ll get you killed,” Tobias counters, looking around. He nods to the left. “C’mon, we should get moving before someone needs through to the flight tower.”

Nia still looks pensive, but tucks away the flyer and follows as Tobias steps into the flow of Pokémon and starts moving with the crowd. It’s hard to keep up the right speed and dodge stray tails and paws when neither of them are used to it, and they quickly find themselves being jostled and tripped by the overwhelming crowd. He and Nia almost lose sight of each other when a stantler charges right between them. After that, Nia hooks a paw around Tobias’ elbow, stepping closer. He gives her a look but otherwise doesn’t comment. It’d be nearly impossible to find each other if they got separated in a crowd this big.

“S-So where exactly are we going?” Nia asks.

Tobias shrugs. “The crowd will have to open up eventually and we can ask around when that happens.”

Nia nods but doesn’t answer, still too focused on looking around at the colorful variety of Pokémon and buildings they pass.

Eventually they reach a small plaza where the crowd thankfully thins out. There’s a large fountain in the middle of the space, and Tobias steers them over to it to catch their breath.

“Whew! I thought we’d never get out of that,” Nia says, hopping up to sit on the edge of the stone fountain and kick her paws. “I think it’d be too lucky for this to be the plaza we’re looking for. There are some vendors and shops around, though. Wanna start here?”

“As good a place as any,” Tobias huffs, still a bit on edge from the walk. He’s not sure he’s ever been surrounded by so many Pokémon at once, and he doesn’t like the feeling. “We could—“

“Get back here and let me peck your nose off, you coward!”

Tobias spins around at the shout, just in time for a flash of brown fur to zigzag past him. A moment later, a furious ball of blue, black and yellow feathers flies into view from the crowd of Pokémon. A rookidee?

Tobias doesn’t register the flying type’s sudden expression of panic or how they try to backpedal until they slam into him, knocking them both to the ground.

Tobias immediately shoves the rookidee off, snarling, “Watch it!”

The bird shoots him their own glare. “You watch it, you overgrown lizard! That scrap of fur stole my money!” And with that, they’re off again, fluttering back into the air and shooting off after the brown-furred Pokémon.

“Jeez,” Tobias grumbles, brushing himself off. “Warm welcome, huh?”

When there’s no answer, Tobias looks up to find Nia gone. Of course. He whips around, just in time to see the riolu’s fluffy tail vanish into the crowd—in the same direction as the rookidee and the thief.

Tobias groans, tipping back his head and shoving his palms into his eyes. They’ve been in the city for half an hour and Nia is already sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong and trying to stop a street robbery. He’s going to kill that riolu.

#pmd #pokemon mystery dungeon #pokemon #braviary #pmd seekers of soul #tesha draws #tesha writes

[funkymbtifiction]

Good day! I'm pretty sure I'm an IXFJ type but still teasing out if I use Si/Ne or Ni/Se. Any advice you have is welcome! :)

I am very much in my own head constantly, observing situations and mulling over mental imagery that pops up randomly at times. Like, I will see an object in the world, such as a rose ornament on a shelf, which will bring to mind Beauty and the Beast "Enchanted Rose", then the mirror that is used in the story to see her family. Which will then then lead on to imagery of Phantom of the Opera (the link being a beautiful woman being drawn to a "beast" like character and the use of a mirror being used as a reveal). All imagery that I find positive and inspiring, giving me a sense of romanticism and that there's more to life than just the concrete.

I have felt that I had to be a Ni user because I dive deep into associative imagery and daydream A LOT. But then I read Jung's description of Si, notably this part "introverted Sensation is sense-perception that focuses more on the psychological reaction to objects, than on their objective qualities. This subjective part of Sensation is most easily demonstrated in art. Even a still-life scene will be painted differently from artist to artist, in terms of its treatment of colour, form, and mood. Si pours its personal, subjective attitude into its perception of the concrete world, so it’s as if it ends up seeing something quite unique and different from what’s actually there" which would perhaps explain why I could be an ISFJ AND live in a world of inter related imagery and impressions.

I would say I'm very much moved by what goes on in my mind's eye and become attached to places, objects, stories, narratives that become part of my everyday life. I did wonder if this was Fi instead although I believe I'm more likely a Fe user because my focus is more on what is appropriate/rude in social contexts, how to best get on with others and yes, unfortunately at times I minimise myself to not be at odds. I do have my own preferences and loves/hates but will not display these so much, especially if I know the person/people I'm with have contrary sentiments. Something I'm learning to get better at, self expression.

I like to have the outer world kept calm and pleasant as possible so that I can dive in deep within myself; I suppose that's why I'm so routine and probably a bit predictabe (read: boring). I have patterns I stick to each day such as when I have my lunch, downtimes activities after work (reading, bathing, watching tv, ASMR videos before sleep). Even when I'm on holiday I'll follow set behaviours like making sure I have a cup of tea before bed while reviewing pictures of the day.

I haven't truly considered ISFJ properly before because of my daydreams and vivid mental imagery. They're vital parts of me. That said, if Si is more to do with creating inner symbols then I can see a case for me having that over Ni. Jun says this also "The Si type’s perception of the concrete world is adapted to the “eternal truths” - archetypal or even mythological patterns of life.

Si, in a sense, sees the background of the physical world. The important thing isn’t the object, but its reflection in the Si type’s psyche. As a result, objects don’t only appear in their present instance, as Se sees them, but also with a vague sense of their past and future, “somewhat as a million-year-old-consciousness might see them”. Si covers the concrete world with a shroud of meaning, subjective experience and archetypal truths."

I also didn't believe I could be a Sensor because I'm not noticing much of the present moment details, at least not consciously, although I am detail orientated in my memory about people, events, objects etc. I'm quite clumsy too physically. I wouldn't say I'm good at Sensing and feel "out of the world" often. But then again I'm perhaps better than I think. I do see myself as a 9w1 in enneagram and a lot of characters I relate to I've noticed are ISFJ 9w1s who are more dreamy romantic archetypes (Beth March, Jane Bennet, Christine Daae). I know you shouldn’t really type by which characters you relate to though, but figured I’d mention too. If anything I probably over explain than under explain! I often doubt my instincts and insights, whereas I understand NJs especially INJs have faith in their insights. I am hesitant about the past too though, wondering if I’m remembering situations that have happened to me correctlyc or rather interpreted them in the right ways. That’s more to do with past trauma though (I was assaulted and bullied by classmates, which gaslighting was a part of).

Sorry I’ve gone on quite long. I understand if this is too long winded and makes no sense.

All of this is absolutely, beautifully, perfectly Si impressionism. :)

Si metaphorical images are easily shared and understood by people everywhere due to the influence of Ne “creating out of” what the Si user deems important. Si users form inner archetypes and impressions, built out of sensory experiences and what individually appeals to and ‘draws’ their interest -- so ISFJs, especially as 9s, can be very romantic, dreamy, interested in archetypes (mythology or fairy tales or knights and maidens fair, etc.) or in mulling over what they most love.

Ni is colder, more impressionistic, more far-fetched, higher concept, and less easy for other people to understand -- consider the movies of Darren Aronofsky or Christopher Nolan or even the television series Twin Peaks for reference.

#question #mbti #isfj

[girlsmoonsandstars]

Glad I found your blog! Love your analysis, thanks for sharing your analysis and thesis; it paints such a clear and vivid image/awareness of what is actually going on. I find language empowering. My abuser wanted to own me, dominate, and control me, and growing up I had no language for that so; I remember when I educated myself and developed a more articulate language and had a higher level of education, thus more intelligent language, my abuser treated me like i was a petulant child “trying to sound smart.” He would mock and humiliate me and others would be complicit and join in. It bothered me. I vented to someone about it, and he told me “he’s trying to control your language.” Dude was a whistle blower in a way cause l this what men do to us as a class; gaslight reality, and try to control our language… I was so grateful when I found radical feminists and psychologists who understood mental health from women’s rights perspective, because the language for my experiences too away any internalized blame I had, and made me realize I wasn’t crazy, that my experiences were real.

You have a way with words in describing the complicity of what women experience, in a way that’s honest and not convoluted but not over simplified either. I love it. Thank you for your thesis I think naming our experiences is how we empower ourselves and other women. 💞

this is so sweet thank you😭😭😭

also very very glad you're free of your ex. i'm sorry you had those experiences

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

From Eden: One

Warnings: noncon sexual acts, mentions of mental illness; tags to be added throughout series

This is dark!Bucky. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: The mc suffers from agoraphobia. After a new neighbour moves in across the street, her home becomes even more of a prison.

Note: So I've decided to try something new. I'm hoping that you don't mind the new format. This story is written in first person in the form of diary entries. Transcripts will be included at the end of chapters to accomodate any who have issues reading the images.

I am still working on Omerta but chapter 12 is taking me a little bit longer to complete so hopefully this can tide you over until tomorrow. Thank you so much for your patience! And support!!

As always, if you are so inclined, please like, reblog, and comment. <3

Transcript:

Sunday

It rained today. I hoped it would break the humidity but the air is still balmy and thick. The garden is starting to droop without the usual June sunlight. The shrubs look healthy but I don’t know if the mums will bloom. It is late for them.

The windows are clouded now the rain is gone. Once they dry, it will be suffocating again. I should have pulled out the old patio set last weekend but Lorena was here for the groceries. My meds are running low, I’ll have to remind her.

Oh, I found the old afghan grandma used to use. The one with the knitted flowers. Not a single hole. I’ll wash it and hang it over the loveseat in the lounge. It still smells of her. It’ll be two years next week. I miss her.

The kettle is whistling. Lorena bought a new flavour of tea; a spiced rooibos. It smells more suited to the winter but I’m anxious to try. It’ll boil over if I keep writing. 

I found a documentary on a country house in the British Midlands. I might watch that with my tea. Or maybe fall asleep on the couch. Again.

Monday

I have a new neighbour.

Today, I went out to check the bulbs I planted two weeks ago. I don’t think they’ll bud. It was humid and I had sweat in my eyes as the large truck pulled up across the street. The orange moniker on its side was faded and its white paint was almost yellow. I peeked out the gate as they backed it up. 

The beeping was horrible, almost deafening.

A car was just behind it. I shouldn’t be so curious but grandma always said I was a watcher. Watching is easy; doing is… difficult. 

My new neighbour is a man. He has dark hair and a thick beard. I thought I was hallucinating when I saw the rest of him. His arm shone in the sunlight. It’s metal! I’ve never seen anything like it. I never saw a prosthetic that ended in anything but a hook or a blunt stump. I guess, I never really thought much about it.

I think he saw me too. It is hard to see behind the ivy that covers the front gate but I swore he could see me. I hid before I could make sure of it. It’s rude to stare. That’s what grandma would say. So went back to the flower bed and dug up the bulbs. They were dead.Lorena is coming tomorrow. I’ll ask her to grab more.

Tuesday

Lorena came buy today. She commented about my new neighbour. I acted surprised.

I gave her my list and reminded her of my pills. She was gone for a while before she returned. When she returned, I helped her bring in the bags. We unpacked them and she told me about her new niece; Cora. I think that’s a pretty name but Lorena thinks it’s too old fashioned. She said I would like it given my usual tastes. 

She asked if I was wearing grandma’s shirt. I lied and said I wasn’t.

I showed her the garden and she had some tea after helping me set up the heavy iron patio set with the mosaic tabletop. 

She showed me pictures of Cora. She said when she marries Shelby, she wants to adopt but her sister offered to be her surrogate. I thought that was nice.She left shortly after. I’m in the garden, staring at the old shed as I write. The frame around the window is starting to fall apart. I should fix it soon. And maybe clean the--

Later

The man was at the gate. The one with the metal arm. He scared me.

I hid behind the ivy as I looked out at him. His eyes are very blue. Piercing. Despite the heat, they made me want to shiver. His metal fingers wrapped around one of the curlicues of the gate. He said hello and that his name was Bucky.

I nearly swallowed my tongue as I ran away. I didn’t dare grab my diary until the sunset. He was gone, thank god. I hope he doesn’t come back.

Wednesday

Doctor Tisha called today. She wants me to come in at the end of the month to have my prescriptions reviewed. I told her they were helping much better than the old ones. No more vertigo or manic fits, but my dreams are really vivid. She also reminded me that I should make more of an effort to go beyond the garden. The pills can’t do all the work. Well, I think there are parts of me that just can’t be fixed.

I cleaned out the birdbath but the shed window is still drooping. There’s a spider web above the door and I’m working up the courage to open it. My grandma was always the brave one; she called her slippers ‘the exterminators’. She always made me laugh.

Then the man returned. His knuckles make an odd clinking on the gate when he knocks. I didn’t move at first. I’d rather have faced the spider and her web. But he kept on and it was getting rather annoying.

He pulled some of the ivy aside as I got close. I kept to the edge and peeked out at him. He held a box of freesias. 

“Hey again.” 

 He speaks as if he knows me. I don’t like that. He didn’t even care that I didn’t answer. 

“I see you like to garden so I thought I’d bring you some flowers. To introduce myself…. Better. I’m sorry if I scared you yesterday.”

I didn’t know what to say. The freesias were all shades of red, orange, and yellow. Young with a bit of growing still to do. I shook my head.

“You don’t want them?” He asked.

I frowned so hard it hurt my cheeks. I haven’t talked to anyone by Lorena or Doctor Tisha since grandma died. I was never good at that.

“No, I don’t know you.” I felt as if it was someone else talking.

He blinked and I suddenly felt very dizzy. I ran back to the shed and ripped the door open without thinking. The web caught in my hair as I slammed it shut behind me. I sat in the shadows as I tried to wipe away the web. The old rubbermaid lid warped beneath me, if not cracked. 

 I didn’t come out until the musty air made me sick. As I ran into the house, I noticed he had left the flowers on the other side of the gate. I locked the door behind me and shuddered. I swore I felt eight legs crawling down my arm.

Thursday

Sure enough, the flowers are still there. They haven’t wilted at all despite the intense heat of the sun. June is in full effect and the days get brighter and longer. 

 I found the old weather vane grandma said was swept away in a storm. It was hidden behind the row hedges along the stone wall around the yard. It’s bent but fixable.

 I went inside to eat at noon. I looked out the window as I ate; the strawberries were sour. I saw a shadow through the gate. I watched for a while, sure it was the shifting of the sun. Then I saw the metal fingers and the man’s square jaw as he tried to see past the ivy. He knelt and touched the dainty petals of the freesia. He lifted one of the small pots to sniff and placed it back in the box.

He left shortly after. I won’t go back out. I need to work on the house anyway. All this dust is making me sneeze.

Friday

The flowers are still there.

I refuse to look at them. Instead I focus on my own. I brought the old sony tape deck out to listen to the radio. Grandma always said it was older than me. I believe her. The speakers crackle and the antenna kept falling off.

The robins and sparrows were at the birdbath and a pair of cardinals have taken up in the old painted birdhouse around the back. The squirrels broke the window frame on the shed. Well, I’ll deal with that next week.

The flowers are starting to bloom nicely. I thought they might not, given the late showers and the sudden drought. 

There was a monarch butterfly by the carnations. It flew away before I got too close. My mother liked monarchs. I remember she had one framed in her room. Like the picture of her in grandma’s.

I try not to think of her. Or grandma, too much. 

It makes me sad. Doctor Tisha says this isn’t grandma’s house anymore, it’s mine. My life is mine, she tells me. It’s never really felt like it but I’m trying.

Saturday

The lock on the gate is broken and the flowers are gone. They didn’t go far. I found them planted by the lilies. I had tears in my eyes and my hands shook terribly as I wound an old bike lock around the gate. I picked up the pieces of the old latch. It’s totally ruined.

I haven’t been out since. I’m scared. Was it him? 

It seems like a kind gesture but the memory of the busted lock makes me think otherwise.I’m confused. What does he want?

He should’ve let the flowers wilt and die. Or maybe I should just learn to tell people to leave me alone. Out loud.

#Bucky Barnes #dark bucky barnes #dark!bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x oc #dark bucky barnes x reader #dark bucky barnes x oc #dark!bucky barnes x reader #dark!bucky barnes x oc #dark!fic #dark fic #fic #series #from eden #au #marvel #mcu

[honeyju]

carnations; choi chanhee

In which you visit the flower shop every day to buy a flower for someone you never manage to give it to. 

genres: fluff, flower shop au, sort of friends to lovers au

word count: 3.4k 

a/n: this is inspired by a flower shop au prompt i found on @alloftheprompts​’s blog and tweaked a little!! it’s dedicated to my friend rea @superiormangos as it’s her birthday today and i wanted to write something special for her <33 also a huge thank you to alice @hyuckworld for the text dividers! hope you enjoy!! 

THE VASE WAS OVERFLOWING NOW. 

You couldn’t help but frown at the sight before you, a jumbled mess of light pink carnations stuffed hastily into a glass vase that had nearly no room left. Nearly all of them save for a handful were wilted, their stems leaning outside of the vase and petals dried. 

I need to start giving these, you thought to yourself, yet you knew this wasn’t the first time that you had thought such words, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. Curse Choi Chanhee for having a face so flawless you could’ve sworn it was carved from marble, for having a smile bright enough to set your whole face on fire. If only he didn’t have the ability to fluster you so greatly, you would’ve been able to do what you’d been yearning to do since the moment you first realized your attraction towards him. 

You could only pray that today would be the day you finally gained some courage, and you tried not to spare another glance at the bunch of flowers sitting on your table as you shouldered your coat, adding a scarf around your neck in the hopes that it would be enough to battle the biting cold. You stepped out of the door, locking it, and set out along the familiar path you’d been following daily for the past couple months. The image of the full vase seemed to haunt you every step you took, and you shook your head, trying to clear your mind of the exasperation that was building inside of you. 

It was only after a few blocks that you’d turned the corner and the shop you were so accustomed to came into view, surrounded by a magnificent display of vivid flowers. You could feel your heart beginning to race, and you had to scrunch your hands up into fists in order to prevent your palms from sweating. Somehow, you felt like you could already sense Chanhee’s presence inside the shop, knowing that the moment you walked in, your feelings would only intensify.

Sure enough, you had only taken a step into the shop and you already felt as though your heart was going to beat out of your chest. Chanhee was standing behind the counter, his gaze trained elsewhere as he mindlessly fiddled with a pen in his hands. When he looked up to the sound of your footsteps, his bright eyes meeting yours, you could’ve sworn that the world around you disappeared, everything falling into slow motion as his lips curved into a smile. 

Why, oh why did Chanhee have to make you so damn nervous? You couldn’t stop your cheeks from heating up even if you wanted to, and you shakily lifted a hand to wave at him, not taking another step out of fear that your trembling legs would give way. 

“Hey! Same order as always?” Chanhee grinned, gesturing to the carnations behind him, and you thought you could’ve passed out from the sparkle in his warm brown eyes. You forced yourself to nod, feet still glued to the floor, and Chanhee beckoned you closer. “Why don’t you come a bit more over here? It’s cold outside, isn’t it?” He raised his eyebrows in concern, referring to the door behind you that was propped open, harsh gusts of wind blowing inside every few seconds.

“Thanks,” you mumbled quietly, edging yourself forward as Chanhee leaned over the counter, resting his elbows on its surface. For a moment, he seemed to be analyzing you, his forehead creasing as a flash of worry crossed over his face.

“Rough day? You seem a bit frustrated,” he commented, placing his head in his hands. You couldn’t help but smile at his words, wondering how he could so effortlessly read past your timid appearance. His easy conversation always managed to loosen the knots of tension in your stomach, although ironically, he was the original cause of your jitteriness. 

“Yeah,” you breathed, “yeah, it’s been a bit of a rough day.”

Chanhee’s expression fell into one of sympathy as he reached out to pat your shoulder. “I hope you’re able to cheer up soon! Look, I’ve got an extra special one for you today,” he consoled, leaning back and turning around to find one particular flower among the bunch you were so familiar with. It gave you enough time to calm down from the sudden contact his hand had made with your body, and you quickly released the breath you didn’t realize you were holding. 

When he faced you again, his gaze was tender, different from the fondness with which he looked at his flowers, somehow unique only to the way he looked at you. Sitting in his cupped palms was a beautiful pink carnation in full bloom, its white hues seeming to glow under the bright lighting of the shop. 

“I picked it this morning,” Chanhee murmurs, his eyes flickering down to the plant and back to your face. “It grew a lot bigger than they normally do, so I wanted to save it for you.” 

Your face grew warmer, if that was even possible, and you weren’t sure how to express the gratitude you felt for him thinking of you. You settled with a soft, “Thank you,” accepting the carnation from his hands, trying not to react to the graze of his fingers against yours. 

“No problem. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

This was it. This was the moment. No matter how natural Chanhee made conversation between the two of you, it was always these words that had your breath hitching in your throat. While your mind screamed at you to seize the opportunity, your body was unwilling to cooperate, freezing up at the thought of messing up. 

Tell him who it’s for. Go on, give it to him. 

Despite the convincing voice encouraging you to take the chance, your fearsome thoughts somehow always won over the confident ones. The questions of what if this is too weird? and what if he rejects me? were simply too strong for you to ignore, and unsurprisingly, you let them stop you like you always did. Your arms fell limply to your sides, the flower in your hand drooping as if in regret. 

“No, nothing else,” you sighed, looking down in the hopes of hiding your disappointment. You were about to turn away, walk out the door, and you knew that the moment you got back to your place, the first thing you would do would be stick the carnation in the bunch of flowers you’d repeatedly failed to give. But Chanhee interrupted your miserable thoughts, speaking up again as if he wanted you to stay just a bit longer.

“You know,” he started, leaning forward against the counter once more, “you’ve been coming in here every day for the past couple of months, and we’ve been having these little conversations. You probably know my name because, well, the name tag, but I realized that I never asked you for yours.”

It took you a few seconds longer to process his words than it should’ve, and when they finally registered in your mind, you blinked in understanding. 

“I’m Y/N,” you answered quickly, a shy smile creeping up your lips. Chanhee’s answering grin mirrored yours as he tilted his head playfully.

“Well, Y/N, what do you say to a cup of coffee tomorrow when my shift is over?”

For a moment, you could’ve sworn you were dreaming, the words echoing in your mind as though they were a fantasy. Your eyes widened, and among the storm of feelings in the back of your mind, you heard that voice once again, urging you to say something, to accept.

This time, you let yourself listen.

“I’d love that.”

YOU ALMOST DIDN’T SHOW UP.

Funnily enough, you were able to exchange numbers with Chanhee, hold a full conversation with him over text, and even choose an outfit for the next day without having a complete mental breakdown.

Yet when morning arrived, you were suddenly riddled with worry, pacing around the room as you found yourself beginning to second-guess everything. You couldn’t help but wonder if you were overdressed, or maybe underdressed, or whether Chanhee had something planned after coffee that you needed to be prepared for. However, you knew you couldn’t let him down by not going, and so, almost reluctantly, you left for the shop.

You mindlessly let your feet carry you, and you were so deep in your trance that you hardly noticed when you reached the shop until Chanhee was standing right before you. It was only when he led you outside that things began to feel real, his shoulder nudging yours as you walked down to the coffee shop. 

“Look at that tree,” Chanhee observed, his eyes alight as he pointed across the street to a tree decorated in reds, oranges and browns, the leaves clinging to the branches despite the relentless wind. You found yourself looking at him instead, softening at the adoration painted over his features as he continued to murmur small details about the scenery surrounding the two of you. You had only realized that you were zoning out when Chanhee snapped his fingers in front of your face, his lips curving into an amused smirk. 

“Sorry!” Your cheeks turned impossibly red as you began to blurt out an explanation. “I just—I like watching people talk about the things they love,” you admitted. Chanhee’s expression was blank at first, and then it grew soft as he wordlessly took your hand in his, fingers wrapping around yours tenderly. 

“Is this okay?” he asked tentatively, and your heart nearly stopped beating from the sudden move. Still, you managed a nod, trying to relax your body as Chanhee beamed, his shoulder touching yours. “I hope you don’t mind that so have a little something planned for today.”

“I don’t mind at all,” you told him, shaking your head. On the inside, however, you silently began to panic, feeling as though your stomach was turning inside out. 

“Don’t be nervous! I think that you’ll really like it,” Chanhee assures, squeezing your hand to encourage you. You could only smile, left to wonder yet again how he was so impossibly good at knowing exactly what you felt.

You were curious, however, when he had chosen to take you back to the shop after the two of you had gotten your coffee, promising you that he’d show you something beautiful. Your interest only grew when he led you behind the counter, showing you the back door that you had somehow never noticed in your previous visits. 

When Chanhee swung the door open, words failed you. 

Your mouth fell open, stunned by what lay before your eyes. It was a garden, displaying rows and rows of flower beds organized neatly by type, color, preference, and nearly every other category that you could imagine. Each group of flowers was accompanied by a small label sticking out from the grass, upon which descriptions were scribbled in tiny handwriting. It was so alive, and you noted that the deep hues of the lush blossoms formed a delightful contrast with the impeccably green grass. It was undeniably one of the most entrancing things you had ever seen, and you were even more awestruck by the intricacy of the overall arrangement. 

“Oh my god.” Your words came out in a hushed whisper, and you couldn’t help but feel as though it was because you saw the garden as some sort of sleeping figure, as though you feared waking it up from its tranquil state. 

“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” Chanhee grinned, sitting down and patting the grass next to him, encouraging you to sit beside him. You obliged, shivering slightly when your arm brushed against his. “There,” he said, pointing you towards a section of the garden flourishing with the double-flowered blossoms you knew like the back of your hand. 

“Carnations,” you marveled, never having seen so many at once despite being so used to them. You could feel Chanhee’s eyes on you, and when you turned to face him, you gulped at the proximity of his face. He was close enough for you to feel his breath on your lips, for you to see every little detail of his skin. You found yourself anticipating his next move as he opened his mouth. 

“Do you want to pick one? A carnation, I mean.”

His offer deeply touched you, butterflies fluttering in your stomach as you found yourself rendered speechless by his sincerity yet again. You nodded, and he instantly took your hand, sitting up on his knees as he guided your fingers to one of the flowers in particular. 

“Take it,” he whispered. “This one’s in full bloom.”

He watched, his hand still on yours as you carefully plucked the flower from the group and gasped quietly. You stared at it for a moment, twirling the stem between your fingers and watching as the petals caught the sunlight, glimmering a soft baby pink. When you looked back up at Chanhee, his gaze was anticipatory, as if he feared that you would not like the flower. 

“It’s stunning,” you breathed, offering him a genuine smile. 

His answering smile was bright enough to light up the entire garden, and although you had never believed in angels, you thought that perhaps Choi Chanhee was the closest thing to one. 

“I’ve always wondered why you like carnations so much,” Chanhee murmured. His voice wasn’t meddlesome or demanding, but rather soft and curious, and you could see the honest question in his eyes. You tried not to freak out, remembering that you weren’t obligated to tell him the reason if you weren’t ready just yet. But the way in which he was looking at you told you that the moment would be soon, and something inside of you liked the idea of that. 

“I’ll tell you someday,” you promised, and Chanhee nodded, an understanding look on his face. He inched closer to you, his body lightly touching yours as he tightened his grip around your hand. 

It was yet another day in which you would be returning to your apartment with a carnation, but something about getting to pick it with Chanhee made your heart race in a way it hadn’t before. You could do almost everything with him, you realized. You just couldn’t give him that damned flower.

YOU COULD NO LONGER HOLD IT IN. 

You were sick of it, you realized. You were sick of keeping your feelings in, and judging by the way you and Chanhee continued to spend more time together following the day in the garden, you had a feeling that Chanhee was sick of not knowing what it meant, too. You had made a promise to him, and it was finally time for you to fulfill that promise. 

You decided that this time, you were going to be the one to surprise him. So that was how you ended up in front of your apartment, an extremely confused Chanhee by your side. You tried not to let your nerves show, praying that this would be the time you finally didn’t back out. 

“Sorry to drag you here all of a sudden,” you apologized, and Chanhee waved it off with a small laugh as you guided him inside. You tried not to be too embarrassed about the mess, opening your mouth to apologize again before he cut you off.

“I love it.”

You blushed, something you had gotten used to after the countless moments you’d spent with him. There was something about the way he always knew exactly what to say that made you admire him, and you realized that it was part of the reason for why you liked him so much. You felt as though every cell in your body was shivering with what you were about to do, but you knew that despite the raggedness of your breath, despite your shaking hands, you finally wanted this. 

“Chanhee,” you began seriously, as his lips curved into a soft smile, “I brought you here because there’s something I want to show you. But you have to promise not to freak out, okay?”

A flash of amusement crossed Chanhee’s face, but he nodded regardless. “I can’t promise you, but I’ll try my best.”

Accepting the answer, you turned around to find the vase you had kept tucked away in a corner of sunlight that came from the nearby window. When you pulled it out to show him, Chanhee‘s whole demeanor changed, his eyes immediately widening in recognition.

“Wait, those are—“

“Read it,” you interrupted, nodding your head towards the folded piece of paper that you had tucked between the flowers earlier in the day. Raising an eyebrow, Chanhee plucked the paper from the bunch, beginning to unfold it carefully.

Watching as he opened the paper completely, you were hit with a sudden feeling as though something was awfully wrong. You had the urge to stop him, and you realized that it was because this wasn’t how you wanted to tell him. You wanted the words to come straight from your mouth.

“Wait,” you blurted, “wait, I’ll say it instead.” Chanhee looked up, his eyes meeting yours as he compliantly folded the note back together. “You wanted to know why I’ve been buying all these flowers, right?” you asked, his answering nod giving you a surge of confidence. “Well, the truth is, I wanted to give them to you. The first couple times I came were for other reasons, but when I started buying the carnations, I wanted to use them to confess to you.”

“Confess? To me? But—“

“Hold on,” you said softly, needing to get the words out before you lost the courage to. “Chanhee, I like you. I like you a lot. And maybe I’m reading it wrong, but I think that you might like me too. I want you to know that I’ve always appreciated the moments we’ve spent together, and that I’ll continue to cherish them whether or not you feel the same.” You paused to take a breath, and you were about to continue your confession before you stopped short at the realization that you were rambling, your cheeks turning red from embarrassment. Your gaze fell to the ground, and you bit your lip nervously before Chanhee’s hand suddenly wrapped around yours. Your head instinctively shot up, only to find that he was looking at you with that same tenderness again, the kind that made you feel like he saw the entire world in you.

“Y/N,” Chanhee murmured gently, “first tell me, why carnations?”

It was an almost ridiculous question, and you couldn’t bite back the small smile that was beginning to form on your lips. “Why don’t you tell me what they mean, flower boy?”

“Admiration,” Chanhee answered without missing a beat, glancing back down at the carnations as if in confirmation. “That’s what these ones mean. You . . . you admire me?” There was a tone of disbelief to his voice. 

“All this time you’ve been so gentle with me, showing me new things, teaching me new feelings. How could I not admire you?” you whispered, and for the first time, there weren’t any voices telling you what could go wrong. You reached for the most freshly picked flower in the vase, and despite the racing of your heart, you no longer felt scared. You held it out to him, knowing that Chanhee would understand its meaning, that it would be enough to convey what you felt. 

For a second, everything fell into silence, as Chanhee’s gaze dropped to the carnation, his shoulders stiffening. Then his face broke into a smile, and he leaned in, his fingers finding your cheek. He paused before his lips could touch yours, as he cautiously searched your face as if to ask for permission. You only closed your eyes, and Chanhee chuckled softly before he finally closed the distance between the two of you. 

Chanhee had always reminded you of flowers. Maybe it was because he worked at a flower shop, or maybe it was because of the way his mouth moved with yours, the way the two of you delicately fell into each other’s embrace like petals of a flower. Your entire body was on fire, filled with nothing but the thought of his figure moulded with yours, his tongue finding its way past your lips. Somewhere in the middle of the kiss, his hand found your still outstretched one, and when he took the flower from between your fingers as he pulled you closer, you smiled. 

You had finally given him your carnation. 

#the boyz #the boyz chanhee #the boyz scenarios #the boyz imagines #the boyz oneshots #the boyz fluff #choi chanhee #chanhee #chanhee oneshot #chanhee scenarios #chanhee imagines #chanhee drabbles #chanhee fluff

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳33

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 18300+

Notes: I’m finally finished! Thank you guys for being so patient with me - I can’t even begin to express my gratitude. I feel horrible for making you guys wait so long - so I’ll cut to the chase and tell you the good news! Due to the corona virus - my summer courses have been cancelled, so I’m no longer graduating this summer (no, this isn’t the good news) - but because of this, that means your beech gets to update more often! So I plan on dropping an update schedule for all my stories, and my goal is to update every week (alternating stories).

Next - I got an Ao3 account! A lot of people asked me to make one, so I did. I’m going to take this week to edit Limerence (the first few chapters min.) before posting my work on there. But now Tumblr and Ao3 will contain all Explicit chapters of Limerence! 

The next fun bit of news is the next update you’ll receive will be a double update for Limerence! I was going to end this chapter a bit differently, but my friends pointed out a few things - and they convinced me others wise. Because of that, I’m planning on doing a double update. I can’t go too in-depth with it without spoiling, but at least you guys have that to look forward to!

But regardless, please stay healthy and safe! Love you tons, take care~!

Masterlist ︳32 ︳ 34

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

“Eccedentesiast”

(Latin/n.) Someone who fakes or forces a smile when all they want to do is cry, disappear, or die.

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

           There it laid, in my hands, glistening under the sunlight, the black onyx seemingly glowing. The dragon that was painted in gold looked beyond realistic; the red ruby protectively held in its grasp. The golden paint held pink reflections in the scales, each claw wrapped around the gem as if it were a newborn child – protecting it with its life.

           My finger trailed down the soulful image, feeling every ridge and divot engraved in the emblem. Anyone could feel the love, the power, in the illustration – how awe-inspiring it was. But I found myself stilling, the words engraved at the very bottom of the heavy seal mocking me.

           Imperial Consort of the Fire Lord.

           It was like a vice grip; someone squeezing my heart and causing my body to tremble. Since my official debut, and receiving this seal, I hadn’t once touched it. I was keeping it locked in my drawer for safekeeping. This mere chuck of mineral, the symbolism behind it, was beyond royal Fire Nation customs. My truest feelings…

           I could remember the butterflies in my stomach, the silly smile I bore as I took my oath that day. Zuko was delicately smudging the red paint on my forehead, the mark of the consort. A weak smile emerged on my face. Gosh, how flushed Zuko, and I was that day. Me unable to contain my nerves as we stood in front of thousands – declaring our devotion to each other.

           I already loved Zuko at that point; I was just too shy to tell him. Being near him, seeing Zuko happy and spending time with me was good enough. That day, I may have been nervous, but I was delighted - the happiest I had been in years.

           The seal slipped from my grip, falling onto the bed. My shoulder’s slumped, feet dangling over the edge, hands covering my face.

           I was selfish.

           I could still recall the way Zuko thrashed, his face twisted in pain, eyes teary as he clawed at his throat in desperation. I could feel the pain he was in, the fear, utterly helpless – a look I’ve only seen once, and that was when we were facing Yakone.

           Zuko was dying, right before my eyes, and I couldn’t deal with it.

           Everything happened so fast, and I could feel my hands starting to tremble. The image was still far too vivid, too fresh. I almost lost Zuko – no.

           I did lose him.

           “Yue…” a tender voice whispered out, a tone that could only belong to Aang. I swallowed back a sob, letting my hands fall from my face, trying to wipe all evidence that I was crying. Too weak to lift my head, my hands laid on my lap.

           Aang’s footsteps were soundless, and I could already visualize the way he was cleverly studying my sitting figure, trying urgently to read my mood. “Katara told me that Zuko is going to be okay; she induced him into a deep slumber to speed up his recovery, but…you saved him.” Aang spoke, and I noticed how clear his voice sounded, he was closer.

            “Thank you…” I muffled softly, running an unsteady hand through my tangled locks.

           Not even thirty minutes passed since everything went down, I hadn’t had time to change or clean my appearance, besides wiping my blood-stained fingertips. My hair fell in front of my face again, and I used the opportunity to wipe the rogue tear. I’m a complete disaster.

           “Yue…” Aang worried, but this time I felt his cool touch.

           His fingers caressed my face, tilting my head upwards to meet his sincere gaze. He was kneeling in front of me, the floor cleared of all the shards that once littered the bedroom floor. His face was pale, eyes round as he considered my figure. I saw the way his lips twitched, eyes shifting back and forth, trying to think of the right words.

           What to say, what to think, what to do.

           But what more could Aang say?

           What could be said about everything that managed to transpire in the last half hour that hasn’t been thought of already? My heart fastened in pace, mind spinning with the unknown. Why was the tea poisoned, who poisoned the drink– As if Aang could read my mind, a long exhale escaped him, pressing his forehead against mine.

           “I’m so sorry, Yue,” Aang breathed, his voice fragile – defeated.

           My bottom lip trembled, hearing the ache in Aang’s voice, his touch moving up my face so his thumbs could rub my temples. My body limped under his tender touches, head falling into his shoulder – a soundless cry leaving my lips.

           It was like he let loose to all of my thoughts, everything that tortured my mind manifesting into tears. I’m lost. I clawed at Aang’s mustard coloured robes, desperately seeking air. Every sharp gasp seemed to feed into the shivers, the anxieties and insecurities that haunted my mind, growing and swarming.

           Aang embraced my hunched body, bringing me closer to his own. “I-it’s my fault, Aang.” I sniffled, confessing the very thing that seemed to devour me. Aang cooed into my hair, his face pressed against my chaotic locks. “That’s not true, Yue-” he insisted, but I refuted his claim.

           “T-that tea was meant for me. If-if I had drunk it, if I had stopped Zuko-”

           “That would’ve been worse. You could save Zuko, but the reverse can’t happen.”

           “You don’t get it, Aang.” I wept, cowering away in frustration, to face him. His eyes were red and glossy as he stared back at me intently, mirroring the same pained expression that I wore.

           “You-you didn’t see the look on Zuko’s face. The moment he realized what I am.” I choked, struggling to string the words together. I wasn’t crying cause Zuko got hurt. Gosh, Zuko’s been through the spirit world and back – he knew pain.

           The tears that decorated my rose-coloured cheeks, they were tears of mourning.

           I may have saved Zuko, physically – but I lost him emotionally, mentally, symbolically. How could Zuko look at me, let alone love me? I was a monster – the very thing everyone was trying so hard to rid of.

           “You’re still you, Yue. Words can’t even begin to describe how much Zuko cares for you. How important you are to him, to us.” Aang blew, bringing me back to his shoulder to snuggle. I could feel his clothes dampening, but he didn’t complain once, preoccupied with easing my choked cries.

           I snivelled, pressing my eyes shut to stop the tears from overflowing - if only it were that easy. What about everybody else – Katara, Sokka, Suki, Toph? What are they going to think knowing what kind of monster I am? The words they lashed out the other day, they meant it, each and every word. It was only a matter of time they figured out what happened, what I had done if they hadn’t learned already.

           A Bloodbender – that is what I am, and there’s no running away from it anymore.

           Aang continued to rock me back and forth, dragging me out of the pits of my darkest thoughts, pulse slowing. He was buzzing softly as we swayed, feeling his lips sweeping my head. I found my body lazing in his embrace, nestling my head deeper in the crook of his neck.

           It was nothing like Zuko’s embrace, the sweet tune he often sung during our highs and lows. I bit my tongue to stop the wave of nostalgia from overwhelming me. I want Zuko, that’s all I want.

           I want us to be back in bed, laughing at our silly jokes, even if it meant accepting that terrible rate of two kisses per half hour.

           I snickered bitterly at the mere thought of our pointless banter from this morning. The banter that always rose whenever Zuko and I were left alone to our own devices. Meaningless talk that always had me bursting from happiness at the way Zuko managed to tease me mercilessly, a constant blush to paint my cheeks. The way he holds me close to his chest, our limbs intertwined – like two puzzle pieces coming together.

           Aang leaned back slightly, started by the sudden giggle.

           “What’s so funny?” He mumbled, and I drew away, wiping a tear with the back of my hand. Aang watched a tear escape my effort, the drop rolling down my stained cheeks. Without thinking twice, he tugged on his sleeve to dry it. “T-this morning.” I hiccuped, shaking my head with a sad smile, recalling the romantic moment that just took place.

           “Zuko said that I owe him two kisses per half-hour every time he keeps me warm.” I snorted, my gaze dropping to my lap, fingers twirling. “I-I told him no way, but now-but now I want nothing more but to give him those two kisses plus more.”

           Aang smiled sympathetically, hearing my confession, cupping my hands and bringing them to his chest. It was then I noticed how my hands trembled and the heat that Aang was radiating. It was nothing like the heat from Zuko, his natural, the fire within him.

           But regardless, feeling the warmth from Aang’s palms, spreading towards my own, had me mewling in delight. I was freezing, so used to having Zuko by my side, stealing his warmth like how Momo clung onto Appa for dear life. How did I survive in the Southern Water Tribe as long as I did without Zuko to warm me up?

           “I know I’m no Zuko…I don’t have the hard rock abs or long hair, or overall cranky attitude.” Aang spoke light-heartedly, testing the waters. And despite the tense mood, I couldn’t help but giggle at Aang’s words, a genuine giggle.

           Aang’s small smile shifted to a greater one knowing he enticed a laugh from me, letting his fingers intertwine with mine, placing them over his heart. “I’ll never be Zuko, Yue; no one could replace him. But he did teach me how to conduct heat, just in case, I have to warm you up for him whenever he can’t be beside you. Because trust me, Yue. There’s nowhere else Zuko would rather be than by your side.”

           A shy blush rose to my cheeks, hearing Aang say some of the sweetest yet cheesiest lines to date. Lines that only Zuko could manage to make somewhat non-cringe-able. But that was the magic of Aang; he always managed to change the mood in a flash.

           Wearing his emotions on his sleeves, Aang was never afraid to put himself in other people’s shoes, experience their pain, and empathize. This is why he’s the Avatar, and Katara is beyond lucky to land someone as sensitive and considerate as Aang.

           “Thank you, Aang…I-I-you accepted me the moment you saw me. You gave me a home, friends, a family. I owe you everything.” I said, voice cracking because it was true. If it weren’t for that faithful day, saving Aang, him insisting on a meal – I would've never been where I was now.

           But Aang merely shrugged his shoulders, letting my hands drop to my lap. “I lost my family, my Nation…I know how it feels to be alone. If it weren’t for Katara and Sokka, I don’t think I would’ve been able to grow, but now I have a place to call home.”

           “…Katara is home for you, isn’t she?” I timidly mumbled, and Aang smiled.

           “She’s my world.”

           “Zuko…he’s my home…but between you and me, he’s my universe.” I twinkled softly, and Aang chuckled. “You really had to try and one-up me?” he teased, his hand briefly scratching the top of my head.

           “I learned that from Sokka.” I peeped, a bit of playfulness arising from within me despite the melancholy that ran through my veins. “Of course, Sokka taught you that, make sure Katara doesn’t find out.” Aang muttered under his breath, trying to sound annoyed, but those were emotions seemingly foreign to Aang. He patted my head once more before dropping his touch.

           Our soft laughs died down, Aang letting his fingers trace over my own delicately as we sat in silence. Mimicking the way I usually outlined the natural lines or scars the littered Zuko’s palms and arms. Zuko…

           Zuko is okay; he’s in safe hands with Katara…and while I don’t know what was going to happen to us, I could get answers for something else. “Aang…umm…what did-what did the others say about, you know.” I whispered, shifting my gaze back to him.

           Aang’s easy-going expression flattered for a moment, letting out a conflicted sigh as he rubbed the back of his head. I spotted the look on his face, the same look when he was unsure as to what to say when he first entered. “It’s a …complicated.” He started, and I rose a brow at his words, not the words I was expecting to hear, let alone from him.

           “What does that mean, Aang?” I implored, clenching his hand anxiously. Aang’s mouth opened and closed, another great lament escaping him, fighting with himself. He doesn’t know whether or not he should spill.

           “Don’t worry about it, Yue. You have so much on your plate already-.”

           “But I do worry, Aang. I need to know. I’m tired of being left in the dark because people think I can’t handle the truth.” I pressured, and the look in my eyes must have spoken wonders because Aang broke.

           He pulled from my grip, scratching behind his head once again, a look of shame etched in his face. “I told them the truth. I told them that you used Waterbending to save Zuko.” Aang mumbled under his breath, his words nearly blending at how soft-spoken he was. My eyes narrowed, tilting my head in confusion. Told them…the truth?

           And that’s when it clicked.

           “You lied to them.” I gasped.

           “No, I told them the truth. Bloodbending is a form of Waterbending, is it not?” Aang stubbornly insisted, but even I spotted the doubt in his words. He didn’t even fully believe what he was saying to me. He sounded just like me, lying to himself about the truth – trying to convince himself more than me.

           I glowered, shaking my head as I twisted my fingers, “Omitting the truth is just another way of lying,”

           “But it keeps you safe.”

           I snorted, “They couldn’t possibly believe that, Aang. Waterbending wouldn’t have been enough to save Zuko. Katara should’ve figured that out by now-”

           “It’s easy to lie to the people who trust you the most.”

           It felt as if someone was twisting my stomach from the inside out – Aang doesn’t lie.

           Aang always tells the truth, but for me – he lied to everyone.

           My head hung low, biting my lips as I squeezed my eyes shut.“I’m so sorry, Aang-” I whimpered, the heaviness of the situation hitting me like a ton of bricks. He lied to not only his friends but the love of his life for me.

           He took advantage of Katara’s trust – all because of me.

           I was not only causing pain upon Zuko but now the people who I viewed as family.

           Aang cupped my face, forcing our gazes to meet. My amber coloured eyes met with his chocolate ones – a tenderness rooted deep in the stare. I found myself in utter awe, because despite it all, Aang still bore an amiable smile, dismissing my apologies with ease. “Some things must be done, and I know, in the long run, this is for the better.”

           I sniffled, “I trust you, Aang.”

           “Sokka, Suki, and Toph are working with the guards to figure out who did this to Zuko. We’re going to get through this together.”

           “Aang…what if-what if Zuko doesn’t forgive me?” I trembled.

           Just the thought of Zuko in the infirmary, hurt and in pain – at the mercy of the nurses and Katara made me feel sick. But the idea of this being the end of us after everything because of my greed. Because of my inability to be honest with Zuko took the cake.

           If only I were stronger if only I weren’t broken and a monster-

           Aang’s expression softened, ready to coddle me back to his chest, “Zuko loves you, Yue. Please don’t blame yourself-”

           A loud knock interpreted Aang’s speech, both us jumping at the noise.

           Whoever it was didn’t stop with a single blow, no – they were hasty and non-stop. Someone desperately wanted in. Who could it be? A guard, a maid? Aang tapped my cheeks appreciatively before rising to his feet.

           “I’ll get it.” He muttered, but I couldn’t help but notice how it failed to reach his eyes.

           There was a stiffness in Aang’s usual airy steps, much like when Toph used her seismic senses to feel. Aang wasn’t expecting anyone…he’s being cautious. I found my back straightening, brushing my hair as I observed the way Aang eased his way to the doors, the knocking lingering.

           His hand gripped the handle, leaning towards the entry and jarring it just a crack. My curiosity grew, slanting forward to see or catchword of who was so enthusiastically rapping away. Aang’s head popped out the room, and his body relaxed instantly, a surprised squeak leaving him.

           “Ursa-” Aang spoke, and I froze in my spot.

           Zuko’s mom?

           No-no-no-no- Ursa’s going to hate me, tear me to shreds-

           My face paled, eyes unable to stop staring at how Aang stepped back into the room, his lips moving as he spoke. It was as if everything was happening in slow-motion. Aang opening the door wide with a smile, the commotion of outside out of mind.

           All I could focus on was the rush of red that entered.

           My nails dug into my thighs, wincing at the impending fury Ursa was undoubtedly about to unleash upon me. It’s my fault, my fault-

           “Where is she?” Ursa gasped, urgency lingering in her words. Her voice sounded winded like she ran here with all her might. My eyes widen, hearing her, unable to utter a word as I studied Ursa. She looked frightened, her face white, body quivering.

           I’ve never seen Ursa look anything less than put-together, the definition of royalty and beauty.

           She was a kind woman, with a sassy tongue, two qualities that the people in the kingdom adored. It didn’t take long for me to realize that Ursa was the definition of strongminded, something I revered – and one could easily find such a trait in Zuko. His will was something that both drove me up the wall and admired.

           But the look that decorated her face – it wasn’t the typical appearance she maintained. It was different, a sight I’ve never seen before.

           Her lavish ruby robes were wrinkled, her raven coloured-hair slipping from the golden pins that kept her hair tidy. She frantically scanned every inch of the bedroom in a matter of seconds, and the moment her vibrant eyes fell over me, her shoulders slumped, a choked sob leaving her lips.

           “You’re okay!”

           Everything happened so fast.

           She threw her arms in the air, tossing herself at me, and the sweet scent of flowers flooded my scenes. My body weakened in her arms, letting myself tumble into her embrace. The overwhelming sense of familiarity had me flushing, something I thought I would never experience again – a mother’s hug.

           “You’re okay. My child is okay.” Ursa repeated like a song, hands running up and down my back, making sure I was indeed real and not a figment of her imagination. Her gestures were dramatic, yet without a second thought, my arms enveloped her – how I missed this.

           “I’m so sorry, Ursa. It’s my fault; the tea was for me-”

           “Don’t blame yourself for the actions of others. You’re safe, and Zuko’s safe, and that’s all that matters.” She happily blubbered, and I could feel my heart flutter.

           The cheerfulness in her tone, squeezing the life out of me as she planted kisses all over my forehead. How many times have I seen Ursa do the same with Kiyi? Even with Zuko, much to his dismay. But the feeling of her peppering quick, chaste kisses all over my face had me rosy – a gesture bursting with the purest form of love.

           “If Zuko doesn’t propose to you the moment he gets better, I’m going to kill that boy.” She muttered under her breath, and I smiled through tears; tears, I had no clue I was even shedding. “I wish I could’ve been better for Zuko, done more for him, Ursa. I’m sorry-”

           “You don’t know, my child…you don’t know how much you’ve changed him. You saved him in more ways than one.” She droned into my ear, feeling her lips tugging upwards the whole time.

           I spotted the way Aang beamed from a distance, that signature smile of his painting his face as he shot me a thumbs-up. His mouth was moving the whole time soundlessly, a prideful ‘told you so’ lingering under his breath.

           “Lady Ursa, Zuko is currently in the infirmary, you can go visit him with Ying Yue. He’s sleeping, but I know he’ll love your support…” Aang proposed, and Ursa pulled back, nodding eagerly. “Thank you, Avatar Aang. That sounds like a wonderful plan.” she hummed while cleaning up my appearance.

           Ursa brushed the black strands of hair that kept falling in front of my face, tugging at a few tangles before straightening out the nightwear I wore. Ursa’s pink lips puckered towards the end, her eyes scanning my body up and down before clasping over my cheeks, “You’re running a fever, my dear.”  

           I was running a fever?

           Aang frowned hearing those words leave Ursa, scratching his beard as he walked forward, “It seems you pushed yourself by bending, Yue. We should get your chi checked by Katara-”

           “I’m fine- I promise.” I stammered, fingers twisting. The last thing I wanted was to be a bother when people should prioritize Zuko. I already caused so much trouble- “Oh, I swear, there are many things you can learn from Zuko, but stubbornness will not be one of them.” Ursa grumbled under her breath, and I coloured.

           “I promise, Ursa, I feel fine, just tired.” I lied, trying to make my speech chirpy with each word. My body ached the more I focused, head throbbing, and I knew it was because of the bending I just unleashed.

           I reached my limit, pushed myself too far…but what choice did I have? Between my bending or Zuko – the answer was clear. It’s just a matter of accepting the consequences.

           Bloodbending wasn’t a skill for the weak; it took years of practicing with Mom, healing animals before people. Even Mom got tired at the end of a busy day of treating so many people, Dad sometimes picking her up and tucking her into bed.

           “This isn’t up for discussion, Ying Yue. If you’re not the slightest bit well, we’ll never hear the end of it from Zuko when he arises.”

           “I promise, Ursa! There’s no need to cause a fuss over me.” I exclaimed, and Ursa simply rolled her eyes with a tongue-in-cheek smile. “Tell that to Zuko.”

           “Ursa-” I pouted, but before I could continue, Aang spoke.

           “Umm…my apologizes but-uhh-”

           Both of us turned to face Aang, whose brows were pinched together, a frown of concentration on his face. His hands were outstretched along the door, focusing. What was he doing? It was like he was trying to pick up on something. What could have Aang so bothered?

           “Aang…” I voiced, scared to startle him out of his stance of awareness, “What’s wrong?”

           “I don’t know, but I think someone is coming-no; people are coming.” He alleged, uncertainty lingering in his tone.

           But boy was Aang right about people.

           The ground felt like it was vibrating once he pointed it out, the sound of heavy footsteps moving together, getting louder and louder – like a swarm of bees. How did we not notice before? We were all so caught up in the moment, expressing ourselves that we failed to take in the obvious.

           Ursa frowned, my hands slipping from her grasp as she studied the door.

           “They’re here-” Aang warned, and once again, the sound of knocking resonated in the bedroom.

           Heavy and harsh – three solid knocks. With much hesitance, Aang stretched forward, opening the door wide, and I saw the way his face twisted to that of a stern expression. Could it be who I think-

           “Council.”

           “Avatar Aang. We’re here to speak with Imperial Consort, Ying Yue if you please.”

           Aang moved aside, tilting his head towards me, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. I gulped, staggered by the hefty sound of their footsteps entering the room – a room that was vast in size, suddenly feeling small with the number of people inside.

           Eleven people stood, some young, some old – but I recognized most of their faces from my debut. There were so many people I had met; it was only a matter of time faces began combining, names forgotten, despite Zuko quizzing throughout the day.

           And while they were most certainly not dressed as majestic as that day, they maintained an appearance of high-status, hair orderly, hands in front of themselves as their eyes settled upon me. I couldn’t help but feel self-conscious, understanding how I appeared.

           Despite Ursa’s effort to clean up my appearance, I knew I was less than presentable. If I felt like poop before, now I feel even worse. But it was the two elders that stood upfront that had me rising from the comforts of my bed, their presence reminding me of Zuko’s.

           Both elders had grey hair, the woman’s hair kept in a bun while the man beside her had his partly up, similar to Zuko’s go-to hairstyle for a casual workday. But the look on the man’s face, eyes tapered as he scowled. There was a wave of unspoken anger in his expression, noting that his knuckles were white from his fingers pressing against his skin.

           “Imperial Consort Ying Yue.” He said, no, more so hissed.

           The way my title slipped from his thin lips – as if it were a struggle for him to utter those words. Zuko said that four people voted against me. I fired one of them, so could this mean-

           “H-how may I be of service, council?” I spoke carefully, my voice cracking from bawling minutes ago with Aang and Ursa.

           The man merely huffed, chest-puffing hearing my voice. The display of discontentment caused the shiny emblem that decorated his arm to glisten under the sunlight that seeped into the room. Reluctantly, he cleared his throat, getting to the point of their visit.

           “As per Fire Lord Zuko’s wish and via Fire Nation customs, should he be unable to rule, power shall temporarily fall into your hands until he is well enough to assume his role. This ruling applies immediately.”

           Shit. How did I let such a fact slip my mind-

           “You are expected to be in a meeting within the hour. I hope you are well-versed and educated in such political matters. It would be a shame for you to make a fool of yourself during a time like this.” He snickered. Embarrass myself? He thinks that because Zuko isn’t with me that he can just walk all over me-

           “My son is hurt. My future daughter in law, the future Queen, should be spending her time with him, not in some meeting that can be postponed-” Ursa voiced furiously, but the man rose his hand, shutting her up completely.

           “With all due respect, you have no authority here, Lady Ursa.”

           “But I do, and I expect you to treat Fire Lord Zuko’s mother with as much respect as you do towards him.” I demanded, channelling my inner Toph as I marched forward. My arm outstretched before Ursa as if it could protect her from the complete and utter disrespect this man was demonstrating.

           I saw Aang’s breath hitch, sensing the pressure rising in the room, moving towards our side. The man’s eyes narrowed before bitterly kissing his teeth, forcing the fakest smile I have seen to date, and at that moment, it hit me.

           I do know him; he was with the man from the other day. He was one of the people who greeted us, although greet would be a bit of a stretch, when we arrived from Ember Island. He was there when I dismissed the councilmember; he’s one of the people who voted against me.

           “My apologies, Lady Ursa.” He spat, and I glared, my guard, rising. I can’t trust him.

           “I’ll be ready in an hour. See you at said meeting.”

           He merely nodded.

           Not bothering to show any more respect than necessary, he gave me a poor excuse of a bow, before twisting his body. Parading his way out, the others followed suit, an uncomfortable silence falling over them as they shared conflicting glances amongst each other.

           Yet as everyone trailed behind, one by one, the room growing spacious, the older woman who stayed by his side the whole time stood still. She bore a soft smile, a smile of comfort. The wrinkles that decorated her face were prominent, her eyes glistening under the lighting.

           “I wish for a speedy recovery for Fire Lord Zuko, Imperial Consort.” She sang as the room emptied to no one else but us. Her tone was light, reminding me of Aang in many ways. I saw Ursa’s body lax from behind me, shooting the lady a smile – they knew each other.

           “Thank you, umm…” I drew, pitch dropping, realizing I was ignorant of her name.

           “Ming. I never got a chance to introduce myself during your party.” She voiced gently, but the way she gazed at me. It was like she was reminiscing. As if she saw something that I didn’t - knew something about me, but not something necessarily bad.

           Who was she really? Why do I feel like I should know her?

           “Councilmember, Ming. I’ll see you soon; it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I spoke cautiously, unable to push the feeling away that she was important somehow. I wonder if she was on proper terms with Zuko? Her aura, it was unlike the man who was speaking before. It was like she was happy to see me.

           “The pleasure is all mine, Imperial Consort. Until soon.”

           She slowly left the room, and Ursa huffed inwardly as soon as we heard the delicate clicking sound of the door shutting.

           “I can’t believe the audacity of some of these councilmembers, insisting on meetings at a time like this.” Ursa fumed, patting down her dress in tune with her rant. The slaps against her dress were rough, slapping the wrinkles out of her gown – but also her growing frustrations.

           I saw the way her lips pressed tight, eyes watery as she raged, “We should be more concerned about who tried to hurt Zuko and you, not this.”

           Every word she spoke, her hands were starting to shake; it was like the reality that her son was currently unconscious was hitting her. Aang glowered, sensing the crabbiness coursing through Ursa. She’s worried about Zuko, the genuine fear of a mother unable to protect her son.

           She felt helpless, and I couldn’t help but relate to her on so many levels. Helplessness, uselessness – feelings that kept bubbling up from time to time, especially now.

           “We have people looking into the case, Lady Ursa. We’re going to get to the bottom of this.” Aang reassured, talking to her as evenly as possible. Ursa sighed in defeat, nodding along because while she knew Aang was right, that didn’t change the fact that she was facing a whirlwind of emotions.

           “I just don’t understand why Iroh can’t take Ying Yue’s position. This must be such a difficult time for you, and they were completely unsympathetic to the whole situation.” Ursa puffed, and I didn’t even realize what I was doing until I saw Ursa’s expression change.

           My hand fell over her shoulder, shooting her a small smile as I squeezed her shoulder. “I’m fine, Ursa. I made a vow to this nation, to Zuko, and I don’t plan on breaking that. It’s the least I could do for him…”

           “Yue…” Aang whispered, knowing very well what I meant by my works.

           The truth was that Zuko was unconscious because of me.

           I was beyond selfish to think that I deserved him; that someone like me, a low-life Bloodbender, deserved the happiness that I experienced from these past months with him.

           Zuko almost died because of me, because of my inability to accept the fact that I didn’t deserve him – that he deserved better. I can’t sit around and do nothing anymore. The least I could do is make Zuko proud, be the Queen he always thought I could be – even for a moment.

           “I can do this…I have to do this.” I mumbled under my breath, pushing back my self-destructive thoughts.

           Now was not the time to cry, nor to worry about the what-ifs of us. There were thousands upon thousands of people depending on me at the moment until Zuko can get back on his feet. I didn’t spend countless hours reading and studying for fun.

           Ursa smiled, her hand raising to caress my cheek. “I think I know what Zuko means when he says you have the spirit of a Firebender,” Ursa whispered, and I let out a small laugh.

           “I’m no Firebender, Ursa.”

           “You’re right; you’re even better. You’re a Queen, Ying Yue, Zuko’s Queen.”

           I can only try.

             “Are you sure, Yue? I can go into that meeting with you.” Aang insisted, matching my haste pace as we travelled through the long corridors.

           The sound of my heels clicking against the marble flooring, high-pitch ticks bouncing off the walls were crystal clear. A considerable contrast to Aang’s feather-like footsteps. Our pace was in sync with my pounding heart, head in pain as I struggled to focus on my steps. My trembling hands, fidgeting with the pins that decorated my hair, didn’t help.

           All the things that could go wrong in this meeting – where do I even start? I’ve never done a meeting this grand with Zuko by my side, let alone by myself. I wasn’t ready for something like this, not to this scale.

           Sure, I did meetings back at the Southern Water Tribe, but this was completely different. The sessions there were calm and lax – jokes and smiles present at all times. And Zuko never got a chance to teach me the current plans or developments he was working on because I was sick, I’m out of the loop entirely.

           My breathing quickened.

           Chest tightening, each breath a struggle.

           I can’t do this; I’m not ready. What was I thinking-

           ‘Just breathe, follow my lead’ I recalled Zuko whispering in my ear, his voice like dark chocolate. There was always a huskiness in Zuko’s tone, a raspiness that had me swooning, or in this case, giving me a sense of security. ‘That’s it, babe, slow and steady’ – I found my eyes fluttering shut, hands falling over my chest.

           The memory was vivid, his arms wrapped around my waist, chin resting on my shoulder. The way his chest rises and falls on my back whenever we embrace, greedily trying to recall every single moment in time where he hugged me. Completely engulfed by his presence, his firewood scent, warm touch.

           You always know what to say, Zuko, I want you here so bad.

           “Yue?” Aang worried, his hand resting over my shoulder, and I froze. We stopped walking, and I reddened realizing what I was doing. “S-sorry, Aang-”

           “Yue, you’re flushed. Ursa was right about your fever; you're burning up.” Aang sighed, letting his touch drop back to his side. I pressed a smile, fingers coiling in front of me as I tried to even out my breathing. “I don’t have a choice, Aang; I have to do this.”

           “No, you don’t. This isn’t right, Yue- we both know that. You’re not well, you pushed yourself, and the last thing we need is you passing out.”

           “Aang, this is my duty. I made a vow to Zuko. This is the least I could do for him. He depends on me for this.”

           Aang blew out exasperated, and for the first time in a while, I saw a look of pure fatigue sweeping. His shoulders were tense, gripping onto his staff, his hands turning white. He’s frustrated, not with me – but with everything.

           “Aang…” I whispered, letting my hand rest over his suffocating clutch. It was like he realized then how passionately he was grasping onto his staff, almost stopping his blood flow completely. “It’s only until Zuko gets better. After that, I’ll rest, I promise. But I need to do this.”

           “This isn’t fair, Yue. Why can’t you just be happy?”

           Happy. I shrugged my shoulders, “Because monsters don’t deserve to be happy, Aang.”

           “Yue-”

           “Imperial Consort Ying Yue! We wish Fire Lord Zuko a speedy recovery from his cold.” A bunch of maids chirped, causing me to pull back from Aang.

           My head whipped to the sound of their cheery voices, noticing all the huge smiles on their faces, the sunlight from the windows casting a heavenly glow around them. Cold- “T-thank you for your support.” I stuttered.

           Am I missing something?

           The maids giggled, nodding before bowing, “Take care of yourself as well, Imperial Consort, good day!” My mouth opened, to wish them a great day as well, but no sound left. What just happened…?

           “I forgot to tell you,” Aang muttered from behind, causing me to turn on my heel.

           I rose a brow, crossing my arms as I leaned forward. “Forgot to tell me what, Aang?” I asked, and I saw the way Aang’s gaze shifted back and forth as if he was fearful of other people eavesdropping. He linked his arm with mine, strolling towards the throne room up ahead.

           “Sokka said it would be better if we keep this assassination attempt under wraps.” Aang hushed, leaning towards my figure unsuspiciously. I tried to control my expression, hiding my look of surprise. That was not what I was expecting to hear.

           “You mean lie to the kingdom?”

           “We have to, Yue. If the kingdom finds out that someone tried to poison either you or Zuko, it’ll cause chaos. We need answers, and we can get those if the people who tried the assassination think they failed, which they did.”

           “So, everyone thinks Zuko has a cold.”

           “And I brought Katara here as a healer-”

           Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Sokka, you genius.

           I shook my head, noticing the grand doors at the end of the hallway as clear as day. Two guards stood at their post, holding on to their weapons, still as a statue. The throne room. My teeth dug into my lips, fighting to urge to turn on my heel and run back into the securities of my bed.

           But a dry cough that echoed down the hallway had me squinting. The same grumpy councilmember from this morning was standing in front of the throne room, near the doors and just out of sight.

           His arms were crossed, a bitter smile on his face as he stared down at us.

           A cold chill ran up my spine, watching the way he held his head high.

           But, just like that, he turned on his heel, entering the room. Why does it feel like everyone hates me in this kingdom?

           “I can go into that meeting with you, Yue.” Aang mumbled into my ear, and I sighed. “I’m fine, Aang. It’s just a meeting, what’s the worse that can happen?”

           Aang frowned, leaning against his staff with a raised brow – as if I was really asking such a stupid question. “A lot. There’s a reason why Zuko didn’t want you to get involved. Even with most of the councilmembers hand-picked by him, there are still a few who he’s itching to dismiss; he just can’t without a proper reason. You managed to get rid of one.”

           “Only three more to go.”

           “Be careful, Yue. That’s all I ask.” I nodded, sharing a soundless stare. Aang bowed his head, and I took a deep breath – a mutual understanding.

           Let’s do this.  

           I patted my dress down, shaking out any creases in the gown I wore. I didn’t even have time to admire the beauty of the fabric, too anxious to appreciate the exquisiteness. With much reluctance, I turned my back to Aang, slowly inching my way to the throne room.

           Straight into the lion’s den.

           The doors appeared grander as I walked down the empty hallways alone  – taking in the deep coloured wood, floor to ceiling in height, an entrance fit for giants.

           Through the light that shined through the windows, I spotted the stunning decals carved into the doors. Swirls, mimicking those of flames, etched with unbelievable accuracy. They reminded me of Zuko’s flames; controlled and restrained.

           But whenever Zuko did let loose, letting his flames run wild like that one time during the rainstorm, it was breathtaking. My hand began delicately falling over the woodwork, the closest I would get to touching Zuko’s flames without burning myself ironically.

           “Do you wish to enter?” A guard from the side spoke.

           Taking a deep breath, I nodded, unable to delay the inevitable any longer.

           The doors moaned loudly as the guards pushed the doors, allowing me to step into the great abyss. I found myself speechless, realizing that this was the first time I ever entered the Throne room. The last time this room was used was during Kayto’s visit.

           Gosh, what a sight.

           Long, endless lines of pillars adorned the space, reaching the ceiling, and it felt like beyond.

           Each post was decorated to the spirits, carved dragons flying up the posts in a spectacular dance. It felt mystical, like a depiction straight from a children's tale. The amount of time and effort that must have been given to creating such masterpieces was unfathomable. How long did it take to build this room?

           Candles lit up the space through low-hung chandeliers and candle stands, the room omitting a dark-yellow hue. The fact that this was practically a fire hazard in the making out of mind by the utter beauty of the place. But my attention fell over the sizeable dark-coloured table positioned in the center of the room.

           There sat eleven councilmembers, their eyes glued to me as I unhurriedly entered. All their faces were stern, the flickering candles casting eerie shadows over their features. And suddenly, the magic of the room started fading, the sick feeling in my stomach returning.

           “You’re late, Imperial Consort Ying Yue.” A voice boomed, a man standing from his seat at the table.

           I frowned, tilting my head at the sound of his voice, realizing who it was – this grump again.

           “Due pardon, but if I do recall, the meeting starts in an hour. I am early, fifteen minutes, in fact.” I clarified, and the councilmembers all stripped their gazes from me, staring at the table at which they sat.

           “Did you not receive the notice of time change? The meeting was due to start fifteen minutes ago.” The man shot back, and I found myself trembling. The way the room was designed seemed to draw out every single noise – his cantankerous tone hitting me from all sides.

           He set me up – he wanted me to look bad for coming late. There wasn’t a single maid looking for me, telling me about the change of time. My mouth opened and closed before swallowing my pride.

           Don’t argue with him, Yue.

           He wants you to mess up – reasons as to why you shouldn’t be with Zuko.

            “Apologizes, it seems the message failed to be relayed to me,” I spoke, each word forced because I knew the truth. The rest of the councilmember’s eyes narrowed, hearing my apology, but not in reaction to me, but to the man who spoke. They didn’t like him either; it seems.

           “No need to apologize, Imperial Consort Ying Yue. Please, take a seat at the head table.” A honied voice spoke, Ming. She stood from her seat, her back straight while bowing her head. I followed her gesture, her small hands pointing to the space at the far end of the table.

           How did I not notice that before?

           Unlike the others who sat in their seat at the table, this was a platform. Three steps above the ground, at the head of the table, a golden throne lined with luxurious rogue fabric. Hesitatingly, I walked forward, eyeing the set-up.

           The Fire Lord’s seat – Zuko’s throne.

           The style alone was undoubtedly not Zuko’s, much too gaudy, but this must have been passed down from generation to generation. Could I even sit in this place? Is this appropriate? Sure, I’m in power at the moment, but I’m not the official ruler, just a placeholder.

           “Is there an issue, Imperial Consort?” Ming questioned, her voice sounding distant. How big is this table, this room? I let out a timid smile, shaking my head. “Nothing at all, it’s perfect.” Ming smiled at my words, urging me to take a seat. As if she was letting me know that it was okay.

           I tried to lax my body, hands balling up the fabric of my dress before collapsing into the throne. It felt like clouds, the chair beyond comfy, and it gave me a clear view of everyone before me, too clear.

           The sensation of being high-up, towering above all, felt foreign, not settling well in the slightest. Towering above everyone else like I was some godly figure, all alone. Is this why Zuko doesn’t conduct meetings here? It felt isolating, almost dictating.

           Zuko was confident, too confident; he didn’t need to sit high up in a throne to command power. People just had to hear Zuko speak; his actions and work ethic alone were enough to secure his right as Fire Lord.

           Having everyone's eyes looking up at me had me feeling self-conscious, fingers playing with my dress, and that’s when I noticed the tidy pile of documents off to the side, ‘Fire Lord.’

           “The documents you see there will assist you in today’s meeting.” Ming smiled, already taking her seat once again. I nodded, reaching forward.

           I opened the folder, eyes briefly scanning its contents - schooling.

           My brows pinched together, flipping through the papers swiftly, not at all expecting to see this topic come in play today. It was all about budgets and funding for upcoming schools around the Fire Nation. The possibility of new educational institutions, finances, job increases for the general public.

           Zuko was trying to build more schools for children. Decrease the student to teacher ratio to provide a more personalized education. I had no clue Zuko was working on this-

           “Let us get straight to the point.” A councilmember coughed, my head snapping upwards to gaze over them all. My new found enemy let his hands rest on the table, palms down as if he were trying to control his composure.

           “We’re here to discuss the funding for the new schools set to be built within the year.” A councilmember rose their hand, gazing at me before speaking, “For what reasons? We have already established and approved all their placements.”

           The man merely rolled his eyes, tapping the table impatiently, “We discussed placement, but not funding. The funding that we have discussed is not enough for certain zones. Let us examine Ember Island – the funding for schooling should not be less than that of Black Cliffs.”

           I frowned, eyes darting back to the front of the document.

           A simple map was drawn, and sure enough, all the schools that had been approved were drawn on the map in red. Black Cliffs…its in the middle of nowhere…why would he want less funding if that funding is critical-

           “I disagree. Black Cliffs is in a remote area; they require more funding and a larger space since it is expected that these two villages will use this school until another one is built in the future. Ember Island already has three established schools, the new school being built is merely an expansion.” I reasoned.

           Thank you, Zuko.

           It was moments like these; I was thankful for Zuko’s complete and utter control-freak tendencies. His pretty handwriting was clear to read, the tiny notes he made off to the sides of each document helpful. I never got a chance to look at these papers beforehand like I had planned originally. He had to go and change the time of this damn meeting.

           “Nonsense. Ember Island and other cities need an increase in funding.” He insisted.

           “And why’s that?” I huffed.

           His eyes met mine, shooting me a glare. “If it was not clear in the notes in your pile, it is not unusual for high-status locations to have greater funding compared to low-class villages.”

           The language of this man. “I highly doubt that.” I started, but he pointed at the papers in my hands, “Look, Imperial Consort.” My eyes fell back onto the documents, rapidly flipping through papers.

           Contract approvals, estimated government costs for building, funding- what?

           My mouth dropped, fingers running along with the black ink, Zuko’s signature.

           The documents were older; previous educational establishments built within two years. Each city that was known to cater to high-ranking socialites gained more money for their public schools. But Zuko wouldn’t do something like that; he would never give more money to the rich.

           Yet the handwriting at the bottom, his seal of approval. Zuko agreed to this. He gave more funding to already prosperous areas in previous years.

           Why would you do that-

           “Well, Imperial Consort – did you find your proof?” The man snickered, a sinister grin on his face the whole time. He knew that I found what he wanted me to see, leaning back in his chair smugly with raised brows.

           I swallowed, nodding as I studied the paperwork.

           The gut feeling in my stomach, my mind screaming at me that this was wrong, wouldn’t go away. Zuko wouldn’t do that- he wouldn’t do this.

           “Good. We can end this meeting swiftly then. Just sign this paper here – you approving an increase of funding for these cities, and we can be dismissed.” The man smirked, waving the ivory coloured paper in the air. The other councilmembers gazed at each other in horror, shaking their heads.

           “Impossible. Fire Lord Zuko never approved of such means; he overruled Fire Lord Ozai’s school curriculum and funding process for reasons.” A woman shouted, slamming her hands.

           The man sneered at her, chinning towards me, “It seems like Fire Lord Zuko had a change of heart after all. He understands the importance of the high-ranking people of this Nation, not these filthy low-lives.”

           My hands started getting sweaty, watching the way the councilmembers began bickering with each other. They were at the edge of their seats, dropping formalities as they rose their voices. Zuko wouldn’t do that to children, gosh he had a hard exterior, but he wasn’t heartless.

           “I wish to see these documents! He would never approve!”

           “But if Imperial Consort found his signature approving of the funding in previous years…”

           “There will be an uproar from these villages. They are important, our main source of food. If they learn that we cut their funding and gave it to developed cities-”

           “Nonsense, they should know better than to revolt. Now hurry up and sign the papers!” The man shouted, slamming his hand against the table, the paper wrinkling under his grasp. The slamming of the documents reverberated in the room – bouncing off the walls and had everyone shutting up.

           His face was red, his eyes not wavering from my own, “Sign. The. Document.”

           “This needs to be deliberated in more depth-” I insisted. Gosh, Zuko wouldn’t do this, he wouldn’t approve of this. He wouldn’t do this-

           “Nothing more has to be discussed, just approve it already. If these children do not have a school to attend to by the end of this year, the blame will fall over you for delaying the process, Imperial Consort. Can you live with yourself knowing that you are the reason children will not attend school this year because you could not make a decision?”

           Just sign it Yue – you have your proof. Clearly, Zuko is okay with this.

           But I’m not okay with this.

           But the proof- My fingers fell over the black ink again, where Zuko’s signature laid.

           It was his, I knew his handwriting, down to the way he flicked his wrist or dipped his pen for ink. These papers were proof that he was okay with this, and if he’s okay with this, this leaves me with only one choice-

           “I refuse to approve the funding. I will review the documents, and we can continue this meeting this evening with my final decision.” I spoke, trying to make my voice sound solid. A wave of relief washed over the majority of the council, and I could spot the three individuals who had the opposite reaction, furry etched in their faces.

           “You are wasting time.” The man grumbled, and I heaved a sigh. “Maybe so, but regardless if Fire Lord Zuko approved of this beforehand, I need time to review this information.”

           “You may be Imperial Consort, but you will never earn the respect of a Queen – you are nothing more but a Waterbender playing dress-up.”

           An eerie silence overcame us, and for the tenth time today; I could feel my heart shatter because he was right.

           I don’t deserve to be Queen, nor Zuko’s partner.

              Nothing was going right.

           It was as if the spirits decided that today wasn’t going wrong enough – let’s add more to my plate for their sick amusement.

           My hands ran through my hair in frustration, not caring in the slightest at the fact that the beautifully placed pins tumbled onto the rug underneath me. A string of curse words that would even have Zuko proud flew from my lips.

           Not even Zuko’s level of foul language would match my current state of self-destruction.

           The black ink pooled on the tabletop, some dripping on the red of my dress, like droplets of black blood. “Gosh, just my luck.” I fumed to myself, on the verge of just throwing every single bloody document on this table out the window. How does Zuko do this every day?

           Seeing the piles upon piles of paperwork that littered the floor, the words mashing together like a giant blob. My mind was spinning, face rosy from the stress and this fever that refused to back off for a second.

           I blew loudly, brushing my hair behind my ears before leaning over the study. My arm outstretched, fingers stretching to grasp the bundle of napkins placed off to the side.

           Utterly lost in my thoughts, I failed to take into account the vial of ink I had placed right in front of me, the draping of my sleeves knocking it over.

           My eyes widen, shoulders slumping in utter despair at the clacking sound of the glass vial hitting the wooden table, yet again – spilling the remaining ink.

           “Are you KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW!?” I cried, pulling back hastily, my long-sleeves dragging the ink with it. My voice cracked slightly, raising my tone as high as I did, not expressing such defeat in spirits knows how long.

           I watched helplessly as the ink settled into the natural indents of the wood, thankfully nowhere near the documents from the meeting this morning. And at that exact moment, a knock caught my attention, and I swallowed.

           Who could it possibly be now- Shutting my eyes before taking a deep breath, I bite my lip anxiously. Calm down, Yue. Count to ten.

           One…two…

           five…seven…

           nine…ten.

           “Yes?” I squealed, trying desperately to mask my frustration. The poor soul, on the other end of the door, didn’t need to experience my wrath when they did nothing wrong. I’m just an absolute idiot, that’s the problem.

           The study door jarred slightly at the sound of my voice, and to my shock, a guard popped his head in, free of his helmet. His long wavy hair swayed side to side as he bent over from his waist, up, a worried look on his face.

           “Is everything alright, Imperial Consort-oh, did you spill the ink, again?” He mused, a silly smile popping on the guard’s face almost instantly.

           My face flushed, “…Maybe.”

           The guard didn’t even have to step back outside. He lifted his arm from behind his back, a perfectly folded set of napkins in his grasp. “Fire Lord Zuko always asks me to keep some on hand; he says his Consort is a bit of clutz.” He chuckled, leaving me stunned.

           My mouth opened, ready to protest, but the current flood on the desk, my lap and sleeve filthy had me thinking twice.

           Why do you always have to be right, Zuko?

           “I’m sorry for causing so much trouble,” I whined, my shoulders dropping in fatigue as my hand fell over my face. I rubbed my eyes, fighting back the tears of frustration, before exhaling.

           It was embarrassing.

           Here I am, pretending to act like I have the slightest idea as to what I was doing.

           Acting as if I was totally fit for this role, which I wasn’t.

           The guard let himself in, kicking the door shut behind him with his heel. He walked forward with ease, his boots clicking louder the closer he got. The guard seemed at complete ease as if he has walked inside this room countless times over the years to help clean up ink spills.

           “Don’t be sorry, Imperial Consort. Everyone has those days, even Fire Lord Zuko.”

           I perked up at the mention of Zuko, the guard starting to section out the napkins to clean up the mess. “Fire Lord Zuko wouldn’t spill his ink two times in a row, in less than an hour time,” I mumbled under my breath, and the guard snorted at my statement.

           “Permission to speak freely?” The guard requested, and I tilted my head in surprise, nodding.

           “Please, do not tell him I told you this, but Fire Lord Zuko used to go through six vials a day after his coronation because he kept knocking it over. Six times a day, I would go to the supply room, and bring them to him. I learned after day two to just keep them on me at all times.”

           I laughed under my breath at the story, the guard laughing with me, his armour rumbling with joy recalling those times. He outstretched some napkins towards me, which I grabbed with a smile, the tension in my body easing.

           I could already picture it. Zuko getting all flustered, just like me, trying to clean up his mess just to do the whole process all over again. Six times exact.

            “Thank you…I needed to hear that.” I hummed, letting a towel soak up some of the ink I had just spilled. The guard nodded his head, shooting me a smile, “No problem, you know, Fire Lord Zuko would be proud of how much work you got done. It must be nice for him to know he can take a day off when he’s sick because he has you to trust.”

           I froze, looking at the pile the guard was referring to.

           A few papers were completed, my signature at the bottom of each document with the Fire Nation seal beside. But the papers weren’t anything grand in nature – simple stuff. Stuff I used to do all the time back at the Southern Water Tribe.

           The only difference was over here, there was a lot of more pointless rules and ‘expectations,’ down to the way you cross your t’s and dot your I’s.

           “I highly doubt that…Zuko would’ve finished all this way before lunchtime, and I’m not even close.” I huffed, and the guard shook his head. “You don’t give yourself enough credit, Imperial Consort. He talks about you all the time to me. Says he trust you with his life.”

           “He does?” I shyly questioned, accidentally dropping the napkin into a small puddle of ink, causing little droplets to fly over us. I apologized under my breath, but the guard looked entertained, not bothered in the slightest that black ink now stained his uniform.

           “Of course, in fact…I am a little guilty of taking advantage of it. Whenever he is in a sour mood, I point at you through the window, and he’s back to it.”

           I coloured, recalling Zuko admitting to me he sometimes catches my morning walks with Ursa and Kiyi in the gardens. But if he can see my morning walks, that means he also sees all the times I play with Kiyi out in the gardens, or when I read books to her beneath the cherry blossom trees. Yet he still asks me what I did during the day, listening as I rambled on and on…

           “Imperial Consort, do you wish for me to put these documents away in the reject folder?” The guard interjected, cutting my thoughts in half.

           My eyes narrowed, staring at the paperwork in question. I found myself jumbled. “The-the reject pile?” I repeated, making sure of the words the guards just spoke. He nodded his head, and I found myself stunned, “These papers were from this morning meeting, I need them still.” I spoke, and I noticed the way the guards face twisted in confusion, a look matching mine.

           He opened his mouth, almost afraid to talk, and I stopped wiping the table eagerly, more interested in the thoughts running through his mind

           “You may speak, don’t hold your tongue around me. I don’t bite.” I insisted, and the guard’s shoulders visibly eased, scratching his chin like Sokka or Aang.

           “It’s just that…I don’t see why you have these papers or how you got these. These are all rejected proposals; Fire Lord Zuko just keeps them for reference.”

           Rejects-

           “So, what you are saying is these papers, this funding – was never approved?” I gasped, running around the study to the guards’ side.

           The guard’s eyes widen in surprise, a pink blush coating his cheeks. Undoubtedly, taken aback by the way my hands fell over his arms. I didn’t even notice I did such an action, so caught up in the moment, it was a reflex.

           “N-no, Fire Lord Zuko would never approve of these figures. Taking money from smaller villages, he didn’t spend years fighting with the council to change those policies, just to go back on his promises.”

           That man- he set me up.

           “He-he tricked me. He wanted me to sign those papers.” I whispered under my breath, falling against the study in a state of shock.

           Zuko’s signature on these papers wasn’t for approvals, but his mark of denial.

           I knew Zuko would never approve of this, but the council didn’t think I knew Zuko well enough to know that. They think all I am to Zuko is a royal bedwarmer, that I don't know anything about him – the very thing Mai accused me of.

           “Imperial Consort, did I say something wrong?” the guard worried, his hands hovering over my body, unsure whether to support my resting figure. The poor guy thinks I almost passed out or something from this never-ending fever.

           I laughed under my breath, a wave of relief washing over me, “How can I be mad at someone who just saved me!” I enthused, and the guard looked more confused than ever. He looked around the room, scratching his chin as a low string of ‘uh’ and ‘oh’ left him.

           “I didn’t know you needed saving…I just offered to put away these documents.” The guard awkwardly said, and I rolled my eyes.

           “You don’t get it, this morning, a few members of the council wanted me to increase the funding for certain cities – and they fed me these papers. They tried to convince me that Zuko said okay to this in the past!”

           It was like someone lit a candle in the guard’s head, his eyes widening before he swore under his breath. “I can’t believe it- for years those greedy councilmembers tried to steal money. I’ve heard Fire Lord Zuko complain about this for months. They have this weird philosophy about the survival of the fittest – oppressing the weak and living off their ill-being.” The guard spat, huffing to himself in disgust.

           “They planted false papers to get their way, tried to take advantage of you. I can’t believe it- no wonder Ming told me to keep an eye out for you.”

           “Ming?” I repeated— the older woman from this morning and the meeting, the one with a warm smile. The guard nodded, walking back and forth in the office.

           “Yes, she told me this morning to keep an eye out. That she doesn’t trust some of the councilmembers. She can’t come here herself to help you – it’ll look suspicious on her end. I’ve known her for years; she’s a good woman. She spoke with Fire Lord Zuko a few days ago before he caught this cold, offered her help as well.”

           The warmth that enveloped in my heart, my hands falling over my chest in bliss.

           I knew it-

           I knew Zuko would never do such a thing. He may be a tough cookie, but he was still sweet, and his heart was in the right place. He didn’t spend every waking second in his life to turn against his Nation – his work was his source of pride and honour.

           “I don’t know how they got these papers, Imperial Consort, but you can’t approve of this funding. It goes against Fire Lord Zuko’s whole goal.” The guard pleaded, and I smiled, clasping my hands with his. “Don’t you worry, I never was going to approve of it. But knowing that I was right all along makes things a lot easier for me. Thank you for everything.” I gushed, and the guard nodded, before stifling in a laugh.

           “We still have a mess to clean.”

           “Gosh, I forgot about that…” I muttered under my breath, but a smile still sat on my face.

           A victory.

           Even if small, it was still a win in my books.

           For the first time today, I felt like I could breathe. Actually, enjoy the fresh air that came from the window and appreciate the sun that danced along my skin. I was no longer in a weird trance, entirely out of touch with the world around me.

           “I’ll be back; we let the ink settle into the wood. I think we need some heavy-duty cleaning stuff to help us.” The guard chuckled, and I bashfully nodded, realizing just how grand of a mess I made.

           I let my fingers dab and soak up the excess ink with whatever clean towels were left, the guard letting his used rags rest on the table. His suit jiggled as he lightly jogged towards the office door. He swung it open, but just as he stepped through the doorframe, I noticed the way he jumped back slightly, bowing deeply.

           I pouted, opening my mouth to speak up, but a rush a blue and green caught my eyes.

           “Yue!” The voices cried into my ears, their arms wrapping around my body, squeezing me between them. It took a few seconds to process the embrace, but more importantly, who it was.

           “S-Suki, Katara?” I gasped out in surprise, struggling to breathe between their hug.

           Katara pulled back, running her hands down my face with a large frown. “Ursa was right; you’re heating up. Aang, you should’ve dragged her to me!” She nagged, and right away, a voice of protest popped up from behind her. “I wanted to, but she insisted on working.”

           “Just as stubborn as Zuko.” I heard Toph grumble under her breath, although I failed to spot her, Katara and Suki taking up much of my view.

           “How are you feeling, Yue? You look like shit, no offence.” Suki proclaimed, poking my nose good-humouredly. Even though she wore her thick makeup, I spotted the way her eyes lit up, wrinkles forming around her eyes. That’s right, Aang lied to them. None of them have a single clue as to what I did.

           I swallowed hard, looking back and forth around the room, seeing Sokka and Aang sneak into the room. The door shut behind them, and while they talked and asked questions about my well-being, I couldn’t help but focus on their appearance.

           They all looked drained as if they were put through the wringer. But the look on Katara’s and Sokka’s face took the cake. I hadn’t seen any of them all day, only Katara in the morning when she rushed to Zuko’s side. Dark circles painted their tanned skin, their bright blue eyes not shining as bright as usual.

           I frowned, raising my hand to cup Katara’s face.

           She must have been healing this whole time, trying to help Zuko. If only I could be as great of a healer as Katara- “You look tired, Katara. Are you resting?” I whispered, and she scoffed.

           Her hand gripped mine, pushing it away as she once again pressed the back of her palm against my forehead. “I’m fine, Yue, we’re all fine. But you, not so much. Have you eaten lunch today?” I flushed under her gaze, shaking my head with a silent ‘no.’

           Sokka kissed his teeth, noticing he wandered from behind me, resting his hands on my shoulders. His touch had me wobbling, the weight of his hands on my shoulders feeling heavy. I felt weak – and I realized I was still leaning against the study as a form of support.

           “Princess, you look ill. We can talk later; I think you need to call it quits for today.”

           “Talk to me about what?” I asked, facing Sokka, Katara’s hand dropping from my face. He sighed, looking at the others for approval of some sort. “Sokka, let’s not do this now...” Katara warned, but Toph’s unamused tone triumphed them.

           “It’s about Zuko, Princess.”

           Katara twisted on her heel – anger flashing in her eyes at Toph’s nonchalant talking, but she wasn’t fazed at all. Toph’s blindness proved to work in her favour, already lounging on the office floor, resting her head on her palm, elbow on her knee.

           My heart started pounding, seeing the dark looks on everyone’s faces, “Is Zuko going to be okay? Aang told me he was going to be okay-” I panicked, and Suki quickly wrapped her arms around my shaking body, hushing into my ear.

           “Hey, he’s going to be just fine. It’s nothing bad, we promise.”

           A deep exhale left me, my eyes fluttering shut as I fell against Suki. “I just want him to be okay. That’s it.” I whimpered into her arms, and I felt Sokka rest his hand on my head, petting my hair. “Don’t worry, Princess, we got this. We just wanted to bring you up to speed.”

           “Did you learn anything new?” I questioned, pulling back from Suki’s embrace slightly. She still held me close to her frame, and Katara nodded. “Yue…did you know that Firebenders are resistant to poison?”

           My eyes narrowed, unable to form words. Resistant to poisons? How is that possible? “I-I had no clue-”

           “Me neither, I learned that today with the nurses. But that’s the thing, why try to kill the Fire Lord with poison, the very thing that Firebenders are immune? Sounds counter-intuitive, don’t you think?” I stared, trying to under what they were trying to get at.

           I saw the way Zuko struggled to breathe; he didn’t resist the poison at all. He was dying; I felt him slipping from right beneath my fingers. “I don’t get your point….”

           “Whoever did this was trying to target you, Princess,” Sokka said, and I faced him. “We know that already, Sokka. The tea was meant for me. But what does that have to do with Firebenders and poison? Zuko didn’t look like he was resisting the poison at all. He was gasping and struggling and-”

           Suki gripped my hands, noticing I was shaking, just picturing Zuko again. The mental image of Zuko in pain forever etched into my mind.

           “Exactly, Yue. Zuko wasn’t resisting the poison at first, and that got me curious.” Katara budded in, turning to face Aang. He walked forward, searching into his robe, before pulling out a tiny red pouch.

           “How is it possible, that Zuko, a powerful Firebender, almost died from poison, when Firebenders are supposedly resistant?” Katara spoke, taking the bag and tugging the strings. The contents of the pack fell into her palm, grounded bits of herbs, scattering her palm.

           I remember those herbs-

           “That was what was in the tea…” I gasped, and Katara nodded.

           “Zuko’s mom is a master botanist, a fact not too well-known in the kingdom. We asked her to look at these herbs and tell us what it was. And you know what she told us, Yue?” Aang spoke, and I shook my head.

           I loved plants, always wanted to be florist back when I lived in Earth Nation. Have my little flower garden with a family. But I lacked the resources to learn the technicalities of the field, let alone botany. “I-I don’t know…”

           “Ursa said the same thing.” Aang started, poking at the herbs with his pointer finger. “This – isn’t something we know. Someone created this herb, Ursa said it’s called cross-pollination. It’s an advanced technique; not even Ursa is comfortable with it anymore. But whoever did this, did so with the sole purpose of creating a poison so potent that it could kill a person in seconds, or disable a Firebender.”

           “Someone wanted you to die, Princess, and if given a chance, kill Zuko too. A two for one combo.” Toph snorted, blowing upwards and causing her bangs to fly upwards.

           Katara dumped the contents inside the pouch again, passing it back to Aang. “You were their main target, Zuko was just an after-thought.”

           “So, what you’re trying to tell me is the person in question is a botanist?”

           “It seems so, but when we interviewed the gardeners and florists, everyone came back clean. They don’t fit the bill.” Sokka exclaimed, “Suki and I went through every registered gardener and florist assigned to the kingdom, everyone had an alibi.”

           “Does this…does this have something to do with Yakone and Azula?” I whispered. Everyone’s looks darkened, Aang meeting my gaze. “We don’t know for certain...we don’t even know what their goal is besides destroying the United Nations. But if that was the case, wouldn’t it be easier to attack me?”

           Katara visibly tensed, looking back at Aang with a frown, “Don’t say that…”

           “But it’s true; their motives are unclear and-”

           “Sokka.” I budded, cutting off Aang. Everyone perked up at my voice, stepping forward as I paced back and forth. “You said you checked every gardener and florist registered with the kingdom, right,” I questioned, looking straight at Sokka.

           He nodded, watching how I stomped up and down the room. Katara sighed trying to reach forward, “Yue, you need to sit down, you look like you’re going to pass out-”

           “What about Mai?” I blurted.

           The looks on everyone’s faces dropped.

           I stopped pacing, a hand falling over my head the more and more I thought about it. “Mai’s sister, owns a flower shop, right? Zuko said she works for her sister, not for the kingdom. She isn’t a botanist, but she could’ve easily tricked her sister into creating something this deadly.”

           “Yue. I know Mai is Zuko’s ex-girlfriend, and you already think she’s guilty beforehand-” Sokka spoke, and my face turned red.

           “I’m not accusing her of something because she’s Zuko’s ex, Sokka! I’m saying it because we know she’s the snitch, and if we know she’s working with Azula, why would she be innocent of this?”

           Aang took a deep breath, shaking his head as he took a step back. The room was growing in tension, and I didn’t even notice the way Toph stood. “Princess is right. You guys let your personal feelings get in the way – yet again. She’s a prime suspect first, before a friend. She has all the tools, easy access in and out of the kingdom. She would’ve known that Princess gave Kima and Lia the morning off.”

           My face twisted to confusion, stepping forward, “Give Kima and Lia the morning off?” I repeated, and this time they all gazed at me like I was crazy. “I was told that Kima and Lia took the day off because something came up.” I blurted.

           “No…we have paperwork saying you gave them the morning off. You sent a guard with a note; we just asked Kima and Lia a few minutes ago when they arrived-”

           “Imperial Consort Ying Yue did not send me to deliver such a letter.” A voice spoke up, causing us all to jump.

           The guard who was helping me from before was holding some cleaning supplies, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed deeply. “S-sorry for interrupting, but Imperial Consort Ying Yue did not request me to send the letter.”

           “You sent the letter?” I asked, and the guard nodded.

           “Yes, last night, before they left. Countess Mai asked me to deliver that letter to your maids in your place.” His cheeks flushed slightly, uncomfortable by the number of stares he was receiving, but he maintained eye contact with myself.

           “I-I knew about the rumours about you and Countess Mai, b-budding heads, so I was surprised. But she said you two had some afternoon tea and worked your differences. That she will be your aid, as a symbol of goodwill. I’m sorry, what is this all about-”

           “Goodwill, my fucking ass.” I snarled, and just like that, I bolted.

           “Yue~!” Aang shouted, “Where are you going!?”

           “Nobody hurts Zuko and gets away with it.”

           I ignored their cries, shoving past the guard, the cleaning supplies spilling onto the ground. My hand gripped the door handle, swinging the door wide.

           Red, all I saw was red.

           My hands turned into fists, not caring about the stares I was receiving from the guards and servants. My hair was a mess, dress dirty from the ink stains from earlier today. I wasn’t even wearing my heels anymore, opting for a more comfortable footwear the moment I went into the study – proving useful at the moment.

           The gang’s voices seemed distant, as I ran down the red-coloured hallways. The sun was starting to set, blood pumping loudly in my ears.

           Mai.

           How I tried to be friends with you.

           How I tried to think well of you despite all the trash you spoke about me.

           You can hurt me as much as you like, but don’t you dare hurt the people I love.

           I turned the corner, noticing that the rooms of the kingdom were changing. The artwork was less grand, the doors no longer as tall – I’m in the noble’s quarters. A few people dressed in regal clothing stared at me, eyes narrowing in confusion as they saw the way I scanned the area like a madwoman.

           “Is there something you need, Imperial Consort Ying Yue?” a woman asked prudently, her eyes judging my appearance.

           I glared, stepping forward, “Where is Countess Mai.” I hissed.

           Her eyes widened, the people around her looking panicked, hearing my manic tone. She took a step back, her body trembling with fear as she watched the way my fingers twitched with anger. “I-I’ll call for her, um- MAI!”

           A scene started to unfold, more and more people leaving the comforts of their quarters to look at the commotion happening outside. But it was that sound. That bored, mono-toned voice that had chills running up my spine

           “What do you want?” Mai hissed, turning the corner of the hallway, a look of displeasure written on her face. Her cat-like eyes met mine, her figure stilling, and I forced a smile.

           “Your nose healed nicely.” I spat, and without a moment to spare, she ran.

           My knees bent, chasing at full speed.

           The way Mai moved with ease, turning the corner she just came from as I hastily struggled to catch up. The long gown I wore kept slowing me down, the guards reaching out for me hearing my heavy footsteps.

           “Imperial Consort, what are you doing-”

           “Give me this,” I shouted, grabbing the dagger attached to their hips as I ran past them.

           They couldn’t react fast enough, slipping through them like water in a desperate effort to not lose track of Mai. She knew the kingdom better than me, and she was taking full advantage of it.

           Her light-weight but fitted clothing gave her an edge, looking over her shoulder with a glare as she saw I was on her tail. Mai wasn’t stupid; she was a trained fighter – her lean physique and quick steps were the proof.

           I reached down hurriedly, yanking a large chunk of my dress in my hands, slicing the extra material off. The sound of expensive fabric being ripped to shreds would’ve had the royals crying. But the dead fabric dropping from my hands had me sighing in relief.

           My legs felt free, no longer under the tight constraints, or weighted down. Now I can fight. My pace quickened, pushing myself off the wall as she turned another sharp corner.

           “Give up; already, you think you can catch me?” Mai snarled, and my eyes widened. Her hands snuck up her sleeves for a brief moment, before flicking her wrist towards me.

           I gasped, the glistening look of the setting sun reflecting off metal had me darting to the side. I twisted my body and bumped ungracefully against the hallway wall. The feeling of a sharp piece of metal cutting my cheek had me flinching, noticing that Mai stood still for a moment with a broad grin.

           “You don’t know how good that felt.”

           “You poisoned the tea, didn’t you?” I shouted. Mai shrugged her shoulders, “I didn’t do anything. I just gave the tools necessary. That’s all.”

           “You almost killed Zuko.”

           Her eyes narrowed at my words, snickering under her breath, “If he died, it would’ve been your fault. I told you the moment you came here. You made a mistake.” She turned on her heel, picking up the pace, and I huffed.

           I flung myself forward, disregarding the pain that radiated up my body. I can’t go on for much longer; I’m too weak from this morning. But I have to do this- A large red door was at the end of the hallway, and I spotted the way Mai’s hand stretched forward.

           Oh no, you don’t- I twirled the small dagger in my hand, and with a grunt, rocked my arm forward.

           Mai’s fingers grazed the knob before the sound of metal slicing through wood had her swearing. Pieces of timber sparked, splinters flying in the air at the sheer impact of the dagger piercing the exit. Mai flinched, realizing what I had done – the door was jammed.

           “Fuck,” Mai swore under her breath, before jumping on her toes, the look of absolute anger evident. She looked to her side, and with an irritated grunt, dashed towards the only hallway available.

           It’s a dead-end, she’s going to have nowhere to go.

           My pace slowed, almost running into the blocked door, praying that no one was on the other side, because they were going to be stuck in there for a bit. I looked towards the hallway Mai ran down, half expecting her to be throwing a temper tantrum, realizing she has nowhere to go, another part anticipating her to put up a fight.

           But to my absolute horror and confusion - Mai was still running at full speed. My mouth dropped, face paling. It’s a dead-end besides a window, we’re on the second floor; she couldn’t possibly be thinking-

           The sound of glass shattering had people screaming in their rooms.

           It bounced off the wooden floors, tiny pieces flying in the hallway – some even cutting the paintings that hung nearby. The small shards created streams of rainbows throughout the corridor- as I watched in utter awe.

           Mai’s crazy.

           And if Mai weren’t the reason that Zuko was currently in the nurses' station, unconscious, I would’ve saluted her. A part of me had to scoff at the idea of Zuko and her in a relationship. No wonder they didn’t work out – you had two ruthless, stubborn warriors, neither of them willing to submit or show weakness no matter what.

           ‘Too many cooks in the kitchen’ – wise words Iroh.

           I groaned under my breath, forcing my legs to trek forward, flinching as my feet were still sore from the small cuts I received from early in the day. My hands reached out, leaning out the window, the smell of fresh air filling my nostrils.

           Where the fuck could she have gone?

           My eyes desperately scanned the area, the waterfall that Toph just fixed in full view. Glass littered the grass below, servants causing a ruckus about the mess, but I pushed back the random shrieks of shock because I couldn’t find the very thing I wanted.

           Where is she? I turned my head to the side, only to have my body lax for a moment,  a sarcastic laugh leaving my lips.

           This sneaky bitch.

           Mai smirked, realizing that I spotted her, running along the roof before sliding her way down to the garden below. The red shingles on the rooftop shook and dislodged with every step she took, despite her light actions, landing onto the soft grass with ease.

           I looked at the distance between me and the roof. I don’t have the momentum; I won’t make the jump. But…I do have this-

           Taking a deep breath, I raised my hands, feeling the movement of the water from the waterfall.

           The servants quickly adverted their attention from the glass to the low rumbling coming from the waterfall, realizing that the waterfall was no long sprouting water – but coming at full speed towards me. They moved to the side in fear, and I found myself stepping off the window sill, flinging myself over the edge.

           The feeling of weightlessness hit me, still very much swinging my arms above my head in a frantic effort for the water to come to me. Black spots started filling my vision at a higher intensity than ever before, a cold numbness overcoming my senses as my body begged for rest – even for a second.

           I’m using too much chi, but I don’t have much choice at the moment.

           My gestures became more agitated, and right before I hit the ground, my body was immersed by water. Shielding me from the fall, I tightened my hands into fists, the water around me conforming around my body as a thin sheet of ice, rolling along the grass.

           Mai’s eyes widened in astonishment, seeing me jump back to my feet, before making a mad break through the unmarked zone of the gardens. That zone was supposed to be blocked entirely - Zuko saying it was still under renovation at the moment, a summer project of his.

           I swallowed deeply, taking note of how substantial my breathing has gotten. No matter how profound I inhaled, I could feel my lungs screaming for air. I need a breather; I can’t go on for much longer. Hot sweat layered over my skin, body clammy from over-exhaustion, the beating sun not making matters any better. But I need to catch her – I can’t stop now.

           With a deep gulp, I willed myself to push forward through the greenery in search of Mai.

           The sound of grass crunching under our feet, our hands hysterically pushing the overgrown tree branches and bushes to the side as we struggled to see in front of us. The area was dark, the sunlight barely making it past the greenery, the air crisp.

           “Stop running, Mai!” I shouted in a pathetic attempt to stop this mad chase. Just maybe, maybe, she would listen. Spots started to fill my vision once again, the gaps between what was in front of me and the dark spots making it difficult to focus. I bit my lip as a means to center myself.

           I’m running out of time-

           My arm raised in front of me, the sound of metal lodging itself into my ice, stopping dead in my tracks. Ice shreds flattered off my arm at the impact, and I let out a sigh of relief, realizing I got her weapon in time. Her daggers can’t pierce my ice-

           I gasped out in pain, her long fingers yanking my hair from the side and jerking me towards her. It all happened so fast, not even realizing that she was already beside me in seconds, my hair in her grip.

           She pivoted on her heel, using all her force to raise her knee straight into my stomach. My eyes widened, ice melting temporarily at the sheer disbelief of the attack. The pain was unbelievable, a dry heave escaping me as I cried.

           The way Mai moved – it reminds me of Azula so much. And if that’s the case-

           I shrieked in agony as the grip on my locks didn’t loosen, feeling each strand pulling from my scalp, using it as a leash to pull me back towards her for another attack. My feet stumbled forward as I doubled over in pain, watching as she rose her free hand into the air with a dagger in hand.

           “This is your fault.” Mai hissed, and at that moment, I dug my shoulder into her stomach.

           I grabbed her hips with a low grunt, lifting her off her feet and throwing onto the ground. The hold on my hair loosened, the dagger Mai held in her hand, falling onto the grass beside us.

           Her head hit the dirt, with a loud thud, and I swirled my hands around me, sitting on her waist as I pinned her wrists. The water slithered onto her skin, freezing over her hands and solidifying itself with the dirt. Her eyes widen, trying to kick upwards, but the water caught her feet, forcing her back to the ground.

           “I caught you.” I panted in pain, sweat dripping off my forehead as a cold shiver ran up my body.

           My body was shaking, losing focus rapidly as I forced myself to continue bending. The need to have Mai pinned underneath me, unable to move an inch, was the only motivation keeping me alive.

           Mai’s face twisted in anger, struggling against her bonds, “You’re a fucking fool.”

           “Says the one who almost killed her ex-boyfriend after proclaiming that you love him.” I breathlessly criticized, causing her to roll those dark eyes.

           “You don’t get it, do you? The only reason Zuko almost died was because of you.” I narrowed my eyes at her words. Let it go, Yue, don’t entertain her.

           But-

           “What does that mean, Mai.”

           “It means if you want Zuko to be happy, to be safe, you’ll pack up your things and leave.”

           “You just want me out of the picture.”

           “Think whatever you want to. All this started the moment you arrived here. Zuko’s life wasn’t in danger until you showed up.”

           I froze at her words, and Mai laughed bitterly, seeing the expression on my face. Because despite all the bullshit she put me through, she was right. Zuko was safe before I entered the picture – everything seemingly ties back to me somehow.

           Could she-could Mai be telling me the truth?

           “Think about it. All this drama happened because of you. Everything ties back to you being a Bloodbender.” She spat.

           My eyes widened, fingers digging into her skin under the cast of ice wrapped around her joints. But she didn’t seem the slightest bit fazed by the pain.

           “You know nothing, Mai.” I heaved, struggling to keep myself up at this point. My body was screaming in pain, my eyes shutting close as I tried to keep awake. “But I do. That poison, the only way to save him would be through Bloodbending. Aren’t you the tiniest bit curious who Yakone is? Why he’s so interested in you – why he reminds you of your precious Mom?”

           “Shut up.” I cracked, fighting back the tears of frustration. Don’t let her get to you, Yue. She’s trying to mess you up, keep it together. A few more seconds before the gang finds you-

           “Admit it. It all comes down to you. If anyone gets hurt, it’s all your fault.”

           “N-no, I would never hurt the people I love-” I gulped.

           “But you already did. You almost killed Zuko- he would never love you.”

           “Zuko loves me-”

           “Loved you. Zuko would never love a monster like yourself. Not after everything you’ve done.”

           The sound of crackling made my eyes open wide and head twist to the side.

           A blue flash caught my attention, energy sizzling and buzzing loudly through the empty garden space. I saw the movement of fingers through the low-rise tree branches, amber eyes staring back at me. Shit-

           I melted the ice instantly, much to my relief, jumping off Mai as I dodged for cover. The wicked sound of electricity cutting through the air, hitting the trees behind me, setting them ablaze. The heat that emitted from the foliage was intense, my skin feeling sunburned even through my dress.

           “A-Azula.” I gasped in pain, unable to get off the ground.

           Mai effortlessly rolled her body, skipping back onto her feet as she breezed towards Azula. “I’m wet.” She grumbled under her breath, waving her long sleeves to emphasize her point. Azula snorted, at her friends' gesture, flicking her long black hair behind her shoulder.

           “You’re lucky I came to save you. It seemed that this wrench overpowered you.”

           “She got lucky,” Mai groused back, kicking her feet into the dirt in front of her. Her dagger flew into the air, her hand reaching forward and snapping it up effortlessly. “Well, might as well leave then. No point causing any more of a scene than we already have.”

           Mai nodded at Azula’s words.

           I tried to stand up, forcing my feet to move, but my body refused to listen. I can’t let them leave; I need to stop them.

           “Wait-” I whimpered under my breath, trying to reach out. My hands dug into the dirt, driving myself to stand on my feet once again, but my knees buckled, crashing back onto the ground. Azula didn’t bat an eye to my cry, ignoring my weak protest as she twisted on her heel and blended in with her surroundings.

           But I saw the way Mai stilled for a second.

           She gazed over her shoulder with a look that had me holding my breath. For the first time since I met her, she let down her tough exterior, her eyes no longer containing that spark of feistiness. All that was left was a look of sadness, hurt…and pain.

           So much pain.

           I tilted my head to the side, unable to utter a word seeing the expression on her face – and as if Mai realized that she revealing too much of herself to me, a scowl painted her pretty face.

           “Remember, Yue,” Mai whispered breathlessly. “If you really love Zuko – want the best for him. You know what to do.”

           She whipped her gaze away from mine, sprinting off into the greenery around us – and there I sat – forced to bask in Mai’s words in a pile of mud.

           Sitting alone, with nothing but the sounds of trees rustling, birds chirping, flames crackling I found my eyes fluttering shut. An endless pit of loneliness emerging from deep within.

           My fingers dug into the filth as I cried because I knew what I have to do.

              “Does my baby want some attention?”

           “Maybe…” I giggled, smiling naughtily as I let my hands play with the ends of Zuko’s hair. My legs were wrapped perfectly around Zuko’s waist, currently straddling him as he rested on the couch in our bedroom – in his reading corner.

           I could hear the book he was reading shut with a soft thud from behind me, tossing the novel onto the coffee table with all the other stories I stocked. Stories I knew Zuko would love to read during his spare time.

           Feeling his warm hands caress my hips, running up my back before finally falling on my jaw had my skin tingling. Butterflies in my stomach as I enjoyed his tender touches. The whole time Zuko bore a soft smile, his eyes in a dreamy daze as he studied my figure up and down.

           “You’re beautiful, you know that…” he mumbled under his breath, and I blushed at his words.

           He continued letting his fingers roam, thumb brushing my lips, rubbing my cheeks, and I couldn’t help but purr like a kitten. How I loved this. Zuko always took his time, never rushing, each touch, each caress, done with a particular intent.

           I didn’t even notice my eyes had fluttered shut until I heard Zuko’s deep chuckle once again, cheeks turning a dark hue of red. “S-sorry.” I blurted, realizing I was practically leaned into Zuko, our noses touching. But Zuko merely grinned, shaking his head, “You're needy.”

           “Just one kiss?” I pouted, and I saw the way Zuko rolled his eyes – trying his hardest to seem indifferent to the idea. But I still saw the way he licked his lips in delight, his eyes settling over my own.

           “What if I want two kisses, love?” Zuko teased, and I smiled, “Then I’ll give you three.”

           “And if I want four?”

           “Then you’ll get five.”

           “How about…a hundred kisses?”

           “Then you’ll get a hundred and one kisses.” I smugly retorted, and Zuko laughed.

           His chest rumbled underneath me, eyes squinting in delight at my silliness. His laugh was contagious, unable to stop my giggles from tumbling, our cheerfulness mixing.

           I’m so happy-

           “Yue, let me put a bandage on your cheek. It should heal within a day or two.” Katara hummed softly, leaning over my figure with outstretched fingers – pulling me out of my fantasy.

           Her touch was gentle, the stickiness of the bandage causing a slight itch on my skin where it stuck, reminding me of the dressing I had to wear on my jaw for a bit. “Thank you…” I muttered out tiredly, running a hand through my chaotic hair.

           I could hear the ruckus happening outside in the gardens through the opened window, already imagining everyone turning over every single pebble in that garden for any traces or clues. ‘Mai had all her shit packed, she was going to leave tonight,’ Sokka said before leaving Zuko’s study to help the others.

           A tired groan left my lips, rolling my head side to side to ease the tension in my shoulders. My eyes struggled to stay open, wanting nothing more but to slide into my warm bed, Zuko hugging me from behind-

           “Hey, did you ever find out what the Earth King wrote that was so important for Zuko to read?” Katara asked, catching my attention.

           My tired eyes opened a bit more, trying to appear alert as I saw the olive-green document in Katara’s hands. I shook my head, leaning over to take the neatly pre-opened envelope from her touch. Zuko never finished reading this letter; he decided to take me out for dinner instead.

           “I figured you would’ve read it; it seemed urgent,” Katara added.

           “You’re right; I should probably give it a read…” I whispered, letting the paper fall on my lap as I propped against the desk. A silence fell over us, both us trying to wrap our heads around what was happening.

           Mai set up the whole thing, and I saw the way the news hurt the team.

           They all looked wounded, their greatest fears coming alive. They knew Mai was the snitch, but seeing her running away, actually admitting guilt, was rubbing salt in the wound at this point. Why would you do this, Mai?

           Everyone says this is unlike you, yet here you are, doing exactly what you wouldn’t ever do.

           “Um, do you want to visit Zuko?” Katara said again, almost rushed, trying to fill the void with some sound. My body stiffened at the mention of Zuko, looking up at Katara like a lost child.

           “I-I-”

           “You haven’t seen him all day. I know it must be hard for you.”

           “I-It’s fine; I’ll-I’ll visit him tomorrow.” I blurted, shaking my head as I pushed myself off the table. I let my fingers play with the edges of the envelope in my hands, trying to look busy and distract myself from Mai’s haunting words.

           Zuko doesn’t love me anymore…

           She’s just trying to mess with you, Yue.

           But Mai has known Zuko her whole life. She probably knows Zuko better than I will ever. I’m an idiot for thinking that I was actually important-

           “You can visit Zuko now, Yue. I know you want to-”

           “I’m fine, Katara. I-” I stilled, no longer playing with the green folder in my hands to distract myself from my dark thoughts. Feeling the paper slide between my hands, grazing the Earth Nation wax seal jogged a whole new can of worms into my mind.

           My eyes widened, feeling my skin crawl- “Shit, I forgot! I have a meeting!” I gasped.

           My gut dropped, letting out a worn-out whine as I ran a hand through my hair.

           I looked out the window, noticing that the sun was starting to hide behind the tree-line, the moon ready to make an appearance in due time. But that means it must have started already, and now I’m going to be late, again.

           And that grumpy man is going to use that against me and say how useless I am and-

           “Yue. You can’t be serious?” Katara exclaimed, watching me bolt upwards and towards the study. I gave a mental thanks to the guard from early in the day, realizing he cleaned the desk despite me leaving the way I did. I need to thank him-

           “Ying Yue,” Katara growled, her hand yanking my shoulder back.

           I jumped at the aggressive shove, forcing me to face Katara. Her face was warped with fury, watching me as if I had eight heads. “What about Zuko?” Katara breathed, emphasizing each word.

           “What about him, Katara?” I snapped, swinging the documents in my hands into the air. “He’s out cold, because of me. Everything that happened today is because of me. Everything. The reason why Zuko almost died, the reason all this drama is happening, the reason why Zuko is drowning with all this council bullshit every day - it all leads back to me!” I cried in frustration.

           Katara’s face softened immediately, trying to reach forward to cradle me, but I stepped back. “You’re punishing yourself-” Katara realized, and I swallowed back a sob. “No, I’m doing Zuko a favour. He doesn’t want to see me, Katara. How could he after everything I’ve done?” I cried, pushing the folder tightly to my chest.

           Katara shook her head, her own eyes tearing, “Yue, Zuko loves you-”

           “Zuko loved me. Just-just drop it; I need to go.”

           “Yue, forget about the meeting-”

           “I can’t, Katara! It’s the only thing going somewhat right – the only thing I can give to Zuko when he wakes up. The least I could do for him.”

           “Yue-” I walked forward, the office door opening wide as I dashed out of the room.

           I ignored the cries of Katara behind me, blood rushing in my ears as I stormed down the hallway. The documents in my hands were crumbling under my death grip, furiously wiping the tears on my cheeks.

           This is the only thing I could do for Zuko – the only thing I managed to get right.

           The guards up ahead, safeguarding the throne room, saw my approaching figure, looks of disbelief etched into their faces. “Imperial Consort – the meeting was set almost an hour ago-”

           “Are they still in there, waiting?” I asked, and I saw the way the guard took in my appearance, mud stuck in my hair.

           “Y-yes-” they stuttered, and I nodded, “Good.”

           Not bothering to wait for the guards to open the door for me, I stormed inside.

           The doors swung open, slamming against the walls and catching the attention of the council in seconds. They all stood tall, eyes wide as they took in my appearance. “Oh my- Imperial Consort, are you alright?” A councilmember gulped in shock, and I ignored their inquiry, my eyes meeting that asshole.

           His face was stern, kissing his teeth as he studied my figure up and down in disgust. “You’re almost an hour late – and you come in looking like that.” He laughed bitterly; his two stupid minions amused by his joke. The councilmembers all shut their mouths, noticing the annoyance in my posture.

           “How about you take a seat, Imperial Consort?” A member politely suggested, and I shook my head, forcing myself to smile at them.

           “I’m perfectly fine because I plan on making this meeting short. Increase of funding – denied.”

           The man's eyes widen at my statement, crashing his hands on the table. For a moment, I thought he was going to jump over the counter, lunging at my throat. “Bullshit. Why is it denied, you know Fire Lord Zuko approved of the documents previous years, you saw his signature-”

           “No. What I saw was three councilmembers manipulating and falsifying classified documents to trick myself, and the council, to believing that Fire Lord Zuko approved of such funding.”

           The colour drained from their faces, but more importantly, the grumpy man who started all of this.

           His mouth opened and closed, unable to utter a word in response, and the rest of the members looked at them in horror. I raised the papers in the air, tossing them onto the table, seeing the documents glide into messy piles.

           “What’s wrong, you thought that because I’m Imperial Consort that I just have to sleep with Fire Lord Zuko, like some glorified concubine? That I don’t have a backbone? A mind of my own?” I spat, and I saw the bead of sweat build on his brow.

           “Only a concubine would speak with such vulgar language.” He scowled.

           “Maybe so, but it seems to be the only way for your small brain to understand. Which leads me to my next point - you, and your accomplices, will be charged with treason.”

           “Y-you have no evidence-” I rolled my eyes, hands falling over my hips, “You sure about that? Because I currently have eight others who can vouch for me. So, let the real joy of this situation come to light.”

           Out of the corner of my eye, I saw smug smiles on everyone's faces, hearing me put these fools in their place. But more importantly, I noticed that warm smile on Ming’s face, a smile filled with pride.

           My back straightened, holding the Earth Nation document to my chest, “You were so eager to get rid of me. But you will not lose your roles as councilmembers until Fire Lord Zuko comes in power once again. So rather than waking up tomorrow, eager for Fire Lord Zuko to awake – you’re going to wish he doesn’t. Because as long as I’m in this position, you still have your job – you’re going to want me to be in charge from this point on.”

           All the didn’t bother trying to hide their growing grins, watching as three of the most hated members get scolded like school children – stripped of all power and authority.

           I raised my head high, clearing my throat, “Now that’s settled, meetings dismissed.”

           Turning on my heel, trying to look as confident as I possibly could with twigs in my hair, dress ripped in half and covered in mud and ink, I walked out of that room with my chin up. I could hear chairs being pushed back at my words, my lips tugging upwards.

           A few claps could be heard from behind me as I made my way out, and a tired laugh left me. The guards before me amusingly opened the door, sporting prideful grins as the light from the grand hallway flooded my vision.

           And the moment I stepped outside, ready to celebrate my victory – tears streamed down my face.

           I kept on marching forward, my sobs growing in intensity, eyes blood-shot as my shoulders shook every time I tried to hold back another cry. I couldn’t stop it, the way my legs wobbled, a hand covering my mouth to muffle the small whimpers that left my lips as I ran towards my bedroom.

           I hope I made Zuko proud for once.

           I hope that when Zuko wakes up, he smiles at me. I want him to hug me, pepper kisses all over my face, saying how well I did.

           But no matter what.

           Above all things - “I just want to keep you safe, make you happy.” I cried into my hands, “even if its not with me.”

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

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[triptychexe]

TITLE: Sunday SUMMARY: Sora and Fin’s weekend continues with a painting session at the boy’s dorm. Fin is more endearing than Sora thought.  GENRE: Budding friendship, budding romance, a wee bit of angst? PAIRING: SoKi (Sora x Fin), some Platonic!Solra (Sol + Sora) at the end WORD COUNT: 2.1k WARNINGS: swearing, some innuendos, mentions of poor mental health, mentions of bongs. If you think anything else deserves a warning, let me know! :) 

A/N: Almost every line or thought by Sora was written by miss Kara! Thank you Kara for working with me <3 i cant wait to work on more soki stuff w/ you :)))! Find Sora and more works by Kara at @cube-vivid​! 

SPRING 2019

Fin let out a groan as he re-entered his room. Day had left his dirty laundry on the floor, right where Fin had just vacuumed in preparation for Sora’s visit. 

“Myungdae!” Fin stood in the doorway of his room, his voice carrying down the hall. “You left your clothes on the floor!” 

Day’s bleached head poked out from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. The vocalist gave his friend a sly smirk. “Oh yeah, I almost forgot. You’re bringing a girl over.” 

At the buzzword ‘girl’, Kit’s head perked up from the living room couch, momentarily forgetting his video game.

“You have a girlfriend?” Kit asked in amazement, as if he couldn’t believe his ears. Fin rolled his eyes. 

“No. Lee Sora is coming over to paint.” 

“Right… paint.” Day arched his eyebrows and gave a few air quotes with his pointer and middle fingers. “What kind of painting will you two be doing, huh?” 

Kit let out a snort at the crude innuendo, but the joke seemed to have gone over Hyunki’s head.

“Probably abstract.” Hyunki said simply. The honest response sent his two group mates in a fit of laughter. The two were cackling so loud that they almost drowned out the noise of someone knocking on their door. Kit’s eyes widened as he gathered his things up and bolted to his room, one hand clamped over his mouth to prevent him from laughing out loud. Day’s mouth formed a perfect ‘o’ in surprise, a mischievous smile on his lips. “Go get changed!” Hyunki hissed, making his way to the door. “Only if you promise to keep your clothes on.” Day shot back. Hyunki’s eyes widened at the scandalous comment.

Before he could scold at Day, knuckles wrapped on the door again. Day sniggered before closing the bathroom door again. Hyunki hurried over to the door, opening it to reveal Sora. 

Sora seemed to be in a better mood today. She was rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet, a small smile stretched on her face. 

“Hey.” Sora greeted. “Hey,” Fin smiled back, something about seeing Sora smile made his palms kinda sweaty and heart pick up. 

“So are you gonna let me in or are we just gonna chill out here?” Sora teased, taking Hyunki out of his trance and bringing him back to reality. 

He could feel his entire body flush as he hurriedly stepped aside. “Sorry, come on in.” 

They walked through the now-empty living room to the balcony that was connected to the dorm. Outside, Fin had already set up their blank canvases and paint supplies. He even set a pitcher of homemade lemonade, some snacks, and a radio on a fold-out side table for them. Sora smiled at the layout in front of her.

“I should have brought snacks too, shit, sorry.” Sora apologized pouting absentmindedly. “Ah, don’t be sorry.” Fin shook his head, sitting criss-cross in front of one of the canvases. He was about to pat the spot next to him when he realized something. 

“Oh, wait!” Fin exclaimed, rising to his feet. “You’re gonna want to protect your clothes.” Sora looked down at her outfit. She looked good, even Fin could admit that. She wasn’t wearing anything practically revealing or typically sexy. Her outfit was all black and oversized, the graphic tee she’d tied up to be cropped and chains she wore grabbed Fins attention. The look was streetwear, but he could tell it was more expensive than the casual look appeared. Sora seemed slightly embarrassed looking down awkwardly. 

“Do I look so good it’s distracting you?”

Fin froze at that not really knowing how to reply. His mouth flipped open repeatedly as Sora fought off her smile watching how easily flustered she could make him. 

“I’m joking Hyunki,”

 Fin let out a breath at that nodding slowly as his eyes shifted around the room refusing to look her in the eyes anymore. 

“I should have worn something more chill, huh?” She said in a teasing self-deprecating tone. “No worries, you can borrow some of my old painting overalls.” Fin shrugged, tilting his head towards the sliding door. The two re-entered the living room and into Fin’s bedroom.

“Damn, I should come in here more often .” Sora commented with a chuckle when she stepped through the threshold. Her eyes fixed on the wall display of various bongs. Fin followed her gaze and let out a laugh. “Oh, those are Myungdae’s. A pastime of his.” Fin chuckled before hesitating. “Uh, just don’t tell anyone that we own those.” 

“Own any what?” Sora jokes. She played dumb, a lopsided smirk crossing over her face as she tilted her head to the side. Hyunki nodded appreciatively, giving Sora a knowing wink before dipping into his drawers, searching for some overalls. When he straightened up again, he was holding a beat-up pair of white painter’s overalls. 

“Here.” Hyunki handed them over, a smile on his face. Sora took them, sliding her chunky sneakers  through the baggy pant legs with minimal struggle. As soon as she straightened up, the chest of the overalls sagged towards her stomach, exposing her shirt.

“Oh, lemme adjust that.” Hyunki offered, stepping forward to adjust the straps for her. Sora knew he didn’t mean to be as close as he was but she also didn’t mean to get so flustered by it either. If Fin was any other boy, Sora wouldn't be surprised if he used their close proximity to his advantage and made a move on her. He was at perfect distance to grab her hips roughly and kiss her. It was what she expected. What she didn’t expect was how Hyunki’s fingertips delicately maneuvered over her shoulders, barely touching her. Sora looked up at Hyunki in an effort to better understand him and his intentions, surely this was a move that she was not picking up on. But all she saw was Hyunki’s brows furrowed in innocent concentration as he slid the buckle back a few inches. 

“There.” Hyunki finally sighed. He looked down at Sora, a smile returning to his face. “Ready?” 

The two exited the bedroom, heading back to the patio. Fin sat cross legged in front of a blank canvas, gesturing for Sora to do the same. She cautiously sat down, picking the canvas up. The material felt awkward in her hands, as if the inanimate object knew she didn’t know what she was doing.

Her expression must have been apprehensive, because Hyunki let out a chuckle.

“You look like it’s going to bite you.” Fin teased. He nudged a box full of paint brushes and tubes of paint towards her. “Don’t think about it too much, just go with the flow.” 

“Go with the flow…” Sora repeated to herself under her breath. She picked up a plastic palette and a tube of paint, selecting a yellow color. 

The two sat peacefully, listening to some music and sipping lemonade as they painted. Beside her, Hyunki broke the silence by letting out a huff under his breath, running a hand through his messy hair. 

“What?” Sora asked. Hyunki flipped his canvas around for her to see. On the canvas in front of her were two angels, clearly modeled after Raphael’s Angels. Even though Sora thought Fin’s art was beautiful, his displeased expression told her that he wasn’t satisfied.

“What’s wrong with it?” Sora furrowed her eyebrows, not understanding the issue at hand.

Fin pointed to the complete angel, sighing. “I feel like I got the face wrong. They look like… like…” 

While Fin searched for the correct comparison, Sora felt her cheeks heat up and her heart flip slightly . She knew exactly who the angel looked like, she’d seen that face every day since she was born. It was all she saw when she looked in the mirror.

“They look like me.” 

Hyunki froze, his eyes widening. He looked between his canvas and Sora, cursing under his breath.

“Shit, I’m so sorry.” Hyunki flushed, looking as if he wanted the Earth to swallow him whole. 

“No, no,” Sora shrugged. “No one’s ever painted me before, even by accident.” 

Hyunki gave her a skeptical look, as if he didn’t believe that. He flipped his painting back around and sighed. “Do you want to take this home with you?” Hyunki asked. “I think Sol will kill me if I have a painting of not-you in my possession. And The other members might tease me until I die.” 

Sora laughed at the mental image of Sol finding that painting, nodding her head. “Sol is so protective it’s so stupid. But I’ll keep it, how many people can say they have a pretty painting. I can't wait to rub it in the girls faces, they’re gonna be so jealous.” 

“Great.” Hyunki grinned, blushing slightly at the subtle compliment . 

By the time they had finished, the sun was setting over Seoul, covering the sky in a purple and pink hue. 

“Time flies, huh?” Hyunki looked out over the city skyline ahead of them while holding his hand out for Sora to take. Sora hesitated, but took his hand to help herself up. She looked out over the city too. “Yeah…” She responded. 

The idol was so used to seeing Seoul that the city had lost its sparkle. It was just a mesh of concrete and scattered trees in her eyes but the way Hyunki was observing it made her realize that he wasn’t seeing what she was seeing. When Sora looked at Seoul she saw a city she could never escape, that just reminded her of everything wrong in her life. But Hyunki saw pure art. 

“Isn’t it pretty,” he said barely audibly. A pang went through her chest as Sora realized that it’s been so long since she’s been able to appreciate the beauty of the mundane. She would pay anything to see things like Fin. He seemed so carefree and content. Maybe if she stuck around long enough, Fin and all his multicolored thoughts would rub off on her. There’s nothing she wanted more than for that to be true.

Knuckles rapped on the glass door behind them. Sora jumped, Fin turned around lazily, as if he didn’t appreciate his thoughts being interrupted. The doors slid open, and Soonyoung stuck his head out.

“Hey guys,” He greeted. “I’m home.” ”Welcome back asshole, no one missed you .” Sora grinned, coming over to hug Soonyoung. Sol put his hands up, gesturing to the half-dry paint on her overalls. “How about air hugs?” Soonyoung chuckled. “These clothes belong to HBH.” 

“How was your weekend?” Fin asked, already cleaning up their painting supplies. “It was… a weekend.” Soonyoung responded vaguely, exhaustion etched into his words. Sora pursed her lips. She wanted to ask more questions, but she knew Soonyoung. Getting anything out of him would be like pulling teeth.

“I see you guys kept busy.” Soonyoung nodded his head towards the canvases. Fin nodded, scooping up Sora’s half-dried work. “Look at what Sora made.” Fin said proudly, as if he was the one who created it. “She’s a natural.” 

“Shut up,” Sora rolled her eyes, her cheeks glowing a light pink color, her arm reaching out to swipe the canvas out of Hyunki’s hands. “Or what?” Fin taunted, pulling the canvas out of Sora’s reach. Sora involuntarily mirrored the playful smirk on Fin’s lips. 

Sora leaned down to dip her pointer finger in white paint before launching forward and swiping a streak of white on Fin’s cheek. Fin laughed, turning away and wiping his face.

“Alright, alright, no paint wars please.” Sol intervened. “Sora, are you staying the night?”

Sora shook her head, wiping her finger on her pant leg.  “I actually should probably get back to my dorm before Dayna loses it. I didn’t think I’d stay this late.” 

“Do you want us to walk you to the train station?” Fin offered sweetly. 

Sora shook her head. “I’ll be fine, here,” Sora started to take off the overalls, but Fin waved a hand.

“Keep them for next time.” He said.

“So there’s gonna be a next time?” Sora said cheekily hoping it overpowered the slight nerves the statement created. Butterflies started swarming in her stomach at the idea of seeing Fin again. She cringed at the sensation.

Fin didn’t even think twice before saying a soft “Of course.”

Sol coughed to cover up a laugh. He could see right through her, no doubt.

Fin and Sol walked Sora to the door before saying goodnight. Once the door closed, Sol turned to Fin, a smirk on his lips.

“Please tell me you guys didn’t fuck.” Sol teased.

Hyunki furrowed his eyebrows. “What? No. No way. We were just painting.” 

“Uh-huh. So the ‘next time’ comment wasn’t a follow up date invitation?” Sol pressed, the corners of his mouth twitching into a grin.

“No… This wasn’t even a date so how could there be a follow up one ?” Fin looked completely baffled. 

Sol’s smile faded as he looked at his friend with a look of mortified awe. “You’re an idiot. An actual fucking idiot.” 

#kocsociety #kumokocnet #aeskocnet #additional member #kpop oc #fake kpop idol #kpop addition #idol oc #fake kpop group #fin.txt #sol.txt

[zanniscaramouche]

Ask for Writers - Zanni - 3/8

◈ what is the easiest part of your writing process and the most difficult?

easiest is.. most of it. Outlining is an absolute joy, writing when the words are flowing is pretty magical, and posting the fic is like Christmas morning every time! 

Hardest is the ending(writing the resolutions) and self revisions. I always fall asleep reading my own work… hopefully that doesn’t say too much about my writing... 

◈ how do you come up with original characters?

Generally I don’t. Yikes! Sorry. 

I do modify the boys quite heavily for each fic, making them suitable for the world and their backstories, but I try to stick a few key characteristics from their real-life iterations to keep them familiar to the audience. 

◈ what is your favourite and least favourite word?

currently loving deign and gossamer, hating asphalt and linoleum. Don’t get me started on moist. 

◈ what is one thing about your writing that you’re really proud of and one thing you hope to continue working at?

Painting vivid pictures with my words. I get a lot compliments on it that have reassured me all the hard work I put into regaining my purple pros and imagery after years of script work (that doesn’t allow any of that) have paid off! It’s immensely gratifying as someone with a very visual-based mind to know I can communicate those mental images of mine in an eloquent way ♡

Still working on making my character voices unique and distinct. I do take a lot of my own voice into the narration, so I’d love to get more into creating specific narrative styles -sentence structures, vocabularies, tones- for my characters so they really pop and feel like the story is truly coming from them. 

◈ what work of yours has your favourite ‘verse/world building? how did you come up with it?

Things I Used to Feel was the most fun I’ve had in awhile making up a ‘verse! It’s based on a prompt that was floating around during Halloween that @mercurial-madhouse and @risthebrave encouraged me to take on. I wrote it super quickly without much planning, very different from my norm! It was a lot of fun to stretch into something that strayed far from the realm of plausibility and try out a super stylised narration style. 

On the Edge also was a lot of fun because it’s set in my favourite place on earth sooo... very indulgent haha! (Whistler Village, 🇨🇦) 

Asks for Writers - Zanni - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 tagged by @soldouthaz and @theisolatedlily

#ask for writers #zanni thinks #zanni answers #on the edge #things i used to feel

[sheerfreesia007]

Fallin’ All In You (Pt. 45)

Title: Fallin’ All In You (Pt. 45)

Pairing: Agent Whiskey x Reader

Author: @sheerfreesia007​​

Words: 3,392

Warnings: Nightmares, domestic fluff, mention of torture

Tags: @synystersilenceinblacknwhite​, @two-unbeatable-beaters​, @randomness501​, @sevvysaurus​, @paryl​, @fioccodineveautunnale​, @talesfromtheguild​, @secretsihideinside​

Author Notes: Mental health is so very important! Please take care of yourself completely no matter what you’re going through. Feedback is always welcome and appreciated. Thank you for reading!

Gif Credit: Pinterest

           You struggle in the arms of your captors as they forcefully move you over to the chair sat in front of the dingy looking sink. You whimper softly as you try to struggle against their hold again. They harshly move you to sit in the chair and you feel your panic start to overcome you. You’re struggling harder now as they try to man handle you into the position they need you in.

           Mocking laughter is now filling your ears and you watch as Alexi steps from the shadows but he’s not alone this time no this time he’s accompanied by Ginger who smirks evilly at you. You’re gasping softly in shock at Ginger as she glares at you with a cold accusing look.

           “Hold her tighter. We don’t want her to get away.” Ginger says coldly and you shiver before you double your efforts to try and get away. One of your captors places a hand on your forehead and presses it back so that the back of your neck rests against the back of the chair.

           “No please. Don’t.” you whimper out as you see one of them grab a cloth out of the corner of your eye. “No please.”

           “Hold her tightly.” Comes Ginger’s command and you’re whimpering continuously now. The cloth comes over your whole face and you’re plunged into darkness. When the water is poured over you, you begin to choke and shake your head trying to get away. You can feel yourself choking trying to find an escape.

           Your scream is piercing the air and you’re jolting up in bed gasping for air. Your eyes fly around the dark room in panic and suddenly you feel a soft hand on your shoulder and you instantly go into survival mode jerking away from them and throwing your hands up. Pain flourishes in your knee and you’re moaning in pain while your hands flutter to your knee.

           “Easy darlin’. Easy it’s just me.” Jack says softly and hurriedly as he tries to keep his distance to not further agitate you. “I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking. I shouldn’t have touched you.” He says softly. You turn to look at him and see his concerned eyes raking over you. Tears are welling up in your eyes out of frustration and you begin to shake your head. It’s been almost a month now since your capture by the Russians and you’re still having horribly vivid nightmares. Quite frankly you’re frustrated with how slow you’re getting through it. Logically you know it’s going to take you some time to get through this but with how slow you’re going you’re wondering if you ever will get through it.

           “I’m sorry.” You sob softly shaking your head as a hand comes up to cover your mouth as you sob. Jack shakes his head at you trying to reassure you without touching. You turn to him and launch yourself into his bare chest. His arms quickly come around you and hold you close as you sob. “I’m so sorry for waking you. I know you’ve been working late. I’m just so sorry.” You gasp out softly and Jack’s hands come to cup your face.

           “No, no darlin’. There’s no reason for you to be sorry. I wanna be here for you when you have a nightmare.” He says so softly to you as the two of you stare into each other’s eyes. “I’m here. I will always be here for you. Don’t you ever forget that.” He says adamantly as he stares into your eyes. You feel like you’re drowning again but this is different. This is something you want to drown in. His love and concern is swimming in his eyes as he stares at you. “You were tortured for two weeks darlin’. Cut off from everything and everyone. They hurt you so much more than surface value.” He whispers to you as he rests his forehead against yours. “It’s gonna take some time darlin’.”

           “I know. I know that I do. I just feel helpless.” You say sorrowfully and grimace when your right knee twinges in pain. Jack nods his head as he moves over the bed to sit on your right side and moves his hands to your knee. He begins to massage the muscles above and below your knee where the large ugly jagged scar is still healing.

           “That’s normal. Remember your therapist said that there’s gonna be highs and lows. You just gotta tell me about the lows so I can help you through them.” He said softly as he continues to massage your muscles. “I love you and I’m here for you no matter what.”

           “I love you too Jack.” You whisper to him.

           “C’mon darlin’ you wanna try going back to sleep?” he asks softly and you nod your head at him. He moves over you and pauses as he hovers over you pressing a soft kiss to your lips before moving to his side of the bed. You shift and curl into his side as much as your knee will allow and quickly fall into a dreamless asleep.

             The soft thump that sounds off as you walk makes you grimace lightly. The handmade cane that Jack had specially made for you has been your steady companion ever since your knee surgery two months ago. It was pretty dark wood cane that had celtic knots painted up and down the whole cane; Jack had said that when he saw the design it had reminded him of you because of your heritage and you growing up in Boston. You were actually quite proud of yourself for becoming so adept in using the cane. And you had slowly come to terms of having to use it. And it had become useful in more ways than just walking; it was actually a great tool to reach things high up on the shelves in Jack’s ranch.

           That was another thing that had changed for you; Jack had moved you completely into his ranch once you had been discharged from the hospital. You had been a little shocked by his move but when he had explained his reasoning you had agreed to it. Jack had requested to be stationed in Kentucky for the entirety of your recovery so that he could be here to help you through it. Moving you into his ranch had only seemed logical to him since it’d be easier for you maneuver in the large open ranch instead of in your small apartment plus if Jack was going to be here for your recovery he wanted the two of you to be comfortable.

           Moving into the kitchen you began to gather all the ingredients you had planned on making for dinner for you and Jack. He had called a little earlier to let you know that he’d be home within the hour and that he couldn’t wait to come home to you. He had also hinted that he had some news that he needed to talk to you about. When he had mentioned that he had news you had picked up on his annoyance and you had grown anxious over whatever it could be.

           It wasn’t long before you were putting together two plates of delicious smelling turkey meatballs and noodles. You heard the screen opening and closing from the front of the house and smiled softly.

           “It smells delicious in here.” Jack said warmly as he appeared in the doorway of the kitchen.

           “I hope so I made turkey meatballs and noodles.” You said chuckling softly at him. He grinned at you as he moved into the kitchen and crowded you against the counter.

           “I missed you today.” He said softly as he cupped your face and kissed you deeply. You returned the kiss eagerly as your arms wrapped around his neck pulling him closer. You shifted on your feet and jerked back hissing in pain as your knee protested. “Are you alright?” Jack asked softly with concern.

           “Yeah I just moved wrong.” You said sourly knowing that you had just interrupted the mood. Jack shook his head already reading your mood souring as he tilted your head up to look at him.

           “I have a solution for that.” He said easily. You looked at him curiously before he swept you up and onto the counter. He quickly stepped into between your knees and his hands gripped your hips before tugging you closer to him. “How’s that?” he asks lowly against your lips and you smile widely at him.

           “So much better.” You answer before his lips overtake yours in a deep loving kiss. Your hands are tangling in his hair and Jack is groaning into your mouth before he’s pulling away. Your keening for him to come back and he quickly pecks your lips.

           “None of that darlin’. Can’t get too carried away yet. You’re still healing.” He says affectionately and you pout at him making him chuckle softly. He moves back and kisses you breathless before pulling away again. “Better?” he asks softly once he’s pulled away.

           “More.” You gasp out and he shakes his head.

           “I want to but I don’t want you to relapse in your recovery or reinjure yourself.” He admits softly and you concede defeat knowing he was right and you shouldn’t push for more. “C’mon let’s eat, I’m starving.” He said softly and pecked your lips one last time before he helped you down from the counter. He quickly took the two plates from the counter and began walking them to the dining room table while you followed him with your cane.

           Dinner was an easy affair between you and Jack. The two of you easily falling into comfortable conversation while the two of you ate. You talked about work and what shenanigans Tequila was getting up to lately before Jack brought up the news he needed to talk to you about.

           “So Champ has mentioned that I see you’re feeling about returning to light duty in the lab for a few weeks.” Jack said softly as he set his fork down on his plate. He looked at you with a curious look and you felt your whole body tense up instantly. “He wanted to get a feel for how you were feeling on that topic.” Jack explained.

           “I’d be in the lab with Ginger.” You stated softly and Jack nodded his head furrowing his eyebrows. You felt your body tense even further at the mention of former field agent.

           “Yes she’s been demoted back to the head of the lab.” Jack said softly watching you carefully. You were silent for a while as images of Ginger turning her back on you that night you were captured. You hadn’t noticed but your hands clenched into tight fists to the point that Jack laid his own hand over yours to try and ease you.

           “Darlin’?” he asked softly. You looked up at Jack and saw him slowly unclench your fist as he stared at you.

           “Sorry. I just can’t get the image of her leaving me there outta my head.” You said softly as you shook out your hands.

           “Why don’t you tell me about it maybe it’ll help you?” Jack suggested softly.

           “I had overtaken the three Russians. One of the lackeys was first he was easy against my brass knuckles. Then came Alexi he was the biggest one out of the three, the one that Tequila shot when you guys rescued me and Comm10. Once Alexi was down I went to Ginger and subdued the last Russian. As we were walking out of the alley to the parking lot Alexi grabbed me from behind. I silently was pleading with Ginger to not leave me but-“ you explained softly allowing yourself to go back to that memory. “It was like something shifted in her eyes and I knew that she was going to leave me to him. She didn’t care at all about his possibly killing me. She just left.” You could feel yourself getting worked up and began to take deep breaths your nose and letting them out through your mouth slowly.

           Jack waited patiently for you to calm yourself down. He watched you with patient loving eyes as you slowly breathed in and out trying to slowly calm down the feeling of choking from your throat.

           “Jack, I don’t think I could ever work with her again. I would constantly be afraid that she wouldn’t have my back for anything. It wouldn’t be a good working environment.” You said truthfully when you had calmed down.

           “Ok, fair enough. I wouldn’t want you in a place that constantly worked against all the progress you’ve made so far either. I think that’s a fair assessment.” He said honestly and nodded his head. “Alright I’ll let Champ know.” You twisted your fingers together in your lap before looking over to him.

           “Actually I’d like to talk to Champ about my options. I want to know what’s going to happen to my career if I can’t work alongside Ginger ever again.” You said assuredly and watched as Jack’s shone with pride.

           “I love you, you know that right? I can’t tell you how proud of you I am right now.” He said proudly as he leaned over the table and kissed you deeply.

           “I know. But can you come with me? I’d feel more at ease if you were there.” You said candidly and Jack eagerly nodded his head at you.

           “Of course darlin’. Of course I won’t leave your side unless you want me to.” He said smiling softly and wiggling his eyebrows at you. You laughed delightedly at him and shook your head at his teasing joke.

             The next morning you and Jack both got up together and dressed for work. You were adamant in dressing in work attire to have this meeting with Champ. You wanted to look professional during this meeting and it gave you a sense normalcy in this time of recovery and uncertainty.

           When you walked down the halls of the Statesman HQ everyone greeted with a warm welcome and bright smiles. They were all happy to see you again and eagerly said they’d love to catch up when you had free time. When Tequila saw you and Jack in the hall he instantly stopped what he was doing and carefully pulled you into a tight hug being mindful of your knee.

           “I missed you.” He said warmly as he gently set you back on your feet. You smiled affectionately up at him.

           “I missed you too. You should stop by Whiskey’s ranch more when you get the time I’d love the company.” You told him earnestly and Jack groaned softly making the two of you laugh.

           “I’m pretty sure if I did Whiskey here would have a coronary.” Tequila said warmly as he grinned over at the older agent.

           “He’s already everywhere darlin’ does he really need to come back to the ranch?” Jack asked softly and Tequila burst out laughing.

           “I’ll make time to come and pick you up to hang out together how’s that sound?” Tequila compromised and you nodded your head eagerly. You hugged each other one more time before Jack led you to Champ’s office.

           “Curaçao! It’s good to see you up and about girl.” Champ said warmly as you and Jack entered the conference room.

           “It’s good to see you too Champ.” You said easily as he embraced you in a warm hug. “I hope it’s alright that I wanted to come and speak with you.”

           “Of course it is. I’m always up for a visit with you. Now you’re boyfriend not so much.” He teased and you laughed softly as Jack huffed behind you. “Come and sit, we’ll talk about what’s going on with your recovery and everything.” You moved to the table and Jack pulled out your chair for you and smiled over at him thankfully as he helped you get settled before he took a seat next to you. “So tell me how is your recovery going?”

           “The doctor says within the next two weeks I should be good for light duty as long as I keep up with physical therapy.” You answered easily.

           “Good that’s wonderful news. How are you feelings with your therapist?” Champ asked then and you nodded your head easily.

           “I still have some concerns that my therapist and I are working through but they wouldn’t impact my ability to do my job.” You answered matter-of-factly and Champ nodded his head.

           “What you went through was a horrible situation and I want you to make sure that you take care of your mental health as much as your physical health.” Champ said firmly and you nodded your head in agreement.

           “Don’t worry I am. I’ve had experience with therapy so I know the benefits to it.” You assured him easily.

           “Good, that’s good. Now did Whiskey talk to you about coming back to the lab on light duty?” Champ asked softly and you nodded your head. You looked down into your lap where your fingers were twisting furiously together. You could feel your anxiety creeping up and you took in a breath to calm yourself.

           “I don’t think I could ever trust Ginger again Champ. It would impede my ability to work if she was around me. And I know that this throws a wrench into things but I can’t put myself in a place where I can’t trust someone again.” You explained firmly as you looked at Champ. He nodded his head and mused over your answer for a minute while he scratched his chin.

           “Alright.” He said solemnly as he thought. “I don’t want to lose you as a Statesman, you’ve proven to be an excellent agent and an even greater lab technician.” He explained as he stood from his seat and moved to his computer at his desk. He typed on it and looked over the screen before nodding his head. “Now, I’d hate to lose you here in Kentucky but what would you say if there was an open spot in the New York office for a head lab technician?” he asked. Your head shot up to look at him in confusion.

           “Really? I’d ask to be transferred immediately.” You said truthfully and could feel Jack leaning closer to you in anticipation.

           “Then consider it done.” Champ said with a flourish as he pressed a few keys on his keyboard. “I’ve put in a transfer for you for the position effective next month. I do hate seeing you go but I wouldn’t feel right putting you in a position where you couldn’t work effectively or healthily.”

           You stood from your chair and walked over to Champ with your cane and hugged him tightly as you felt relief just take over your body. Champ hugged you back and laughed softly.

           “Now don’t go and make an old man cry girl.” He said softly and you chuckled warmly at him.

           “Thank you Champ. I appreciate this so much.” You said nodding your head.

           “Just make sure you keep this fella in line alright? We’re gonna miss having the two of you here as much.” Champ said as he nodded over to Jack who had stood as well and moved closer to you.

           “Will do Champ.” You said happily before he nodded dismissing you and Jack. You walked out with Jack and he grinned over at you as you smiled widely at the news that you wouldn’t have to give up Statesman. “This is exciting Jack! Now we get to stay together in one state and won’t have to be separate.” You said breathlessly as the many options ran through your head.

           “Breathe darlin’.” Jack said softly as he quickly led you into his office where he pressed you softly against his door and kissed you deeply. When he pulled away you both were panting out breaths.

           “Some way to get me to breathe.” You teased and Jack laughed loudly. He kissed you again and you clutched onto his shoulders trying to get as close to him as possible.

           “I can’t wait to have you with me in New York.” He whispered against your lips and you smiled widely up at him.

           “Me neither.” You said softly and he kissed you once again.

#My writing #fallin' all in you #agent whiskey #agent whiskey x reader #kingsman the golden circle

[kismetintheuniverse]

Leone Abbacchio x Bruno Bucciarati - Just for the moment.

Tw: Mental Breakdowns/Panic Attacks/Flashbacks/Blood, Read with caution. 

Sorry if the formatting is weird :/

Enjoy! Cut due to tws and length.

“Abbacchio! Watch out, he has a gun!”

Leone’s eye’s suddenly snap wide open, filling his static-like vision with an image of his dark room. His entire body is trembling, and he can feel the sweat pooling underneath his body and onto his sheets.

He sits up in his bed, his breath completely erratic and heavy. The words from his dreams echo in his ears.

Those words were the last one’s he had ever heard from his former partner, from when he worked as an officer.

He runs a hand through his long, silver-purple strands of hair, trying to collect his thoughts.

He has to just breathe. He’s in the present now.

He can faintly see the outline of his own legs under the pillow, he can hear the ticking of the clock in his room. All of it comforts him - to an extent - yet he can’t stop the way his body shakes.

Leone tries to catch his breath, clutching at his chest with his free hand.

All he can think about is those last words, what led him to those events. As he thinks about it, he feels like absolute scum.

He had been a cop once, for the city of Naples. He graduated top of his class, right after finishing high school. He had once been bright eyed, full of hope to make Italy a better place.

He quickly learned that his dream wasn’t possible.

Leone had only been protecting the streets for a few months, but he instantly found so many contradictions. He saw how so many criminals got bailed out instantly, and he was under so much pressure from the local civilians.

One day while patrolling, he cracked.

He took a bribe from some thug, figuring he would get bailed out, even if he did lock him up. They both had something to gain from the situation, and he took advantage of it.

“Go around back, I’ll check the front!”

Fuck, the voice is so vivid within his mind.

With shaking hands, Leone reaches across the expanse of darkness, towards the end table at his bed. His hands stutter around clumsily, feeling the objects on the surface. Hair tie, lipstick, phone, wallet, and so on so forth. After a few moments of searching he feels a box, and takes it into his hands.

He leans against the frame of his bed, using his nimbly fingers to open up the box and slide out the contents. It’s a package of pills, specifically the ones for his depression, ptsd, anxiety. All the 'fun' stuff.

He peels away at the foil, using his rather long and painted nails to peel up the stubborn layer. Once he opens it up, he grabs a pill, tossing the other ones to the side lazily.

He hurriedly pops the medicine into his mouth, scrunching his mouth at the horrid taste, but swallowing regardless.

“Hah…” Leone pants, his voice coming out deep and husky, dry from sleeping all night. He can feel the way his chapped lips push together. However, he makes no attempt to move.

The pale moonlight seeps in through his bedroom window, gently illuminating the wall and floor, just enough to see.

“Oh hey…! It’s you!”

Leone grips his head, a painful throb resonating throughout his entire head. He can feel his stomach churning, his ‘dinner’ from last night threatening to leave. (If you can count wine and cigarettes as a meal.)

With great effort, he swings his legs over the side of the bed, rising to his full (and impressive) height. His head spins, and he stumbles forward a bit, trying not to fall flat on his face. His foot brushes against something smooth and cold, which causes him to flinch.

His mind instantly goes to a stand attack, but once he looks down, he finds it’s just an empty beverage bottle. That nightmare has really put him on edge.

He takes slow steps forwards, his arms extended out awkwardly to make sure he doesn’t ram face-first into a wall. He’s never had the best vision at night, his eyes have a rare sort of defect. It causes them to be a weird mixture of purple and yellow, but he doesn’t mind. He barely takes care of his looks beyond hair and makeup. Too much effort.

He finally reaches his door, and he grabs the cold, brass knob, turning it and swinging the door open. The hallway is dark as well, the faint outline of pictures being present on the wall.

It’s completely silent as he makes his way down the hall, except for the faint sound of music playing. He furrows his eyebrows, wondering who could be awake at this hour. (Well he already could rule out a few people, Fugo since he sleeps like a rock and goes to bed early, Narancia because all he listens to is Snoop Dog.) That leaves Mista, Giovanna, and Bruno. He figures Bruno is the most likely to be up.

He doesn’t worry himself with it too much, making it to the stairway and heading downstairs. He's already got too much on his mind.

“You can pretend you never saw this… Right?”

Leone gulps dryly, bringing a hand to the back of his neck and scratching it. His skin feels like it’s crawling everywhere, and it’s driving him insane.

He speeds up his pace, making it through the darkness and into the kitchen. The tile feels cold and smooth under his feet - it’s a weird sensation. Either way, he makes towards the counters, reaching up top into the cabinets.

Swinging the cabinet door open, he feels around for a glass, and eventually settles on what could seemingly be one. He pulls it out and flips it in his hand, shuffling over to the sink.

Usually he’d rather have filtered water from a bottle, but he doesn’t have much of a choice. He feels for the handles and turns the cold side on, hastily sticking it under the faucet. The noise of the water running is rather loud but he can't be bothered to care.

He takes a long sip of the water, his dry throat instantly feeling some relief. The dark part of his mind screams that he doesn't deserve the drink. He tries to ignore but it swarms towards the front of his head, making him feel even shittier.

“It’ll be our secret, c-come on, man!”

His stomach twists into knots, and all he can do is force down another drink of his water. It’d sure be nice if his medication kicked in.

He sits down the glass clumsily on the counter, propping his arms against the edge of the sink and leaning forward. He closes his eyes, inhaling deeply through his nose. Though - no matter how hard he breathes - he can’t get that metallic stench out of his nose. He can still feel that warm, sticky, crimson liquid splatter onto his chest and face, everywhere. It feels like he's choking on his own thoughts, and he hates it. He just wants it to stop.

“Abbacchio!”

“Abbacchio?”

Leone nearly jumps out of his skin, his eyes snapping open his stand energy flowing from him freely. Though, through the darkness, he can see Bruno in front of him, wrapped in a robe and holding something in his hand. “Watch out, he has a gun!”

He grabs his head, trying to mask it by running his hands through his hair and pushing it back.

“What're you doing up, Capo?” He questions, his voice gritty and sounding a bit irritated. He hates himself even more. The figure of Bruno takes a few steps back, his hand running along the wall.

The lights flicker on. He’s able to see Bruno fully, his messy hair, coffee mug in his hand, everything. Even the dark circles underneath his eyes, which concerns him. He'd question him if he weren't currently drowning in self-pity.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Bruno replies suspiciously, narrowing his eyes slowly. Leone reaches back and grabs his cup from the counter, shakily bringing it to his lips. God, he needs to get it together.

“Hard time sleeping,” He mumbles, each word feeling like it’s sticking to the back of his throat. He hated feeling weak, and right now, he was feeling more vulnerable than ever. Bruno takes a few steps forward, as slowly as a snail. He seemed weary and concerned, which just made Leone feel worse.

“You’re shaking terribly,” Bruno points out after a deafening moment of stillness and silence. He was right, Leone was having a hard time even standing on his feet.

“I’ll tell e-everyone what you did!”

Leone chokes on air, squeezing his eyes shut and shaking his head from side to side. It was all his fault. He put this suffering upon himself, and he deserved it.

“I’m fine,” He growls out, lowering his head. Bruno shouldn’t have to worry about him, he’s an adult! He already has the brats to deal with. He shouldn't have to deal with a grown mans problems. God, how pathetic.

“No, you’re not, talk to me,” Bruno demands, the tone in his voice taking up that maternal sound. He keeps his eyes closed, he knew if he opened them up, he would fall apart at the seams.

“I told you I’m fine!” He shouts, his voice coming out louder than intended. He grabs his head, feeling it throb painfully. Wow, he managed to make his headache even worse. Why can’t he do anything right?

“Leone,” Bruno uses his first name, and before he can even process it, there’s a gentle hand laying on his shoulder.

“Watch out!”

The taller male breaks, jerking himself away from Bruno, letting out a dry sob; all with his eyes closed. He doesn’t want to be touched. Not on his shoulder. Not where he had been pulled out of the way, a life for a life. He leans backwards against the counter, covering his eyes with his forearm. He can feel tears pricking at his eyes, and it stings like a bitch.

“L-Leone,” Bruno stutters out, sounding a bit astonished. His breathing picks up in speed. Great, now he’s worried. That’s all he ever is, a worry, a nuisance. He hates this feeling. Why aren’t his pills working by now?

“Please, breathe, it’s alright,” The ravenette places both his hands on Leone’s shoulders. He can’t help but break even more, a single tear rolling down his pale cheek.

“Leo,” Bruno’s tone softens into something he’s only heard a few times before. The tone he uses to calm Mista from his tetraphobia induced panic attacks, when Narancia gets nightmares, when Fugo goes into his bouts of rage, when Trish feels weak and upset. If he opened his eyes, he knew the look Bruno would have on his face.

“I-” He cuts himself off with a dry sob, his chest heaving up and down for air. “I said I-I'm fine,” He states, yet the weakness of his voice and tears running down his cheeks say otherwise. He aggressively wipes away the tears at his eyes, letting out a few coughs.

He keeps his eyes screwed shut tight, and he can hear light footsteps approach him. Within seconds, he feels a warm pair of arms wrap around him, despite his arm over his face. He slowly removes it, body still shaking and chest heaving.

He can’t see much - not through his bleary and teary eyes. However, the feeling of Bruno’s warmth soothed him to an extent. He slowly returns the hug, sniffling quietly and resting his head next to Bruno’s. He doesn’t want to let go - he feels like he might float away if he does.

“Breathe,” Bruno mummers softly, rocking back and forth gently on his feet. If he weren’t so upset - he would have chuckled at the way the ravenette is treating him like a child. He tries his best to breathe, but he ends up exhaling and coughing hard.

“Hey, take it easy,” Bruno says, leaning away from the hug to presumably take a look at his face. However, Leone pulls him back with his trembling arms, letting out a quiet sob. A few more tears build within his eyes. God, he feels so useless, clinging to his Capo like some kind of kid. He’s older than him for god’s sake!

“Come on, you have to just breathe,” The ravenette insists, exaggerating his own breathing to give him a guide. “I’m here,” Bruno reassures, patting his back and rubbing circles on it. Leone feels better at this, some of his tears subdued. Still, the guilt pricks at his senses.

He tries to match his breathing with Bruno, this time his coughs calming. He felt like he was suffocating, but he still tried his best, inhaling hard. He leans on him slightly, his eyes feeling so wet and sticky.

“Come on, let’s go sit down,” He hums softly, slowly separating his body from Leone’s. The taller male lets him do so, feeling significantly calmer than before. His entire body still trembles, but his breathing is stable enough for the moment.

Bruno wraps an arm around his shoulder, and Leone gratefully uses the support, the two of them walking in tandem out of the kitchen. He can see clearer, but he relies on his Capo to be his eyes for the moment, closing his eyes.

“Sit down,” Bruno beckons, and he opens his eyes, finding himself in front of the couch. He tenses his eyebrows, slowly sitting down on the couch. He - metaphorically - feels his joints creak. However, the soft material against his body calms him. The couch dips beside him, Bruno joining him and tentatively placing a hand on his knee.

“Now, can you tell me what’s going on?” The Capo speaks softly and with empathy, and Leone has the feeling that Bruno already knew what had shaken him. The white-haired male lets out a long and shaky sigh, lowering his head to the side in embarrassment.

“I… Alessandro,” Leone mumbles gruffly, leaning his head back against the couch and covering his eyes with his forearm. He feels his heart clench painfully just saying his partner's name. He’s gone, and it’s his fault. That was set in stone for him, no matter how much Bruno had told him otherwise.

“Oh, Leone,” Bruno sighs in a sad tone, his hand gently pushing his forearm from his eyes. He doesn’t tear his eyes away from the ceiling, feeling guilty tears build in his eyes again. All he is a disappointment, a burden. He doesn’t want to feel like this, he just wants to feel numb.

“You know it isn’t your fault, right?” Bruno asks rhetorically, leaning his head against Leone’s broad shoulder. “No one blames you. I didn’t know Alessandro personally but, I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to feel like this. He sacrificed his life so you could continue on,” Bruno looks up towards Leone, and can see the tears sliding down his face.

“You don’t know that,” He mumbles as a weak response, his voice scratchy and dry. Instinctively, Bruno reaches out his hand, wiping away Leone’s stray tears with his thumbs. Leone notices the calloused texture of his hand and lets out a low sigh - he’d have to offer him some lotion one day.

“I do,” Bucciarati replies with a bittersweet smile, shaking his head, “I sure do.” Leone doesn’t have to ask to know what he means. He brings his head back down, looking at Bruno's face. It’s full of concern, and a glint of something else.

“I can’t do anything right,” Prying his eyes away from Bruno’s icy blue eyes and dragging a hand down his face. He rubs the bags under his eyes. He’s going to need a lot of concealer later on. He moves his hands away, his lip pulling into a grimace.

“Don’t say that, it’s not true,” Bruno mumbles, his hand wandering down to Leone’s chin. A shiver runs up his spine, and he averts his eyes quickly. It is true, how come Bruno sees it differently? Hell, he should be disgusted with him, but here is, soothing him from his breakdown.

“Look at me,” Bruno demands firmly, gently tugging his chin to where he was basically forced to look at him. Leone’s two-toned eyes land on the icy blue ones in front of him. He can see a lot within his eyes - worry, determination, nostalgia.

He notices something else. Bruno is looking at him like he’s-

“I love you, Leo,” Bruno proclaims, sucking in a long breath of air.

What? He what? Leone blinks a few times in shock. No way.

The two both subconsciously lean forward, neither one daring to take a breath. Leone can’t even believe it’s happening, Bruno said he loves him? He can’t tell if God is cruel for this, or if it’s a miracle.

He doesn’t have time to mull over it. Their faces become inches apart, and Leone’s eyes flutter shut. He feels Bruno’s breath tickle against his face, and before he knows it, their lips connect. It’s so soft, like laying his lips on a warm cloud. He can clearly feel how dry his own lips are. However, he feels so much overwhelming love in the kiss - he hopes he’s also returning that same love.

After only a few moments, they both gently lean away from each other, separating their lips. Leone’s eyes flutter open, and he sees the flushed look on Bruno’s face, his lips pressed into a tight line. Leone returns the expression, his eyebrows tensing and his face turning slightly red. He has wanted to do that for the longest time.

Leone reaches out his hand, grabbing Bruno’s within his own. “Spend your love on someone worthy of it,” He mumbles, looking away, his heart twinging painfully. He really does love Bucciarati, but how could he ever make him happy. Bruno saved his life, that’s a debt he can never repay. Add housing, food, and joy? Yeah.

“Leo, this is not time for your self-deprecating bullshit, hear me?” Bruno suddenly raises his voice, an extremely firm tone. He looks… mad? However, not in the same way he’d get made at enemies on the battlefield - not in the same way he got mad when he lost track of something. It was more of… firm concern? “I don’t care what you say, you’re worth it! Don’t feel like you owe me anything, alright! I’m not going to say it again,” Bruno insists with a finalized tone, giving Leone’s hand a squeeze with each word. Leone was rendered speechless, how in the world could he respond to that?

He knew he couldn’t verbally respond, so instead, he lifts Bruno’s hands to his lips, grazing a soft kiss onto his knuckles.

“Now, you need rest, alright?” Bruno adds in a much softer tone than before, a small smile on his face. Leone rolls his eyes, leaning forward towards Bruno.

“Yeah, whatever,” He mumbles, his free hand reaching out and tucking a loose strand of Bruno’s hair behind his ear. "Sorry for all of this," He adds, chuckling dryly. His eyes felt so heavy from all the tears he had shed, and his head still throbbed painfully. However, Bruno was there, and that's all that matters. For the moment, he'd be fine.

Just for the moment.

#bruno x abbacchio #bruno x leone #character/character #shipping #anime #jojo no kimyou na bouken #jojo's bizarre adventure #jojo #jjba #hurt/comfort #mutual pining #confession #kissing #gay characters #tw #panic attacks #ptsd #depression #mental illness #medication #fanfiction #unedited #no beta read #reblogs appreciated! #abbacchio called leone #abbacchio headcanon #the little thing about his eyes lol

[do-not-careissa]

Hi! I just saw you updated yesterday night and I really wanted to read it but I also really needed to sleep, so... guess what? Someone didn't go to sleep until midnight after finishing your newest masterpiece ^^ first off: I'm glad Fiona is alright (or was by the time I wrote my last comment. I really wanted to reply sooner but life was a hassle and I wanted to do it right and not between one emergency and the next and then I kind of forgot...) (1/?)

(I really hope she is still good and going strong.) I also don't know how sever the whole corona situation is where you live and I hope you still get to go home/are home right now and are as good as possible. And i wanted to thank you again for sharing your writing with us. It's always so good and my imagination is running wild with the pictures you paint with your words. It's jist all so vivid and emotional and beautiful (2/?)

I could practically feel the budding love between Jason and Kyle nd I love how you write them. It's somehoe spot on and still different from their usual relationship... more serious and less love-hate and I absolutely adore it. I also love whatever you are doing with Guy and Hal right now. It's funny and cute and they are on the best way to become some of my favorites (3/?)

(Though you do have a way of making all the characters incredible... relatable if not likable. Even Bruce and the others. Guy and Hal and Carole and Roy and Lian and Kyle and obviously Jason are incredibly lovable and so great, but I also ger Bruce, no matter how mad I am at him... that said, I also wouldn't disagree with some of the GLs and Sapphires having a long, nice talk with him.) And i am really ibterested where you are taking the situarion wuth the red lanterns. (4/?)

Your Batfam chapters always make my heart ache so good and I can't wait to see how they react to Bruce's assumption. And if Bruce puts it together after that idea gets stomped out by the RL oe ifit takes Jason coming back to earth for him to realise what's really going on. On that note I'm also really interestwd in how Jason's official ressurection is going. Also, I'm not 100% sure if the line about Hal's name going on Jason's papers was a joke or not (5/?)

(it probably was and he is going to be ressurected as Jason Todd, ward of Bruce Wayne) but it's really funny to think about Bruce's reaction when Jason's new legal identity would be Hal's son of all people. I can really see Bruce throw hands about that and it would be so funny. That said, I can't wait to see where all of this is going to go. (6/?)

And I'm already looking forward to the next stages of the JayKyle relationship and Jason's relarionships in general and how the hero community is going to react to his return after everything Bruce told them about him (and I absolutely adore how the GLs are having none of his 'Jason is dangerous and unpredictable' bullshit. Like, hell yes! Adopt him! Which reminds me how much I loved their reactions to Kyle's crush. That was easily one the funniest thing I've read in so long, it was great) (7/?)

Coming back to what you said about considering to put Roy in a relationship with Dick: I usually don't really read RoyDick, but I'm also pretty sure you could make me read and enjoy just about anything so I'm going to be totally onboard whether he dates Dick or Kori or Dick and Kori or just stays single. (8/?)

So, last but not least: I'm really happy that you like my reviews because your stories always make me so happy (and your art is gorgeous by the way, I'm parricularly in love with your designs for the Sapphires) and are on their best way to become my new favorite fanfic. I hope you are alright and having a good time and enjoying your art (written and painted) (9/9) (that got a lot this time, I'm really sorry for all these comments '^^)

----

Thank you! I'm actually living in China right now (from the US) so all the additonal Corona stuff has been going on here since way before I returned in February. Biggest thing is just wearing a face mask everywhere. Now I'm just waiting to find out when and where I go back to work. It's giving me time to write and draw at least so no complaints there.

Fiona's still hanging in there, she giving my family something to focus on since almost everything's still closed back home.

For the fics, the Jason and Kyle relationship has definitely been a practice in picking and choosing what works. Countdown being their only actual interaction in the comics as far as I know helps because I don't have to keep looking to a Canon relationship for reference since they basically don't have one. Oh, what's that meme I'm thinking of? It's free real estate. (Tumblr won't let me post images in an answer apparently)

Bruce can be pretty set in his ways so it'll take a bit to realize he's wrong about what kind of Lantern Jason is, especially without proof. And his assumptions tend to leave the family an emotional and mental mess which isn't gonna be good for what's about to happen.

The line about Hal's name on Jason's papers was mostly a joke, though the Lanterns are hoping for it. At the moment Jason doesn't know they're doing the resurrection for him, they basically want it to be like a gift when he returns to Earth. While they want to change the names around to put Hal in there, they'd want Jason's approval before they did that. If he wanted to do it they'd be more than up for a quick change (I'd assume if Roy couldn't get it done Talia's got more than enough contacts to get a guy to deal with it). Man, I don't know if Bruce would even be able to throw hands at that point in the story if that's what they do, he'd just be kinda done, completely hopeless for ever mending his relationship with Jason.

The GLs are quickly becoming some of my favorite characters honestly. They're all so varied in their experiences both as Lanterns and before they were Lanterns (and technically during times between being a Lantern). Reading and researching them for this series is really making me see how much I've been missing out on them and what amazing stories you could tell with them. It also helps, especially in this story, that their GL duties have them leaving Earth so often. Most of the other heroes would become normalized to a lot of the issues going on, with them not being there all the time that normalization doesn't really have a chance to sink in.

Roy's still super up in the air. Kori's coming back so we'll get their interactions but I'm not entirely sure if he or Dick or anyone on Earth is getting a relationship.

Thank you again, I'm really glad you're enjoying everything!😊

[lilithsgayadoptednephew]

Holy Hands

Fandoms: Shall We Date?: Obey Me!   Not Rated Graphic Depictions Of Violence F/M, Other Complete Work

Chapter List

Chapter 32

Even his home was foreign to him now.

Micheal stood in the largest hall of the largest Celestial realm house of worship. He'd been there multiple times a day every single day from the day he was created. It was the closest thing he had to call a home, but it held no joy for him now. No sanctuary.

He only thought of the human. The protective stance over their sister. The wild eyed stare through his. They stood against the ground with the strength and purpose of an oak, and threw the weakness the world forced on them to their feet like a scornful gift to a kneeling beggar.

It was said He created man in His own image. Only now did Michael see the resemblance. And those demons...those vermin of the realms, betrayers of the Father… they dare to corrupt one so holy. One so perfect and complete in their self and their heart.

How could one be so flawed? So inherently pure yet unfathomably corrupted that it draws an angel in like a month to a dangerous flame?

How could He have made someone such as this?

The answer came to him like shock of cold water.

For Michael.

It all made sense, the human was created for him. Michael had served and loved and obeyed the father so closely for so long that the father made someone just for him. Someone to test his faith, and reward him when he was successful in restoring them. Someone so beautiful they were fit for an angel such as himself. Someone he could keep and call his own for the rest of time.

MC was his Father's gift to him.

He was suddenly light-headed. Giddy like a child on Christmas morning. A human just for him, and not just that. A viable king among humans. The most incredible gift, a gift from the Father directly.

Quickly he left the cathedral, he had to tell them the good news. He had to find them and save them so they could finally come home to him. Come home and put his racing mind to rest. No longer would they be in servitude to the underworld, to Lucifer .

They would be in their rightful place, on their knees before him.

0The first priority after Micheal left was making sure Luke was ok. He was burning only a few moments ago, a fall from grace was never pretty after all. But he was gone, dissappeared like ashes on the wind.

They didn't have time to find him.

There were plans to make, people to gather, hideouts to find. They had to get moving, reluctantly, they had to leave Luke to whatever fate he found.

Returning to the Devildom was pointless, if they wanted to disperse the swarm of angels there they first had to address the leader. Michael had fled to the Celestial Realm.

The climb to the Celestial Realm wasn't easy for the demons, and it was even harder for the humans, but Micheal had left the gates open just a crack during his swift retreat. It was a mistake that would be their entrance.

The boys were so overjoyed to be back...it was hard to keep them on track.

Mammon almost never looked where he was walking, always with his head stooped downward to admire the gold paved floors. He held Acacia's hand as he ooh'd and ahh'd all the expensive and ornate decoration around them.

Acacia and MC had to shield their eyes from the sheer white light that permeated the realm. It was probably for the best, some of the things around them were not for human eyes to witness.

Even Lucifer was pulled from focus, his head whipped around and back to get a view of everything he'd missed. MC had never heard him so excited and unabashed as he described every landmark and told stories of his time as a young angel.

"I told each of the cherubs they could commit one sin so they could know to avoid it" he gestured wildly, almost like Acacia as he spoke fondly. "Ever diligent, they all went off to complete their task and I asked them what they did for their sin. They were so ashamed, but I told them they were forgiven and told each one to drink from the holy water. Right there at that fountain."

MC squinted through the light at the direction Lucifer pointed. They could almost make out the very edge of a large structure, but recognizing detail was futile. Lucifer was snickering, actually snickering, as he continued.

"Imagine my surprise when I asked the last Cherubim what sin they'd committed, and they said they'd peed in the holy water .

Acacia almost fell over laughing, who knew Lucifer had funny stories.

MC made a mental note to paint and write some of his stories, they were quite vivid.

Eventually they had to give up sightseeing in favor of finding a place to hide. If they were spotted the punishment would surely be worse than just being banished to the Devildom.

In the end Lucifer decided to contact an old friend.

Knock knock knock

"Hello sorry I'm very–"

"Hello Raphael."

The angel stared up in shock at the friends he'd thought he'd never see again. Raphael was a small man, almost as short as Acacia in fact, slim build that seemed to bend under the weight of the many scrolls he carried. He had long, curly black hair he wore in a low bun and round gold glasses that sat slightly crooked on the bridge of his nose.

"Wha– but I thought...Lucifer?" He asked awestruck.

"Raphael we need a place to stay, we cannot be found." Lucifer placed a hand on the angels door to keep him from shutting it on him. Raphael blinked before shaking his head to clear it.

"Lucifer you know I can't, no one can side with you since your fall." He readjusted the scrolls in his arms, almost dropping multiple. "Please I'm very busy with these medical records, I have to document everything you know." He started backing away from the door but Lucifer just took a step forward.

"I've never known you to turn someone away, it is what is most admirable about you." He pressed. The angel looked physically pained. "Please, I'm not asking you as an old friend, but as a desperate fugitive trying to keep his family safe." He indicated to his brothers, and the two innocent humans.

Rafael closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh, and Lucifer knew he had won.

"Very well...you may rest here." Rafael walked away from the door leaving it open for the brothers and humans to follow.

0Rafael's house turned out not to be a house, but a hospital. An ER to be precise. Even in the large building there was hardly enough space for them to sit down. It was so crowded with patients in need of care. Rafael didn't speak to them for the rest of the day, mostly because he was too busy running from place to place answering call bells and ordering around fellow nurses.

Where Raphael looked small and almost frail when he'd answered the door, he exuded purpose as he fell into his element. Barking orders and bouncing from place to place.

As the night fell over the Celestial Realm the hospital seemed to only become more hectic, and Raphael showed no sign of slowing.

"When is the day done for him?" MC asked Lucifer from the corner of their mouth.

"Oh Raphael doesn't sleep" Lucifer laughed as if it was a silly question.

"What a life" they mumbled as they watched the LPNs buzz around like bees in a hive.

"He wouldn't have it any other way" Lucifer smiled.

By the time they found a place to rest a ways away from the commotion, the night had reached its apex. A familiar softness floated on the air and the distant cooing of an owl could be heard.

MC was getting better at sensing Michaels presence.

"Just show yourself and stop wasting my time" they sighed. Michael appeared from behind one of the sterile white walls of the building, wings still missing.

"Tsk tsk" he said as he approached. "Thinking you can hide right under my nose? MC this is my backyard."

"You gonna turn us in?" They shot back quickly, they knew the answer.

"No...I can't have your demons caught before you denounce them, then you'd be in trouble too and that's just not fair." He circled them as he spoke. "None of this is your fault, MC, this isn't you."

"You don't know who I am." They said matter of factly.

"But that's the beauty of it!" He raised his voice in childlike joy. "I do know the real you! Better than you do, you're but a fledgling after all. Because you were made to belong to me." He pulled a strand of their hair lightly as they spoke, admiring the shade as one might admire the teeth of a dog at a show. They were genuinely thrown by this statement.

"Belong to you?" They said incredulously.

"Yes, it all makes sense.” He closed his eyes as he explained his logic. "You're a test for me, a trial of my faith and my ability to save others." He looked at them far too fondly. "And the reward?" He tilted their chin up and they flinched. "You my Lamb. The scripture tells you to submit yourself to me, as is fitting in the Lord."

MC actually almost puked, they felt bile rise in their throat, but instead of letting it become vomit, they spat onto Michaels shoes. The decorated angel stepped back in shock.

"I will submit to neither, " they said coldly. He glared down at them.

"For now." He said simply "don't be afraid dear, you will understand in due time." With that he left them to their sleep.

#obey me! #obey me fanfic #Holy Hands