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currentfandomkick · 4 years

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Bio! Dad Strange part 12 Waiting for Help

Marinette promised herself that this was a nightmare, that she’d wake up and there wouldnt be a kwami or earrings.

She was wrong.

Her dad compliemented the new studs at breakfast, asking if she got them in Gotham.

“Found them laying around is all.”

Maman told her they’re begining self defense lessons tonight, and to bring the other girls. She didnt point out she already knew how to fight, and made a mentsl note to tell the girls to pretend she was just good at gym, not fighting.

She checked her phone. No message from Tim yet.

“What yout doing?” Tikki—no captor—asked.

Marinette forced a smile, “just checking my messages, that’s all!”

—

Tim looked over his messages. He remembered seeing two alerts on his burner from Harley Before the Arkham Prison Break and its destruction. He couslnt remember from who though... was it a heads up about the outbreak or...

He tried to find it on his laptop, cloning the phone to it ages ago. The data from it was... corrupt?

He didnt like the look of this. It was from Pixie. Teo messages, oen short and one cery, very long.

He managed to get one phrase at the end. His french had to be wrong but it said “they won’t find you”

He tried to call Pixie then. The number was disconnected. He swore.

He’d need to find the RKC somehow and findout where Pixie’s family lived. It sounded like somethinf was wrong, and he didnt know if he could get the old number back.

—

Marinette was dragged into the girl’s room on entering school.

“Marinette, I want you to help me out with Adrien—you’re the type his dad should like.”

Marinette raised an eyebrow at Chloe. She loves her but really?

“Becuase I’m smart?”

“Ew, no, well...” Chloe shook her head. “You design, and you’re good at it. He might listen to you on giving him more free time if it was to snag you as a designer.”

“His dad?” Gabriel Agreste, owner of the brand Gabriel. Hasn’t designed since his wife’s disappearance, and has a hermit problem.

“He owns a fashion brand, and they like new talent.”

Easy to exploit, unaware of industry standards, and less aware of the laws protecting them... that didnt sound good.

“And i’m the key becuase...”

“He’s seen your work before, remember last year at the show?”

He was? She didnt remember it, too busy back stage and throwing classmates into outfits while Chloe did touchups on makeup and threw people on the catwalk.

“Come on, Adrien has bars on his window, please? For me?”

That... paranoid millionaire designer or abusive father, definitely toxic tendencies though. Maybe working on this family would be a good distraction?

“I’ll try, but no guarantees. And you know i’ll use a different name, right?”

“We’re minors Mari, I’d be worried if you didn’t. Now, let’s go say hi to my prince!”

Marinette questioned her sanity once more. But magic butterflies and kwami are a thing.

She just wants to toy with Markov’s emotional intelligence and translator programming. But she needs a cover for that...

—

Flash frowned at the images from the satellite imaging. Either something was off in Paris, one picture showed damage but the one before and after showed no issues, or there was a glitch. Occam’s razor.

“Hey Red, can you check our imaging tech? We had a glitch over Paris!”

He needed to work on his proposal for the JL on intervening with the meta situation in France. No one liked it. Someone pointed out there was polarization of us vs them in France, metas fleeing left and right. From french media reports, it sounded like they were running a campaign to remove metas from France unless they were ‘under the state’s control’ and that. No one liked that.

He hopes he can get Jill out before things get bad. He know’s she can hide,’but how long can she hold out? He doesn't want an answer to that.

He’s going to get her and the others out before it gets that bad.

—

Marinette wanted to throw Kim across the school when she remembered that Kim set off the Big Guy yesterday. She would be a normal meta in hiding if he hadn’t.

Sabrina made a slideshow last night for her to lecture him. Alix is down to tear Kim a new one, and Marinette has no sympathy for him.

The class is quiet when Big Guy comes in.

Marinette gets up, smiling at seeing him and Mylene together now.

“Hey guys, so, how’d it go?”

Big guy and Mylene blushed a bit. Interesting but not definite proof of her suspicions...

“So are you to going to sit together or...”

Mylene nodded, tugging Ivan behind her. Marinette smiled back at her classmates, who were... staring?

“Guys, things happen. Now get back to what you were talking about or get ready for class, okay?”

“Says the Gothamite,” Kim smirked.

“Only during the summer, you know the custody deal as well as I do.”

“Don’t remind me, I have to be deprived of my favorite princess every summer,” Chloe pouted, almost launching herself over Marinette and Sabrina’s desk to throw her arms around Marinette. Almost.

“I like seeing my family?” Marinette didn’t get why everyone made a big deal of it--if she was honest, objectively she did prefer Gotham. More science, metas are out and not hunted, and she has a family happy to help her with whatever that listened to her morals and played by her rules... albeit weirdly and a bit murderous at times.

But then she wouldn’t have her friends and she wasn’t going to give them up anytime soon. Especially since Max would build a tesla coil if she didn’t stop him. and a death ray too, to prove he could.

Sabrina rolled her eyes as Kim flung himself over his desk and pulled Marinette into a hug. “My sister, Gotham can fight me.”

“You would lose,” Max state, cleaning his glasses. (for dramatic affect, obviously Marinette, she heard him snark in her mind) “You can’t even cross the street without almost getting run over.”

Kim blushed as the class laughed. “Shut up--I don’t need to cross streets, just fight.”

“Marinette, has he even gotten close to beating you yet?”

“Nope.”

“A ten year old kicks your butt regularly Kim.”

“She beats everyone that challenges her. It is the law. of Marinette in a fight.”

Adrien stared at her then, “Really?”

Max piped up then, “Out of the 230 matches they’ve had, Kim lost each. As have her challengers in each match.”

“That’s awesome! Do you think you could teach me?”

“As long as we’re not at my house, I don’t see why not.” Good, keep him distracted. “Oh that reminds me, Sabrina, Chloe, Alix, Maman demands you come over to practice too. Remember the rule--”

“You’re not that good in science,” Alix began

“You kind of know how to fight, but not really.” Chloe continued

“And you have never, ever done anything remotely reckless,” Sabrina snickered.

that got a number of laughs out of her group. “Oh shut up, shouldn’t you be grilling Adrien on what color and other thing he’s using from now on?”

That caused the group to light up.

“I almost forgot we haven’t introduced Adrikins to that part our little group!”

“Little?” She heard the cure red head whisper. Yes, she memorized his voice already.... its not weird at all...

“Okay, so I’m yellow and stripes, as you can see,” Chloe gestured to her outfit. “Kim and Alix understand the wonder of my choice, as Kim is red and yellow, while Alix is black and stripes, hers are always her gloves or uses her snake sleeves to pass.”

“I’m purple and argyle, the best pattern,” Sabrina beamed.

“Green and collared shirts, the only way to go,” Max stated.

“Uh, pink or red is me, and a floral pattern is always on me,” Marinette gestured to the flower pattern on her shirt and showed off her coin purse.

“Blue and my hat,” Nino tipped his hat at Adrien as he walked over. “Nino.”

“Adrien, and wow, i don’t know... is my jacket okay?”

“White jacket, when off he’s mad at us then. Pro tip, wearing someone else’s colors or patterns means they’re your favorite,” Nino explained, turning to Marinette. “So Alix is your new favorite with the new studs?”

Marinette moved to hide her earrings.

“Marinette, how could you not tell me your rankings changed!” Sabrina mock-pouted.

“Sweet! I get dibs on Mari’s bed tonight!”

“Alix!”

“I, just, someone told me they’d bring good luck and with what happened over the summer...” and yesterday. “I figured it’d be okay to be a little superstitious--it can’t hurt in this case, right?”

Max shook his head, ready to lecture his la partner until Sabrina and Kim glared. He shut his mouth with a small frown.

“Of course not,” Adrein beamed. “Guessing it was pretty rough?”

“It was... more Gotham chaos than usual, that’s all.” New brother that was dead and is now alive and teenage again, Hero Stalker almost dying and somehow having one of her personal heroes deem her a good soundboard for solving cases that stump him? She didn’t know what to make of it, not really. (yet, Uncle Oswald’s voice rang in her head. You will when the dust settles, until then, keep your cards from view, or end up someone’s lunch.)

“That sucks.” Well, he didn’t try to hug her... yet. She could feel him debating it.

Class began then.

Marinette glanced back at Cute Red Head. She really needed to learn his name soon....

They had gym before lunch. During it, Marinette was told to show the class what can happen if someone is flexible and does the exercises right in a fight..

Kim came after her on the mats. She turned him into her vault, sent hi to ground as she jumped off him, and flipped out her landing for fun.

“I said for normal people Miss Cheng.”

Marinette grinned at their gym teacher. “Very well. Given that we seem to have magic infecting our city, its important for you all to learn how to defend and flee to safe places. Now, today we’ll be going over evacuation procedures...”

During lunch Alya and Lila were dominating a few other classes’ groups, talking about something called the “Ladyblog” and how amazing Ladybug was....

It didn’t sit right with Marinette. Chat was a big help, when he wasn’t getting ahead of himself. She was trained, he wasn’t. Could they be a little nicer to her apparent partner? She get’s she’s good, but she and Chat can be good together, can’t they?

Chloe was about to drag her to her table with Adrien, Nino (when did that happen?) and Sabrina, but she knew Max would follow her. which meant Kim would too--and she wasn’t lecturing Kim in front of Adrien and Chloe about him being jealous of them. that was a recipe for disaster--and she needed to do some recon on Big Guy and what triggered the transformation.

the police actually remembered to encrypt their files on the case, so she had to go the other way.

“I’ll catch up with you guys during class, I think those two,” Marinette pointed to Big Guy and Mylene, currently sitting alone and being avoided, “might need a buffer from the rest of school, Example setting and stuff, right Chloe?”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “I am reserving you in advance for tomorrow.”

She had one day to get Kim’s jealousy under control, great.

“Sure thing! See you later!” Marinette ran off with her lunch and took a seat across from Mylene and Ivan. “Hi, Marinette.”

Big Guy was Ivan apparently. Somehow Marinette managed to ask about how they got together, the poem he wrote yesterday did it. She squealed at that--it was cute, okay?

Kim came over after Marinette. Ivan tensed when he did.

“Hey Marinette--why are you--”

“Why not?”

Kim was silent at that, rubbing the back of his neck. “Uh....”

“Sorry about Kim, he’s dense and i may be regular clumsy, but he’s emotionally clumsy.”

Ivan snorted at that. “Like when you almost dropped three trays of macaroons at the talent show last year?”

Marinette pouted at that. “I caught them all!”

Mylene giggled at that. “I think you’d do well in a circus act with reflexes like that.”

Marinette beamed at that. “Thanks! My Uncle Jerry grew up in one so he sometimes teaches me old tricks. Still haven’t mastered taming a certain monkey...” Marinette raised an eyebrow at Kim.

“I---fine. Ivan, I’m sorry about yesterday, i shouldn’t have made fun of the poem.”

“And?”

“...and your feelings.”

“And.”

“And I should talk my feelings out instead of taking them out on others.”

“and?”

“I,..” Kim frowned, thinking for a moment. “I’m glad you managed to confess, and will work on not acting out when I jealous of someone doing what i want to but won’t.”

“Good Kim.” He still wasn’t getting a macaroon. “Sorry about yesterday.”

Ivan stared at her and Kim. “So, dating or...”

“Ew.”

“Never.”

the pointed at each other. “That’s my brother/sister if my parents have it their way.”

Mylene brightened at that. “Really?”

Marinette nodded, “Kim decided he has all big brother rights too, apparently i’m a human arm rest.”

“You steal my hoodies.”

“It was cold, and unguarded. free game Kimmie.”

Kim shook his head. “this is not over Mari.”

“Is it ever?”

Mylene waved at someone... Alix and Max then--too long for one person.

“Hello.”

“yo, sitting here today?”

Marinette hummed as the pair took their seats. Over the course of the conversation, she found out a few things. 1) Ivan did not remember being Stoneheart. 2) the last thing he remembers is being told to knock by Damocles which only made him angrier at the time 3) a voice talking to him.

while inconclusive, her best guess would be some form of possession with rage as a catalyst for said possession to occur. Possibly just negative emotions, but she didn’t have enough data to support that theory.

Classes began again, this time with Adrien sitting by Nino, Sabrina moved back to Chloe’s side, and Marinette given more room than she needed.

Class was boring. She took the girls home with her while Max followed Kim to his house. Nino said something about babysitting and Adrien looked... sad. Some Huge Guy he called Gorilla picked him up without talking.

Maybe Huge Guy Gorilla is mute, otherwise very rude.

Maman had her handle the front while the girls were taught in the back what to do. and probably mined for information on what happened yesterday.

Marinette checked the Ladyblog and felt sick. She was being called a hero. Her family was not one of heroes---they were vigilantes at best and she knew it. She was a vigilante at best. don’t call me a hero--heroes always disappoint.

Marinette handled the front until closing time. she made dinner with the girls and Maman while Papa finished prep for tomorrow’s pastries.

dinner was normal. The girls kept their own anxieties about what was happening mostly quiet, but Marinette could feel it.

Alix stayed the night, Chloe had ballet and Sabrina needed to feed her hamster since Raincomrpix would be home late.

Marinette checked her messages again. nothing from Tim. She tried texting him while Tikki and Alix were asleep. she wasn’t even on read.

Marinette kept the tears in. He was still mad at her then.... did she doom Paris by lecturing Batman?

no, she just had to wait. Gotham wasn’t always calm. she just needed to wait for it to be calm and he’d see it. The Justice League would come. If not from Tim, then she’d work something out into her messages to Flash. a code.. just one letter in each letter needed to be different enough to notice. it would take time, but she knew he’d notice.

he had to.

she just had to wait. Had to be Marinette Dupain-Cheng in the meantime.

Paris and her just had to be patient.

They would’t abandon her Paris, right?

Bruce looked over the mostly cold case, Princess Jill, and sighed. They never found the girl that summer, and Superman wasn’t taking it well.

He looked over at Flash, who was trying to make a proposal the others could support. His french meta, Jill Smith, she was in Paris and they made progress on that front. No idea what her french name was, or her parents, but they knew she was in deep with the Gotham Rogues for Harley Quinn and Joker to claim any familial connection.

Both of these girls went by Jill. Possible body doubling given they both are summer only. There was a slim chance they were the same person, very slim, but that would mean that the Rouges were letting their princess go into fights, and he doubted they would. She’d be kept under lock and key while Mr. J was active, and clearly Pixie was not--possibly rebellious. They could use that to convert her.

Apparently Pixie Jill Smith was connected to a new threat to Gotham, Red Hood, often working in the same areas as Victor Zsasz. He wasn’t sure how the trio were connected, but he didn’t like it.

Flash was insistent that Jill was just scared and well... Batman would admit that much was obvious. He hoped Flash managed something usable in his proposal. The less batman needed to tweak for him, the better.

That’s all this time. Warning, there is an angst train and it will hurt for a while. it takes Years for things to end up where we want it, so this is a longfic in the works.

and reminder, Marinette had multiple romantic crushes and relationships in this. I only ask you tolerate the various ships.

Also the lovesquare from cannon may not be included, or if it is, it will be very different as so far, Marinette has a very different crush.

link to the full story for easy finding from ao3 --> https://archiveofourown.org/works/22342267/chapters/53372962

@mosseaters @dast218 @daminett4life @chaosace @emeraldpuffguide @ilovefluffbutsmutisalsogreat @mystery-5-5 @weird-pale-blonde-person

#maribat #maribat au #bio!dad #bio! dad au #bio!dad au #bio!dad strange #marinette strange dupain cheng #marinette strange dupain cheng part 12 #my au #ml au #my idea #sorry for the angst #ml fic #mlb x dc

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maedarakat · 4 years

Photo

Storms

————————————————-

“What is that?”

Normally Dagur never interrupted Boynut when he told one of his humorous anecdotes. Hiccup’s friend could be rambling and nonsensical at times, but he liked the rider’s voice.

He’d made an exception this time however, pointing at the strip of skin across his stomach that Tuff’s shirt was showing. He’d stretched his arms out wide, trying to convey just how big around the boar in his story had been.

Tuff stopped mid-sentence, realizing, and hurriedly dropped his arms, adjusting the shirt so it covered him. He wasn’t wearing his usual tunic and belt today, just a loose blue shirt and his leggings.

The Twins and Fishlegs had been assembling their winter gear from Berk and had returned to the Edge just an hour ago, far later than they were due to arrive.

Their arrival had been oddly tense and weird - Fishlegs had immediately apologized for their lateness before Astrid could demand what happened, saying that he’d been stuck choosing which books and how much ink and parchment to take. Ruff had been the very image of calm before a storm, hand on her brother’s arm, and Tuff had simply looked exhausted.

He was more animated now, with some food and warm mead inside him, and to all appearances it had just been the long ride that explained his earlier solemn mood. However, the glimpse of skin Dagur had just seen was dark and mottled. Something was wrong.

“What? Is it the color?” Tuff asked, redirecting. “I know, it doesn’t look as good on me as green. My tunic got covered with dragon slobber.”

It was a lie. The others did not appear to pick up on it, giving sympathetic groans. Snotlout commiserated by bringing up how badly Monstrous Nightmare drool stained in comparison to the drool of other dragons.

“Guys, come on, it’s not a competition,” Hiccup sighed.

“Shut up, Hiccup,” the others retorted amiably in unison. Hiccup grumbled but leaned back in his chair, scratching Toothless under the chin.

Fishlegs countered by reminding everyone that Gronckle saliva actually burned holes in things, and as things started to heat up in the dragon slobber fandom, Dagur caught sight of Tuff slinking back toward the kitchen area of the Clubhouse.

He excused himself after a moment and went into the kitchen, casually getting himself a mug to pour mead out of a barrel. Tuff wasn’t making himself any food or drink, just lurking in a dark corner. He startled when he saw Dagur but held still and said nothing, clearly hoping he went unnoticed.

It was a far cry from how friendly the boy usually acted, enough that Dagur set down his mead without drinking any and turned to face him. “You okay, Tuff?”

Tuff looked like he was ready to jump out of his skin. “I’m fine,” he almost snapped, arms crossed over his chest. “Everything is fine.”

It was clearly not.

When Dagur reached out to put a calming hand on his shoulder he flinched.

Tuff didn’t ever flinch from contact - not even from him.

Shocked, Dagur didn’t take back his hand, instead pulling him close into a worried bear hug, though gentler than the breath stealing squeezes he often inflicted on his ‘little brother’. Tuff froze tensely but didn’t jerk away or protest.

“What’s wrong?” Dagur asked firmly.

“Nothing,” came the muffled reply, though Tuff was starting to tremble. Eventually he leaned in, hiding his face against Dagur’s shoulder and returning the embrace.

“There he is,” Dagur teased gently, feeling some relief. “Where’d you go, Boynut?”

“Sorry,” Tuff sniffled. “Not trying to be a jerk, I just - I got in a bad fight. At home.”

He hadn’t been a jerk, but Dagur’s main concern was what he’d said after that. He let Tuff go, allowing him to pull back if he wanted. Tuff did, though he stayed close. “At home? Someone from home hurt you?”

Tuffnut faltered, then walked it back, sounding frantic. “I didn’t say I was hurt. It was just a bad fight. Dad said some words and Ruff stood up for me, then he said something about her and I threw a mug at him. Hard.”

Dagur remembered the red and darkening purples he’d seen across the boy’s stomach. “So you hit him with a mug and he whaled on you?”

“No. I missed him completely and it shattered. But it was his favorite mug that grandma got him.” Tuff sounded both proud and horrified at his transgression. Dagur put his hands on Tuff’s shoulders gently. He winced but this time leaned toward Dagur instead of flinching.

“What happened after the mug broke?”

Tuff bit his lip, going pale. “He got up.”

It was all Tuff could seem to say and perhaps all he needed to.

Dagur put an arm around his shoulders. “Okay. So when you guys visit Berk again for a holiday, could I come with you? I’ve been thinking, I’ve never met everyone’s parents. Next time I think I’ll tag along to your home and meet the Thorstons.”

Tuff looked up at him, considering that. “Well, our mom would like you. She said we actually have some Berserker blood in our family. She didn’t tell me who though.”

“Really? I’m not surprised, you two definitely have some Berserker traits. Your insane bravery for one. And your amazing traps, remember when you booby trapped the whole island after we kidnapped Ruff?”

A fond grin appeared on Tuff’s face. “I do. You talk about it a lot, especially when you’ve been drinking. I think one time you may have cried.”

Dagur burst into embarrassed laughter. “Right. That was a lot of mead.” He pulled Tuff a bit closer. “Not gonna lie, I’m glad I’m on your side now, so I don’t have your destructive genius aimed at me.”

“What makes you think you’re safe from that?” Tuff snickered but he was grinning as he said it and finally relaxed. He leaned into Dagur, shoulder and side pressing against his. “So I’m taking you home to meet my parents next month when the storms let up? Is that what we’re doing?” Tuff’s tone was playfully sultry.

“Yep,” Dagur said, face turning a bit red but going with it. “Gotta let them know my intentions toward their son.”

That sent Tuff into a blushing fit but he soldiered on. “You’re going to ask Papa for my hand?”

“And he’s going to say yes and offer to pay for the wedding, right before he passes out in my Berserker chokehold,” Dagur said matter-of-factly, and Tuff wheezed, covering his face and almost beet red.

“Okay,” he managed to squeak through his fingers. “Awesome.”

He was comfortably leaning against Dagur, who took the opportunity to wrap an arm around him again. Tuff relaxed, taking his hands away from his face and allowing the touch without further comment.

For a few moments neither of them spoke, realizing their exchange might have a little more weight to it than either of them had given thought to.

“They say arnica’s good for bruises,” Dagur suggested finally. “I’ve got some salve in my bags - I use it on Shattermaster’s wing every morning. He’s been recovering quickly. You want some?”

Tuff nodded, uncharacteristically quiet and still blushing.

Dagur released him from the embrace and led him to Fishy’s hut where he was staying for the storm period. Tuffnut remained at his side the whole way there, close enough to almost trip him, like a puppy underfoot. It was adorable.

Once inside, he picked up his bag, rummaging around for the tin of salve and hoping he didn’t leave it all the way back at the stable. He heard Tuff sit down on the pallet of blankets and furs that Fishlegs had laid out for his Berserker guest.

“Is he taking good care of you? Fishlegs?”

“Yeah, he’s a good host. We’re morning meditation buddies, and he makes some really good herbal tea. Very cleansing.” His hand found the right shape and he pulled the salve out triumphantly, tossing the rucksack back into the corner.

Tuff had laid down across the pallet, looking thoughtfully up at the ceiling, his legs crossed. “Okay. Well, if he wasn’t a good host, I was going to tell you he keeps all the snacks his mom sends him in the upper left cabinet behind some books.”

Dagur snorted, amused he’d just told him anyway. He sat down on the bed, opening the tin. “I can help you put some on if you’d like me to.”

The blond rider looked at him a moment and then nodded, sitting up to take off his shirt. Dagur at once realized the reason why he had worn the shirt loose without a belt - this wasn’t just a few bruises. Wide swaths of dark red and purple wrapped around his ribs and shoulders. His back was the biggest mess of stripes, and Dagur could see older scars - from past ‘fights’ - faded beneath. Dagur swallowed.

“What did he use on you?” he asked neutrally, scooping some salve out and sitting behind Tuff to spread it across the inflamed skin. Inside him something was boiling over with dark rage but he kept his voice and his movements calm for Tuff’s sake.

“The strap for his shaving razor,” Tuff muttered. “He got the drop on me so it was easier to just hold still. If I lay still it’s over faster.” He furrowed his brow, looking angry at himself for saying that aloud. “Sorry -“

“It’s okay.”

“I sound pathetic,” Tuff argued.

“You do not. Getting hurt by family is way worse than getting hurt by strangers, because it’s not supposed to happen.” Dagur moved his hair aside, draping it forward over his shoulders so he could get the hand-sized bruise on the back of his neck. He rubbed the salve gently across it, listening carefully to make sure he wasn’t hurting him.

“Everyone gets punished by their dad once in a while,” Tuff dismissed. “I’m a trouble-maker, I get extra.”

That sentiment bothered him. Tuff shouldn’t be accepting this sort of treatment, no matter what he’d done. “I made a lot of trouble. Would it have been okay if my dad had beaten the crap out of me?” Dagur asked pointedly.

Tuff’s shoulders stiffened under his hand. “No! It wouldn’t ...” Stricken, he looked anxiously back at him over his shoulder. “Oswald didn’t ever, did he?”

“No. He didn’t,” Dagur answered quietly. “He would talk to me and make me understand what I did wrong, and I would either feel ashamed or I wouldn’t. But he never beat me.”

The worst thing Oswald had ever done was disappear, but that was a different kind hurt. He hadn’t meant to never come back, hadn’t meant for Dagur to feel like an unlovable monster whose own father didn’t want to be near him anymore.

Tuff’s dad though? That man had definitely meant to hurt him.

And judging by the blond’s sagging shoulders and look of quiet devastation, he was starting to accept that it wasn’t normal.

Dagur spread the salve everywhere he saw discoloration, then coaxed Tuff to turn around so he could get his chest and arms. He said nothing about the tear tracks on the rider’s cheeks, but they made him want to pay Berk a little visit before the storms landed and unleash some thunder and lightning of his own.

Tuff leaned into his touch as Dagur‘s fingers traced over his skin. One hand went up to move his hair again, intending to drape his braids across his back so he could get to his collarbone but it got lost and cupped his face instead.

Hitching, Tuff nuzzled his palm and kissed it and that was honestly all he needed.

Dagur capped the salve and tossed it aside on the bed, gathering Tuff against him and kissing him firmly.

The trickster kissed back enthusiastically, his long limbs wrapping around him tightly. When they came up for air, Tuff clung to him still, nuzzling his throat. He was shaking. Murmuring in concern, Dagur hugged him closer.

“You aren’t going to have to face him alone again,” he promised, kissing Tuff’s forehead. “Neither you or Ruff.” He kissed along the bridge of Tuff’s nose, caressing his face. “I’ll put the terror of Dagur into him.”

Tuff melted against him, grey eyes soft. “You don’t have to, you know. He’s got lots of mugs. Maybe one of these days, I’ll actually nail him with one.”

“Tuff,” Dagur sighed with exasperated affection. He cupped the rider’s face and kissed him. Later would be a talk about thinking better of himself.

For now, they were in his bed and together, while outside the storm-winds began to howl.

#httydrarepairbingo #tuffnut #dagur #tuffgur #rated pg #tw mentions of abuse

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sshakespeare · 4 years

Text

Cursed Child: Joey!Albus (feat. Lauren!Delphi)

I treated myself to CC this Wednesday to see Joey (and got Lauren!Delphi out of the deal too!) and I wanted to share some of my thoughts/observations below!

PART I

Joey sounds exactly like Daniel Radcliffe. It’s actually a little disconcerting.

Joey’s Albus has HUGE Harry Potter energy circa Books 5 & 6. His single minded determination to save Cedric reminded me a lot of Harry’s obsession with Draco in 6. He also just channels that same dry and edging-on-sassy delivery that Daniel had with Harry’s funnier lines

He carries himself with more confidence than Nick!Albus at the top of the show. He’s definitely nervous about being sorted into Slytherin and going to Hogwarts, but he asserts himself more when Rose is hitting him and he’s more defiant with the other students - Nick’s “I didn’t choose to be his son” is always like a plea. Joey’s reading has a lot more resentment for both the students and Harry

Speaking of - the bedroom scene made me really see the direct connection between Albus’s eavesdropping and the fight. A lot of what Albus throws at Harry about the wizarding world being grateful clearly comes right from Amos. I love Joey’s barely concealed fury in this scene. You can tell it’s been building up for so long and he feels he finally has a reason to let it out

Lauren!Delphi - such a different interpretation from Sara! Lauren’s Delphini Diggory persona kept reminding me of a Derry girl if that makes sense? She had small-town-working-class-up-for-mischief energy and you could see Joey!Albus’s attraction to her right away. She did a lot of voices (she did an American cowboy accent when she was pretending to rob Albus and a little old lady voice when talking about St. Oswald’s). She also pretended to disembowel herself when Amos kept calling for her. It was really dark and fit her Delphi perfectly. Not all her jokes landed with my audience but I appreciate how much she makes Delphi her own and I’m so excited more people get to see her now!

Scorpius suggestively growled at Rose after saying “Good bread! BREAD” and immediately clapped his hand over his mouth all the while Joey!Albus snickered in the background. Joey!Albus in general laughs more than Nick!Albus. He definitely has Harry’s sense of humor

Joey!Albus is tactile for sure. He swatted Scorpius when he said “Do we?!” And he kept putting his hands on Scorpius’s shoulders to steady him on top of the train and while they were watching Delphi transform into Hermione

Also during the train scene Albus kept saying “it’s just like the stairs at school” when trying to get Scorpius to climb up. Super noncomforting but super funny!

When Scorpius and Albus arrive at St Oswald’s, Delphi almost hugs Albus but stops when she sees Scorpius. That tiny moment made it click with me just how much Scorpius’s involvement ruins everything Delphi has so carefully planned over years and years. It really is friendship that saves Albus and the whole world in the end.

Matt!Ron kept rubbing his mouth after kissing Hermione during the polyjuice scene which I honestly don’t remember him doing before. He probably has and I haven’t noticed but I still love it

Scorpius’s “good to know” after Delphi tells him polyjuice is painful was very aggressive tonight.

When Scorpius makes his engorg-impressed joke, Albus made a “so-so” hand gesture, implying he’s rated Scorpius Jokes before and that’s adorable

I’m always intrigued by how Bubba delivers “pale and red at the same time” because sometimes he’s in on his own joke and knows why Albus is blushing and sometimes he’s just baffled by it. Tonight he was very much baffled

Ugh and Joey’s Albus bounces on his toes and holds his cheek and looks so damn happy Delphi kissed him. All I want is his Albus happy but not because of this

Bubba = flirtiest Scorpius. He blew Polly Chapman the most exaggerated kiss while hiding Delphi.

The fight is INTENSE because Joey is one angry Albus. At the start of the Scorpius monologue, Albus looks offended that Scorpius suggests he doesn’t care but you can see him coming to realize how selfish he’s been. When he’s telling Scorpius how kind he is, it is So Soft.

Sarita!Myrtle looks at Albus on the “and boys” line but Joey just made a little “hmm didn’t know that” face. Nick will sometimes look a little flustered so the implications are there

PART II

Not Joey!Albus related, but the Dark World Department of Magic Law Enforcement scene is the best scene in the play. This is a hill I will die on.

Scorpius falters forward right after Draco says “murky” almost like he wants his dad to give him a hug and it never comes. My heart ached for him because Scorpius is truly feeling the loneliness his father felt all throughout his childhood - love and loyalty that has to be kept obscured lest it be viewed as “sloppy” or a weakness

Joey’s Albus is spoiling for a fight when Harry meets him in the Slytherin dorms. His “green is a soothing color” and “not meaning to cast aspersions” delivery is brutal - it’s clearly meant to bait Harry. Nick plays his Albus as very defeated in this scene, as if he’s realized he can never win in the fight against his father’s shadow. Joey plays it like he’s still got one last fight in him and both he and James are near angry tears by the end.

When Bubba does his “Malfoy the Unanxious” he always puts his hands on his hips like some kind of brave knight in a bad musical and Joey!Albus mimics him when he says “I don’t think being fearless is going to be good for your health”

Back on my tactile Albus bullshit: Joey!Albus swats Scorpius again when he says “I had something to prove” (though I do miss how Bubba and Nick practically hold hands during that moment where they’re both on Albus’s bed)

Albus gives a thumbs up to Scorpius’s “it’s time time turning was a thing of the past” joke. Albus joke ranking system confirmed

Lauren!Delphi doesn’t have as clear of a delineation between her Delphini Diggory persona and her Delphi persona (Sara’s voice is always much higher when she’s pretending to be a Diggory), but she’s still terrifying. After she killed Craig and said “these are not childish games we are playing” I got chills. She clearly has no regard for human life

Joey’s Albus can’t watch Craig die. He completely shields his face from it when he realizes what’s about to happen. Bubba’s Scorpius watches the entire thing.

Albus screams when Scorpius is being tortured just like Harry does in Order of the Phoenix when Sirius dies. It’s agonizing

His Albus also screams Scorpius’s name and then whispers it a second time when Delphi uses Crucio for the final time on him.

I love when any Albus screams “HELP” just like Scorpius does. Nick doesn’t do it as much, but Joey went for it

James’s Harry was going through it tonight. He was crying so hard after his conversation with Dumbledore in Act IV that Draco had to ask “You okay?”

He was crying even harder during his scene with Ginny in Albus’s room. The progression of how James plays that scene since his early shows and now is amazing. We’re so lucky he’s sticking around for another year

I don’t even know how to describe the way Joey’s whole face lit up when he sees Ginny for the first time in Godric’s Hollow. It’s like he’s eleven years old again and he gives her the most crushing hug.

Joey’s Albus is the real rock for Harry as they all watch his parents die. Usually James’s Harry leans more on Ginny for support, but this time it was Albus.

Bubba and Joey’s last hug was...weird? When Scorpius hugged him, Joey was more playful with “Scorpius? What is this?” It almost had this undercurrent of “have I finally cracked you? Are you going to start hugging me now?” Nick usually plays it with more happy confusion. Then Joey said the “You better ask Rose...” line while Bubba was still hugging him. Bubba pulled away and lingered for a beat before snapping back to life (like he does with Nick). But while Nick will often look off wistfully as Scorpius leaves, Joey’s Albus has a more happy go lucky look, like he’s looking forward to a good day with his dad. I think Joey’s version is more in line with what the playwrights want, but I do miss all the intense subtext Bubba and Nick have managed to infuse into that hug

That being said, weirdly no Scorbus pair have looked closer to kissing than Bubba and Joey right before Bubba runs down the stairs. They were standing so damn close to each other.

Right before the lights went out, James and Joey hugged!! It’s all I ever needed and more.

I went into the Part I thinking Joey!Albus would be an interesting mix between Sam’s Albus and Nick’s Albus, but I really found he’s entirely an Albus of his own. This is the one Albus where I didn’t quite believe Harry’s “You’re actually more like your mum.” He certainly still had Ginny’s boldness and humor, but I felt like Joey’s Albus was the beginnings of the version of Harry who had been sorted into Slytherin, who hadn’t initially found adapting to Hogwarts so easy, and who had trouble not letting his loneliness overwhelm him. It hit home one of my favorite Draco lines: “People saying parenting is the hardest job in the world. They’re wrong. Growing up is. We all just forget how hard it was.” Harry’s forgotten and it prevents him from seeing how he could have taken the exact same road Albus started down.

To try and summarize all this: gigantic, enormous shout out to Joey and to all understudies who make such massive roles their own and shed completely new light on certain moments and scenes and characters!

#cursed child #ccsquad #albus potter #this is a Mess #much like my favorite scorpius lol

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shipmistress9 · 6 years

Text

FTLOAP: Chapter 4: Did It Forge A Love You Might Never Have Found

Prologue; Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3

Co-author: @athingofvikings

I wanted to say a bit about the music behind this story... First of all, we have the titles of these first four chapters. In the correct order, they form one verse of the before mentioned song "The Wolven Storm".

I know not if fate would have us live as one, Or if by love's blind chance we've been bound. The whish I whispered when it all began, Did it forge a love you might never have found?

Can you see why it tickled me for these chapters?

Also, another thing about 'music' in the broader sense... I created an audio template for this and the following chapters. It's mainly for myself to listen to while I write, but I figured I might as well share it here in case anyone is interested.

Astrid didn't like to wear her mask of lies. But she was good at it by now, and tonight, she had plenty opportunities to use it.

Instead of a full formal meal with all of the usual courses, her father apparently had decided on a more leisurely meal, with a table set according to the Northerner custom of a ‘smorgasbord’. Along the centre of the room, one of the grandest tables had been set out with platters, bowls, and other serving dishes, all filled with a variety of foods available for people to serve themselves as they saw fit. It was appropriate for the occasion, she guessed. Technically, House Jag’r didn’t belong to the Northern Tribes, but living in close proximity to them had resulted in many traditions swapping between them. But it also meant that she didn’t even get a break while everyone ate. For the rest of the night, during the social gathering and mingling, she would need this fake smile on her face, the well-practised mask. It was all outsiders ever saw of her. Although, she had expected as much for this event. Presenting her mask to outsiders? That was normal, that was her day to day existence.

What she hadn't expected, however, was that she would need to wear this mask when talking to those close to her as well.

But she didn’t dare give a hint of what she was actually feeling. Not when she could feel Hiccup's presence at any given moment, felt his eyes on her like the warmth of the sun during a summer noon. She was used to people looking at her, but this was different. Hiccup was different. She was so aware of him, easily noticing him whenever he crossed her peripheral vision, and kept spotting him among the crowd without having to look hard for him. It was so confusing.

Everything was so confusing.

He was Eret's squire, his cousin even. He wasn't just a simple stable lad, not a common man, but one of noble blood. Maybe there was a chance after all, maybe...

She needed answers, needed to know. She needed to know who he was, needed to know whether there was a chance, whether he was important enough that her father would allow –

Stop it! she berated herself. She couldn’t let herself think like that, not here. Not when she was surrounded and watched by dozens of people and every tiny slip of her facial expressions could get observed. Slowly, she shook her head from one side to the other, just like the small figurine in that music box Grand Duke Oswald had given her many years ago. It was one of those intricate mechanical devices that occasionally made their way in merchants’ packs from distant realms, and the big harbour of Southshore, House Berserker’s hometown, usually was the first place those showed up.

With her eyes closed, Astrid called forth the memory of the tiny dancer and the odd piece of music, forcing herself to concentrate on this memory only. How it would turn and whirl in time with the melody, and how it would get stuck, always at the same place until a thorough shaking set it right again. The familiar image served its purpose, and Astrid felt herself calm down again, if only a little.

Gods, what was going on with her? Marriage had never been an appealing idea to her. She knew that, as the future king's sister, she would need to participate in a political marriage once she turned twenty, and had always dreaded the idea. And now she was honestly considering marrying a complete stranger? All because of a couple of weird images she’d seen, and those confusing feelings this man inspired in her? It was insane.

And who said he even wanted to marry her? Certainly, he had kissed her, but... well, men were more free in such things. He might have wanted her on a simple basis of being a woman, but that didn't necessarily mean that he... liked her.

And yet his eyes never seemed to leave her, and she couldn't stop thinking about him.

It was unbearable.

She needed answers to her questions. Asking Eret about him would be the easiest way, but she didn’t dare to give away anything, not even to him. And she couldn't simply approach and ask Hiccup himself, not here. Not with remembering what had happened at the stables, and not with so many eyes watching. She couldn't risk him doing something he shouldn't... mustn't do. No, all she could do was try to ignore him as best she could and hope for an opportunity to talk in private in the near future.

Seeking distraction, she decided to finally greet the Grand Duke, and apologise for her absence earlier. He, his elderly father, and her own father all sat at the King's table, up on a small dais, behind a light and sheer privacy curtain, allowing it to be a little separated from the noises and ever-prying eyes and ears in the rest of the room. When she stepped through, they were in deep conversation.

"...telling you, these title disputes are getting worse with every month, much less every year. If we don't find a way to placate–"

"Astrid!" her father interrupted his friend as she came closer. "How nice of you to come and finally greet our guests," he said dryly, making her glower at him and Lord Eret II chuckle.

"Oh, don't be too hard on the lass," he said, smiling warmly at her. "I vividly remember how we were at her age, never listening to rules and always out seeking adventure. Now, tell me, my dear. How are you doing? Is your bow still as unerring as it used to be? Just so I know whether it makes sense for me to participate in the hunts during the next months. I don't fancy getting beaten by a girl again!"

"I'm fine, your Grace, thank you," she replied politely as Eret the Elder rolled his eyes. "I'm not sure about my bow though, as I’ve had little opportunity to use it lately. But be assured, the hunts aren't of any interest to me anymore, so your pride will be spared."

The King groaned, but Duke Eret just chuckled, and Astrid felt herself relax. She could still feel Hiccup's eyes on her back, but here, where she couldn't see him out of the corner of her eye and in the presence of these men who still saw her as a rebellious child, she felt a little more like herself again.

"I came to apologise for not being there to greet you, your Grace," she went on. "And also to thank you for the magnificent gift you brought me. Markor is a wonderful animal."

Sir Eret's face softened at her words. "Ah, you've seen him already? Yes, a magnificent horse indeed. I knew you would appreciate him."

"You brought her a male horse?" the King threw in incredulously, and threw up his hands in exasperation. "How is she ever supposed to become a lady if everybody keeps treating her like a boy?"

"What's she to do with a horse anyway?” Eret the Elder interjected, and then gave a sly grin at her. “A fair maiden like her is to be ridden, not to ride herself. She would make a fine mare for young Eret. You two should seal the contract right away."

“Father!” Eret II chided as Astrid resisted the urge to reply in kind. Smirking inwardly, she wondered how Eret the Elder would react if he ever learned of his grandson's choice of partner.

“What?” protested the elder. “I didn’t see you making such complaints when I found you your blushing bride.”

“She’s my daughter, Uncle Eret,” her father said, exasperated, rubbing at his eyes as Astrid glowered at the prune of an old man. “Not some of your prized bloodstock on the stud farm. Besides, she’s too young to marry yet.”

Eret the Elder leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. “Feh. I don’t see the difference. You all come from good stock, and the cross would be splendid. And as for her age, I honestly don’t see the point in waiting for a certain age. Nature tells you when a mare is ready to conceive, so–”

“Annnnd I think that’s enough, father,” Duke Eret said firmly. “As for the horse, my friend,” he said, unsubtly yanking back control of the conversation, “it is just a gelding. And he comes with an ornate bridle and side-saddle, embellished by my younger daughters.” He gave an exasperated side-eyed look at his father, as if daring the old man to repeat the comment about his granddaughters. “It’s splendidly decorative."

This time, it was Astrid’s turn to groan.

. o O o .

Hiccup wasn’t able to tear his eyes away from her.

After they’d left the King’s office and joined the crowd of people gathered loosely around the smorgasbord, Eret and the royal siblings had been greeted cheerfully. Hiccup had stood to the side, not wanting or deserving any attention, and his eyes had rested on the Princess' slender figure practically at every moment.

Of course, she was hard to miss in that elegant deep red dress with the wide flowing skirts and the elbow-length gloves that left her upper arms bare, with her endless golden hair braided in an intriguing pattern he was just dying to unravel by running his fingers through it, and with her beauty that seemed to radiate through the entire room, enlightening it with her mere presence. But it wasn't just that, not just her literal divine beauty, not just how she looked. Other high-born daughters wore similarly extravagant dresses, likely trying to copy her style, and, surely, some of them had to be pretty, too. And yet he only had eyes for her.

No, it wasn't simply a matter of how gorgeous she looked. And it wasn't the fact that she was the Princess, the First Lady of the Kingdom. It hadn't been those superficial things that had drawn him toward her in the first place, and they didn't matter to him now, either. If anything, they were impediments.

No, what was pulling him toward her, made it unbearable to stay away from her, was something else. It was the memory of that other side of her, of how she'd behaved in the stables when he'd thought she was just a farmer's daughter, and of how she'd behaved in her father's office just now. It were those images of her, standing in the door to their home and with their son on her arms, the overwhelming longing for this vision to come true, the wish to spend his entire life with her at his side. And it was the fact, that she apparently had some sort of feelings for him, too.

And for everything else.

Those words, and the look in her eyes... No, there was no mistaking what that had meant. She felt it too, this strange bond between them, the urge to... to connect. But she wasn't willing to show any of that, for some reason. Of course, he hadn't expected her to directly throw herself around his neck, and in front of all these people she couldn't say much, but... Freya, she could at least have said something while there were only Eret and her brother around, right? Or she could include him in their conversations like Eret and Daniel did, even if her brother only did so occasionally. Or she could at least look at him.

Hiccup knew that the rules of courtship down here in the capital were much stricter than he was used to, but, surely, she was allowed to look at a man that wasn't her intended, right? She had no such qualms when it came to Eret, after all.

His gaze followed her as she made her way up to the table where her father, the Grand Duke and... Eret's grandfather sat, and a crazy idea crossed his mind. What if he followed her up there? What if he introduced himself as who he really was, officially claiming his title and birthright, and asked for the Princess' hand? It was too early, she was too young to marry, according to southern standards, but that didn't matter. He would happily wait another two and a half years to marry her, if only he could be sure that he would marry her.

And maybe the King would even help him to enforce his legal claim.

And, maybe, just maybe, Thor might even lend Mjölnir to Loki for a day, just for a lark.

Hiccup's eyes landed on the old men sitting next to the Grand Duke, and his expression grew bitter. No, going up there wouldn't get him anywhere just now. Why should the King give up valuable resources and men just to help him regain a title worth marrying his daughter? There surely were dozens of other suitable candidates already. Maybe Lord Eret might support his request, but the old man surely would not. And, from a logical point of view, he would be right.

Hiccup had nothing to offer. No House to support him, no land or trade contracts to make him a worthwhile candidate, no vassals to offer for the royal army, no political power to support the King. No, he had nothing but his honest feelings for his daughter. And no matter how affectionate the King looked at her when she wasn't looking, no matter how much he seemed to care for his daughter, he wouldn't... couldn't agree to Hiccup's requests. She was too valuable. Thinking of her that way felt wrong, but it was the simple truth, from a strategic point of view, at least. The Princess was a valuable resource. Her marriage would forge an alliance between the throne and her husband’s House, and the King would be a fool if he didn't use that to keep up stability within his kingdom.

For a little while longer, he indulged in the daydream of going to her and talking to her father, until the conversation between Eret and Daniel turned to a new topic. Hiccup hadn't been interested in the latest gossip of the capital or the Prince's ideas of testing new methods in architecture, but this new topic now drew his attention.

"Okay, but now onto more pressing points. Seriously, Eret, what are you going to do now? I'm sure Father would agree to your wishes in case it's something reasonable. You can't seriously want to spend the next few years guarding your father's stud farms," the Prince said with an amused tone in his voice.

Hiccup let his gaze wander through the room, unseeingly, as he focused on listening to them. They didn’t seem to be aware of him standing only a few feet away – or at least they didn’t care, if they did – and while it might still be a more-or-less private conversation between two friends, this topic affected him as well, in his position as Eret’s squire.

"Oh, I don't know," Eret replied in a light voice. "Guarding the farms would be a comfortable way of earning money. It's not like anyone would ever actually try to steal those beasts." Both men chuckled, but then Eret went on. "Although, I could just as well ask to be sent to the South. Guarding the sunny beaches around Southshore surely would be equally comfortable. I mean, there's the royal armada under Grand Duke Oswald's command, it's not like anyone would dare to attack there, either."

"Guarding the beaches?" the Prince asked, poorly suppressing his snickering. "You Northerners and the sun. As if you would last even one day standing in the heat with your gambeson on, much less the full armour. Besides, you'd also have to endure the Deranged’s company."

"Ah, Dagur is not so bad if you know how to handle him," Eret said with a grin, and Hiccup couldn't keep his lips from twitching into a smirk. Dagur of House Berserker was an enigmatic person beyond those who knew him, to say the least. And Eret surely knew how to handle him. "But just for the protocol, I'm still not a Northerner. The city of Eastervale might be far up in the north from here, but the people of the Northern Islands would protest if I ever claimed to be one of them. And rightly so, I might add... You don't want to mess with the Tribes, believe me."

"You're right there, I guess," Daniel said thoughtfully. "I never had much contact with them, and only visited their High Chief once or twice when I accompanied Father. But it has become quiet around them during the last few years, since..." he trailed off as a practically tangible uneasiness grew between them, but before it could dampen the mood permanently, he changed the topic again. "But that's not what I wanted to talk about. I meant what I said earlier. You should accompany me to the West come summer. I could use a fighter like you. I mean, you're welcome to accompany me in a few weeks already, but I’ll just be travelling around – I’m planning on working my way through the counties around Loki’s Teeth this year – to see where we need to make repairs on the defences, or how we could improve specific outposts. There won't be any fighting as long as the mountain paths are sealed by the snow, but it surely would be good to get a feeling for the terrain. And–"

"Daniel," Eret interrupted the Prince with a smile and a raised hand. "Of course I'll accompany you. I know that Father doesn't like the idea of me 'going to war,' as he always claims that I'm the only one capable of leading our House once he retired, and he’d surely like me to stay at the stud farms forever. But he can't ban me from doing what he’d done, too. You've fought back those Malarian raiders in the mountains on your own long enough. This year, I'm old enough to decide for myself, and I will fight at your side. We all will, even though that means that you'll have to deal with Dagur and Snotlout, too. We'll fight together, just like our fathers did."

Hiccup closed his eyes and stopped listening. Their fathers... The irony was incredible. These four young men would be the leaders of this kingdom once the older generation stepped down, the future King and his three loyal friends. Just like their fathers before them. And now, as Eret's squire, Hiccup would fight at their side as well. Oh yes, the Norns really had a twisted sense of humour.

But he wouldn’t complain. As ironic as the whole situation was, it was also a chance he could benefit from. He had two-and-a-half years until Astrid reached the traditional age of marriage, although she was technically of legal age already. It was not much time, really, to earn himself a reputation or influence, much less a title, but it was a chance. Because if there was one place in the entire United Kingdom of Volantis where he could accomplish that deed, it was at the western mountain ranges bordering the princedoms of Malardur, where, every summer, raiding parties and war bands crossed the mountain passes looking for loot to plunder, towns to conquer and ransom, and farms to burn – and their own people pushed them back, and tried to do the same to the Malarians. For the last two years, since his own accolade, Prince Daniel had been in the thick of it all, so fighting at his side nearly guaranteed that Hiccup wouldn’t return empty-handed.

A small smile tugged at his lips, and for once, he didn’t even try to fight it. This was a real chance. He had two summers, not much in general, but under these circumstances it might be enough. Enough to become a knight at least, and to gain the Prince’s favour – which surely would prove helpful when he stepped forward to ask for his sister’s hand.

The thought made his heart beat faster. It was a real possibility, a plan to follow. He just needed a little luck – and her consent. He looked up at the King’s table, but found that she wasn’t there anymore. Instead, she was walking straight in his direction, a disgruntled expression on her face that made him squirm nervously.

. o O o .

Once the three older men were done laughing at her disgruntled expression, Astrid left them; they had returned to their discussion about the territorial skirmishes among the lesser nobility before she’d even gotten past the privacy curtain, although it wasn’t as if they’d include her in such ‘weighty matters’. But while she wasn’t involved in the political discussions – Eret the Elder’s attitudes about her being little more than a broodmare were more common than she liked – it was hard to censor the knowledge that it was a growing problem in her homeland.

It was her House’s fault, really. Her grandfather had united the five princedoms and thrown out all of the old corrupt nobility, and then turned around and given out the newly vacant titles to his men. To his closest friends, he’d given the former princedoms, now the grand-dukedoms. To the generals, he’d given the duchies, the captains the counties, and to the soldiers who had distinguished themselves, the baronies. But now the men who had fought alongside her grandfather were nearly all gone, and after two generations of alliances and squabbles and marriages and petty rivalries, there were dukes who held a dozen titles, counts with five or six, and a great many landless nobles. And it seemed that every single one of them wanted more than they had. But, with the oceans in the north and south, the borders to the east stabilized with treaties, and the west being a constant stalemate over defensible mountain passes... there was no place to get more...

Except from each other.

And the disputes were growing worse.

She knew all this, but it was not like she could do anything about it. Or that anyone would let her do anything, even if she could. She was just a woman, good for nothing but forging alliances and bearing children.

Bah!

But getting agitated about an old man’s words wouldn’t get her anywhere. Instead, she sought out two of the few people who treated her like an equal. She quickly found Eret and Daniel near the serving board, piled plates in hand, surrounded by people loosely standing around, chatting and laughing.

Hiccup was close by as well, nervously shifting his weight from one foot to the other. His gaze flickered away from her as soon as she got closer, wandered through the room, but soon shifted back toward her again. Her heart made a funny jump at that sight, but she didn't let herself react in any visible way. The tug that seemed to pull them toward each other was growing stronger and stronger, and had been ever since she’d spotted him behind Eret at the accolade. She yearned to go and talk to him. Even if it would be just some unimportant small talk, it would be worth it just to listen to his voice. But every time Eret or Daniel had included him into their conversation so far, his few words alone had served to remind her of their afternoon, of the low gasps and groans he’d made in the back of his throat as he’d –

Stop it!

Once again, she deliberately shook her head to chase those memories away. Think of something else, she reminded herself. Anything else!

"Please tell me you brought a normal saddle as well. I doubt any of mine will fit Markor, and I don't think I can get away with letting one be made for him," she blurted out as soon as she was close enough for Eret to hear her.

All things considered, it wasn’t much of a pressing point, but it still served to occupy her mind. A handy distraction. And everything that helped her not to constantly remember how he had kissed her was helpful at the moment.

She tried to retrieve the disgruntled expression from before, tried to remember how irritated she’d been only minutes ago, and her acting seemed to be good enough.

Her brother had an amused smirk on his face when he looked at her while Eret grinned and winked. "Of course I brought a normal saddle, what do you think of me, Swanja? It’s hidden with the servants’ baggage, which should have reached the castle by now. You'll get it tomorrow, or the day after, depending on how quickly I can smuggle it to you from their quarters."

Astrid sighed in relief, and was about to thank him – in earnest, even though her complaint had only been kind of a pretence – when Eret stiffened, his gaze directed past her.

"Oh, mighty Thor..." he mumbled, rolling his eyes.

As she and Daniel turned, she spotted a small group of people approaching them, led by the Countess of Whitevale, and only managed to keep herself from giggling by biting her lip. Daniel wasn't as skilled in repressing his emotions, and groaned. Turning away again, he beckoned Hiccup over with a small gesture.

"I know that you’re not a simple servant, but we're far too sober for what’s about to happen," he stated, gesturing to Eret and himself. Eret snorted and nodded in pained agreement. "Could you get us something to drink? Something stronger than that watered wine? Please?”

Hiccup nodded mutely, visibly confused by the virtually panicky tone in the Prince's voice, and turned to follow the order.

For a short moment, Astrid considered to reach out for him under the pretence of asking him to get her something to drink, too. She wanted to feel his wiry arm, even if it could only be through the fabric of his shirt and her gloves. She wanted to look at him without fearing people might find it suspicious. She wanted to talk to him in a low voice, even if it was just to ask him to bring her a glass of wine.

But she managed to hold back. She feared that she might say something she shouldn't say, that she might give away more than was sensible by looking him in the eyes, and that touching him would only serve for her to want to touch him even more.

Biting on the inside of her cheek, she forced herself not to look at him as he came in her direction. It was bad enough that her heart was suddenly racing and her throat had gone dry just from thinking about –

Astrid gasped as the loose fabric of his sleeve brushed against her arm as he passed by.

She couldn't keep the small sound from escaping her. She doubted it had happened on purpose; there was a bit of a crowd around them and she thought someone had just stepped into his path, forcing him to sidestep that someone. Surely, it had just been a coincidence, and he didn't even react beyond hesitating for a fraction of a second before continuing on his way.

But it had been enough to make her heart pound as quickly as a galloping horse’s hooves, and for her mind to blissfully blank out for an instant. Freya, he’d been so close. Somehow, this accidental brush had felt even more intense than the kiss he’d given her on her hand in her father’s office, this first renewed contact that had been more than she’d expected to ever happen. It was all so confusing. How was it possible that this virtual stranger had such an effect on her?

Still determined to ignore him as best she could, Astrid kept herself from turning her head and following him with her eyes. Or from actually following him. She would make it through this night, she would wait for the right opportunity to talk to him. She could do that.

Fighting for her self-control, Astrid turned to greet the Countess with her usual pleasant smile. Right now, she was genuinely relieved over the older woman’s arrival, even though she was accompanied by three of her many daughters, and Astrid knew exactly what would follow.

"Prince Daniel, it is so good to see you," the Countess chirped happily, not letting herself be interrupted by curtsying. She gave a brief nod of acknowledgement towards Astrid, the minimum required by courtesy, before she turned her attention back to her actual prey. "And Eret – no, Sir Eret now. Such a delight to have you here again. Don't you think so, too, my dears?"

Astrid made a small step backwards, grinning inwardly at Eret's and Daniel’s helpless expressions. For years now, the Countess had never missed an opportunity to promote her many daughters as possible brides for every nobleman of considerable rank. She had at least five, as Astrid could recall, and, naturally, Eret and Daniel were two of her favoured targets. Everyone knew that her brother wasn't interested in settling down with a wife of his own, and nearly everyone assumed that she and Eret were a couple already. But since nothing was official yet – and never would be – the Countess hadn't given up yet.

The girls, used to their mother’s attempts at match-making, smiled pleasantly and bobbed their curtseys, even though it was obvious how uncomfortable they felt, to Astrid at least. They, too, were bound to the same customs that left them with only few options.

“Thank you, your Grace,” Eret replied with a tight smile. “It always is a delight to be here.” His gaze wandered over the row of her daughter, courtesy demanding superficial interest at least. “But it seems like two of your lovely daughters are missing. Is there cause for congratulations?”

Astrid noticed the surprised look on her brother’s face, and felt a small smile tugging at her lips. He probably wouldn’t have noticed this as he only rarely paid attention to things he wasn’t interested in. But Eret had always been more observant when it came to people.

“Ah, yes,” the Countess sighed happily. “Azure, my second daughter, married the Duke of Greenhill and moved to live at his estate near Westhill. Not the safest place these days with the Malarian raids, but we all hope those might be ended one day.” She gave a beaming and significant smile at Daniel. “And as for Claire, my oldest daughter… Well, she joined Freya’s Sisterhood last year, and I’m proud to say that she has already completed her time as Acolyte – and in near-record time, I might add! – and will be promoted to Gythja at the Midwinter festivals. She’d been studying as an Initiate for years, and finally decided last year to devote herself to it as a calling, and I just received the news last month on her upcoming elevation. We’re so proud of her!” She beamed at Daniel, and Astrid quirked a smile at her enthusiasm. This was a side of the Countess she didn’t often see – honest pride in her child’s accomplishments, instead of a merchant boasting about her wares. “You might remember what a kind and caring girl she’s always been, and caring for other people’s needs really does make her happy.”

“That sounds wonderful,” agreed Eret, just as Daniel seemed to remember that he, too, was supposed to participate in this conversation.

“Right… Now that you mention that, I think I remember seeing her during one of my last visits there,” he threw in, thoughtfully. “But she’s not yet an Ástir, right? If I remember correctly, she was treating an impressive wound on a boy’s arm.”

The Countess nodded eagerly. “Yes, that is very likely. She’s been in training to become a healer, and Fyrir Mala praises her skills, her calm hand, and her compassion for her patients regularly. And she really thrives at her work, she’s such a good girl. But she wouldn’t be suitable as an Ástir just yet. Her education in pleasing men only started after she joined the Sisterhood, of course. However, we expect her Bloodnight to be sometime before Spring festivals. Too bad you are not one of her suitors, Highness, it would be such an honour. Or what about you, Sir Eret? I’m sure Claire wouldn’t mind to add you to her list.”

And there’s the merchant again, Astrid thought tartly.

Eret shifted from one foot to the other, and let his gaze wander through the room – subtly looking for his drink, Astrid assumed – before he answered. “Well, I’m sure Fyrir Mala will choose a worthy candidate for this special occasion. Someone with enough experience in such matters.”

“Oh, you are too modest, milord. I’m sure you must be an exceptional lover,” the Countess said with an insinuating smile and a wink, that made Eret react with a tight smile as Daniel clapped him on the shoulder.

“I’m sure he is. But he’s a little picky, our Eret. Only accepts certain Priestesses to take care of his needs.” he said, grinning, and Astrid bit back a smirk. If only they knew…

The girls, however, all had their eyes cast to the floor, cheeks bright with embarrassment.Technically, their mother was violating one of the rules of proper decorum right now. While young maidens were taught the basics about sex by the Order of Frigga after their first moonblood, it was also with the admonition that such ‘women’s secrets’ were not to be discussed by them until their wedding day. The idea – as Astrid understood it – was that keeping the topic from being raised would hopefully keep premarital encounters from occurring.

Of course, the rules were different for men. They had needs, and the Order of Freya fulfilled those. Dedicated to love of every kind, the Priestesses of Freya spend the majority of their time taking care of the people’s needs. While the Order of Odin acted as advisor and sometimes as executioner, and the Order of Thor oversaw the training of soldiers, the Order of Freya was of a more charitable nature. They made sure that whoever came to worship their Goddess, regardless of their status or fortune, would get a meal at least once a day, would get his wounds treated, would find an open ear for consolations of more personal matters, and would see to it that the desires of men did not turn sour and curdle for lack of fulfillment.

Astrid, too, stared at the ground, her cheeks burning, though not because of the Countess’s public breach of decorum. She’d grown up with her brother and what amounted to a number of step-brothers, and she’d overheard more than her share of them talking about sex when she was younger not to be shocked. To her, it was more irritating that she wasn’t allowed by decorum to join in on their talks and ask some long-held questions of hers. No, it wasn’t them talking that made her blush.

It was because she could barely keep herself from scanning the crowd, knowing that she could lay eyes on him in an instant.

All this talking made her think of Hiccup again, of how he’d held her so tightly while he’d kissed her. She vividly remembered his hot hand on her waist and her neck, his demanding lips seeking more and deeper contact. Gods, if only Tuff hadn’t interrupted them! She wanted more of this, wanted to feel his touch, his closeness, and in return wanted to touch him, too. She wanted to feel him, skin on skin, like that first brushing of their fingers over Markor’s silken fur. But before her daydreaming could continue, and possibly be revealed by her dopey smile, the Countess luckily tore her out of her thoughts.

“Ah, but enough of that now. It surely is not a suitable topic for the innocent ears of young maidens,” she chatted on, oblivious or deliberately ignorant of how she’d been the one who’d brought up that topic in the first place. “I mainly came to thank you, Prince Daniel. It is so good to know that someone as capable as your Highness is defending our beautiful kingdom.”

Daniel frowned slightly. “We have many capable men serving in our army, soldiers and captains alike. I am but one among many, and I only try to do my best, just like everyone else,” he replied tersely. He was used to flattery, had been subjected to it all his life, and didn’t fall for that anymore. And if there was one thing he didn’t indulge, then it was slighting the men who fought along his side in battle.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to imply otherwise, Highness,” she backpaddled. “It was meant as more of a personal expression of gratitude. You see, Azure told me of her husband’s younger brother. You might not be aware of that, but he was one of that small group of noblemen who were captured by Malarian troops last summer. The whole family was in shock, devastated even. But thanks to your ransom-negotiations, he was returned unharmed.”

Daniel’s face lit up again. “Ah, yes, I remember. We had to give up a considerable amount of our booty and trade for a watchpost on the western slopes that we’d captured with almost no casualties, but getting our men back alive is more important.” He quirked his lip in a half-hidden smile and said in a tone of forced economy, “And it was just as well that we hadn’t begun repairs to any of the damage to that watchpost.”

“Oh, that would have been wasted effort indeed,” the Countess agreed. “But isn’t this tedious work?”

“What do you mean, ma’am?” Daniel asked, cocking his head in confusion. Astrid, who had all her attention on the conversation least her thought might wander again, found herself enjoying watching this; she could guess what was coming next, and was being reminded of the castle cats chasing each other.

“Well, the border is hundreds of miles long... Keeping track of all these outposts, castles, towns, passes, knowing who is where, remembering which fortifications need looking after, organizing men and supplies... How do you manage to handle it all, and still find the time to lead your men into battle?”

Astrid hid a smile as Daniel took the bait.

“Oh, certainly, keeping track of the logistical concerns and assorted baggage trains for the various units and detachments is a full-time endeavour for me and my men. But, while I know my way with a blade and on horseback, my calling has always been as a builder.” He shrugged. “Not the most martial of callings, I know, but I have turned it to the defence of our kingdom. So for me, assessing the defensiveness of a given castle, or drawing up plans to increase its defences against siege with minimal effort... well, those are the moments I most deeply enjoy.” He smiled warmly. “I dream of a day when I can build a castle so imposing that the raiders take one look and turn around to go home.”

Eret, his voice almost a little too innocent, chimed in, “But you do complain mightily about the logistics. I think that your exact comment in your last letter was ‘one twentieth part glory for every nineteen parts shovelling dung and juggling food supplies.’”

Daniel sighed. “I wish it was that good a ratio...”

Astrid caught Eret’s gaze and waggled her eyebrows, and there was no doubt that Eret had seen it too, as he raised a hand, pretending to rub at his nose when, in reality, he tried to hide the wide grin on his face.

The Countess, her eyes gleaming, said cheerfully, “If you don’t mind my input, Highness. I have the perfect solution for your problem.” She turned slightly and gently placed her hand on the shoulder of her youngest. “Viola here is also something of a budding scholar, with interests in all sorts of topics.” She grinned at Daniel, who had suddenly frozen like a deer hearing the snapping of a twig. “While she surely doesn’t reach your Highness’ skills, she has become quite proficient in her letters and numbers from the Priestesses of Frigga, and she has a fair and neat hand, with an aptitude for the clerical skills – organizing and the like. She could easily accompany you on your next expedition, to help you keep track of those lists and logistics.”

Daniel looked slightly trapped and started to stammer excuses – just like he’d done last year. Astrid managed to catch Viola’s eyes and gave her a brief sympathetic nod as her brother tried to explain that it wouldn’t be safe or suitable for a young maiden to accompany him; he’d be leaving soon, and winter travels were no respecters of rank. Viola, a year or two younger than Astrid, replied wordlessly with a grateful nod of her own, and Astrid would certainly admit that, for her at least, it had been entertaining to watch her brother squirm a bit. Between the Countess’ hopeless attempts, her daughters’ discomfort, and Daniel's stony expressions, it was honestly quite hilarious from her perspective, and she saw how Eret’s lips twitched traitorously, too.

But then the older woman turned toward him instead, and began her praises about her other daughters, pointing out how fond of animals Alicia was and how her sister Marian used to help out in her father’s stables occasionally. Astrid stood back and resisted the urge to make funny faces at him from behind the Countess’ back – he’d scolded her for doing that two years ago. Just like Daniel, Eret was terrible at hiding his emotions, but, luckily, the Countess was equally blind to his reactions. Only her daughters looked like they wished the ground would open up and swallow them, and Astrid felt sympathy for them. They were actually nice girls, friendly and modest, just like young noble ladies were supposed to be. And if only half of what their mother said about their skills in tending to a household were true, they surely would make fine wives one day. It wasn't their fault that their mother was this annoying person, or that neither Eret or Daniel were interested in any way.

The Countess kept babbling on, and Astrid stopped listening, already knowing the script quite well. It was more or less the same at every given opportunity, after all. Absentmindedly, she stepped closer toward Eret as he moved his arm a little to the side, a clear invitation for her to wind her arm through the opening. It was a game they often played, pretending that there was more between them than friendship to deter unwanted admirers. It probably wouldn't work on the Countess, but one never knew.

She'd meant to make a further step to his side, distracted by the effort of keeping the pleasant smile on her face, her arm already halfway lifted, when it happened. Someone bumped into her, and everything happened at once.

A loud crash sounded through the room as a pair of glass pint mugs filled with beer – House Berserker's dark and strong brew, judging by the smell – landed on the floor beside her. She stumbled at the unexpected contact, and all eyes in the room were on her – drawn by the loud noise – as she was about to fall and land in the shards-scattered puddle.

And then a hand closed around her upper arm, a strong arm catching her around her waist. She didn't need to turn in order to know whose breath brushed over her neck, whose already so familiar gasp reached her ear, and whose hot skin was burning into hers right now.

Next Chapter

#For The Love Of A Princess #hiccstrid #hiccstrid fanfiction #Hiccstrid Royal AU #shipmistress9 #httyd #httyd fanfiction #httyd fandom

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ellana-ravenwood · 7 years

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“You could have anyone” - Bruce Wayne x Chubby!Reader

Annnnnnnd I’m back with a new story after almost a week off (and evidently I forgot how to fucking write...meh). I hope you guys will like it, as usual, feedbacks and such are welcome :-) :

You can find my masterlist here : @ella-ravenwood-archives

__________________________________________________

You’re still unsure how you got the job.

Someone like you, so unfashionable and plain (with quite a bit of extra pounds on...) shouldn’t be the famous Bruce Wayne’s assistant.

Sometimes, when he received important and rich people in his office, you were almost ashamed to show them the way...Not ashamed of yourself. Not at all. To be honest, you had been teased on your weight and such enough in school to not care anymore.

No, you weren’t ashamed of yourself in front of such fancy people...you were ashamed for Mr. Wayne.

How could he let someone like you be the first thing his clients and partners would see ? Surely, it gave them the wrong idea about the man, like he wasn’t classy enough or something, if his assistant was...You.

Or maybe he chose you because he thought people would think he was nice to give you such a great job, you, a nobody from the Narrows, the poor little orphan. Maybe they thought he was charitable to give you, a bland and simple person, a taste of the lavish and fancy lifestyle they all lived ?

You didn’t really know how it happened. But one thing for sure...you were definitely his assistant.

Little did you know that, on the day he gave you the job interview, you made quite an impression on him.

************

Two years ago :

Stress. You were nothing but stress. It was your fourth interview of the week to get a new job, and definitely the one you were the most stressed about. I mean, so far, you had an interview to work in a supermarket, two to work in a fast-food, and one to be a waitress in a shitty diner...Oh my God why did you even apply to this job ? It was so out of your league !

You felt underdressed just sitting in this more than fancy waiting rooms. Like for real, the seats were covered in wonderful red velvets, and you were pretty sure there were real Picasso and Monet paintings on the walls...

Besides, you weren’t the only one waiting to get an interview with the famous Bruce Wayne, and the other candidates were...Well.

They were out of this World.

They were some of the most beautiful women you ever seen.

...What were you doing here ? It was clear you wouldn’t get the job.

But damn the way they were looking at you, you and your used woman suit you bought in a thrift shop, made you want to slap them, and just to spite them, and though it was quite obvious you didn’t stand a chance, you didn’t leave.

Of course, you were the last one to be called by the very handsome Mr. Wayne (seriously though, why did he have to look that good ? He was one of the best thing that ever happened to Gotham and it’s disadvantages inhabitants, such as you. He was smart, a genius. Billionaire. And the most handsome man you ever met). So when you entered his huge office, with windows showing you the best side of Gotham, and not the dirty gutters you were coming from, you were more stressed than ever, and afraid to simply throw up on him because of it...

He was such a gentleman. He didn’t make any comment about how different you looked compared to the other candidates. He didn’t even seem slightly surprised. He just smiled at you, of his extremely charming smile, and gestured for you to sit down.

-Well hello Miss...(Y/L/N) is that it ?

-Hum...Yes. Helluuw.

Why ? WHYYYY ?! Why did you have to say “hello” in such a weird way ? You were ready to run out of his office, when you noticed his smile widening, and becoming almost genuine. There was a small silence, and strangely, it wasn’t an awkward one at all. He breaks it with his deep and soothing voice :

-So. Miss (Y/L/N), I have just one question for you...Why did you even bother to apply to be my personal assistant ?

You stiffened. Oh. Maybe not so much of a gentleman. You narrowed your eyes at him a bit, not able to control yourself. Years of bullying in school had turn you into a “come back master”.

Before he could say anything else you just tell him :

-A bit blunt of you, don’t you think, to say such a thing. Surely, a man as refined as you could find better words to tell me I don’t fit what he’s looking for ? It’s not because I’m clearly not up your standards that you gotta be rude...And it’s not because your name is “Wayne” that you’re allowed to be that condescending.

You think it must not be often, that Bruce Wayne is surprised. You can’t help the small smirk installing itself on your lips at his stunned expression.

He shakes his head a bit, and smiles. Uh...What ?

-Oh you misunderstood me Miss (Y/L/N), you misunderstood me greatly. I would never dare insult a woman such as you...

You feel uncomfortable as his gaze locks with yours, and his intense blue eyes do not leave your (E/C) orbs...What did he mean, a woman “such as you” ?

-...No no. I was talking about your C.V. You have diplomas to become a lawyer ! And judging by the birth date you put on there, you’re actually quite young to already have such a diploma !

You shift on your chair, a bit embarrassed. It’s true that you finished law school with a few years in advance...school always been easy for you. But you hated to talk about it. You hated to talk about anything good about yourself really...Which is why you didn’t even look for an opening in a law firm, or as a lawyer or something. You thought you didn’t deserve it for some reasons...After clearing your throat, you make up an excuse, and you’re almost sure he knows you’re bullshitting him but whatever right ? You won't get the job anyway :

-Hum yes...Well, because I’m younger than most, people don’t take me seriously so hum...I wasn’t able to find a job as a lawyer.

-Oh ? I can’t imagine that Gotham doesn’t need more people like you.

-Well apparently, it doesn’t haha. Because hum...Well I didn’t find a job in my branch. So...So here I am.

-So here you are.

-Yeah...hum, I mean. Yes.

His eyes are still on you, your C.V in his right hand...He smiles some more and say :

-Ok well. Let’s start this interview then. Why do you want to be my assistant ? What’s your motivation ?

That was an easy question. You don’t hesitate :

-Because I admire you greatly.

He raises an eyebrow, and you would have blush if you noticed and interested he actually was in what you had to say...but you don’t notice and keep going :

-You see, the reason I was able to get into good schools was you Mr. Wayne. You and your scholarship. I’m...hum...I’m from the Narrows. I don’t have to tell you how poor this neighborhood is...Especially when you’re an orphan like me but that’s another story. Your funds saved me. Gave me a chance to have something else in life than just crime. Gave me a choice. And you do that for so many people in Gotham that I can only admire you. I just finished my studies and I’m trying to find a job...Of course I’d answer an ad talking about being the great Bruce Wayne’s assistant. It’d be a great honor. Besides, I feel like I would be able to learn a lot at your contact. You’re one of the busiest person in Gotham, seeing you interact with people...Well, you know. It can only be beneficial to me and all of that and...yes. That’s why I’d like to work for you. Besides, my coffee is killer.

You finish your little speech, and finally you’re really looking at him, not just talking anymore. And you blush a bit. Damn, why does he have to be so intense ? His eyes pierce through you. And once again, you shift awkwardly on your seat. A small smile tugs at his lips, and it’s a genuine and beautiful smile. He bends his head on the side, still looking at you, and you can feel the heat rising to your face. You’re sure to be ridiculously red and you’re about to take your leave when...His next work almost make you faint :

-When can you start ?

************

And here you were, two years later, the assistant to the famous Bruce Wayne. You somewhat gain some fame of yours too.

The tabloids talked about you...At first, they talked about you seemed unfit to the job, coming to work in jeans and geeky t-shirts (at the beginning you were coming in dresses and women suits...but you didn’t had a lot of those so...when Mr. Wayne told you to just come as you wanted, he didn’t had to say it twice. The smile on his face when you arrived with jeans, converses and a t-shirt that read : “I believe in Sherlock Holmes” was one of the most beautiful you ever seen). Then they talked about your look a little more (the dreaded subject of your weight...)...Until they stopped (unknowing to you, Bruce had made a stop to the newspapers offices to make sure such articles wouldn’t be released anymore).

And like a miracle, after a few months working with Bruce Wayne, articles about how fierce and witty you were started to pop out.

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N), Bruce Wayne’s personal assistant, escorted out Oswald Cobblepot after he tried to come in Mr. Wayne’s office by force. Reportedly, the young woman didn’t even have to use violence, as she just talked him out of it...according to witnesses, her words are as sharp as a sword !”

You became somewhat famous for your “I don’t give a shit about your opinion” persona, and the way you’d never let anyone walk on your feet, no matter what. Hey, so many people bullied you in High School, you were done with this now.

Also how faithful you were to Mr. Wayne. You’d never divulge personal informations about him (and god only knew how much bribed you received for such infos), and you always defended him. But of course you would defend him like so, because he was always defending you too !

Once, you surprised a conversation he was having with one of those supermodel who were like leech, always on his back...She was talking about how bad it looked for him to have someone like you as his assistant...He told her off. Said you were wonderful. And sent her back her way. You never saw her again...

Yes. You gained a little reputation of your own, to Bruce’s great delight. You didn’t mind much, at least, it was a nice change that people weren’t talking about you because how plain you looked, and because of your weight...

************

It was Wayne Inc’s Christmas party, and against your better judgement, you came. Last year’s party was a disaster (your clumsy self had an unfortunate run in with a huge cake...), and the year before that ? Even worst...And yet, here you were.

You had to admit though, you were there only because of your boss, only because of Bruce Wayne.

He had bought you such a beautiful dress for that evening, that fitted you marvelously, and had told you : “hope to see you there”...you just couldn’t resist. He always gave you great gift...of course, as his personal assistant you often worked long hours and never complained, so he always gave you nice little (or not so little) gifts and such.

You knew he was only being polite. That whenever it seemed like he was flirting with you (which was a lot), it was just him being nice...Actually, maybe the flirting was in your head. Maybe he was just genuinely friendly and that’s it. Why were you there ? It was dumb to think you’d have any chance, and to come only for him was idiotic...and yet, here you were, in the dress he gave you, wishing to see him.

He was there alright...with an incredibly good looking woman at his arm. An incredibly good looking woman who looked down upon you with disdain when your boss came to greet you (unfortunately he couldn’t stay long, he had so many people to see and to talk to...naturally, you understood).

You knew no one else in the company but him, so you stayed on a side, drinking, and you were about to leave when...

-(Y/N) right ?

You turn around. It was Mike something from accounting.

He was relatively new, and you never spoke to him before...Evidently, he didn’t know your reputation yet. The main reason you never spoke to anyone, and no one ever dared to speak to you, was because you never took anyone’s shit, and would humiliate people who were rude to you with your wits and sarcasms.

Apparently, no one briefed Mike from accounting.

-Yes. And you’re...hum...Mike. Right ?

-Oh you know my name ?

-I know everyone’s name. It’s my job to keep track of things like this. For Mr. Wayne.

-You know everyone’s name ?

-Yup.

-Everyone. Like...Everyone in the company ?

-Yeeees.

-For real ?

-If I’m telling you so.

-That’s impressive !

-Is it ?

-(Y/N), we’re thousands working for Mr. Wayne ! And you remember all of us ?

-Yes...

-Impressive !

You blush slightly, and smile. You didn’t know that, but your smile could melt anyone’s heart. You were so insecure that you never even realized how attractive your aura was to people around. And Mike from accounting was no exception. You had to admit too that, he was rather attractive. He smiled back at you, and said :

-Do you want anything to drink ? Champagne maybe ?

But before you could say anything, a huge silhouette darkened everything around you...Oh. Of course. Bruce Wayne. He was so much bigger than everyone that he hid the lights.

-Miss (Y/L/N) doesn’t like champagne, I suggest you get her...bourbon or something strong like that.

Mike’s eyes open wides at the presence of his boss, and, mumbling something about bourbon and about how great Bruce was, he leaves to the open bar. You turn to look up at Bruce, and blush a bit at the intensity of his eyes (as usual, he always looks at you in such a way...).

-How is your night (Y/N) ?

He has been using your first name for quite a while now. You, however, still had some difficulties not calling him “Mr. Wayne” or “sir”. He was just so intimidating...though when around you, he often smiled and was nicer overall. Of course, it probably didn’t have anything to do with you, it’s just that, in your presence, a woman that was from the plebe, he had less pressure and could be a bit more himself, he knew a nobody like you couldn’t even think about judging a man like him...Hence, he smiled more.

-Alright, thank you Mr. Wayne.

-I told you a thousand times, call me Bruce.

You nod awkwardly and look around him to see where Mike has gone. He notices, and frowns a bit (though you don’t see his frown as when you look back up at him, he has his usual unreadable expression again).

-You don’t have to lie to me (Y/N) you know.

-Hum...What ? I would never...

-Oh please, it is obvious you do not like the party. You do not enjoy it.

You shift on your feet, embarrassed, but before he can add something, a screeching voice resonates in the place :

-Oh here you are Brucie. Come on, we gotta go see...

You don’t even know what she says, as she takes away Bruce, and Mike comes back with your drink. Bruce’s date took him with her, though his gaze is still on you, and you find yourself unable to look away even as though Mike gives you the drink he went to fetch for you.

Could it be that...the way he looks at you, how disappointed he looked that he had to leave...Could it be that ? And the way he came to you only when you started to talk to Mike...could it be that...that all the flirting actually meant something ? No. No that was ridiculous. Wishful thinking. Utterly dumb.

What would Bruce Wayne do with a fat and plain girl like you ? ...

************

Mike’s conversation was awful. Oh God so bad.

You managed to escape his grasp (as you two were drinking more and more, he was getting a bit too touchy feely...you managed to see Bruce, with the corner of your eyes, often looking your way while he was talking to more important people than you), and flee to one of the balcony.

You loved Wayne Tower’s balconies. Stone balcony with gargoyles on the side. Giving you a great view of Gotham. You loved it.

You were slumped on the barrier of the balcony, when you heard footsteps behind you...Startled, you turned around, and tripped on your heels.

A strong pair of arms caught you, and you couldn’t help the soft sigh escaping you as you realized who it was.

-Mr. Wayne.

-Bruce.

-Finally !

-Sorry, I’m a bit drunk Mr. Wayne.

-Bruce. And yes, I saw you drink a lot with Mike.

-It was the only thing helping me going through his awful conversation.

-Awful conversation ?

-Yes, he only talked about cars, and numbers, accounting stuffs. Awful.

The chuckle he lets out makes you melt, and, realizing your still in his arms, you take a few steps back.

-Hum. Where is your date ?

-Oh, she had to...go home early. Something about having a shoot early next morning.

-Right. Supermodels and their hectic lives haha.

-Yes...

He smiles at you, and you smile back. It always felt so natural between the two of you, as if you knew each other since childhood (though when he was a child, when his parents died, you were but a tiny baby...not fat yet).

And unlike with Mike, the conversation started to flow...so much that, at some point, you blurt out, for reasons you forgot instantly :

-You know Mr. Wayne, I used to have a crush on you !

-Bruce.

-You know Bruce, I used to have a crush on you !

You blush at the look he gives you...and in the haziness of your drunkeness, you can’t pinpoint if he’s pleased or disgusted.

-Used to ?

-Well, yes.

-What made you stop have a crush on me ?

-Reality. Knowing you’d never notice me !

-And yet here I am, talking to you.

-Yeah...Well, knowing you’d never notice me in that way !

-I came here to look for you. To make sure you were ok.

-That’s very nice of you.

The meaning of his words just fly over your head, and you look away from him, embarrassed at your sudden declaration...

He takes your chin in his calloused (calloused ? Why did he have calloused hands ?) hands and turns your head to look at him. Wow, he was way closer than you thought...

-I came here to look for you.

-Yes you already said that Mr. Wayne.

-Bruce.

-I came here to look for you.

-Third time now, I’m beginning to think you have a problem and...

-You don’t understand. No, that’s not quite right. It’s not that you don’t understand, it’s that you don't even fathom why I’m actually here.

-...I must admit, you lost me a bit Mr. Wayne.

-Bruce.

-Bruce. You lost me.

-I can see that...I’m here...For you.

-That’s nice.

-Oh my, so intelligent and yet so dense.

You narrow your eyes at him, and turn your head to look into his eyes. Oh. Yes. Very close.

-When I say I’m here for you, I mean I’m here because I wanted to see you. To talk to you. I’m sorry I didn’t have time before to come to you but...well, you know, social obligations.

-I know. Or rather, I don’t, I don't have any social obligations.

-And yet you’re here.

-Only because of you.

He smiles, and you realize what you just said. You take a few steps back, but he catches your hand, stopping you from going away.

-I’m glad.

You frown.

-What are you doing Mr. Wayne ?

-Bruce.

-Bruce. What are you doing ?

-What do you mean (Y/N) ?

-I don’t play games.

-Who said I was playing games ?

-You act like you act around those supermodels. You act...weird. And charming. And...Weird.

-I believe you said “weird” twice.

-I don’t play games Bruce.

-That too you said twice. And damn, I have to make you mad for you to call me Bruce.

How did he know you were mad ? Well, it was quite obvious really. It was written all over your face. You weren’t happy at all. And you weren’t happy because you thought he was pulling your legs. How could he actually want to be with you, to talk to you, while all those great, rich and famous people are out there ?

He wants to say something else, and he’s getting even closer but...you don’t let him. You snatch your arm out of his large hand, and take the few steps back you wanted to take. Your mad expression who turned hurt, makes his heart tightens.

Once again, his reputation precedes him. He was sure that the main reason you didn’t believe him was because everyone genuinely thought he was a womanizer. He was a “playboy”, known to have a different supermodel/actress/ singer/etc etc...at his arm every new public event.

He wished you knew him in another light though. You knew him more than most (only Alfred knew more about him really), and more often than not, he showed you his real you...but his public figure was always overshadowing everything. Even you, a smart woman, heard rumors...no, you saw him with different women (hell you even bought gift for them when he didn’t have time to do so, which was often).

He looks away from you, and...is it “hurt” you can see on his face ?

As usual, it seems you can just read his mind and you know what he’s thinking. Of course you know. You have to tell him that he’s wrong though. That you don’t believe him because of how you are, not because of how he is.

You turn to him and say :

-It’s not because of the other girls by the way...Well it kind of is, but not like you think it is. ...I’m terrible at explaining.

-Please do. I’m not sure I understand. ...Let me just say, you know me (Y/N), more than others, really, you’re the only one that...I never thought to meet anyone like you alright ? To find someone to whom I wish to tell every desire and secrets I hold...

He pauses there. He’s not ready yet to tell you he’s the Batman, but he wants to. For the first time in his life, he really wants to. Not yet, but soon. It all depends on how this night will go really...But he knows he can trust you. Besides, he’s pretty sure you already have your doubts, but are too faithful and polite to say anything.

In front of a very stunned you, and with a half-smile on his face, he continues :

-There is no need to wear a mask in your presence. And though that should make me feel at my most vulnerable, I find that it only gives me strength.

You don’t really know what to say...You just listen to him. You two are now incredibly close, and you shiver when you feel his hand going on yours. At your lack of response, he keeps going :

-I’m sorry to assume anything. I mean because you always answer to my flirting I thought...But I see maybe I was wrong.

He takes his hand off of yours...but you catch it.

-Now you’re the one that is dense.

It seems he cannot resist tangling his fingers with yours, and your heart suddenly picks up its pace. It’s even worst when he takes your hand to his lips, and softly kisses your knuckles.

-How am I dense ?

-You...What...You...What are you saying Mr. Wa...Bruce ?

-What am I saying ?

-Yes.

-I’m saying I like you (Y/N). And I’m more and more worried that you...might not feel the same towards me.

He...He likes you ? No. It can’t be. He must be lying. It’s not his thing to be that cruel usually though...But. No, he must be lying. He can’t like someone like you.

Little did you know that yes, he was indeed lying. He didn’t like you. He loved you. But given the face you were already making, and how he could hear your heart beat...it was maybe a bit too much telling you he was in love with you.

That he loves you like he never loved anyone before..Yes, it was probably too much. He didn’t want you to faint.

You finally raises your eyes to look at him, and with a weak voice you say :

-Do you really think I...I don’t like you...I mean I do answer your flirting but I didn’t know it was actually flirting because...I don’t know...I...I...You could have anyone Bruce. Anyone. And you’d choose me ? This is just impossib...

His mouth on yours are a sure way to make you shut up. To erase all of your insecurities. The softness of his lips is the best thing you ever tasted. His arms wrapping around your waist and bringing you flush against his body makes you dizzy. One of his hand goes from the small of your back all the way up to cup your cheek, and his skin on the exposed one of your back (you hesitated to put the dress Bruce bought for you because it was so tight, and most of your back was exposed but...well, it did fit you really well. Bruce knew what to get you so your body would be at its best) makes you shiver.

You flung your arms around his neck and bring him even closer. He has to bent down a lot to reach you, even though you’re on your tiptoe, and ends up just loosing patience because he doesn’t have the access to your mouth he wants, and lifting you up on the balcony’s rail. Now that you’re sitting higher up, it’s definitely better...

He washes away any remnant of your fears about not being good enough when his tongue gently swipes over your lips, demanding access...that you gladly gives him.

Everything around you disappear. It’s just you and him there.

You already saw him kiss the women he’d take out, his “dates”, and he was not nearly as passionate as this. Actually, it wasn’t passionate at all. It was quite robotic. As if he just did what he had to do...While with you ? It genuinely seemed like he meant everything he said.

Finally, the need for hair is getting too strong, and you pull away from him. He doesn’t let go of you though (and you’re sure glad to be in some kind of haze right now, because he’s holding you, sure, but behind you is quite the fall down on Gotham streets...). He licks his lips, as if to keep your taste their, and smiles.

-Convinced ?

He asks. During the kiss, for those slight seconds, you did believe him. But now...How could it be ? What kind of game was he playing ? But before you can say anything, he reads every insecurities on your face...and kisses you again. When you pull away, he says :

-I’m just going to keep kissing you until you believe me.

You’re about to say something, but decide to actually kiss him again, because it does work quite well for your self-esteem. Kissing the most wanted bachelor of Gotham. Yup.

You pull away once more, and he smiles...And it’s not his kisses that starts to convince you that he might say the truth, but the most tender gesture ever.

He raises his hand to your face, and put one wild strand of hair behind your ear, and kisses your forehead. His hand then goes to cup your cheek again, and settling himself between your legs, he just brings your head against him, squeezing your face on his strong chest, where his heart is beating.

You’re surprised to find it beating wildly. You’re pretty sure it beats even faster than yours...Again, how can this be ? His voice rumbles in his chest, making your entire being vibrating. You shiver once more, and when you feel your belly fat moving a bit your insecurities come swarming back full force...but he doesn’t let it happen. His hands are caressing your back up and down, pinching lovingly your skin there and there. He brings your arms around his neck, and put his forehead against yours.

-I don’t understand...

You say. Is this a dream ?

-What don’t you understand ?

-Why me ?

-Because you make me feel alive. With you I don’t have to be someone else. You don’t judge, and you speak your mind. And you’re so, so beautiful.

-Beaut....Now I know you’re mocking me.

You say, pulling away from him, and almost falling down to your death.

-Wow careful there...My gorgeous lady.

Of course he catches you. With his damn strong arms. A bit nervous, you wrap your hands around his bicep (well to be honest your hands are too small to wrap around them) and look at him...On his face, you can only see a genuine smile, and in his eyes...Love and awe ? Wow.

-What can I do for you to believe me ? Truly ? Besides kissing you of course. As much as I want to do that every waking hour of my life, I can’t actually do it so...

You smile weakly, letting one of your hand slide from his neck to his chest, where you rest it, above his heart.

-I just don’t understand.

-What don’t you understand ?

-Just...you like me ? A nobody ? Me and my extra pounds ? Really ?

He roll his eyes to the sky, and nods.

-Yes. And I’ll tell you every day if I have to.

-...Me ? Chubby (Y/N) ? For real ?

-For once and for all, yes.

There’s a small silence, before he continues :

-Besides, I love chubby. Gives me something to hold on.

His winks is the sexiest you ever saw, and his comment makes you blush like crazy. To hide your blush and erase the damn smug look on his face, you kiss him once more. Fiercely. With passion. And when you pull away, he’s the one that look hazy, a bit in a dazed, as if he just woke up from the most wonderful dream. He sees you looking curiously at him, and says, before kissing you too :

-I like you, miss (Y/L/N).

-I like you too, Mr. Wayne.

-Bruce.

-Yes...Bruce...

You say in a whisper, before his lips are on yours again.

You both don’t notice the photographer behind you taking a picture. The next day, there will be hundredth of newspaper and such talking about how Bruce Wayne’s personal assistant might become something more...Or is it just a phase ? Because after all, a woman like you with a guy like him ? It couldn’t last could it ?

************

Ten years later, waking up in your comfy king sized bed, wrapped in wonderful silk sheets, you cannot help but feel the happiest woman in the world.

You’re in your husband’s arms...but not only. There’s two boys resting their heads on your belly. Dick and Jason. One little head is also on one of your arms. Tim. Finally, the last one is comfortably settled in the crook of your neck, half his body on you and his brothers, the other half on his father’s head (Bruce was gonna wake up grumpy).

Your boys. They loved to sneak in the bedroom early in the morning (though “early” at the Wayne households was 4 pm), and come to cuddle against you (their father ? Not so much, being an only child, he sometimes had difficulties to share). Because your arms was the most comfortable place in the world. Just like their dad, they loved everything about you, loved you for you...And most of all, they damn loved your little chubiness, because it made cuddling with you the best thing ever.

The End ?

______________

I’m extra unsure about that one. Are their relationship believable ? Like did I rush anything ? Did I not make them close enough for them to feel that way ? I’m so afraid it’s not believable and stuff. I hope you liked it but..Yeah, super unsure. Especially since some of you seemed excited about this story ? I hope I didn't disappoint...OH MY GOD I’M GONNA RUN AND HIDE !!

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ihaileysenpai · 7 years

Text

I Can Be Affectionate {Oswald X Nice}

Funny thing, this is the second time I wrote this, I forgot to save the last draft XD I’m so pro!

Ideas were imagined and Choices were made

Third Person Pov

~Low~

~When you’re feeling low

~And you just don’t know where to run to~

~Broke~

~If your heart’s been broke

~And you feel like you’re all alone

~If you need something to believe in

~If you’re looking for a light to guide you home

~Just look inside

~You’re a light shining brighter than you kno-

“Heeellllooo in there? Are you still here?” A voice spoke in her ear, interrupting her song.

Nice looked at her friend Hailey in surprise, then sent a small glare her way, as she realized Hailey had pulled her earbud from her ear. It dangled sadly in the air, still emitting the sound of the song that was being played.

“What was that for, Hailey?” Nice questioned her friend in slight annoyance.

Hailey playfully smirked, “You kinda left our conversation there bud, wasn’t sure if the wall enjoyed listening to me for 10 minutes.” She jokingly remarked. “Just making sure that class was still in session.” She added, shrugging her shoulders and using a metaphor to compare Nice being absent from the conversation.

Nice quickly came to realization of what she did as was almost as quick to apologize, “Oh jeez, sorry Hailey!”

Hailey grinned and brushed it off, “No big deal, Nicey. You’ve had a lot on your plate anyways, so it’s excusable.” Hailey stated happily and leaned against the pale white wall of the hallway.

Shrugging her shoulders and taking out the remaining ear phone, Nice sat on the edge of a wooden table. “Yeah, I guess it’s just been Ozzy, he hasn’t been acting like himself lately.”! Nice explained with a sigh and wrapped her earbud cord around her hand.

For those who don’t know what’s happening, Nice and Oswald have started a budding romance a few weeks ago. How that happened, Oswald claims that Hailey promised to push them together if he wouldn’t, metaphorically and literally.

“Acting different? What kind of different? Gloomy Oz or Emo Oz, ‘cause trust me, neither of them are good for everyone.” Hailey inquired, somewhat concerned.

“Different as in, he’s been more ‘huggy’ and ‘winky’ lately.” Nice tried to explain, only resulting in Hailey deadpanning and glaring at the brunette.

“You better not be censoring this because I’m younger than you.” Hailey retorted.

Nice nervously laughed, “No, no no! That’s all in is! I mean I get it, we’ve only been dating for a few weeks, but it’s weird, he isn’t really like this.”

Hailey then pondered for a moment, rest her chin between her thumb and pointer finger on his right fist. Then again, Nice was quick to realize something, grabbed Hailey’s shoulders.

“What about you?! All we’ve been doing lately is talk about me and Ozzy’s relationship, but you need some romance in your life too!” Nice explained with sincere enthusiasm.

Hailey had a pokerface as an expression, “How is this relevant to the issue at han-” Nice cut Hailey off.

“Shush! We can do this now! Now what are you looking for in a guy?” Nice asked hopefully.

Hailey awkwardly smirked, “Jeez Nicey, don’t ya think Cupid’s a bit late on this one?” Hailey remarked, trying to ease off the topic.

Nice glared at the young ginger, “Just answer the damn question.” She stated, getting slightly annoyed with Hailey’s reluctant attitude.

Hailey sighed and looked down at her thumbs, as she twiddled them, “O-okay, I guess he’d have to have a sense of humour, have respect for others and himself, be loyal, have s-some sort of passion, be able to cuddle and hug, willing to give p-piggy back rides and give small romantic gestures every now and a-again.” Hailey explained, her face flushing more as she said the qualities she wanted.

Nice gushed at the flustered state her friend was in, “That is too cute!” She exclaimed, “And romantic gestures! That’s just adorable!”

Feeling even more embarrassed, Hailey stretched down her hat to cover her face, “Stooppppp!” She whined in dismay.

Giggling and patting the ginger’s head, Nice smiled, “If it makes you feel better, I’ve never had someone sing to me in a relationship and would instantly look like you if it happened.” She remarked.

As the two girls continued with their conversation, little did they know that Oswald was about to turn the corner of the hallway, when he heard the two talking. He and his brother Mickey heard the entire conversation, and Oswald had an idea for his girlfriend Nice!

TIIMMME SKIP

We are now found in Nice’s bedroom of Mickey’s mansion (what? you really think that I wouldn’t use Mick’s place for a setting? Jeez)

Hailey sat on the floor at the end of Nice’s bed, while Nice sat on the edge of the bed, brushing Hailey’s red hair.

“My mom used to do this, only ya know, no warning or anything.” Hailey giggled, “Even like when I’m in the middle of a conversation or out in public, she’ll just run her fingers through my hair.”

Nice chuckled, “Sounds like she really liked your hair.”

“Frick! She says that why she had a girl!” Hailey added and the two laughed. “God she had her moments.”

Suddenly, Nice heard her name being called from the balcony. She turned her attention to the opened glass doors that led to the balcony. “Oswald?” Nice ask out loud, then shuffled toward the balcony.

Looking at the garden down below, Nice saw her boyfriend, Oswald standing there and looking up at her, with a guitar strapped in front of his torso.

He calmly waved and spoke loud enough that Nice could hear him, “Good even m'lady.” Oswald greeted.

“FLIRT!” Hailey yelled from inside Nice’s room, nobody paid much attention to her.

“Ozzy?! What are you doing out here at 9:40 at night?!” Nice quickly questioned.

Oswald only gently smiled, “I have something for you.” He cooed, then positioned his hands hands on the guitar. He took in a breath of air for for confidence, then quickly glanced up at Nice, who was in a state of awe about what he was about to do. Oswald felt his confidence rise and began to strum his guitar.

“I’m not bulletproof when it comes to you”

“Don’t know what to say when you make me the enemy”

“After the war is won”

“There’s always the next one”

“I’m not bulletproof when it comes to you”

“Maybe I’ll crash into you”

“Maybe we would open up these wounds”

“We’re only alive if we bruise”

“So I lay down this armour”

“I will surrender tonight”

“Before we both lose this fight”

“Take my defences”

“All my defences”

As Oswald continued the song, Nice felt her heart melt at the affectionate gesture Oswald was willing to do. If she turned around to see Hailey holding up her phone with the flashlight and swaying with the beat of the song she loves, Nicey would have to contain her laughter or annoyance just to hear the damn song. But her eyes were more focused on Oswald, as the two never lost eye contact, the world had faded away and they were the only two things that mattered at that moment.

“I’ll be your escape”

“I’ll be your safe place”

“I’ll be your shelter”

“Your shelter, yeah”

“I’ll be your escape”

“I’ll be your safe place”

“I’ll be your shelter”

“Your shelter, yeah”

“Maybe I’ll crash into you”

“Maybe we would open up these wounds”

“We’re only alive if we bruise”

“So I lay down this armour”

“I will surrender tonight”

“Before we both lose this fight”

“Take my defences”

“All my defences”

“I lay down this armour”

Oswald finished the song, and Nice’s red face was just as bad as Hailey’s was earlier. She came out of her daze, as Oswald asked how it was.

“W-wow, th-that was, am-amazing- no, that was, phew I’m speechless!” Nice tried say her words, but fumbled and blushed even more. Oswald chuckled at this.

“You look so cute when you get embarrassed.” He complimented sweetly.

“O-Ozzy.” Nice then remembered something, “Wh-what’s with all the affection lately?” She questioned.

“You don’t like it?” Oswald asked back.

Nice shrieked in surprised, “No, no, no no! I love it, especially the song was fantastic! But, why? You aren’t usually the one for affection.” She tried to explain.

Oswald smirked, “Let’s just say that I heard your conversations with Hailey about what you’ve always looked forward into a relationship and all, so I though that I’d be a good boyfriend. I don’t want to lose you for me not showing how much I care for you.” He confessed with sincerity.

Nice felt as if her heart was going to explode in her chest, from the speed it was beating. The cuteness was too much!

Hailey walked to the balcony and leaned against the railing, “YO MICK! YOU BETTER SEND THAT TO ME!” She shouted at the bushes.

Mickey then shot up from the bushes with his phone in his hand, clearly videotaping the whole thing.

“HOW DID YOU KNOW I WAS DOWN HERE?!” Mickey shouted back at her.

“I KNOW THAT YOU WOULDN’T MISS AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE THIS, YOU’RE A SHIPPER TOO!” Hailey retorted back.

“I’m all the way until Felix and Oswald become a thing.” Hailey said quickly and walked back in the room.

“Wait what?!”

THE END!

Hope ya liked it @theniceprincess-tnp

Music

Never Gonna Let You Down by Colbie Caillat

Armour by Landon Austin

#fanfic #for my bud #NicePrincess #nice x oswald

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thedreammweaver · 4 years

Text

Split Personality part 3 (Burton-schumacherverse/Gotham crossover)

Part 2

(A/N: so things don’t get confusing outside of the characters themselves referring to eachother by name Burton-schumacherverse characters are going to be referred to as penguin, riddler, and Catwoman while their Gotham counterparts just have their normal names)

Warnings: sexuality struggles, Ed’s dad being an asshole mention

As they left the interrogation room Oswald noticed that Penguin’s waddling limp was more pronounced than his yet he wasn’t leaning on the umbrella he carried as Oswald would have. Even with his cane his leg was beginning to ache terribly from standing for so long. As soon as they were in the main part of the precinct Jim made a beeline for Oswald “What the hell-“

“We’re leaving, Jim, they’ve done nothing that warrants you holding them here.” Oswald stated. “Absolutely not-” Jim paused “Wait, where are the other-“

“Jim!” Bullock called from the upper level “Your favorite little delinquent and that freaky cat lady just blew up a store downtown.” Jim looked like he was about to have aneurysm “How did they even get out- I don’t have time for- Okay, you know what,” he turned back to Oswald “you can go just for the love of god behave!” He instructed before sprinting off to deal with the current situation.

Selina and Catwoman were laughing as they ducked into an alley, hiding from cop cars. “This is the most fun I’ve had in a while,” Catwoman panted “Who knows, maybe I should get a kid.” She joked. “You’re not too bad yourself.” Selina chuckled.

Not really knowing where else to go Oswald had taken the group back to the Van Dahl mansion. As soon as they’d arrived Riddler said he wanted to have a private chat with Ed and they’d ducked off somewhere. Oswald’s leg was lit up with pain by the time they’d gotten there and he was just grateful to see his armchair. “What happened to your leg?” Penguin asked as he surveyed the decor, judgement in his eyes. “Oh...” Oswald hadn’t actually recounted the tale to anyone before, though he didn’t exactly want to open up to the odd man he felt a pull like he had to “Someone broke it, I was in a sticky situation of sorts and couldn’t get it set...it just healed wrong, I suppose. I’ve never actually had it looked at, come to think of it...”

“You kill the person who broke it?”

“Yes..” Oswald chose to leave out that Fish hadn’t stayed dead.

“Good.” Penguin growled. “Don’t ever let anyone get away with doing shit like that to you..” he trailed off as he set eyes on a portrait of Elijah that was above the fireplace. “That’s your old man?” He asked. Oswald struggled to keep pain out of his voice as he too looked at the portrait “Yes, it is.”

“Christ, he looks like mine.” Penguin muttered.

“My father was a good man,” Oswald assured “He would never throw a child into a river...I apologize for my snide remark about that, I just...can’t imagine parents being so cruel.”

Penguin laughed “I can’t imagine parents being so loving. To be perfectly honest with you I...killed mine, my parents I mean.” He admitted. Oswald found himself chuckling “I’d say that’s fair.” he shrugged.

Ed didn’t know why he was letting himself be led into a spare bedroom by his counterpart but he was. “Alright,” Riddler said carefully shutting the door before leading Ed more into the middle of the room and grabbing him gently but firmly by the shoulders “You said you’re straight.”

“I am-“ Ed’s insisting was interrupted.

“How many times do you rehearse that?” Riddler asked, letting go of Ed and surveying the room curiously.

Ed’s face fell “How did you know that..”

“Because I used to rehearse it too, silly. Now, can you be honest with me?”

Ed sighed and nodded there was an odd sense of complete trust he felt with the other man. “Do you like boys or girls?” Riddler asked as he absently fixed his hair in the reflection of a vase. Ed looked at the floor and inhaled “...both.” he mumbled. “Hmm..both.” Riddler repeated “I’m willing to bet your dad said some pretty nasty things about that.” Ed didn’t answer, which prompted Riddler to turn to him and walk back over. Seeing that Ed looked to be on the verge of crying, Riddler open his arms in a hug offering gesture. He didn’t expect Ed to actually accept so he was surprised when the man walked over and practically melted into his arms as he cried softly. “There, there, dear repressed one.” Riddler cooed, gently rubbing Ed’s back “I’m going to tell you what I wish someone told me when I was younger. There is nothing wrong with you and all the horrible things your dad ever said are not true.” He hugged Ed for a few moments more before pulling away “Now, you said you like boys, does boys include Oswald?”

“Y-Yes..” Ed admitted, wiping his eyes “But he’s...out of my league, I could never-“

“Oh, please.” Riddler interrupted, he grabbed Ed’s arm and took him into the bathroom and stood him in front of the mirror. He lifted Ed’s chin up to make sure he was looking at himself “That’s a handsome boy, hmm? You should be milking those cheekbones for all they’re worth.” That made Ed chuckle. Riddler moved some of Ed’s hair out of his face “Maybe if you tried more green it would bring out your features more..but that aside, you’re plenty worthy enough of Oswald.”

Ed blushed and shook his head “He probably doesn’t feel the same way.” Riddler smirked “I’m willing to bet he does.”

“That is ingenious.” Oswald said in awe as he watched penguin shoot a tree in the backyard with his umbrella again.

“Wanna try?”

“Really?? Yes, please.” He said, taking the umbrella from the shorter man. The glee on his face was childlike as he quickly figured out how the thing worked and made another hole in the tree. “I also have one that shoots fire.” Penguin said taking his umbrella back from Oswald. “And a few that fly, those get broken a lot though.. I was working on one that shoots acid but Eddie made me take a break from that little project after I burned myself..on accident of course.” Penguin sounded both annoyed and in love. “You guys really care about eachother..” Oswald mumbled. “You need to tell your Ed that you’re in love with him.” Penguin said frankly. Oswald’s face went bright red “What?! I-I’m not-“

“Don’t bullshit me. You’re head over heels for him, I can see it. Even if I didn’t see it..I’d know.”

“I can’t tell him..”

“You have to!” Penguin insisted “There cannot be a universe where he and I aren’t together, do you understand? I won’t allow it.” Oswald anxiously considered the prospect of confessing his love to Ed “Okay..I’ll tell him.” He relented. Penguin looked relieved “Good...good.”

Oswald felt a chill run down his spine as he, Ed, Selina, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman walked through the halls of Indian Hill. They were being lead by Jim who was being led by Hugo who had gotten done with whatever he’d rigged to get the misplaced counterparts back to their dimension faster than he’d predicted. He came to an ominous looking door at the end of the hall and stopped “Those from this Gotham can leave now, the rest of you proceed with me.” He instructed. Before Catwoman could start walking Selina hugged her “This is weird but I’m gonna like...miss you or whatever...” Catwoman quickly recovered from her surprise and hugged Selina back “I’ll...miss you too, kid.” Hugo looked at Jim pensively as he opened the ominous door “I must be a complete fool to let such a perfectly well preserved case of complex syndactyly slip through my fingers. You owe me for this, Gordon.” He lamented, looking Penguin up and down “God, what I’d give to dissect you..” Oswald was struck with a type of terror he’d never felt before and he moved to hide behind Ed who guarded him protectively as they both walked through the door. Catwoman looked at Selina sadly before following. Hugo was about to enter but paused looking at Oswald, Ed, and Selina “Oh, I should probably tell you there’s a certain margin for error with this that could actually send you to-...you know what never mind, that most likely won’t happen.” He said cryptically before disappearing into the room, slamming the door behind him. Wanting to just get out of there Jim pushed past Oswald and Ed, Selina soon followed. Ed and Oswald lingered for a second, there was a strange feeling about them now..something pulling them together. Both remembering their counterparts’ words they took eachother’s hands as they started walking out..together.

To be continued....

#oswald cobblepot #edward nygma #the penguin #gotham #the riddler #riddlebird

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