#BUT THIS IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN EXPLAIN ESTELLE’S EYES

[wrens-writings]

The Monster’s Gone

: ̗̀➛ Percy Jackson x platonic! child of Poseidon! reader

: ̗̀➛ in which big brother Percy saves the day

: ̗̀➛ oh gods, folks. here it is! my first piece of writing posted to tumblr. i have absolutely zero clue about what it is that i’m doing, but here we go!

: ̗̀➛ WARNINGS: bad writing (probably), allusions to angst. i don’t think anything else? lmk if i missed anything 🫶

percy adores being a big brother. someone that only he gets to pick on? that’s a bonus, yea, but the real reason he loves it? watching his little siblings grow up and experience the things their lives would offer.

with tyson, percy was his friend before he was his brother, but he still helps him to understand the world above the sea when applicable. tyson is like an overgrown puppy, a comparison that many people, including sally jackson herself, have pointed out.

and then of course, there’s sweet little estelle, who has her whole life ahead of her that percy just cannot wait to be a part of.

but then comes the outlier. you. don’t get him wrong! he loves you as much as he does all of his siblings. but you’re so traumatized that he just… doesn’t know what to do with you?

when he got to camp for the summer, excited and eager for a killer two and a half months with his girlfriend and his best friends, he was taken aback. normally, himself and tyson were the only two to be in poseidons cabin. yet there you were, a small 11 year old wringing their hands together in cabin 3.

percy had looked at you, eyes wide and full of confusion. “annabeth.” he murmured to the pretty blonde who stood beside him.

“yes, percy?” she responded carefully, seemingly already knowing what he was going to say next.

percy turned to his girlfriend, his face twisted with conflicting emotions. “why is there a child in my cabin and where did they come from?”

and thus begins the summer of percy jackson awkwardly tiptoeing around his new sibling. annabeth had explained to him that the poor kid was chucked into the foster system at a young age, forced to be exposed to more horrors than he would’ve liked for a sibling of his. but with those horrors, came a small issue.

how was he meant to get to know you if you were scared of your own shadow from the trauma you experienced? he knows firsthand just how terrifying this world can get. hades, he fought the chimera when he was just a year older than you and would’ve died if it weren’t for poseidon himself!

it isn’t all bad though. percy knows a handful of things about you. he knows that you like the beach (which, hey, so does he!), he knows that you like spicy food, reading, drawing, and he knows that you’ll probably shit bricks when you inevitably encounter your first monster.

the poor boy has this innate desire to protect you in the way you’ve never been protected before, but he’s so afraid to make you upset or uncomfortable. he’s stuck at a crossroads. so, what does he do?

wallows in his own mind because adhd is a bitch! eventually, despite his whining and complaining at the idea of hurting you, annabeth and grover manage to talk some sense into him.

“guys, i- i don’t know. they’re so young and so scared of everything. how would i even-“

“percy!” grover cuts him off, his eyes narrowing at his best friend. “think of it from y/n’s perspective. they show up after getting exposed to a world they are actually so scared of, and the only thing that makes them feel better is the promise of a big brother.”

percy sits in silence, his ears burning red with shame. annabeth puts her hand on his arm softly with a kinder approach. “just go talk to them. i promise they won’t bite you.” she reassures him. ever the daughter of wisdom, that one.

percy nods and stands up, intent on finding his new sibling, wanting to put them at ease, even just a little bit. he sets off, initially heading towards the beach.

when he arrives, his lips tug down into a frown. despite the beautiful scenery of camp, especially the view from the beach, you aren’t here. he peers through the pretty, looming trees, trying to catch a glimpse of you. his frown only deepens at the sight of your book bag, but no you. “y/n?” he calls out, his voice laced with fear.

when he gets no response, he scoops up your bag and carries it with him towards cabin 3, figuring you just forgot it like the absent minded kid he hopes you are. except, you aren’t in the cabin either. now he’s starting to worry.

he puts your bag down on your bed neatly before rushing back out. he double checks the beach— nothing. he checks the dining pavilion— also nothing. he looks around the arena, the climbing wall, the archery range, even stopping into the infirmary to see if you’re laying there injured and no one thought to tell him. but he turns pale as a sheet when will solace tells him he hasn’t seen you.

percy runs into the forest, uncapping Riptide as he leaps over a fallen log. of course, you probably just wandered off by accident. after all, why would you leave your book bag at the beach?

a scream that sounds heartbreakingly like you echoes from further in the woods and instantly he heads in that direction. didn’t anyone tell you that the woods are full of monsters?!

he breaks through the trees, slashing his sword clean through a hellhound as it lunges towards you. after a terrifying few moments alone while he secures your safety, percy takes you into his arms.

the hug is tight, protective, full of warmth and love, fear and panic. “shh, i’ve got you…” he whispered in your ear, trying to soothe your fearful blubbering. “the monster’s gone. he’s on the run, and your big brother is here.” he reassures you, pressing a soft kiss to the side of your head.

he doesn’t care about the tears that soak his shirt, or even the snot that does the same thing. all he cares about is that you are safe and not injured. he pulls back from the tight hug briefly. “hey, kiddo. you hurt anywhere?” he whispers, his voice strained and fragile.

“n-no. ‘m okay…” you stammer out, your own voice matching his. he kisses your head again, breathing out a sigh of relief. “thank you, percy…” you whisper quietly in his ear. you can’t do much besides whisper at this point, and who is he to judge?

percy squeezes you tighter, his body shaking from the fear of you being hurt “always, kiddo. i’m always gonna be there when you need me. rain or shine, day or night. i’m your big brother. that’s my job.”

soooooo…? gimmie your thoughts, pls!! bare in mind that i’m scared shitless of constructive criticism tho 😭🤚

i’m not the greatest at writing fanfiction but i’m really eager to learn more. your feedback is much appreciated 🫶

#ೃ⁀➷ wrens ramblings #ೃ⁀➷ wrens tidbits #ೃ⁀➷ wrens writings #percy jackson #percy jackon and the olympians #percy jackson x reader #percy series #percy pjo

[timelesslords]

25 from the prompts list!

25: “You can’t ride a bike?” - “Why are we whispering?” send me prompts!

“Ready?” 

“Yes!” 

“Three, two, one… go!” 

Percy shoved the back of Estelle’s bike with as much force as he could without it tipping over, and Estelle shrieked in delight. Annabeth couldn’t help but laugh at the sight, especially when Estelle took advantage of the momentum and started furiously pedaling.

The snow had finally melted enough to let Estelle try out the new sparkly pink bike she’d gotten for Christmas, and Percy and Annabeth had volunteered to take her out to practice riding it. 

They’d managed to find a mostly empty parking lot with mostly uncracked pavement for Estelle to ride around and practice in. She was getting pretty good, though she still had training wheels screwed to the back of her sparkly pink bike. Watching her furiously pedal around in circles was both entertaining and adorable. 

“Maybe we should get bikes,” Percy said absently. 

“Where would we put them?” Annabeth asked. “We barely have room for your skateboard.”

This was not an exaggeration— their apartment was seriously tiny. Annabeth loved having their own space in the city, and being only a short subway ride away from Percy’s family, but she was hoping they would be able to move out of the glorified closet they were in soon.

“When we get a bigger place,” Percy amended, “I just think it would be fun. We could go biking on the bridge or something.”

“What are you, a tourist?” Annabeth laughed. Percy shook his head, but he was smiling.

“Okay Miss New Yorker,” Percy teased, “I just thought it would be easier to convince you to bike than to skateboard.” 

“Well I don’t know how to do either, but I think I would look dumber on a skateboard.” 

To her surprise, Percy frowned. 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean you have that scruffy skater boy type look and I—”

“Not that,” he said quickly, then frowned again. “Scruffy?”

“It’s endearing,” Annabeth promised. She wasn’t quite sure Percy believed her, but apparently his other question was more pressing. 

“I meant, what do you mean you can’t do either?”

“I mean, I can’t ride a skateboard. Or a bike,” Annabeth said. 

“You can’t ride a bike?” Percy asked, in an almost comical stage whisper. Annabeth rolled her eyes.

“Why are you whispering?” she asked at normal volume.

“You can’t ride a bike?” Estelle asked, suddenly pedaling up behind them. Percy gave Annabeth a look that very clearly said that’s why.

“Nope,” Annabeth said, this time directed at Estelle.

“Why not?” Estelle asked.

“I just never needed to,” Annabeth said, which wasn’t exactly a lie. She felt very aware of Percy’s worried eyes on her, more so than Estelle’s curious ones. 

“Didn’t you want to?” she asked. and Annabeth suddenly found herself faltering slightly. She understood why Percy had wanted to save her from his little sister’s interrogation. 

It wasn’t exactly that she was embarrassed that she couldn’t ride a bike— it hadn’t really come up in all her years at camp. But trying to explain to a very loved and very well adjusted five year old that sometimes mommies were primordial goddesses who didn’t have time or care to so much as wish their mortal children happy birthday, and sometimes daddies were too busy building model planes to think about buying their daughter a bike, much less teaching her how to ride it, was a little bit deeper into Annabeth’s childhood trauma then she wanted to get on a random Sunday afternoon. 

“Sort of. I was busy though,” Annabeth said. That felt more like a lie, but they’d promised Sally not to tell Estelle anything about monsters and gods until absolutely necessary, and this did not feel necessary. 

“Oh. Okay,” Estelle said, turning back to Percy. “Can you push me again?” 

“Not if you want those training wheels off,” Percy said, and Estelle sighed dramatically. 

“You’re mean,” she complained.

“Yeah, yeah,” Percy grinned, “Go pedal.”

Estelle groaned, but still pedaled off, complaining the whole way.

“Sorry,” Percy said quietly, once they were alone. 

“Don’t. It’s fine,” Annabeth said, waving her hand dismissively. It was. Never learning how to ride a bike was one of the smaller grievances of her childhood. 

“Still,” Percy said, slipping his hand into hers, giving it a light squeeze. 

“I can teach you,” he said, suddenly. Annabeth glanced at him skeptically. 

“You want to teach your 22 year old girlfriend how to ride a bike?” 

“Yeah. It’ll be fun.”

“For you,” Annabeth snorted, and Percy laughed. But really, the idea wasn’t so repelling. She knew how to ride a pegasus— how much harder could a bike be, really?

“Okay,” Annabeth relented, “As long as you don’t boss me around like Estelle.” Percy grinned.

“No promises.”

#percabeth #percy jackson #annabeth chase #estelle jackson #estelle blofis #percabeth fic #pjo fic #prompt fic #i can take any sentence and make it about annabeth's childhood trauma just watch me

[starlitangels]

To Steer By

Lookit me, getting the next update posted before June lol 2.8k words

Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5, Ch 6

—

Chapter 7 - The Journey to Aria

—

Avior woke to morning sunlight in his face. The corner window of the Star Palace’s library didn’t have a curtain to block it out. He was curled up in the reading nook with Estelle tucked safely in his arms. Since his transformation, his sense of smell was heightened, making him perfectly capable of smelling both of their pheromones sunk deep into the blankets and cushions around them.

Behind him, in the main chamber of the library, he heard, “Tsk, tsk, tsk.” It sounded disappointed.

He twisted, careful not to jostle Estelle.

“Perfectly good corset cord gone to waste,” a familiar voice whispered. He heard the whispering of fabric over stone—the sound of someone scooping up Estelle’s wedding gown where it had been left on the floor.

Quiet footsteps clicked closer.

There was no hiding the fact that the Star Princess and her new demonic husband were cuddled up in a reading nook, so Avior could only settle for making sure Estelle’s modesty was covered by the blanket they were under. He checked quickly and tucked the fabric over her shoulder to hide all of her skin except her face and hands. Her starry makeup over her chest and shoulders was smeared, leaving glitter over everything. Including Avior. It was strange to see silver-white shimmering against the red of his hands.

A world-weary sigh roused Avior’s attention back to whoever was approaching.

Vindemiator had Estelle’s gown and corset in his arms. The scraps of the corset’s string were dangling out of his pocket. He barely glanced at Avior with a nod of greeting before also scooping up the absolutely shredded wedding clothes Avior himself had been wearing and torn off last night in the heat of his frenzy.

“I’ll bring you a dressing gown. These will be packed for the journey home,” was all Vindemiator said before sweeping away.

Avior growled lowly in his throat. He was the king. He didn’t have to explain himself or make excuses to his advisor.

So why did he feel like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar?

Estelle shuffled in her sleep. Slowly waking up.

What is it about you that makes me vulnerable? Avior thought, looking down at her.

Those grey eyes blinked open. Bleary and sleepy. “Morning,” she said quietly.

He brushed a few strands of her soft white hair from her face. “Good morning,” he replied.

She sighed. “We fell asleep in the library,” she said.

Then her eyes widened and she sat bolt upright, almost losing the blanket—and almost whacking her head against Avior’s.

“We fell asleep in the library!” Her mouth hung open and she stared at Avior. “The sun is up! The castle’s awake! There’s no way we make it back to either of our chambers without getting caught.”

Avior blinked. “Well… last night was our wedding night,” he reasoned. “I’m pretty sure anyone who might see us going back to our chambers kind of expected what we got up to.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s not mortifying! I mean, you shredded your suit and my dress—” She craned her neck to look through the shelves where it had been left. “Wh… where is my dress?”

“You remember meeting my advisor Vindemiator, right? The half-demon who’s kind of magenta?” Avior asked. She nodded. “He came in and picked up your dress. And my clothes. He’s bringing a dressing gown, he said. I don’t know if he meant one for each of us, but I would assume so.”

Estelle burrowed into the blankets. “Did he see me without—”

“No. I made sure you were entirely covered.”

“Thank you.”

Avior looked at her seriously. “No one gets to see you that vulnerable but me,” he said. “Not if I can help it.”

She nodded.

They stayed where they were, cozied up together, until Vindemiator’s return. He had, indeed, brought a dressing gown for each of them. Estelle’s was pale blue with embroidered white stars. Avior’s was scarlet with a longer slit up the center of the back so his tail could move a bit freer. Once Vindemiator handed them over, he gave a brief bow and vanished among the shelves. The door to the library closed a few moments after.

“Get dressed, breakfast, and then begin the journey back to Aria?”

She nodded. “Probably for the best.”

—

The carriage trundled down the path. It was a gift from Estelle’s parents. The carriage that she had always taken when she went out anywhere on her own. Built for her and designated as hers. The wood was painted white and there were constellations carved into it. She and Avior had the interior of the carriage to themselves. The carriage that Avior had travelled to the Star Kingdom in—dark wood stained even darker—was ahead of them on the road, Vindemiator, Cam, Caelum, and Scorpius occupying it. Vega was driving Avior and Estelle, Vindemiator teaching Caelum to drive the other. A wagon with supplies for the journey was behind the two carriages, driven by some Star Kingdom retainers.

Estelle had dozed off, leaning on Avior’s shoulder. He was idly playing with her hair, rubbing some of it between his fingers. It was soft and surprisingly thick. He’d never seen white hair that wasn’t delicately thin, until hers.

He could imagine himself falling in love with her. The groundwork for that was already being laid down, if he was being honest with himself. The demon blood he bore attached his protective instincts to her and just glancing at her dozing face stirred fond feelings in his chest. He wasn’t in love with her yet, but it wouldn’t be long until he was.

He wondered if she’d feel the same toward him. He hoped so. At the very least, he hoped she’d come to think of him as a friend.

Considering she was the one encouraging him last night, the foundation of her potential feelings for him seemed to be establishing itself too. Avior wanted to believe that they’d be happy together, if they were going to be married until one of them died.

At the very least, maybe they’d be fond of one another.

Vega poked his head through the window of the carriage from the driver’s seat. “We’ll be stopping for the night soon,” he said. “Just waiting to find a defensible spot to make camp.”

Avior nodded. “Sounds good. Keep me posted.”

Vega dipped his chin in acknowledgment. “Sire.” He twisted to face forward again and vanished.

Avior didn’t mind camping on the forest floor every so often when it came to traveling, but he’d probably leave Estelle in the carriage. As the only lady in the group, he thought it was important to value her privacy. If she wanted him to sleep in the carriage with her, he’d gladly do so, but if she wanted to be alone, he wasn’t going to make a fuss about it.

Being half-demon didn’t need to make him wicked all the time.

Especially not to his wife.

“Hold up!” Avior heard Vindemiator shout. The carriage lurched to a stop, the horses whinnying in protest at the sudden change.

“What’s going on?” Vega called.

“Downed tree on the path,” Vindemiator yelled back.

Avior nudged Estelle gently. “Princess, wake up,” he whispered.

She shuffled and lifted her head off his shoulder. “What’s wrong?” Her voice was low and thick with sleep.

“There’s a tree that’s fallen onto the path. I’m going to go investigate it with the others. Probably just pull it off the road.” He eased his arm away from where it had been around her shoulders. “I’ll be right back. Stay here.”

He hopped out of the carriage and shut the door behind him, falling into step beside Vega immediately. The Star Kingdom retainers had leapt from the wagon too, but had taken up positions at either door of the white carriage. Avior had conflicting feelings about bringing Star Kingdom servants instead of his own on this journey, but he would never knock their loyalty to their princess. The fact of the matter also remained that his own staff was still minimal after the demon attack and he hadn’t had enough to spare to bring on the journey.

He and Vega pulled up even to the dark wood carriage, where Caelum was still sitting on the driver’s bench.

Avior paused. “Cae,” he said. The younger boy jolted and looked down. “Why don’t you go keep Estelle company while we check this out?”

“Y-yes, sire,” Caelum said softly. He scrambled off the bench and ran back to the white carriage. After a moment, the door to that carriage opened and shut. Avior glanced over his shoulder to see Caelum had safely climbed in.

“Have you ever considered that you and Vindemiator are too soft on him?” Vega asked.

“He’s young,” Avior replied nonchalantly.

“He’s plenty old enough to have started some sort of training years ago.”

“If you’re thinking about a knight’s training, I couldn’t disagree with you more. He’s too gentle of a soul. And that’s a beautiful thing. I won’t have you taking that away from him, understand, general?”

“Of course, sire.”

Cam, Vin, and Scorpius were already milling about the tree, arguing with each other about the best way to move it off the path. Or, rather, Vin and Scorpius were arguing and Cam was rolling his eyes at them both. The usual.

Avior ignored the three of them and went to the spot where the tree trunk had separated from its stump. In the half-light, it was difficult to make out anything, so Avior ran his hands over it.

His worries were confirmed as he felt several lines too clean, smooth, and straight to have been a natural breakage of the trunk. He looked at Vega. “This was cut,” he said.

Vega drew his sword immediately, twisting to look back at the caravan and running toward the white carriage. Avior took off behind Vega as his instincts snarled with fierce protectiveness of his wife.

Vin and Scorpius stopped arguing at the clanking of Vega’s armor.

—

Estelle jolted as she heard shouting. She looked out the windows on either side of the carriage to see men in ragged clothing, cloth covering their faces, coming over the ridges on either side of the road. They were armed. Some with cheap swords, some with spears, others with hunting bows.

She grabbed Caelum by the shoulders and pulled him to the floor of the carriage. “Get down!”

The boy yelped.

Estelle looked him in the eye. “Stay here, and stay down,” she said. “Promise?”

Caelum nodded.

She smiled. “It’s gonna be okay, I promise.”

The sounds of her half-demon traveling companions snarling rose around the caravan. The clanging of swords joining quickly.

She crept to one of the doors and peered over the edge of the window. There were at least fifteen bandits. The half-demon Arians were outnumbered three-to-one. To be fair to the Arians, they were all holding their own. She hadn’t done much more than meet and briefly chat with any of them besides Avior, but she found herself impressed at all of their skills nonetheless. Especially the one called Cam—whose full given name was so long she couldn’t remember the whole thing at the moment—who had seemed more like the calm, emotionally-intelligent, pacifist type.

Seeing him fight made Estelle decide the pacifist vibe was definitely a choice he’d made, not his natural state of being.

Caelum whimpered as Vin—whose full given name she also couldn’t remember—cried out in pain and then snarled in renewed attack.

Estelle glanced down at the boy curled up on the floor of the carriage.

She pulled her deep blue traveling cloak off and draped it over him. “Stay here,” she said seriously.

Not waiting for a reply, she climbed out the window of the carriage, planting both hands on the roof. She used the ledge of the window to put her feet on and climb up on top of the carriage.

“Princess, get back inside!” Vega shouted.

“Princess, get back inside,” Estelle mocked in a high-pitched, nasally imitation under her breath.

She stood on top of the carriage between two tree branches.

“Let’s get this over with,” she muttered. “They were bound to find out sooner or later.”

She sucked in a deep breath and shoved her open palm toward the roof below her.

A pulse of white light surged out of her, rushing over the area and past the ridges the bandits had come over. In the wave of light’s wake, several balls of light coalesced into being around Estelle. Blue-white, bright, and the size of her fist. The battle paused due to being confused by the light.

Which was the opening Estelle needed. “Let’s get this done.”

With deft movements and flicks of her wrist, the balls of light went shooting across the area like falling stars. Each one targeting a bandit. She spun in a few quick circles as she directed her magic at the attackers.

Each ball of light struck its target with perfect accuracy. When one hit, the bandit fell. She knew she was mostly just knocking them unconscious, but that would be all she needed.

Vega jolted as the bandit he’d crossed blades with dropped.

Avior was just staring at his wife with a slack jaw.

Once all fifteen or so bandits were down, she moved her hands and fingers in a complicated but deliberate pattern. Violet light twisted and writhed in front of her. She cupped it in both hands. “Don’t close your eyes, boys,” she announced. Everyone in her traveling party was staring anyway, so she figured that, apart from Caelum, she was safe to release the sleep spell.

She clapped the light between her hands. A wave of violet glitter shot away and down from her, settling over the bandits.

“That should keep them asleep for several hours,” she said, climbing down from the roof of the carriage. She went over to one of the Star Kingdom retainers. “When you get back to the palace, inform my father that bandits are roaming the woods again. Tell him I recommended extra patrols and better infrastructure for those who are looking for work again. Clearly whatever my father implemented last time isn’t working. I don’t expect he’ll actually do anything, but at least I try to help my people.” She kept her voice low, but the way Avior’s head cocked to the side let her know that he could hear her. He was also the closest to her.

“Yes, Your Highness,” the retainer said.

Estelle gave him a warm smile and turned back to the rest of the group. “Let’s get the tree out of the way and keep moving, yeah?”

The half-demons all stared at her.

She took a deep breath and sighed. “Yes. I have magic.” She marched past all of them over to the tree. She’d never moved something as big or heavy as a fallen trunk with magic before, but if no one was going to help her, she was going to try it.

She started to move her hands in a different pattern. White light began to glow softly under the length of the fallen trunk where it was pressed to the ground.

Scrunching up her face, she started to try to lift it.

The weight of the tree resisted the push of her powers, wobbling and shifting, gaining a bit of height here and there before flopping back down.

Avior appeared at her side, bending and digging his hands under the tree and starting to lift. Everyone else except Caelum also rushed over and took up positions, heaving the trunk off the road. With the help of magic, they all got the tree off the road.

“Vin. Your brother’s in the white carriage if you’d like to fetch him,” Estelle remarked.

Vin nodded.

Estelle swayed on her feet. “I’m going to go sit down,” she mumbled, more to herself than anyone else.

Avior was beside her in an instant, trying to steady her. “Are you alright?” His gold eyes bored into her. She glanced up at him, holding his gaze as best she could with how tired her eyes were.

“All of those spells are ones that require a lot of magic. I’m just tired,” she replied.

The world tilted violently as her vision swam.

The last thing she heard was, “Estelle!”

Everything went black.

#To Steer By #Redacted ASMR #fic #Redacted Avior #Redacted Starlight #Redacted Caelum #Redacted Gavin #Redacted Vindemiator #Redacted Vega #Redacted Cam #Redacted Audio #Starlit Fic #Redacted Camelopardalis

[trash-writer-kenzie]

Always in my Heart

2/5-6

Divorced Parents AU(Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase

A few days later when Annabeth went to pick up her mail, she found a letter from the school. She opened it, only to find that there were parent-teacher conferences the next night.

“Did you know about the conferences?” she asked her ex-husband, Percy, through the phone.

“This is the first I’m hearing of them, Annabeth. Did the letter say what time we were scheduled to meet with his teacher?”

“Seven-thirty tomorrow night.”

“Oh um, okay. That’s good. Seven-thirty. That’s the time.”

“Are you alright?” Annabeth asked.

Percy sighed, “Yeah, I’m good. Is tomorrow Monday?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I have a meeting that runs from five to seven-thirty, so Jordan will be with his babysitter, Calypso, but she doesn’t go past eight. Could you pick him up and drop him off at my mom’s place?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

“Ms. Anita said you were whipped or something. What’s that mean?” I could hear Jordan talking in the background.

“It means you like someone. Can you go brush your teeth as I asked?”

“Yeah, but does that mean that you really like mama?”

“Sure, now go get ready for bed. It’s way past your bedtime.” He chuckled.

“Does he do that with you, too?”

“He knows that if I catch him not doing what he’s told he has to go to bed ten minutes early the next night.”

“That’s good…I should try it. He listens to you better because, and let’s be real here, you are terrifying when you want to be.”

“I haven’t done anything remotely terrifying in years. I’m boring now.”

“No, you aren’t,” Percy said, almost lovingly.

Annabeth coughed, “I should probably go. I need to finish up some paperwork for work.”

“Alright...see you tomorrow.”

“Yup. Bye.” She hung up and immediately crawled onto her bed. She couldn’t help but remember what it was like to cuddle up to Percy’s side and curl up under the covers and watch movies all night long with him. Oh, how she missed those days. Slowly, she drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The following evening as she pulled up to Sally’s apartment, Jordan was bombarding her with questions.

“Where are you and Daddy going?”

“Why are you dressed up?”

“Is Estelle going to be there?”

“Parent-teacher conferences, I just got out of work, and yes.” Annabeth chuckled.

“Oh, I thought you and Daddy were going somewhere.”

“We are. To your school, so we can talk with your teacher.”

Jordan looked shocked. “I thought what happened in school stayed in school!”

“No...since we are your parents we have to know what’s going on,” she explained.

“Can I go play with Estelle now?”

“Of course, I just have to talk to Grandma first.”

They walked inside the building and up the many stairs, then knocked on Sally's door.

Sally Jackson-Blofis opened the door with a wide smile on her face. “Annabeth, Jordan! How are you?”

“Good, Grandma! Mommy and Daddy are going to my school together. Daddy said they wouldn’t be done until late.”

“It won’t be past nine-thirty, sweetie.”

“So late,” Jordan said, hugging his grandma.

“Thank you for watching him, Sally,” Annabeth said gratefully.

“No problem. It’s almost seven, so you should get going...it was nice seeing you,” she said.

“Thank you again. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon, Jordan. Be good for Grandma.” She quickly hugged him then ran back out to her car.

When Annabeth arrived at the district public school, she saw Percy standing next to his car waiting for her.

“Hey,” he greeted her. “So...we messed up. I guess they are next Monday, not this Monday.”

Annabeth’s eyes widened. “I am so sorry, I thought it said the twenty-first and not the twenty-eigth–”

“It’s fine...besides, I don’t have to get Jordan until eight or nine…?” he grinned.

“What are you suggesting?” Annabeth asked suspiciously.

“Food...also other stuff but mostly food.”

“I like food.”

“I will make you the best Alfredo you’ve ever had.”

“Sounds great.”

Annabeth drove alone to his apartment, as they’d decided to meet there. When the two arrived, she felt at home. When Percy and Annabeth had gotten divorced, she wanted a fresh start and decided to let Percy keep the apartment. It hadn’t changed at all in the last two years. The same pictures(with a few additions) were all on the walls, the furniture hadn’t moved an inch, and even the decorations were the same.

“It hasn’t changed much, has it?” Percy walked up behind her.

“Not a bit,” she answered. “You do have amazing taste in decoration.”

“You picked all of them out, Annabeth,” he laughed.

“I know,” she smiled. “Can we eat food now?”

“Nah, let me get you a nice plate of rocks.” Percy rolled his eyes.

Annabeth lightly smacked his shoulder.

They made their way to the kitchen, and Percy got out the ingredients. “I like to call it...the simplest alfredo sauce I can make on short notice.”

“You are a much better cook than me so...do your magic.” Annabeth jumped up on the counter and watched intently.

“You’re staring,” Percy said, a light teasing tone in his voice.

Annabeth looked up, flustered, “Your back is turned, how would you know?”

“I can feel your eyes boring into my ass. Isn’t it lovely?”

“Wouldn’t you love it if it were?”

“That was mean, Beth.” Percy turned around and waved his spoon at her. “Besides, I already know it!”

That made her laugh. “I’m sure you do. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Um...considering your cooking skills...no.” Annabeth jumped off the counter.

“Please? I will get on my knees,” threatened.

Percy finally caved in, a prominent blush spreading across his features. “Get a stick of butter from the fridge and put it in the pan and watch it slide around because it’s fun to watch it fall.”

“It already fell,” Annabeth said. While Percy was jabbering, she’d gotten the butter as he’d instructed, only she knocked it over in the process.

“Alright, then,” Percy smiled shyly.

Annabeth dropped the butter wrapper just before she was about to throw it away, but she slipped on the damn thing and nearly hit her head on the stove. Only, Percy caught her.

“How cliche is this, hm?” Percy asked, grinning.

“So cliche…” she breathed. “Kiss me?”

Percy nodded his head slowly and their lips touched. Annabeth was hungry for this, after being deprived of it for the past years.

Not breaking the kiss, he lifted her onto the counter and smiled against her.

“I miss you, Annabeth.”

“So much,” she added.

Anything could have happened...an earthquake, a hurricane, a fire, and they wouldn’t have cared. Well, maybe a little bit, since they didn’t really want to die, but they wouldn’t care for the interruption.

Percy turned off the stove so the sauce wouldn’t burn, and trailed his fingers up her back.

“I don’t see how I’ve lived without you lately—not just this, but everything.” Annabeth looked into Percy’s eyes. A mixture of nostalgia and need was flowing through her veins.

“How about we take this somewhere more comfortable?” Percy suggested softly.

Annabeth drew patterns along Percy’s bare chest, almost hypnotically. Neither of them noticed the door click open and shut, while a person padded to the kitchen. Annabeth, however, did hear the crash of pots and pans. She jumped up and ran to the kitchen, horrified.

Back turned to her, there was a short man with pale skin and curly red hair.

Annabeth screamed, horrified. Percy ran in behind her, looking tired and confused and scared. When he saw who it was, he rubbed his temples in frustration.

“Grover, why are you rifling through my fridge at nine pm?”

“I ran out of ramen and I was hungry! What is Annabeth doing here at nine pm?”

“We stopped to get food?” She lied.

“Please, I saw you on the couch. What happened to your child? What about the divorce papers that you worked so hard to get?” Grover asked.

“Jordan is at Mom's,” Percy said.

“Divorce papers only happened because we couldn’t stop arguing about how to raise said child,” Annabeth said.

“You two are…complicated...by the way, there is half-cooked pasta and hard alfredo sauce on the stove. I’m going to leave now.” Grover walked out with a dish of taco meat and a bag of chips in his hands.

“He’s such an asshole sometimes,” Percy said.

“But in a good way,” Annabeth added. She checked the time on her phone. “It’s past nine…”

“Pretty soon Mom will be calling…” Percy said sadly.

“I need to get going, but tomorrow is the fundraiser thing, right?”

“Yeah, yeah. One-thirty to five.”

“I’ll be there.” She kissed him on the cheek quickly, grabbed her things, then left.

Chapter Three

#percabeth fanfic #percy jackson #percabeth #percababies #sally jackson #is the best momma ever #annabeth chase #percy and annabeth

[saiyan98]

Estelle and The Mark of Arachnid: The Trident of Poseidon (Chapter 2)

Previous Chapter  -  Next Chapter

Chapter 2: I’m So Not “Harpy” About My Ruined Trip.

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Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit, fanbase series. Percy Jackson and the Olympians; Heroes of Olympus; Trials of Apollo; Kane Chronicles and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard are owned by Rick Riordan. Spiderman or any concept of him are owned by Marvel Comics and Sony Entertainment. Please support the official releases.

Out of this entire situation, the one thing that scares me the most is my brother’s name. Getting bitten by a possibly poisonous ghost spider?  Nah. Being attacked by a half-human, half-bird person? Not that scared. But about to die because I’m related to my brother who’s a total dork? Most embarrassing moment of my life. 

I mean, seriously, have you met my brother? 

“How did you know my brother’s name?” I asked. 

The harpy laughs. 

“There’s not a monster, half-blood or an immortal who does not know the tale of Percy Jackson. I was only here because I smelled the fresh scent of a half-blood,” It said, referring toward Sam. At the time, I did not know what a Half-blood is. So I just got in her way and protected Sam. 

“Get away from her! She’s just a kid!”

“Oh sweetie,” The harpy said. “She’s not.”

It then pinned me down on the ground with its claws. Sam screams in fear while I grunted in pain. But while it pinned me down, I was able to get a good look at the harpy’s face and attire. She had short black hair with brown eyes; her wings were black, like the wings of crows and ravens. She had these sharp blades attached to her claws; wearing a black combat suit that you'd see in mercenaries from movies; even the wings had some armor on them, protecting them so they wouldn’t be damaged. It was kinda weird, I mean, why is a mythological creature dressed up like some professional hitman?

“But, now that I have you, perhaps your brother will come and save you if I let you live.”

I tried to get its grip off me but I couldn’t. 

“Look, birdperson.” (Not the Rick and Morty kind, they’re alright.) “I don’t know why my brother is involved with this! I don’t know if he owes you money or if you two got into a fight. But leave Sam alone or you’re gonna wish my brother was here!” 

The harpy laughed. 

“Figures he’d keep his mortal family away from his other life. As for your friend, well, I gotta eat something.” 

“FREEZE!” 

A cop arrived at the scene and held his gun at her. 

“Down on the ground! Now!” 

The harpy turned around and launched some of her feathers at the cop. This was my opportunity to get away from its grips and grab Sam and run. 

The Harpy snarled at us as she rose upwards with its wings and chased us. I tried to calm Sam down and get her to focus on running as we reached towards a door and entered inside. 

“Any idea why that thing’s chasing us, Sam?” I asked. 

“No! I didn’t think it existed until a few minutes ago.” 

The Harpy screeches and I tell Sam to duck. We managed to evade her attack but we kept running as she crashed. It gave us some time to put some distance away from her and we managed to hide inside a broom closet. 

Sam was freaking out as I tried to calm her down. 

“Sam, relax. We need to focus.”

“How can I relax?!” Sam replied. “We’re being chased by a living, talking mythological creature that’s after me AND knows your brother!”

“I know; we just need to call for help and get out of the building. I’ll call my brother while you call your dad.” 

“Uh, Stella? I don’t have a phone, remember?” 

I silently cursed. I totally forgot that Sam’s dad never gave her a phone. His reason was that it’d attract a lot of attention. 

“Okay, I’ll call your dad first. What’s his phone number?”

Sam gave me her dad’s phone number and I called him. The phone rang for a while until I got a response from him.

“Hello?” He said. 

“Mr. Stacy? It’s Estelle Blofis, from school.”

“Stella?! Is Sam with you?! The station got a report of a disturbance in the Museum, I’m on my way now!”

I explained to Mr. Stacy about the situation as calmly as possible. I told him about how there’s a lady that’s half-bird coming after me and Sam. 

“It was flying and everything, looks exactly like a-”

“Harpy…” Mr. Stacy said through the phone.

“Y-yeah, how did you…”

“Estelle, listen to me. I need you to promise me that you’ll keep my daughter safe. Find a hiding spot and wait for me to get there. Once you're safe, let me know where you are and I’ll pick you girls up. Got it?”

I nodded, which was dumb because he can’t see me nodding. 

“Sure, but Mr. Stacy, why did you believe me about the Harpy?”

“...You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Sir, if Sam’s in trouble. I have to know too, she’s more than just my best friend. She’s like a sister to me. I want to help.”

Mr. Stacy was quiet for a moment and then spoke, “You aren’t gonna like the truth of what’s out in the real world, Stella. What’s out there in the shadows…”

I did not like what he was saying, but right now, my best friend was scared and confused. No matter what awaits me, I have to protect her. 

“Whatever it is, I won’t let it harm Sam. I promise.”

Mr. Stacy sighs through the phone. 

“Okay, just be careful and stay hidden. I’ll be there shortly, just be safe.”

I hung up the phone and told Sam what her dad said. 

“Okay, so we’ll just find a place to hold our ground and wait for my dad to come,” Sam said. I nodded and told her that I’m gonna call my brother next. Just as I was about to call him, my phone was ringing and the caller ID was none other than him. I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence or not, but I’m glad it happened.  I answered the phone.

“Hey Estelle, It’s Percy. Me, Annabeth and the kids just arrived and mom told me that-”

“Percy,” I yelled quietly. “Perfect timing! Sam and I are in trouble!”

“What? Did you guys cause another lunchroom incident?” 

I rolled my eyes. It was one time and it was for a science project that went out of control in the lunchroom. Sam and I cleaned it up but we were gonna be smelling beans for weeks in there. 

“No, Percy, we’re being chased by someone!”

“What?”

I explained to Percy what happened and then started describing the creature. 

“It was like half human, half-”

“-Bird…” Percy finished. 

“Y-yeah… it even knew you…” 

Percy was quiet for a second but then started panicking. 

“Estelle, you and Sam need to get out of there! I’m on my way right now!”

“We can’t, Sam’s dad is on his way right now and-”

“Don’t! He’ll get hurt too! Just get out of there!”

Percy sounded scared. Like he knew something. 

“Percy… what is it you’re not-”

BAM

A giant claw just appeared from the ceiling. Sam and I screamed and I ended up dropping my phone while we ran out of the closet. The harpy found us like she knew exactly where we were hiding. We kept running until we reached a small office room. Probably where some of the employees are stationed. We hid underneath a desk just in time before the creature entered. 

“Where are you?” She snarled. 

Sam was shaking in fear and I was doing my best to calm her down. 

Remember that one scene in Jurassic Park? The one where the two kids were hiding in the kitchen from the velociraptors? 

It was exactly like that. The harpy was clearly smelling our scent and was looking for us. There was not a lot of room for it to fly so we could actually hear its claws on the carpet. The footsteps just kept getting closer and closer, so Sam and I had to move or we’d get caught. We quietly sneaked around while the harpy kept moving. 

“I know you’re here,” She said. “Come out, wherever you are.”

We kept moving closer and closer to the door, but then she jumped right in front of us. We both managed to move out of sight before it could see us. Sam was really scared, but she was managing to keep herself together. Barely though. So, we kept hiding, hoping that the harpy would either leave or have an opening for us to leave. 

The harpy kept sniffing us out, trying to find us. As Sam and I kept moving away from the creature, Sam hit the desk on the way, which ended up making one of the pencil holders fall down and cause a noise.  The harpy reacted quickly and quickly jumped toward the noise. We had to split up and hide somewhere quickly before the harpy could get to us. Sam went in one direction while I went in the opposite direction. The harpy was just at the spot where she dropped the pencil holder. It sniffed at the spot and somehow caught Sam’s scent. She followed the trail of where Sam was hiding. She doesn’t know that it’s getting closer, but she can definitely hear her. I had to do something, fast.

I then saw a pencil on the floor and saw the entrance wide open. I threw the pencil and it landed outside. The harpy reacted quickly and headed outside, it then ran off, assuming that we ran off. 

I breathed a sigh of relief and checked on Sam. 

“You okay?”

“I’m scared,” Sam replied. “Why is this thing after us? Why does it know your brother? I’m so confused?!”

“I know,” I assured her. “Don’t worry, once your dad gets here, we’ll be safe and then my brother will explain what he knows about the harpy,” I assured Sam. We both got up and slowly walked toward the exit of the office. We looked around and saw if the creature was still around. Luckily, it’s not so we’re safe.We quickly ran the other direction where the harpy ran off. We kept running until we could reach the main hallway. 

“We’re almost out of here, Sam. Come on!” I yelled. I grabbed her arm as we tried to reach the main entrance. Suddenly, I heard a voice from the entrance. 

“Girls?! Sam?! Stella?!”

It was Mr. Stacy, walking into the entrance with a shotgun. 

“Dad!” Sam yelled as we ran towards the entrance. She hugs her dad while he asks where the harpy is.

“We managed to lose it by the office area,” I answered. 

“Okay, both of you, head outside and stay in my car.”

“Wait, dad! What’s going on?!”

“I’ll explain everything later, just go to the car and-“

But it was already too late, a loud screeching noise appeared; suddenly, a giant bone came flying right past us and blocked the main entrance. We all looked and saw the Harpy looking at us from the second floor. 

“There you are,” The harpy snarled at us. 

Mr. Stacy yelled at us to go while he shot at the harpy. Sam and I ran while that’s happening, but the harpy threw a chair at us, preventing us from escaping. We ran toward the front entrance reception desk and hid under there. I told Sam to stay under while I check on her dad. Mr. Stacy was putting up a fight with the shotgun. Which is weird, earlier I saw the cops doing the same but it only bounced off the harpy’s wings. 

“How is this possible?!” She yelled. 

I then noticed something on the shotgun, it wasn’t police-standard equipment. It had engravings on it, almost seeming ancient. Possibly Ancient Greek or Roman; it’s hard to tell. I also noticed that the shotgun is bronze instead of the standard material, whatever that is. The only reason I assume it’s bronze is because it has that light brown-like color on it. I’m no weapon expert so I can’t guarantee. However, it is doing some damage against the harpy so I can’t complain. The harpy tries to get close and attack Mr. Stacy, but he was holding out well on his own. 

Truth be told, I want to help. I hate being a damsel in distress, but what can I do against a mythological creature that’s immune to modern weapons? For now, all I can do is keep Sam safe. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Stacy was pushing the Harpy back with his shotgun, until he just ran out of ammo. Mr. Stacy cursed, while the harpy chuckled sinisterly. It then swung its wing at him and made him fly off on top of the reception desk and landed near us.  “Dad!” Sam shouted as she crawled next to him. Mr. Stacy groans in pain as the harpy comes closer to us. I noticed that the shotgun he had was dropped nearby, so I tried to grab it. Again, I’m not a gun expert so I have no idea how to properly use it. So, I assumed that I could bluff our way out of here. 

“Stay back!” I yelled as I aimed (poorly by the way) at the harpy. She laughed. 

“It’s out of ammo, you idiot child.”

Yeah, so much for bluffing. 

“What the hell do you want?!” I yelled. 

“Oh nothing much. You see, I was minding my own business and was just monitoring Olympus when I caught her scent,” She said, gesturing toward Sam. “So I figured why not grab myself a snack? I didn't even think I’d get a sibling of the great Percy Jackson.” 

I scoffed. 

“First of all, my brother is not that great. I mean, he’s too much of a nice guy to be a menace or a threat or whatever. Seriously, have you seen him with his kids?!” 

The harpy snarled while it grabbed me by the claws. 

“You weren’t even born then, with how much he has done. What he had to do to survive… who he killed for his own glory.”

Lots of things were scaring me. The harpy was the least of my worries, Sam’s safety is my main concern, but the thought of my brother actually killing someone? That can’t be, he’s too much of a teddy bear to do that. 

“You’re lying,” I said. “Percy wouldn’t even hurt a fly.”

She started grip tighter on my chest, making me flinch in pain. 

“Oh child, there’s not a monster out there that does not know the tales of Percy Jackson, savior of Olympus.”

“Olympus?” I said. “That’s just a myth!”

Funny how I’m saying that Olympus is a myth to a living talking harpy. Great idea Estelle!

“Oh you silly mortal. There’s more to this world than meets the eye.” 

As she was talking, Mr. Stacy took out his pistol and aimed it at her face. It actually worked because she grunted in pain and let go of me. I got up and ran toward the Stacy’s with the shotgun and gave it to the detective. 

He started reloading the shotgun but was only able to load two shells in before the harpy regained her vision and looked at us. 

She jumped at us while dodging Mr. Stacy’s vision to avoid getting shot. She then grabbed the Shotgun from him and threw it out of the way. 

“Not this time, Detective.”

“Leave him alone!” Sam yelled. 

The harpy snarled at her, “You stay out of this, half-blood! I’ll deal with you later.”

Half-Blood? 

What the heck is a half-blood? 

I stood in front of the harpy to protect Sam.

“You want Sam, you’ll have to get through me!” 

The harpy laughs. 

“Please, what can a little mortal child like you do?” 

I was really out of options, honestly. Nothing can harm her, Sam’s dad is hurt and we have nowhere else to run or hide. Frankly speaking, we are boned. 

Or so I thought.

Just as the harpy was about to pull the finishing blow at Sam’s dad, it stopped midway. She started sniffing at the air. 

“This scent… it can’t be…”

The harpy gasped and looked at the front entrance. 

We all looked at where she was looking at and who I saw gave me both relief and anxiety. 

There, by the entrance, with jet black hair, green eyes and wearing a simple hoodie and jeans was none other than my brother, Percy Jackson. 

“Percy Jackson…” The harpy snarled in great anger. She let go of Mr. Stacy and started walking toward my brother.

I wanted to tell my brother to run since he was just not a fighter like Sam’s dad. But I noticed he was holding a weapon. A bronze sword.

“Vulture, step away from my sister and her friend if you know what’s good for you,” Percy said.

I kinda snorted a bit, “I’m sorry, The Vulture? That’s your name? What, did you steal it from a comic book?”

The harpy replied, “It was a title given to me by Lord Kronos during the war. For the many bodies I brought to him. You remember, Percy? The war, how so much followed you… to their deaths?”

The look on Percy's face was not something I can never forget. He was always happy or just dozing off; maybe get mad whenever me or the kids did something wrong. But right now, all I saw in Percy was pure anger and fear.

“Don’t you dare get near my sister again, or I’d do the same to you as I did with your sisters.”

Percy aimed his sword at the Vulture as she snarled at him with just as much hatred. 

Right now, the only thing I’m more focused on is my brother. Percy wouldn’t harm a fly, yet he killed a mythological creature’s sisters? What on earth did he do? What was he hiding from me? 

I have so many questions right now, but at the moment I have to focus on Sam’s safety. I gesture to her to help me pick up her dad.

“Estelle,” Percy shouted, “Get out of here, I’ll deal with birdbrain here.”

I didn’t want to leave my brother behind, especially when he’s up against someone who just took out several cops and a detective on her own. But, again, what can I do? I’d just be in the way. 

“Fine,” I said. “But you better be careful! And you got some explaining! Sam and I deserved that!” 

Percy nodded. 

The harpy ignored us while facing Percy.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for this, Percy Jackson. You’ll pay for everything.”

Percy scoffed. 

“Bring it on, birdbrain. Also, what’s with the suit?”

“Since you half-bloods are adapting, I had to adapt myself.”

“So you decided to dress up as an assassin? In broad daylight? Maybe you really do have the brain of a bird.”

“Silence, Percy Jackson; or perhaps I should pay your sister a visit when I’m done with you.”

“In your dreams,” Percy said.

The last thing I saw was the Vulture jumping at Percy. 

#marvel #marvel reference #fanfiction #fanfic #spiderman #spider man #estelle blofis #OC #percy jackson #percyjacksonandtheolympians #Percy Jackon and the Olympians #Heroes of Olympus #trials of apollo #pjo hoo toa #kanechronicles

[ace-angel-judas]

Now I need this alien au 😂

“You’re pregnant,”

Estelle jumped out of the medical chair, yanking the screen towards herself as she looked at the ultrasound picture.

Sure enough, three little fetus were sitting in her womb.

“This can’t be right!” Estelle looked at the doctor, Hoseok gritting his teeth.

“The tests don’t lie, those pains you’ve had? It’s the fetuses,” Hoseok explained, “There’s three in there,”

Estelle looked out the window to the planet that was looming below them. This planet had intelligent life forms that she had been sent to studying, one of which she had gotten close with.

Very close with.

“But it’s different species! We’ve seen it before, it’s extremely rare that two different alien species can cross breed!” Estelle run her fingers through her hair.

“I don’t know how it works but from the blood tests I did, what’s in your womb isn’t entirely human,” Hoseok explained, “As a matter of fact, one of them is less human than the others,”

Estelle crossed her arms, lips pursed as she stared at the planet. It was a mostly cold place, nearly entirely covered in snow excluding its equator. Yet, the inhabitants stuck to opposite ends of the planet.

And it was only daylight for four hours and dark the rest of the time.

The doors to the medical room made Estelle turn, her throat going try as Grace walked in. She wasn’t human, the commander of the ship. She had long claws and pitch black eyes, pale skin that made her look dead to a human.

A pair of wings folded out of her back yet they were nearly tucked into her back.

“Commander-“

“So, you fucked an Umbra?” Grace stated simply.

Estelle went stiff, “I..Um..,”

“The only way someone gets pregnant is through sex, Estelle,” Grace hummed, “But it does explain your extensive report on the beings,”

She exhaled slowly, “It was purely for research and um.. I didn’t think I could get pregnant?”

“Right,” Grace’s black eyes blinked, “It’s a well kept secret of the Union but humans actually make amazing breeding partners to all forms of life, it turns out,”

“What?” Hoseok turned to the commander, “How?”

“Because you have nothing, humans are like a blank set of DNA for most species,” Grace smirked, “But.. we are forgetting very important details about the father of those children,”

Another swell of pain had Estelle holding her stomach, Hoseok catching her as her knees went weak. Only she let out a cry of pain when Hoseok touched her skin.

“Umbra get really possessive over their breeding partners,” Grace tilted her head, “That bite mark on your neck isn’t for nothing,”

Hands shaking, Estelle touched the scar on her neck. Yoongi, that man she’d spent almost two months with, had given it to her on their first meeting.

“Prepare a ship!” Grace called, “Let’s get you back to your baby daddy before he kills more of our men,”

[astrobunny7867]

Part 2 as asked

"How is it so easy to convince you Lilica? Were literal criminals! My whole life is over!" Said Kyra dramatically.

"You are a criminal! How dare you mention my crush! I will exterminate you!" Said Rufta, her hair glowing red as they started to burn. She realised her hair were on the brink of combustion, so she calmed down at once, hair hair suddenly turning into ice.

"Don't look at me like that..." she said, looking at all of us as if we were aliens as we stared at her.

"No because right now we can only wonder where your next arson will be committed with those hair- " I began but Kyra closed my mouth and shook her head.

"She's thinking murder, don't remind her of arson too for god's sake" she whispered.

"Guyssss we're going off topic againnn" said Lilica.

"Yeah there's no way we can explain the seasons like hair changing, or the way I can literally levitate a whole ass building with just Alchemy!" I said. All three of them looked at me.

"You can lift buildings???" Said Rufta excitedly.

"Can you fly carpets then?? I wanna ride a flying carpet once!" Kyra chimed in.

"ooh like Aladdin and Jasmine? Who's gonna be your Aladdin??" Rufta asked with a smirk.

"Oh stawp, you always find a way to bring in teasing somehow" said Kyra, rolling her eyes. Rufta giggled and added "Oh come on, we both know you want a prince charming"

Once she listened to that, Kyra's expression turned dark, and she turned to Rufta and said with an ominous smile "You shall die a Gruesome death for implying that, mortal"

"Then it's settled? We're meeting at midnight! Gotta go get the treehouse ready, imma sleep there tonight cus ain't no way my mom will let me sneak out at night" said Lilica.

"Are you serious? Isn't it suspicious that they're called Wacky? Plus midnight's a bit too much. We need 7-8 hours of sleep! I'm not buying this, let's report them!" Said Kyra, going hysterical.

"Yeah but are you sure that it's a bad idea if the King is the bad guy? Plus we're witches as well, I mean if you report us, you're reporting yourself too you know?" I said bluntly, and all three of them turned to me.

"..."

"Well, now we know what our day job is gonna be." Kyra declared, after gulping.

Rufta squealed excitedly. "I can't wait to meet all the wacky witches!" She said, jumping excitedly.

"You're probably thinking there's going to be guys, but you do realise "Witch" is exclusively used for females right?" I said, once again turning all their attention to me. "What?" I asked, as they turned to me once again. "Seriously Estelle?"

"Why do you have to be so blunt and mean?? I don't like you, hmph!" Said Rufta, folding her hands.

"Yeah now guysss please I want to see this WACKY-V'S leader woman and ask her how she likes her chicken skewers!" Said Lilica.

"You know we're vegetarians, why do you do this Lilica?" Said Kyra.

We bickered for a while about the whole plan of meeting at midnight and settled once Rufta got mad and threatened to eat stones to make us stop.

The following Evening, I waited for my parents to go to bed, and went to the balcony of my room. I saw Rufta was already there, and so I jumped and sneaked out.

"You got the stuff?" Asked Rufta.

"What stuff?"

"Oh My God Girl you're supposed to play along and say yes! Act a little as if we're being suspicious okay?" Rufta Whispered.

"Why would you want to be suspicious when you could get executed if your secret is out?"

"Because how else am I supposed to feel the thrill in life??" She said, pouting.

We met the others by the creek, and it was around 11.40 right now.

"This is all Kyra's fault if we get caught, she's acting weird cus it's past her bedtime, and we're 20 minutes early." Said Lilica, munching on a bag of chips. Rufta excitedly shared the bag of chips once Lilica offered it to her.

"Seriously? I know it is past my bedtime, but its always good to be early! A little punctuality never kills! And also- why are you eating chips for god's sake is anyone even serious here?" She said, and facepalmed. She started pacing around, impatiently biting her nails.

"Um Kyra you should calm down, she'll be here any minute..." I said.

Then there was a bright light out of nowhere, and a giant portal opened.

Lilica intensely munched on her chips, and pulled out a pair of black tinted glasses and put them on, and continued munching.

"Hello, little ones" said the woman. She was tall- almost 6 feet. And she had super pale skin, and a well built form. Like she worked out everyday. She was wearing a rather odd looking dress, it resembled a knight, though she's supposed to be a witch and witches generally wear loose robes.

She pat Rufta's head, and her hair glowed golden. She pat my shoulder, and I started levitating. She took off Lilica's tinted glasses and blew on her eyes, and a magical garden with fairies appeared. It somehow also had a buff looking guy with a moustache and a beard, playing dolls there. And Finally, she spoke to us in our minds, and I could hear Kyra's voice too.

She began " You do know these are powerful gifts right? Though I'm not sure who that homeless guy playing in young Lilica darling's illusion magic is here-" "It's me! I'm the buff guy!"

"... Okay, you're definitely eccentric, and I like it. Welcome to WACKY-V, an ancient association of the most talented witches. You do know witchcraft is illegal right? I'll tell you what happened, but we first need to leave this place, let me take you to our secret office, for our coven!" She said and cackled, a true witch indeed.

Part 3 will be out soon guys

#writing #writing prompt #witchcraft #witchyvibes #witches #witch aesthetic #witchythings #witchy

[ladyanput]

Ok so this is the third time that I'm sending you an ask tonight. (or is it night time in your country?) I'm being annoying right now but whatever. So I've been cackling about those salt fics you wrote because they are just amazing. I have a request, though it is up to you to write it or not. So, can you write a salt fic where someone got an interview with Ladybug (probably Aurore) and then they ask her why they replaced the old heroes like Rena Rouge, Carapace and etc. and LB is just like I don't work with dumb shits or somethin'. Then there is also a new Black Cat (Probably Luka, Felix, or Damian) because Adrien here is an asshole and this fic is saltier than salt water. Then LB also insults Alya's blog and their school. Those foolish mortals get some lawsuits and the rest is up to you. (This request is probably messed up since it's already midnight here and I can't sleep.)

You're never annoying, I just apologize that it took me so long to get to you. I do hope you don't hold it against me, darling.

A one on one interview with Ladybug was basically unheard of if you weren't the Ladyblog or Nadja Chadwick. Ladybug had made it firm that she wasn't a celebrity, she was a hero. She wasn't there for clout, for attention, for fame or fortune. She just wanted to keep Paris safe.

That's was Aurore admired about her. And why she felt queasy as she sat across from the heroine, who had given her of all people an interview. But she got ahold of herself, taking deep breaths as the cameraman began counting down. And when he hit 'one', she put on her best smile and straightened in her seat.

"Hello Paris! Welcome back to 'Latest Buzz'! I am your lovable host, Aurore Beauréal. Today I am here with a very, very special guest, our very own heroine of Paris; Ladybug!"

Ladybug beamed right at the camera, but gave a shy little wave, giving away the nerves she obviously had.

"Now, Ladybug, I'm so glad you requested to be on the show. You know, I initially thought I had misheard when Estelle told me. Usually you're not big on personal interviews." Aurore gave her full attention to Ladybug, but keeping the bright, friendly smile and perfect posture.

"Well, I tried a few times actually. But when I did, none of them were really great experiences." Ladybug admitted and both girls immediately thought of that disastrous Face-to-Face interview. It left a bitter taste in their mouths. "My issue is that misinformation has been spread around a lot recently. It's made me realize that I need to find more trustworthy sources."

"Ladybug. I vow on my integrity as a host and Estelle's reputation as a journalist that we are people who research facts. We don't ambush our guests, we respect them." She said, placing a hand on her heart. Ladybug saw an honesty in her eyes that she hadn't seen in such a long time. It honestly made her feel.. Respected. "Now, Ladybug.. We both know you have a lot of fans. A lot of admirers. False information can be spread so easily these days, which sources specifically are you telling people to avoid?"

"Well.. With Face-to-Face, I found that I was entirely ambushed in that interview. I wanted to speak about my hero work, but instead Nadja kept trying to needle her way into my personal life. That picture she had shown in largely out of context; when Dark Cupid attacked and Chat Noir was under his spell, it was the only way to get him free."

"Yes, I remember watching that. I'll be honest Ladybug, I felt bad for you." Aurore bit her lip, but smiled a bit when Ladybug nodded. "I mean, Chat Noir wasn't helping either. He seemed to be trying to push this narrative forward that you two are a couple."

"And we're not!" Ladybug burst out before she could stop herself. Everyone in that studio could hear the utter stress and frustration in her voice. "I've begged and begged Chat Noir to stop with the flirting, the 'telling people we're dating', everything! I just wanted him to focus and he couldn't seem to do that!"

"Is that why you replaced him? Because of his slacking off and refusing to take anything seriously?" Aurora sat up an bit straighter, her eyes going wide.

".. Not exactly, no. It was a bunch of issues that eventually piled up and boiled over." Ladybug made some gestures with her hands, trying her hardest to find the words but just letting out a long and pained sigh in the end. "I do enjoy my new partner now. He is more serious, more stable. I know he won't go off and pout if I deny something he wanted. I needed an entirely new team, as a matter of fact."

"Well I am going to say, on behalf of everyone here, that we're glad. We swear on our integrity as journalists that if such rumours were to ever surface again, we will do our proper research." Aurore beamed and many of the staff and crew behind the cameras nodded and gave Ladybug their thumbs up. Honestly, it warmed Ladybug's heart to see such support.

When had been the last time someone had supported her like this? Sure, her parents supported her, but her friends..? Her peers? No, none of them had supported her in a long time.

"Speaking of research, I'd say to stay away from the Ladyblog." It burned to say it but it had to be said. Alya had crossed so many lines it wasn't even forgivable at this point. She had gone too far, had betrayed too many.

"Wait, what?" Aurore nearly jumped out of her seat but quickly composed herself, taking a deep breath. "Pardon me Ladybug, but the Ladyblog has been a vital source of information since the very beginning."

"And I'm not denying that!" Ladybug quickly held up her hands, her eyes desperate now. "But please let me explain. The Ladyblog was amazing in the beginning, but like all things, it started to go astray. It was things like trying so hard to find out my identity. Trying to push that narrative of that whole superhero couple thing.. Ladyblogger Alya Césaire has proven time and time again that she is not trustworthy. I mean, I thought she was my biggest fan. Why does she keep pushing my words aside?"

Many people who watched the interview would agree. If you idolized someone, respected someone, truly looked up to them.. Why would you push aside their words, their wishes to try and push the narrative you're so convinced is true, but isn't there?

"And don't get me started on the whole Lila Rossi craze she seemed to be on now." At Ladybug's mention of Lila Rossi, both Estelle and Aurore had to keep from rolling their eyes. They knew all about the girl.

"You speak as if you are quite frustrated, Ladybug. What an odd reaction to your best friend." Aurore leaned forward a bit in her seat. Everyone else got to the edge of theirs. Ladybug only shook her head, looking utterly defeated.

"That's the thing, she isn't my best friend." It took everything to keep from satin that she hated her, that she had taken away her friends and her life. "The only times she's met Ladybug is when she's been akumatized, which has been around six or seven times at this point. And the other things she's claiming are so outlandish! Saving Jagged Stone's kitten from a airport runway? Clara Nightengale stealing her dance moves? And the Ladyblog just posts it out there, claiming every single story is true. I'm just scared that people are taking this one hundred percent seriously. That's why I had to drop Rena Rouge and Carapace from the team as they believed Lila Rossi over me. They didn't even try to confirm these rumours! And it hurts to think that one day, someone will take Lila's words seriously and get hurt. What if she says it's safe to dip strawberries in bleach? Or tells someone that she found a way to tame some kind of wild animal? Someone would get hurt because they believe her story and try it out for themselves!"

"My goodness, I can definitely see how that is a problem. Misinformation is very easy to spread thanks to the internet, so you being worried is a very relatable thing." Aurore nodded, then tilted her head ever so slightly. "Ladybug, do you know anyone who has taken her word seriously? This is besides the Ladyblog of course."

Ladybug closed her eyes briefly, mentally debating with herself before finally giving in. These things needed to be said.

"Collège François DuPont. Now I wasn't there personally, but I heard about this situation and looked into it. The entire situation was appalling. Apparently a student was found to have cheated, assaulted another student, and commited thievery. But the thing that stuck out is only one person saw her do all of these things; Lila Rossi. No investigation was done, no questioning other students. This student was then expelled immediately. Her teacher and her principal didn't even give her a chance. And from what people have been saying, Miss Rossi's behaviour is actively encouraged in that school. She misses countless days, no, months of school, claiming she's traveling. But when she was supposedly in Achu, doing whatever it was she was claiming with Prince Ali, I was fighting her akuma here in Paris on Heroes Day!"

"I was at school the day that happened. I knew the student that happened to. They're the nicest person in that school! Never a bad thing to say about anyone, always willing to help! I agree with you on how things were handled, it's a level of incompetence that is baffling." Aurore's hands slowly curled into fists as she remembered it all. She slowly shook her head. "The principal, their teacher, their class who backed up Rossi. It must have hurt them so much, made them feel so alone."

"That's why I want people to be more careful with what information they take as fact. It's so important, because stuff like that can lead people to a desperate place. They feel alone, like the entire world is against them. I wouldn't have let the principal and the teacher get away with that gross negligence in their jobs." Ladybug leveled her gaze directly to the camera. "People of Paris, please listen to what I am saying. I am here to be a hero, to protect you from the terror of Hawkmoth and to defeat him. But please, do not be like Principal Damocles, do not be like that teacher and her class at DuPont. Do your research, look up your facts. Do not let a liar lead you to do something dangerous and hurt yourself as well as others. Respect each other, talk and be honest. I swear on my life that I shall do the same. You are the people I swore to protect and I love. I am saying this all to protect you. And I'll hope you'll all forgive me for not protecting you sooner."

...

The interview rocked Paris. Ladybug speaking so openly about her frustrations, about the discrepancies in the Ladyblog and Lila Rossi had many people double checking the sources of everything they learned from that blog.

Alya could barely show her face as she made her way though the school hallways. Her reputation as a journalist had gone down the drain. People had basically started boycotting her blog, harrassing her, or trash talking her on other forums and sites. Even a lot of news outlets picked this up.

What hurt the most from that interview last night was Ladybug's words towards her, both as Rena Rouge and as Alya. Surely the heroine had to be mistaken, she had never beytrayed Ladybug! And that Oblivio incident, it was just to show Chat Noir and Ladybug that they were meant to be together!

Her family was upset with her. No, upset was too tame of a word. They were pissed.

"I can't believe she lied to us.."

"Well what do you expect from someone who keeps harrassing Ladybug?"

Alya flinched when she heard the whispers and rushed into Miss Buster's class. The entire class was there, all seated, all looking utterly miserable. Many of them looked as if they had been crying all night. A lot like she had.

"W-where's Miss Bustier?" Alya asked when she eyed the empty desk. Many of her classmates shot her glares, but didn't say anything about the interview last night. After all, they had no room to talk.

"She and Principal Damocles are with the school board now. We're getting a new teacher." Adrien was the one that spoke up. He looked utterly miserable. So unlike his usual self.

"Lila isn't coming back. She was pulled from school when her mother found out what happened." Alix muttered from her seat, arms crossed and shoulders hunched.

The class went quiet as they all internally contemplated how things had gotten like this. Their eyes focused on the door when it abruptly opened and Marinette came strolling in, carrying a box.

"Good morning everyone!" She said brightly, pretending not to notice the downcast expressions on their faces. She set the box on the teacher's desk before she turned towards them. "Oh? What's wrong everyone?"

".. Did you not watch the interview with Ladybug on 'Latest Buzz'?" Alya stared at Marinette, a bit dumbfounded by her friend's lack of awareness of the situation. She had been expecting Marinette to rush in with support and a fiery vengeance against those who had humiliated her best friend, maybe even a fresh pastry. But instead she was greeted with empty hands and a cheerful hello?

"Oh, well I haven't really had the time to watch much television. I mean, with my transfer papers, needing to plan out my new schedule with all of those new classes. Busy as a bee, that's me!" Marinette just beamed, giving Adrien a playful wink that had his stomach churning.

"Wait, transfering?" It was Rose that spoke up, her large eyes seeming impossibly large now. "Transfer what?"

"To my new school, of course." Marinette giggled and clasped her hands together. "I start on Monday."

"New school?!" Alya was on her feet and rushing towards Marinette. The others quickly followed, crowding around her. "What do you mean new school?! When did you ever say you were going to a new school?"

Marinette blinked, as if stunned, then tilted her head ever so slightly.

"I told you all last week, don't you remember?" Marinette tapped her lower lip, seeming to be wracking her brain before she abruptly snapped her fingers. "Oh! I forgot, you all were deep in conversation with Lila about her upcoming event with Jagged Stone and Clara Nightengale. You know, the one she said she'd be attending with Ladybug, since they're such good friends. Did she ever say how it went?"

All of the students shifted uneasily, suddenly seeming to refuse to meet her face.

Alix murmured something so barely audible, Marinette held a hand to her ear and leaned closer.

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Lila was lying to us!" Alix snapped as her cheeks went a flaming red.

"About everything! She never knew Jagged Stone!" Juleka spat out in fury.

"Or Prince Ali!" Rose sniffled.

"And she wasn't friends with Ladybug? They were barely acquaintances!" Alya wailed out as tears welled up in her eyes.

But Marinette hardly reacted the way they were expecting. She just gave them a small smile and nodded.

"Oh, yeah. I know."

Alya sucked in a breath sharply.

"You knew..? But why did you never..?"

"Oh Alya, you silly forgetful thing. I told you the day she returned from her long 'trip', remember? I told you she was lying." Marinette gave Alya a smile that said 'oh you silly thing'. "But you told me that I should really check my sources. And I got tired of trying to bring up any lies, since that was always your response. So I decided to just stop. I mean, since you're such an inspiring, honest journalist you must double and triple check every source you come across and found every story to be true!"

Alya flinched and looked away, feeling the churning feeling in her gut again. No, the Ladyblog had been the only source for the stories. The. Only. One.

"And I'm sure all of you knew what you were doing! I mean, it makes sense; trusting the words of a complete stranger over someone you've known for a while now. Some of you since we were in diapers!" She focused her gaze on Nino and Kim, who had the grace to at least look ashamed.

"Marinette, you really should-" Adrien began, reaching out for the girl, but was cut off by her clapping her hands together.

"But it's alright! I decided that fighting with you all wasn't worth it, so I took Adrien's advice and took the high road! Don't bother exposing Lila, she isn't hurting anyone!" Marinette announced brightly, giving her hands a little wave.

The temperature in the classroom dropped by several degrees.

".. Adrien, she's kidding, right?" Nino glanced over at his friend, his eyes pleading for him to deny it all. But the sight of the blood draining from the model's face and the sweat starting to bead at his forehead told him everything he needed to know. "Dude.."

"How could you?! You knew this entire time and didn't even try to tell me?!" Alya rounded on Adrien, fury in her eyes.

"Now, now, don't get mad at Adrien. I'm sure he knew you all were going to do you research. Besides, it's not like this did anything bad for anyone." Marinette pressed a hand to her cheek, still grinning. "I mean, it's not like you all took her advice without doing any research. You didn't try the things she suggested without actually checking them out to be true, right? No one lost any scholarships or job opportunities. No one's relationships were ruined. No one was hurt."

The nauseous feeling spread to all of the class as the reality of everything caught up with them.

"I'm sure everything will go back to normal, right? I mean, I'm sure that that woman from the education bureau isn't here to fire Damocles and Bustier for their severe neglect in their duties. Expelling me with the most mediocre and shaky proof. Surely that's a school I should feel safe in! That I should be proud to be a part of. But alas, my preparations for my new school are already done, so oh well."

Marinette shrugged and adjusted her purse strap.

"Anyhow, I wish you all luck with the amazing things Lila has helped you to do! I know it must have been worth ignoring me and convincing me I was crazy. With all of the free time I've had, with you guys practically replacing me with Lila in the group, I've had tons of time to spend with my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?!" Alya's eyes went owlishly wide as she gaped at Marinette. "But what about Adrien?!"

"Oh Alya, I fell out of love with Adrien forever ago." Marinette shook her head in an almost patronizing way that had Alya's cheeks burning with embarrassment. They didn't even pay attention to Adrien's noises of surprise. "I mean, you claimed I was jealous of Lila getting close to Adrien, that I should let the jealousy go. And you know what? You were right! So I decided Adrien wasn't worth the stress, the embarrassment.. I mean, I couldn't even talk to him straight. I thought he was the most perfect guy in the world! Goodness, did I learn my lesson!"

She giggled as if she found the entire thing amusing. She then beamed at the class.

"Well, ta-ta! I need to get back home and make sure everything is ready to go. I wish you all the best, I really do!"

They all watched, shellshocked as Marinette breezed out of the classroom like it was nothing. Like she wasn't leaving her friends, her school, her life behind. And they all would wonder exactly how badly they screwed up, if she could walk away do easily, without a care.

Permanent Taglist: @vixen-uchiha @ravennightingaleandavatempus @2sunchild2 @crazylittlemunchkin @bee-wrecker @souleateralicestein @loysydark @kceedraws @realrandomposts @alienjoyful

Salt Taglist: @virgil-is-a-cutie @sidessunnybumblebee @persephonebutkore @18-fandoms-unite-08 @suzen23smith @luciferge @theelventhgod @noirdots @space--butterflies @ghostglaceon @magicalfirebird @goggles-mcgee @chocolate1721 @minightrose @bookcrazybby @cupcakeandkisses @mewwitch @adrestar

#ml salt #miraculous salt #alya salt #lila salt #marinette deserves better

[unknownwriting]

Hiiiii, can I request of Ace survived b̶e̶c̶a̶u̶s̶e̶ f̶u̶c̶k̶ A̶k̶a̶i̶n̶u̶ and his s/o was pregnant with his child then after 2 years of time skip (they don't know Ace survived) can please Luffy & Sabo reunited with Ace, to his s/o and child and having family moments 🥺🥺🥺 👉👈

ｓｕｍｍａｒｙ- requested ^^

ｗｏｒｄ ｃｏｕｎｔ - 2.9 k, i honeslty could write a whole book 

ｓｏｎｇ ｉｎｓｐｏ- i love you - billie eilish

ｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｓ - Portgas D. Ace, Sabo, Monkey D. Luffy

ｗａｒｎｉｎｇｓ - None :)

ａ/ｎ- my sense of time is fucked. I could’ve swore it was Tuesday...but i still had a lot of fun writing this. I cried half the time but Ace 🥺🥺 so I hope you enjoy

(unedited)

“The weeds!! The weeds Luffy!! Not the flowers!” (Y/n) shouted as she leaned out the kitchen window. Even then Luffy still began to yank out the barely budding roses. For as much as he wanted to do the garden, Luffy sucks at it. (Y/n) eyes trailed over to the small pile of weeds and roses, where Luffy continued to toss the roses in. Let out a heavy sigh, (Y/n) called out to him again, “Luffy! Not the roses!”

“Huh?” Luffy hummed as he looked up and around before finally making eye contact with (Y/n). She scoffed at her absent-minded brother-in-law as she stated again,

“Your weeding the weeds, not the roses.”

“Eh? But they all look the same?” Luffy hummed as he looked back to the pile of weeds and roses then back to the rosebuds in his hands.

“See the little green ball on top of that the stem, those are roses that have yet to bloom. Those need to stay in the ground so they can bloom, what your getting is the other green plants.” (Y/n) explained as she pointed down the weeds that surrounded the roses. Luffy’s eyes followed as he began to finally see the difference between the 2. And with a chuckle, Luffy had gone back to work pulling out only the weeds this time. (Y/n) scoffed once again as she leaned back from the window and turned around on her heel and looked back at her blonde brother-in-law. She was so grateful for Sabo and Luffy. They sat through everything with her and supported her throughout it too.  Keeping her safe and healthy when she found out about Ace’s death, being there to help her through her pregnancy even sitting with her through her labor, and even now they still come and visit her regularly, checking up on her and her family. The trio of brothers are the best people she has ever met. Brightening her smile, she shook her head and began to walk past them.

“Ya’know for as much as Luffy wanted to do the garden, you’d think he’s at least how to do it.” (Y/n) sighed as she made her way next to Sabo at the table. She had taken a spot right next to him and picked up the pair of pants she was stitching back together. Sabo continued to shuffle through some paper as he glanced over at (Y/n) and chuckled.

“Well, you pretty much banned him from doing anything else. The garden is the only thing Luffy can do now.” Sabo pointed out, taking the pile of papers in his hands and setting them to the side, then began working on the other pile.

“...It’s his fault for being so reckless. If he’s your brother you should’ve raised him better.” (Y/n) huffed, cutting the string off the pants and tying them up. (Y/n) was currently fixing a pair of Estelle’s pants that were destroyed when he and Luffy were playing. It wouldn’t be a big of a problem if it wasn’t one of Estelle’s good pants. It was one of the best days Estelle had though, so it was easy for (Y/n) not to get too mad.

“Ace was the one who was the closest to him. I lost my memories although that time.” Sabo answered, as his gaze shifted down to the paperwork

“Looks like Imma have to call Ace out on that then-”

“Mama!!” A loud voice had shouted as the door to the small house swung open and a small (h/c) colored child had rushed in. (Y/n) was quick to drop the pants and open her arms to greet home her child.

“Estelle! Welcome back, baby.” (Y/n) smiled brightly as she gave a huge hug to her child. Estelle giggled and happily hugged back. Estelle wasn’t gone for long, only about 3 hours but it was easy to tell that he missed his mom. He definitely takes after his dad, being a very family-orientated person. Standing up from her chair, she pulled away from Estelle yet keeping him on her hip, she smiled, “We’re you nice to Doctor Cherry?”

“Yeah, she even gave me a candy.” Estelle proudly shouted as he stuck out his tongue and showed (Y/n) its blue color.

“Wow, You must’ve been such a good boy. I bet Dcotor Cherry was happy to spend the day with you.” (Y/n) smiled, as she set Estelle back on the floor and looked up at the red-haired lady that stood at the door.

“Of course, Estelle’s one of my best patients.” Cherry smiled as she looked down at Estelle. Estelle giggled loudly as grinned up from his mother's side. Cherry was another person who stood by (Y/n) when she was going through such a hard time, helping (Y/n) nurse back to health and helped a lot with the pregnancy. She was another that was close like family. As Cherry took a step into the house, she had opened her mouth to speak again but Sabo and Luffy were quick to interrupt.

“You’re not even gonna say hi to your uncles. Estelle, you make us so sad.” Sabo teased as he and Luffy walked up to join (Y/n). Quickly turning around to the sound of the voices, Estelle smiled brightly again.

“Uncle Sabo, Uncle Luffy!!” Estelle shouted as he jumped into their arms. The boys were quick to hug back and spoil Estelle in all types of affections. (Y/n) smiled at the view, that's one of the many things that she wants Estelle to learn that no matter what family is always important. With Estelle already being a very family-oriented person, it seemed that (Y/n) didn’t have much of a lesson to teach. Giggling to herself, (Y/n) turned back to Cherry to see what she was gonna say early. Once Cherry had seen that (Y/n) was back on her, she began again,

“Someone was asking around for you early today. I’m not sure who, but he seemed almost desperate.” Cherry explained as she watched (Y/n) face twist into shock and just for a moment, there was a huge flash of hope in her eyes that seemed to cloud her judgment for a moment. It was for a brief moment, but even with that flash of hope Cherry could tell that (Y/n) wants, more like needs, to see who it is.

“Asking for (Y/- Ow!!” Sabo hisses as he quickly pulled his arm towards him and began to rub the red spot that Estelle pinched, “He’s still in his pinching phase? I thought we were over that.”

“With Estelle? Of course not, he still goes around pinching everything and everyone. I’ve been trying to get him to stop but he doesn’t want to. I’m surprised that you thought he grew ou-”

“Ow, ow, ow, ow!! My nipples!!” Luffy cried as he pushed Estelle away from him. With the pain still written over his face, Luffy cupped his nipples and hissed. (Y/n) laughed as she watched Luffy sit there trying to soothe the pain running through him.

“Yeah no, he’s still pinching.” (Y/n) laughed before her, and Sabo, both turned back to Cherry and continued to question her.

“Who’s looking for (Y/n)?” Sabo questioned. It was easy to tell that his overprotectiveness was kicking him. The only response that Sabo got from Cherry was a shrug and then slowly walking out of the house as if to lead the others. Sabo then turned to look at (Y/n) asking the same question to which (Y/n) only ended up shrugging too.

“I’m not sure. Sail with Ace and Whitebeard-san I’ve met a lot of people, so I don’t know.”

Sabo hummed in response as he began to follow Cherry outside. Something inside of (Y/n) made her so anxious, but something has her heart racing, palms sweating, and her legs aching. Something about this guest just had her body aching, as if she couldn’t sit still. In the back of her mind, a small voice continued to echo, but there was no way it could be true. He’s dead, he passed away 2 years ago. Last time (Y/n) you can’t raise the dead either. So with one last shaky sigh, (Y/n) began to make her way out the door and towards Sabo and Cherry. Trying to push back her feelings, it’s like this every time, always getting her hopes up only for them to come crashing down. She tries to keep her cool.

“So, does it look like anyone we know?” (Y/n) questioned, as she took a spot next to Sabo’s side. Sabo let out a small grunt as he squinted his eyes to see the figure. (Y/n) had followed suit. Just at the bottom of the hill stood a man with broad shoulders. He looked around confused as he stumbled around the bottom of the hill. A soft laugh left her lips as she watched him, he looks so out of place.

“I-I-I….I don’t wanna jump to conclusions here, (Y/n), but doesn’t that look like-“

It didn’t take long for the man to make eye contact with the 2 at the top of the hill. He starred for a moment as if he was taking in the view before he smiles brightly and slowly began to make his way up. As if the world has stopped around (Y/n). That smile. That was the same smile that started this whole adventure, that made her happy even on the saddest days, that was the same smile that she fell in love with.  It was hard to believe. As if time itself has stopped, (Y/n) stood there speechless. She couldn’t even muster a sound or a reaction. Something like this never happens, maybe one in a million but last time she checked the skeleton on Luffy’s crew was the one. This was impossible, it had to be a prank or something. This couldn’t be happening and just as (Y/n) had open her mouth and rat at the person standing below them a laugh echoed through the field. It was real, this is all real. That laugh was one she couldn’t and wouldn’t forget. That laugh belongs to her later lover,

“Ace.” Breathlessly and barely above a whisper was all she could do. She was scared if she said it any loud she would have started to cry right there. (Y/n) began to inch forwards slowly trying to wake her body up and tell it to move. God, if only she could wake it up faster. Soon enough those baby steps turn into bigger ones then fast ones, then finally she was running. She was running as fast as her feet could carry her down the hill. Tears swiftly fell from her eyes as she made her way to her lover. Maybe dreams do come true. After all these days, weeks, months of wishing, her wish came true. And even now it’s better than what she wished for.

Not being able to stop herself and not even trying to, (Y/n) jumped straight into Ace’s warm embrace for the first time in years. Automatically (Y/n) inhales deeply taking in Ace’s smell of burnt ambers and sunk deeper into his strong and warm embrace. By now she couldn’t help the waterworks from coming. Neither could Ace, the 2 of them held each other close, taking in each other scent and loving embrace. As if this moment latest forever, the 2 of them didn’t let go for as long as they could. However, (Y/n) can only cry so much into his shoulder before taking a deep breath. So barely pulling away and with a red-eyed and snot-filled face, (Y/n) smiled as she tried to speak up the loudest and clearest she could.

“Y-y-y-your… you’re alive!! Ace is alive. Your alive!!” (Y/n) cried as she tried to call out to the others however your attention was all on Ace. She was scared that if she looked away he would disappear, so she kept her around him and locked her eyes with his.

“I’m alive. I’m really alive.” Ace sobbed back keeping his eyes locked with (Y/n)’s. She didn’t even care if his voice has reached them, she doesn’t want it to reach them. All she wants is to be with Ace now. Smiling through her tears, she pulled her hand up to Ace’s cheeks and began to rub her thumb against his freckled cheeks feeling his rough skin against hers. Ace, still through his tears, smiled and hummed as he leads into her hand, enjoying the softness and warmth her hands had provided. This moment should last forever, they both wished. Just as (Y/n) has dropped her hand to his chest and was able to lean in to kiss his lips that she wanted to feel and taste once again, 2 pairs of very loud footsteps came behind them. Before the 2 of them could even react, 2 bodies came crashing down onto them.

“Ace!!” The 2 of them sobbed as all of the 4 bodies fell over in the grass. Both Luffy’s and Sabo’s sobs could be heard for miles, like (Y/n) and Ace, they couldn’t hold back their tears. So all 4 of them laid on the ground and just sobbed, they couldn’t do anything else. Each one of them held onto the other with such an iron grip, it was hard to breathe but nobody wanted to move. The only time they moved was when Ace pulled back and started at Sabo for a while trying to figure out who it was.

“S-s...sabo. Y-you’re alive too?!!” Ace gasped as he could feel more tears falling. Sabo looked up and smile at him, nodding. And Just with that simple nod both of the boys began to cry even harder and the hug got tighter. This whole hug was a mess, they were all crying loudly. People in the village soon came to even check on them but none of them cared. After 2 years each of their dreams had come true and nothing else mattered.

“Welcome home, Ace.”

~~

“Luffy don’t-!” (Y/n) tried to protest all she wanted, but as soon as she had put down the food, Luffy was all over it. And taking after his uncle, Estelle was right there digging into the food with Luffy. Let a heavy sigh past her lips as she walked back into the kitchen to get the rest of the food.

“Oi! Luffy save some for us!!” Ace’s voice rang through the house as a loud thump followed along with Luffy groaning in pain. Like music to her ears, hearing Ace’s voice once again causes (Y/n) so much happiness and relief. Having her black-haired lover back is the best feeling in the world.

After all 4 of them had somehow managed to stop the tears, they didn’t spend a moment from each other. Where ever one went the others always followed because they were all scared that if they left then Ace would disappear. Although, out of the whole reunion, being able to reunite Estelle with his father was the best part. Luckily he’s only 2 so things weren’t awkward and he was able to quickly adapt to Ace. Being again to finally introduce Ace to his son and Estelle to his father was by far the best part. It only made (Y/n) cry even more.

“Hey, Daddy you can’t hit Uncle Luffy. Mama will get mad at you.” Estelle laughed as he waved around the bone. Even the word was foreign to Ace, it still took him a while to get used to even being a dad. But after staring at Estelle for a moment, just taking in the fact that Estelle’s actually his kid. Ace chuckled and smiled.

“Oh, will she now? Last time I check, I think I can handle your mother when she’s angry.” Ace chuckled as he leads back in his chair and crossed his arms. She could cry just looking at him. After all these years he hasn’t changed a bit. Messy black hair, freckled skin, a huge smile that could light up the room. The only thing that had changed, was the giant burn mark on his stomach. It was huge and very upsetting but it’s not like Ace didn’t have scars from before. With one last shaky breath, (Y/n) pushed back any sadness she had and quickly replaced it with joy. There is no way (Y/n) was gonna be sad.

“You better think again fire boy.” (Y/n) had stated as she hit the back of his head while she took a seat next to him at the table. Ace hissed at the pain while Estelle laughed in response. Sabo and Luffy were quick to follow in suit. All their laughter sounded like music to her ear. There really wasn’t anything else she could wish for. Ace was back, she’s having dinner with her family, and she was happy. It was all too perfect, it was almost like this whole thing was a dream. God, (Y/n) was terrified that it was all just a dream. The thought of having them go back to a time where Ace was gone and that-

“Ouch.��� (Y/n) hissed as she grabbed her arm. Looking over next to her, she saw Estelle gigging up at her. Estelle and his pinches are gonna be the death of her.

“You so deserve that for early. Good job, Estelle, you’re learning quickly.” Ace laughed out loud as he looked over at his son. Estelle smiled bright and laughed along with him. (Y/n) couldn’t even be mad, but she wasn’t about to let Ace get away with it.

“Oh, you watch it, because last time I checked Estelle was still a mommy’s boy just like his father.”

#one piece #one piece x reader #Portgas D. Ace #sabo #monkey d. luffy #portgas d ace x reader

[posallys]

i saw a post about percy and poseidon and i figured i'd drop this stupid little headcanon i have here (i also take stuff from this analysis, so go read that mayhaps)

Ya know how we’ve established i think that Percy’s fatal flaw should be control and not loyalty? And how I talked about the whole “Percy and Poseidon are quick to anger” thing in my analysis of them? And how it’s literally in their nature to want to be in control of everything around them?

okay, well, for whatever reason, percy is on olympus (maybe a solstice? maybe annabeth is talking about stuff for her rebuild? idk)

and a god somebody says something and it he gets pissed, and since his emotions are so closely linked with his powers, he accidentally triggers an earthquake

except, poseidon could obviously tell that there was going to be an earthquake bc he could feel it, so he just kind of pops in front of percy and grabs his wrists/hands and is like "that's an awfully big earthquake you almost caused, ya know."

And Percy’s kind of shaking because he could feel the way the anger took over and how he couldn’t stop the earthquake himself. He was trying so hard to restrain it, to hold it back, but he couldn’t.

He doesn’t really say anything to Poseidon, because he’s clenching his jaw to the point that it’s painful, but he looks up at Poseidon, and his eyes kind of give it away.

(and it may not have been obvious to anybody else, but it was obvious to poseidon because he can't even begin to count the amount of times that look has been on his own face)

So Poseidon takes a deep breath and closes his eyes and nods a little (meanwhile the rest of the gods are just like 👀 👀 because percy almost fucked a lot of shit up and poseidon is being very calm and also being a dad and trying to help his kid)

So he lets go of percy's wrists and is like "come with me"

And Percy kind of hesitates for a moment, but then Poseidon is like “It wasn’t a question” because he knows it’s probably the only thing that’ll help, so it’s Not A Question.

(and poseidon knows that he should have done it after the titan war. He should have helped Percy sooner, but he didn’t, so he has to do it now, and he’s going to do it, because he's not going to let percy keep walking blindly through the mess that is their powers)

Poseidon does some god shit and flashes them out to like. The middle of fucking nowhere. like just creates a little slab of land in the middle of the ocean. nothing around for hundreds of miles except open water

Percy just looks at him like wtf? "Dad, why are we in the middle of the ocean??"

And Poseidon just kind of chuckles and is like “yeah, actually, we are in the middle of the ocean. This is the point that’s as far from any land that you can get.”

“Uh? Why?”

“Because it gives me enough time to stop any damage before it happens.”

Percy’s like “???? what damage?? Pls explain”

“I should have done this after the titan war, Percy. I should have—well it doesn’t matter what I should have done. You have to learn how to let go, and I’m going to help you.”

And Percy doesn’t like the idea of that. He doesn’t want to let go. He doesn’t trust himself not to hurt someone or cause destruction (after all, his name means to destroy).

He must be making a face because Poseidon looks at him sympathetically.

“I know it’s hard, Percy. Believe me, I know better than anyone.”

Poseidon pauses for a moment and then continues… “How do you survive a riptide?” he asks.

Percy answers immediately. “You have to let it pull you out. Eventually, it’ll let you go out the side or the back. You don’t want to fight it, though, because you’ll probably drown trying.”

Poseidon purses his lips and nods, and Percy’s looking at him confused for a moment, trying to figure out why his dad asked about a riptide (because Poseidon obviously knows how they work).

And then he Gets It. “You mean...I have to stop fighting…”

“You have to let go. You have to let yourself be carried out sometimes. The longer you fight, the more tired you get, and the worse it becomes. The sea doesn’t like to be restrained, Percy.”

“But I—” Percy’s voice cracks

“I know you don’t want to, but I promise you, it helps.”

Percy nods and lets Poseidon tell him what to do.

Poseidon tells him to scream. To really let everything out. “I know, I know, you’ll probably feel stupid doing it, but do it anyway. No restraints, no worries. let it flow out of you.”

And so he does. He screams the way he’s wanted to for what’s felt like forever at this point. And the ocean responds to him. It responds to his frustration and his anger and his pain. And the waves are rough and choppy and the sky is turning a shade of grey, and the ground is trembling, and then the waves are getting higher and higher and they’re building, building, building, and then they’re crashing onto the ground around him.

And it feels good, really. To let go. to not have to restrain himself

And Poseidon is there watching him (and he’d stop anything Percy may cause before it got to a place where it could cause harm (there’s a reason they’re in the middle of the ocean, after all)).

And Percy’s scream dies out, and he sits down and he breaths and he feels like the world has been lifted off of his shoulders again.

But he’s not done yet because Poseidon is coaching him through things, making Percy create earthquakes and hurricanes and tsunamis, helping him find the balance between controlling them and letting them control him.

And then poseidon teaches him how to release his anger. He walks Percy through the steps. Start with your hands; unclench your fists. Relax your arms, your shoulders. Roll them out, hold yourself up straight. Unclench your jaw, stretch your neck out. Don’t hold the anger back, but don’t let it consume you. You have to change it, you have to feel it. Let it move through you like water flowing down a river. Feel it in your arms and your fingers and your legs, but then push it out. Not aggressively—calm. It has to be calm. You have to let it carry you to a certain point, but you can’t struggle. It’s a riptide, Percy. Once you surrender to it, you can escape it. Once you surrender to it, you really have control.

And it works. Percy goes through the steps, slowly relaxing himself, letting it move through him until it’s no longer anger and he no longer feels like he’s being crushed.

“I caused a lot of destruction when I was a younger god, Percy. I didn’t have a good grip over my anger. It took me a long time to figure out that, while I may control the ocean, the ocean also controls me. Do you know why? Because I am the ocean, and so are you. The ocean is inside of you, and you must find the balance between controlling and being controlled.”

“How often do you do this?”

“Every few months. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of control again. It’s in our nature to want to be in control, so conceding isn’t easy for us. So when I feel myself on edge, when I start angering quicker, I come here and I let go.”

So they make a habit out of it. They come out to the middle of the ocean every other month, or about as often as either of them needs it, and they let go, and Percy slowly gets better at becoming one with the ocean, better at finding the balance.

(and then they go to this diner in Montauk that Poseidon has a weird obsession with….)

And when Estelle is older, the three of them take the trip out to the middle of the ocean together, and they teach Estelle how to find balance. And she’s younger than Percy was, so her anger hasn’t had time to peak.

Unlike Percy, whose anger is silent, sneaky, creeping up out of nowhere (the way he’s smiling one moment and lashing out the next) Estelle’s anger was a storm you could see coming a hundred miles away. Her anger brews on the horizon, building and building, slowly getting bigger until there's nothing left but for it to shatter. Which makes it easier, really. She’s better at letting go than Percy is—she has time to let it dissipate before it reaches her.

#yes estelle is a demigod no i don't make the rules sorry #i feel like this is really hard to read so i apologize #but i have Thoughts #and this is just one of them #taylor's thoughts

[elvish-sky]

Hope {Aragorn x Reader}

A.N: So no prompts done today cause I was working on this, but I’m proud of it and will get right on prompts tomorrow! This is the completely reader-insert version! I honestly had so much fun writing it and am honored that this person wanted me to do so. I hope y’all like it!

Requested by @ask-the-elf-stuff on Tumblr

Pairing: Aragorn x Reader

Word Count: 1,799

Warnings: Kissing, fluff, the smallest bit of angst.

****

Hope

“You’re really leaving?” You gazed into Aragorn’s eyes, hoping that it wasn’t true.

    “I have to, Y/N. The fate of Middle-Earth depends on it.”

Your head dipped in understanding, but also sadness. 

“Do not fear. I will return.” He cupped your chin with his hand, tilting your head and kissing you. It was a light kiss, nothing like the others you had shared before. This kiss was the hope that you’d see each other again.

Breaking away, you forced a smile as you hugged him, trying not to cry. Stepping back, you waved as he followed the rest of the newly formed Fellowship through the gates of Imladris. Your father stood next to you, and as Aragorn passed through the gates Elrond drew you into his side. 

“He’ll be back, hína (child),” Elrond said as he pressed a kiss to your forehead.

Nodding, you rested your head on your father’s shoulder as you watched the man depart.

Weeks later, you were pacing your room, determined to do something. Arwen stopped short in the doorway as she saw you pack open on your bed as you shoved things inside.

     “Y/N? What are you doing?”

“I do not know why, but I have felt a pull to follow. An ache, almost painful in its strength, has settled inside me and so I knew I must follow. We have not heard from the Fellowship in weeks, Aragorn could be hurt, or someone else could be, or he could be,” your voice broke, “dead.

The elf nodded in understanding. “The ache is telling you to be with the one you love.”

She then clasped your hand. “Y/N. Look at me.”

You looked at her, unshed tears of worry clear in your eyes.

“If he was dead, you’d feel it. And I know as your sister I should be telling you not to go, but I cannot help but notice the pain you’ve been in these last weeks. So go, find him.” She spread a map out onto a small table nearby, and you couldn’t help but laugh.

“Do you just carry that everywhere?”

She shot you a look, and you quickly clammed up, peering over her shoulder as she pointed things out. 

“After crossing the mountains visit our grandmother in Lothlorien, the Fellowship had planned to pass through there, and she will know where they are.” 

You took it all in, remembering the route to Lothlorien from visits to your grandparents you had made before your mother went west. 

“Thank you, Arwen.” You smiled up at your sister.

She clasped your wrist before pulling away, placing her hands on your shoulders as she looked into your eyes. “Stay safe, Y/N.”

You nodded, shoving the last things into your pack before slinging it over your shoulders with your bow and quiver, daggers sheathed on your thighs, hugging your sister one last time before leaving your room.

   You strode down the hallway, dressed in leather hunting clothes as you made your way to the gates of Imladris. You had stopped by the kitchens to gather food supplies, making sure they thought you were only going for a hunting excursion. 

Entering the courtyard, you saw your father standing in the center, clearly waiting for you. Silently cursing Arwen, as you had hoped to slip away unnoticed, you made your way over to him.

“I should not let you do this.”

You frowned at his words, drawing breath to protest, but before you could Elrond spoke again.

“But you are free to go. I feel the ache and have felt it every day since your mother departed. I know that nothing but being with the one you love can ease that pain, and it would hurt me to know you are experiencing it. Go to Estel. I give you my blessing.” 

You hugged your father before turning and mounting your horse, brought from the stables. Turning to wave to your father one last time, you leaned down to whisper, “Let’s go, Daeroc. Let’s go find Aragorn.” The horse broke into a trot, and you left Imladris behind.

Weeks later, you led Daeroc into Lothlorien, waiting for the sentries to appear. One dropped down from a tree, and you smiled at him, recognizing the face.

“Haldir,” you greeted him with a smile.

“Y/N. It is good to see you again. I assume you are here to see the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn?”

You nodded, “Yes. I have not seen my grandparents in a long time. But before we go to them could you find someone to take care of Daeroc?”

Another elf came into view, nodding to you as she took the reins from your hands. 

“Thank you,” you smiled at her.

Later, you walked into the courtyard, bowing to your grandparents standing on the stairs above. 

“Y/N, my daughter’s daughter. What brings you here?” Galadriel smiled at you, descending the stairs with her husband to greet you, each clasping your wrist. 

“To see you, of course, and seek news of the Fellowship that I assume has passed through here.” 

Your grandmother smiled. “It seems you are in luck, for they are here as we speak.”

Your eyes widened. “But they should have been long gone by now. I wonder what has caused the delay?”

Celeborn’s face softened. “Then you do not know.”

“Know what?” You were beginning to grow quite worried. “What has happened?”

“They could not make it through the pass of Caradhras, so they turned and went through Moria, costing them the life of Mithrandir.”

You gasped, heart aching at the grief that must have caused them and the grief you now felt. 

“May I see them?” All you wanted now was to see your friends and the man you loved.

“Of course.” Galadriel beckoned you to follow her, and you did, softly conversing with your grandmother and updating her on the lives of her family in Imladris, as well as others she knew.

Stepping into the clearing, you turned to thank Galadriel, watching her fade from view behind you for a moment before continuing. 

There he was. Tall and handsome still, even grimy with dirt and dust from his travels. You debated casually walking up and greeting him more sedately, but watching him you just couldn’t hold back. All your elvish instincts left you, and you sprinted towards him, leaping into his shocked arms as kissing him for all you were worth. He kissed you back for a moment, and then pulled away, the surprise on his face clear.

“Y/N! What are you doing here?”

“I came to find you.”

His eyes widened. “You did?”

You smiled at him. “Of course I did, meleth.”

He smiled back at you, and drew you in for another kiss, hands holding you up as your legs wrapped around his waist. Deepening the kiss, he moved so your back was pressed against a tree and his hands were free to slide up your back, tangling in your hair as you lost yourselves in each other.

Sometime later, you sat with the rest of the Fellowship after the nighttime meal, talking. It was good to see them again, you had grown fond of all of them, even the dwarf, during their time in Imladris. But of course, the only person you really had eyes for that night was Aragorn, who sat next to you with an arm around your shoulders. 

Legolas had seemed puzzled with how comfortable you were with affection, it was rather un elf-like. You had explained to him that because of your father’s past, he was slightly more affectionate than a normal elf, and showed it. You hadn’t missed the wistful look on Legolas’ face as you spoke and recalled what you knew of his family, feeling sorry for him. 

Later that night, you sat by the dying embers of the fire alongside Legolas. Aragorn had gone with the hobbits to wash up, and Boromir and Gimli were sleeping, so it was just you and the elf.

“Legolas?” The older elf looked at you. 

“Can I ask you something?”

He nodded, and you continued, “I was just wondering, do you know of something like an ache? It began right after the Fellowship departed Imladris, and only subsided when I arrived here. What does it mean?”

He smiled. “Y/N. That was the bond between your soul and Aragorn’s, pulled taught with your fear of losing him. Now that you are reunited, it has gone because you are together. It is every elf’s greatest dream and worst fear to have that feeling.”

You smiled. “Have you?”

The pain in his eyes told you that maybe that was not something to be asked of others.

“I am not sure if it is in my destiny to ever feel that.” He gazed into the distance.

The two of you sat in easy silence for a long time, after that. 

“Y/N.” You turned to see Aragorn beckoning to you, and with a nod to Legolas, you rose.

“You do not have to come with us. It will be a journey of great peril, and I do not want to put you in that much danger.”

You gazed at him earnestly, “Aragorn. I shall be there when the crown is finally placed on your head. I shall be with you until the end.”

He smiled at you again and clasped your hand as you walked through the towering trees.

You had left Lothlorien the day after with the Fellowship, having officially joined up. Lots had happened after that, including almost dying with most of Middle-Earth, but months later, all was finally well. Frodo and Sam had destroyed the ring in Mordor, the forces of Mordor had collapsed along with the Black Gate, and today was the coronation of King Elessar, also known as Aragorn. 

You watched, standing next to Gimli on the dais, as Gandalf lowered the crown onto Aragorn’s head.

“Now come the days of the King!” Gandalf declared before Aragorn turned to face his kingdom. Everyone cheered as he stood there, silencing quickly as he spoke. His words were wise and sincere, and you couldn’t help but fall in love all over again. As petals began to fall, he started singing, the words quickly fading as he turned to you. 

You walked down to meet him at the bottom of the steps, gown trailing behind you. Once you reached him, he grabbed your hand, wrapping an arm around your waist as he dipped you into a spectacular kiss. Unlike the one you had shared in Imladris, this was not a kiss of sadness. This was a kiss of hope, peace, and promise. As the cheers rose around you again you knew that everything you had hoped for had come true.

Everything tag: @entishramblings @itgetsatadhazy @boyruins @anjhope1 @wellofeternalthirst @kumqu4t @katbby16

#aragorn x reader #maiawrites #lord of the rings #the hobbit #jrr tolkien #the silmarillion #aragorn fanfic #aragorn x you #aragorn x y/n #elrond’s daughter #Arwens sister #arwen #Elrond #legolas #gandalf #Galadriel #celeborn #Galadriel x celeborn

[sylvanfreckles]

Departing Shadows

You thought I'd forgotten, didn't you? Here it is, another rescue from my doomed fanfiction.net account.

Summary: Legolas arrives to winter in Imladris after an ill-fated patrol in Mirkwood. But when the prince's refusal to accept the truth of what happened affects his healing, Aragorn is determined to break through the shadows that threaten his friend's spirit. No slash. Second-place winner of the December 2005 Teitho contest.

This is one of the angstiest things I've ever written, so...it'll be right up someone's alley, I'm sure. Please check the warnings if you're concerned. It was apparently partly inspired by The Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You".

And like I always say. I may cringe, but I will never regret! On to the fic!

(I should warn you...I made up the horse's name just so Aragorn could call him Smokey. He first appeared in another fic that I'll post one of these days. His name might look decently elvish but it's total gibberish.)

...

"Legolas!"

Aragorn refused to let the knee-deep snowdrifts impede him as he surged forward to greet his friend. The prince had come to Imladris for the winter, arriving, it seemed, just ahead of the heavy snows.

"Hello, Estel," the blonde elf said wearily, dismounting from his horse and nodding to the groom that had come to take care of the animal.

"I see Smokey is well," Aragorn commented, referring to an old joke they had between them about the horse's name.

Legolas rolled his eyes. "For the last time, Ranger, his name is Simoliké."

Aragorn laughed, throwing an arm around his friend and pretending not to notice the elf's flinch. "It is wonderful to see you again, Legolas."

The elf sighed, relaxing just slightly as the man guided him down the cleared walkway up to the house. "Are your brothers home?" he asked with a hint of hesitation.

"They're out until this evening," Aragorn explained, biting back a grin as he remembered the twins' protests at being sent away the day the prince was due to arrive. "Ada wanted them to help some of the other homes prepare for winter."

He noticed Legolas seemed relieved to hear this, and wondered at the elf's reaction. Then again, he thought, knowing the circumstances behind the prince's journey perhaps it was not entirely unexpected that he would be hesitant to face the rather exuberant greeting that Elladan and Elrohir would cook up.

"How are you, Legolas?" Aragorn asked as they entered the house, turning his friend to face him.

Legolas looked down, and for the first time Aragorn noticed the dark shadows under the elf's eyes, the deep pallor of his skin, and the almost haunted look in his eyes. "I am fine," the prince said softly.

Rather than outright scoff the elf's answer, as he was used to doing, Aragorn simply nodded. "I believe my father asked to speak with you when you arrived," he said. "He's in his study...just leave your bags, someone will take them up later."

Aragorn walked the elf to his father's study, and was surprised when Lord Elrond asked him to remain. He sat easily in a chair, noting with some concern that Legolas was perched as though about to bolt.

"Legolas," Elrond greeted, setting aside the scroll he had been studying. "How is your father?"

"He is well, Lord Elrond," the prince replied, fidgeting a little.

"Are you aware that he sent me a letter to tell the reasons behind your arrival?"

Legolas flinched. "I had guessed as much."

"Can you tell me what it says?"

The younger elf frantically shook his head, his eyes wide. Aragorn looked on in concern, and only a restraining glance from his father kept him from jumping to his friend's side.

"Then shall I tell you?" Elrond asked, not even waiting for a response. "In his letter he mentioned that your patrol suffered a devastating attack by a party of orcs. All but three of the elves under your command were killed in battle, and those of you who survived were taken captive. The orcs recognized you as captain of that patrol and slowly tortured the other three survivors to death in an attempt to get information out of you. Is this correct?"

Aragorn's eyes widened, and he glanced at his friend. Legolas was trembling, his gaze fixed on Elrond as though afraid the older elf would attack him.

"Legolas, you cannot hide from what happened," Elrond said kindly. "Yes, six of your people are dead...six good elves that should not have suffered so. But you must not blame yourself, Legolas. You must face what happened and—"

But whatever else Lord Elrond was going to say was forever lost as Legolas chose that moment to bolt from his chair and flee the study. Aragorn was after him in a heartbeat, not so much to bring him back to Elrond as out of honest concern for his friend.

Luckily, in his haste Legolas was less stealthy than usual and Aragorn could easily follow him. He found the elf just outside the door, bent over on his knees with his arms around his stomach. Aragorn knelt beside his friend and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pulling the prince's hair back as Legolas was violently sick.

"I can't, Estel," Legolas whispered, his voice shaking. "He asks me...I can't."

"What happened?" Aragorn asked. "You don't have to tell me if you don't wish to," he added as Legolas tensed. "I want to help you...tell me what I can do."

"I..." Legolas shivered. "I can't, not yet."

"All right," Aragorn nodded. "What do you wish to do, then?"

Legolas sighed and sat up just enough to lean against Aragorn. "I want to forget than any of this ever happened."

"I know," the human said soothingly. "But my brothers will be returning soon," he added, squinting at the setting sun. "Do you want me to tell them you've retired early?"

"No," the elf said, standing shakily to his feet. "I do not wish them to suspect something is wrong."

Ai, anyone who looks you in the eye would know that you are not well, Aragorn thought. "Perhaps you would like to bathe and rest before dinner, then?" he asked, ever mindful of all the lessons he'd received on being a gracious host.

Legolas smiled, and in that smile Aragorn finally saw a glimmer of the elf who was his best friend. "You would not mock me for my 'obsessive bathing'?" he asked.

"Not today," Aragorn said with a laugh. "I believe you know the way...or would you prefer me to escort you so you don't get lost?"

"No, Aragorn," Legolas sighed. "But if you could apologize to Lord Elrond for my behavior..."

"Of course," the human nodded. "I'll speak with him immediately," and get him to tell me just what is going on, he added mentally. "See you at dinner, then," he called before making his way back to his father's study.

"Come in, Estel," Elrond called, not even bothering to look up.

"Ada, what is going on?" Aragorn asked, not even bothering to pass on his friend's apology as he knew Elrond would not hold Legolas' behavior as offensive in any way.

Elrond sighed and motioned for Aragorn to close the door. "In his letter Thranduil told me that Legolas has refused to speak of anything that happened during his captivity."

"He said he doesn't want to talk about it," Aragorn said.

"He is burdened because he feels responsible for six deaths that were beyond his control...six elves who would have gladly given their lives to keep the secrets of Mirkwood safe."

"Did the orcs know he was a prince?"

"No, they thought he was only a captain. Had they known, however, they might have tried to use him as leverage. In that case the results may have been different," Elrond sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose with two fingers.

"Different?"

Elrond met the human's gaze, a depth of sorrow in his eyes that Aragorn had not expected. "When the deaths of his comrades failed to get him to speak, the orcs resorted to torturing Legolas. He spent three days in their grasp, until another patrol found and rescued him."

Aragorn sat back in shock. "He was tortured..." he repeated softly. "Is he going to be all right?"

"Only time will tell. I will say this, though," Elrond held up one finger. "If he does not come to terms with what happened he will break. His spirit is already shadowed, and I fear what will happen if he does not begin to release this soon." The elf-lord sighed. "I believe he is on the brink of fading."

The young man felt his resolve harden. "I will not let that happen," he said fiercely.

Elrond's gaze saddened further. "I hope so, ion-nin."

Aragorn turned to leave, but hesitated and looked back to his father. "You were wrong," he said softly. "You should not have confronted him. He is not ready."

The elf raised one eyebrow, his gaze tightening slightly. "And how do you know this?"

"He told me," the man said simply. "He will talk to us when he's ready...not before. For now, the best we can do is simply listen and wait for him to tell us. I dare say there have been enough healers trying to draw him out."

Elrond nodded to acknowledge Aragorn's argument, though the human could tell he hadn't convinced his father of anything. Sighing, he left the study and jogged down the hall to the one elf he knew he needed to see: Legolas.

Legolas was not surprised in the least when he came out of the bathing chamber to find Aragorn perched on his bed. He had almost expected the human to come barging in while he was still bathing, as though thinking that catching the prince unawares would make him reveal what he had gone through.

He shook his head, dispelling that thought. Aragorn would never do that to him. "Are you waiting for something, Human?" he asked, forcing a playful tone to his voice.

"Just wanted to see if you needed anything else."

Legolas sighed. "I don't want to talk about it."

Aragorn's brow furrowed in concern. "I wasn't going to ask."

The elf paused, trying to keep his hand steady as he reached for his hairbrush. "Why not?" he asked bluntly.

"I don't want to rush you," the man said simply. "I want you to talk to me when you're ready."

Legolas caught himself blinking back tears, his emotions stretched too far at this point for any sort of restraint to last. "What if I'm never ready?" he said in a whisper.

"You will be," Aragorn said confidently. "Take some time...take a few days to rest, if you like. You're safe here," the man added, resting his chin in his hand and studying the prince as he brushed his hair.

The elf sighed, setting the hairbrush aside and lying down on the bed. "I know," he murmured, fighting the bone-chilling exhaustion that seemed to follow him everywhere.

"My father's healers," he said after a few moments, "spent every day trying to convince me to talk about what happened...what I saw, what I went through. Every time I saw them I just started retreating further and further within. It was out of desperation that my father sent me here. He hoped your father could do something."

Aragorn grunted an acknowledgement. "He wants to help," the man said quietly. "And he could probably understand what you're feeling...but I know what you mean."

Legolas turned a curious eye on his friend, waiting for the human to continue.

"In my first months out with the rangers," the man explained, "we came across a pack of wolves. They were bent on destroying us, and managed to kill two of the younger rangers before we killed them. One of those men was my friend," Aragorn added softly. "The first human friend I'd ever made. We were near Imladris, so they brought the wounded here. I knew my brothers and my father had lost friends before...but having so many try to help me recover from my friend's death was just overwhelming and I shut them out. It wasn't until one of the other rangers simply told me that he would just listen if I ever needed to talk that I found myself willing to share anything."

He turned a saddened gaze toward the prince. "If you need to talk, Legolas, I will listen. And whatever you share, I will keep in secret as long as you wish. If you need me, I will stand by you through whatever you face."

Legolas sighed and nodded. "Thank you," he whispered, the world darkening as he drifted off to sleep.

Elladan and Elrohir cornered Legolas later that night in the Hall of Fire, demanding an account from their friend of his journey and the latest news from Mirkwood. Aragorn was relieved to see Legolas at ease, laughing and joking, but disheartened when he saw through the facade to the crumbling spirit within the prince.

He could see that the elf was exhausted, though he wondered if that was more due to the journey here or to the terrible weight he carried. "All right, enough," Aragorn declared, smoothly stepping in and maneuvering his friend away from his brothers. "You can speak with Legolas in the morning, the hour is growing late and I wish to have a word with my friend before he retires for the night."

Ignoring the protests from the twins—half-hearted and jovial though they were—Aragorn steered Legolas to a vacant balcony.

They stood in silence for a while, looking out as a light snow fell throughout the valley. "Everything is so peaceful here," Legolas finally said, sighing and leaning heavily against the railing. "Not like home...there is no shadow over Imladris."

Aragorn grunted softly in agreement. "You know, tomorrow the first thing my brothers will do is drag me out of bed and bury me in the snow. They've done it during the first snow every year, but I wasn't here for the first snow so they'll probably do it with this one. They used to try convince me it would teach me to walk atop it as elves do...but I've long since learned that was a lie."

Legolas chuckled. "And I suppose you'll wish me to come to your aid?"

"Of course," Aragorn grinned. "What else are friends for?" he added, and lighthearted though his tone was he hoped Legolas would understand the hidden message.

The blonde elf sobered immediately. "I know," he said quietly. "I have been struggling all day...here I have a friend who has promised to stand beside me no matter what I face, yet when it comes to facing myself I have not the courage to ask."

Aragorn's heart went out to the elf. "You don't ever need to ask, Legolas," he replied gently. "I will always stand with you."

"Always?" the elf asked, turning to Aragorn so the human could see the tears glistening in the elf's eyes. "I am afraid, Aragorn. Afraid to face what is inside of me...afraid that the memories will be too much...but most of all I am afraid that if everyone sees this they will know I am a coward."

The elf turned away, covering his face with one hand. Aragorn immediately pulled his friend into an embrace, letting the elf sob into his shoulder. "You are not a coward," he said firmly. "Fear is just another battle, Legolas. You must face it, and you can defeat it."

When his friend had calmed down enough to release his death-grip on Aragorn's tunic, the human gently steered the elf through a set of fairly empty corridors to his chamber.

"Now sleep," he ordered, taking a look around the guestroom in which Legolas was staying. Sudden inspiration struck, and he turned to his friend's pack and began digging through it.

"What are you doing?" Legolas asked.

"It is far too cold in here," the man complained. "Even for an elf...you'll catch your death of cold if you stay in here tonight," he stood up triumphantly, a set of Legolas' sleeping clothes in his hand. "Come with me," he ordered, grabbing the elf by the arm.

Ignoring his friend's protests, he ushered Legolas down to his own chamber where a fire was already roaring happily in the fireplace. "This is much better, isn't it?" Aragorn asked, swiftly changing into his own sleeping clothes.

Legolas raised one eyebrow. "My room is not cold, Aragorn."

"Well...maybe not to you but I'll rest much better knowing that you're not sleeping in a room so frigid it could freeze a dragon," Aragorn retorted, climbing into his bed. It was large enough for three or four people, so he knew the elf couldn't protest because of lack of room.

The elf shook his head in amusement, and turned his back to change. Aragorn's stomach somersaulted when he caught sight of a few still-unhealed wounds on the elf's back—marks left from a whip and burns the size of his thumb. Whatever shadow had fallen on Legolas' spirit had left his friend unable to fully heal.

Legolas finished changing and slid into the other side of the bed. "Happy now, Human?" he asked.

"Of course," Aragorn laughed. He blew out the lamp on the bedside table, and waited until Legolas' breathing evened out to slip into sleep.

And when the nightmares struck, as he had known they would, he was right there.

Lord Elrond paused outside of Legolas' room—the prince was a frequent enough guest that one of the rooms was considered his—and knocked softly. Not hearing an answer he quietly opened the door and peeked in, a bit surprised to see that the room was vacant.

Then again, he mused, he shouldn't have been surprised at all.

Chuckling inwardly he stealthily opened the door to his youngest son's room just enough so slip in, and couldn't hold back a smile.

They were still sleeping, Aragorn with his arms wrapped around Legolas and the elf's head tucked under his chin, as though his mere presence could beat back the shadow that hung about the archer's spirit.

It was the nature of their friendship—of the friendship of two friends closer than brothers—for each to protect the other.

This time, Aragorn was the protector...against whatever demons preyed on his friend's spirit.

Elrond held back a sigh as he approached the bed, not wanting to wake either prince or ranger. He knew what he had said in his study had sounded unfeeling and harsh, but he had been hoping to force Legolas to face what had happened. He could now fully see the distress his words had caused the younger elf, and standing at the end of the bed he could make out distinct tear-trails left on the prince's face from whatever horrors he'd endured in his dreams.

And his eyes were closed, as though that would keep the images away.

Elves could usually control their dreams, but Elrond knew that Legolas had been repressing memories of his captivity and those memories would seek to break through, mostly in the form of nightmares.

But perhaps...perhaps his son could succeed where all of healers of Mirkwood and Legolas' own family had failed. The love of a brother, extended without hesitation or condition, might be just what was needed to break through the shadow.

As though knowing he was being thought of, Aragorn opened one eye and regarded his father with a raised eyebrow. Elrond pressed a finger to his lips to indicate silence, and slowly retreated, pausing just long enough to throw a smile over his shoulder at his son and the sleeping prince.

He would not speak about these things to Legolas again, he decided, unless the prince approached him. Perhaps Aragorn was right, and the best cure would be to listen and wait until Legolas was ready to speak.

Aragorn had dozed off when his father left, but woke suddenly with a yelp when a pair of hands seized his feet and dragged him off the bed.

"EL!" he shouted, not knowing which twin it was. Laughing gray eyes peeked into his as the less-responsible twin perched on the bed.

"It snowed last night, Estel," the twin—Elladan—said cheerfully.

"It is far from the first snow," the human grumped, trying to wrestle his feet away from Elrohir.

"Ah, but it is such fresh snow," Elrohir exclaimed, chuckling and pulling Aragorn a few more feet when the ranger tried to sit up and pry his hands away.

"Couldn't the snow wait a few hours?" a fourth voice asked groggily as the prince sat up, awakened from his exhausted sleep by the commotion.

"Legolas! Help me!" Aragorn called, ignoring the surprised glances of the twins who had evidently not seen Legolas when they entered the room.

"Aye, help him!" Elladan shouted, jumping to his feet and grabbing Legolas by the wrist. He dragged the prince off the bed, ignoring the protests and finally managing to dump the blonde elf, along with several blankets and a few pillows, onto the floor.

"What do you say, 'Dan?"

"I say the smelly human needs a bath!" Elladan exclaimed. "Shall we go?" he added, easily flinging Legolas over one shoulder and opening the door.

The prince was helpless with laughter in spite of his protests by this time, as every time he tried to wriggle away Elladan managed to poke him in a ticklish spot.

Elrohir followed, still dragging Aragorn by the ankles. The ranger began protesting that they would have to go downstairs—surely Elrohir would let him walk that much?

But he had forgotten his brother's tenacity. Elrohir did let go of Aragorn's ankles, but only to grab him around the chest and haul him down the stairs backwards, leaving his feet to drag behind.

Elladan was waiting impatiently by the door when Elrohir finally arrived with his struggling captive. Together they took their prisoners outside, Elladan depositing the prince gracefully in a clear spot in the yard and running to aid Elrohir.

Aragorn shouted in protest, but was no match for the twin elves as they managed to bring him to the ground, burying him in the snow and wrestling with him until he was completely soaked, shivering in his sleeping clothes.

"A-ada will b-be angry with y-you if I c-catch cold," Aragorn muttered through chattering teeth, hugging his arms tightly to his chest to preserve some warmth. Why did he let them to do this to him every year?

"Ah, but it is winter and you have nowhere better to be," Elladan said with a grand shrug. "What better place than the healers' wing?"

Legolas laughed at this, still sitting aside atop a patch of unbroken snow.

"The prince is amused," Elrohir commented.

"Yes...perhaps before he judges this as amusing he should experience it for himself," Elladan suggested with a wicked grin and in a flash the two had jumped to their feet and ran for the prince.

To Aragorn's alarm, the prince reacted with wide, fearful eyes and turned to flee.

The twins laughed as they chased him down, gleefully giving him the same treatment they'd given their brother. But Aragorn heard Legolas' protests grow more frantic and fearful, until he was in a high state of terror and begging the twins to stop.

Ignoring his own discomfort, Aragorn plunged into the unbroken snow and drove his way forward to the three elves, angered when his brothers treated the younger elf's fear as part of the game.

"Get off him!" Aragorn shouted, somehow pushing both Elladan and Elrohir away. Legolas lay curled up in the snow, his arms over his head and his breath coming in terrified pants. "Legolas?" he asked softly, placing a hand on the trembling shoulder.

The prince recognized Aragorn's voice and launched himself up into his friend's arms, burying his face in the man's sodden tunic to muffle his sobs of fear. Aragorn was shocked to see a small amount of blood on the snow, and more on the back of the elf's tunic.

With a warning glance at his brothers to stay back, Aragorn wordlessly gathered up the archer in his arms and trudged back into the house, heading straight for the healers' wing.

The moment his son entered the room carrying the trembling elf, Elrond knew the twins' yearly prank had gone tragically wrong. He sighed to himself, pulling back the blankets on one of the beds and nodding for Aragorn to set the prince down. He would have to explain this to his sons later...it wouldn't be fair to them to leave them wondering.

Then, as Aragorn showed him the reopened wounds on the archer's back, his concern grew.

"Ada, he was terrified," Aragorn confessed in a low voice, hoping they were far enough away that the blonde elf couldn't hear them. "He was pleading for them to stop, but they were just joking."

"I should have told them," Elrond sighed.

Aragorn agreed with his own sigh, bringing a few rolls of bandages over to bind his friend's wounds. Elrond dispensed a servant to bring down dry clothes for his son and the prince, seeing that both were cold and wet.

"Legolas?" Aragorn asked, kneeling beside the bed to look his friend in the eye. Elrond glanced over and was startled to see the prince pale-faced, tears streaking out of tightly-closed eyes. "It's all right," the human said soothingly, placing a hand on the elf's shoulder. "It's over...they're gone."

The servant returned with the clothes, and Elrond politely turned away, pretending to be hunting for something on the herb table, as Aragorn helped his friend change before changing himself.

"A-aragorn?" the prince whispered.

"Yes?" the man was kneeling again in an instant, grasping the white-fingered hand that extended toward him.

"Will you stay?"

Aragorn smiled tenderly. "I wouldn't be anywhere else."

Several hours later, after hearing the story from their father and shoveling all the paths from the house to the various outbuildings, Elladan and Elrohir peeked into the healing room to see how the prince was faring.

Legolas was sleeping again, Aragorn in a chair at his side with a book in hand. He glanced up at his brothers and offered them an apologetic glance.

"We came to apologize," Elrohir whispered.

Aragorn shook his head. "You didn't know," he murmured.

"Still...when he asked us to stop..." Elladan's voice trailed off when he thought of how he and his twin had unintentionally hurt their friend. "Is he all right?"

"He will be," Aragorn nodded. "He finally told me what happened," he added with a sigh. "He slept a bit just after you...after we came in, but woke up after another nightmare. This time, though, he told me what it was about."

Elladan raised one eyebrow, unconsciously imitating his father. "Another nightmare?"

Aragorn nodded sadly. "He had four last night. Ada said it was repressed memories trying to break through, and now that he finally told me what happened it seems he's sleeping peacefully."

The twins agreed, both noticing that the prince seemed more at peace than he had been since his arrival. "I hope can forgive us," Elrohir murmured.

"He already has," Aragorn replied gently. "He knows you didn't mean to cause him pain."

Elladan nodded, eyes suspiciously damp-looking. "Well, I guess we'd better get changed if we want to be warm and dry for dinner," he commented wryly. "Ada has had us clearing the paths for the past few hours as punishment for reckless behavior."

Aragorn couldn't keep a broad grin from spreading across his face. "Doesn't he do that every year?"

"Aye," Elrohir shrugged. "I'm beginning to think it's less punishment for throwing you in the snow and more because he knows we'll actually do it."

"You do deserve it," Aragorn interjected laughingly.

Elladan just snickered. "It's worth it every year to see your face, though," he teased. "Come on, 'Ro, unlike some humans we don't enjoy playing in the snow," he added, leading the way out of the healers' wing.

Neither he nor his twin caught the devious smile spreading across their brother's face.

Clean, dry, and impeccably dressed, Elladan and Elrohir sat at the table in the dining hall merrily chatting with the other elves in the hall. Their father sat at the head, as usual, either conversing with the elves to either side of him or just watching out over the hall.

Legolas and Aragorn were not in their places, but given the prince's frail condition of late the twins expected them to be taking dinner in the healers' wing.

And so neither one suspected anything until two rather large buckets filled with snow were upended over their heads, the buckets left to sit like oversized hats.

Pushing the bucket off his head and shaking the snow out of his eyes in fury, Elrohir glared about the room to see who had done such a thing. His eyes lighted on Aragorn and Legolas, sitting across the table with suspiciously-innocent faces.

"Why, Legolas," Aragorn said in mock amazement. "I do believe it is snowing indoors."

Legolas nodded, looking up at the ceiling as though it were a wonder to behold and valiantly holding in his laughter.

His heart was lighter than it had been in weeks. Aragorn had listened, offered what strength he could, and simply stood with Legolas as he faced the fear in his soul.

And beyond that fear was the peace he had thought he lost.

Finally, the shadows were departing.

#lord of the rings #fanfiction #teitho writing contest #rescued from ff.net #aragorn #legolas #elrond #angst #hurt/comfort #friendship #aftermath of torture #platonic bed sharing

[silvercrystalwhump]

Weddings and Wrecking Balls

TW: Owen Grant and everything that he entails, implied noncon, fear response to previous abuser,

Vincent Shield and Owen Grant belong to @ashintheairlikesnow

Tag List: @whumptywhumpdump

_

Vincent’s fingers run idly over the velvet seating of his limousine. Celebrity weddings are almost a yearly obligation of his to attend. Like clockwork, as spring rears its head a pair of camera-cooing stars drink until they forget about the temporary marriage they just created. To his disapproval, Vincent is expected to attend these events. His Publicist tries to get him in every photo, dance, and tabloid on the event as he could.

Today, however, is different.

Vincent looks up at Dmitri who sits across from him. Adorned in a pink suit and black tie that was a result of compromise.

“I’m still wondering how you managed to convince me to let you do that,” Vincent sighs as he takes a sip of water.

Dmitri, looking at Vincent, chuckles, “What? Getting the flamingo pattern for the inner lining of this suit. The only people that are going to see it are me and maybe you. Plus, MawMaw found it charming.”

“You are my plus one to the wedding of a world renowned fashion designer and an actress known for modeling,” Vincent says as he messes with the cuff of his suit jacket, “Please don’t tell anyone that you did that.”

“Oh please Vee, I look good in everything.”

Vincent rolls his eyes. The only reason he was comfortable with bringing him along is that Luis refused to have any paparazzi at the event. Only one of his photographers would be taking photos of the event and she would be glued to the married couple.

“I’m surprised you managed to get on good terms with Mary Anne,” Vincent says as he glances out the window, “In only a few minutes of conversation and she speaks the world of you.”

Dmitri gives Vincent a smile only he can give, “What can I say, people just love me.”

Vincent returns with a shrug and fusses a bit with his vest, “So do I.”

Dmitri smiles, “Calm Down Vee, your suit looks fine. We’re almost there and I doubt anything will go wrong since the love birds shooed off the cameras.”

He adjusts his tie for the fifth time since they left his house, running a finger over the purple and gold fabric. “I know, I wouldn’t have bought you if I wasn't certain.”

Dmitri reaches forward and takes one of Vincent’s hands. Pulling it away from him, Dmitri gives him a small kiss on the knuckles, “It’s gonna be okay Vee.” He squeezes the hand before letting it go.

Vincent nods just as the venue pulls into view. There are not the swarms of cameras that usually sit outside of these places. He puts the invitation in his hand and feels the car roll to a stop.

Dmitri gives Vincent a final smile before stepping out of the limousine. Vincent, throwing on his acting face, follows after.

The venue is relatively small compared to previous weddings he had attended in the past. It had a bit of charm about it that gave the place a welcome feel. Vincent flashes the invite to the doormen and they enter. Purple sashes and soft fairy lights draped from white columns and soft music plays in the background. People are already talking near the doors to the Procession.

“Vincent!” one of his costars and ex (sort of) walks towards them. Estelle, an actress with as much prestige as Vincent, if not more, steps up to them. “It's good to see you, who’s this?”

“Estelle this is Dmitri, Dmitri this is Estelle,” Vincent introduces the two.

“It's good to meet you,” Estelle smiles back.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Dmitri says, “If I may ask, aren’t you two-”

“Publicist reasons,” Estelle and Vincent say in unison, “Nothing personal.”

“Ah,” Dmitri nods, “I assumed as such.”

Estelle shakes her head, “Unless they disguise each other just assume that those breakups were for appessing paparazzi means.”

“That makes sense,” Dmitri says as his eyes scan the crowd.

Vincent looks up at the clock, 4:51. The Procession starts in about 10 minutes thankfully.

“Hey Vincent,” Estelle says, ripping Vincent out of LaLa land, “Were you here for Coriane and Anthony’s wedding last October?”

A laugh bubbles out of Vincent’s throat, “Of course, I had to send him four suits before I got approved for the obnoxious dress code.”

Dmitri chuckles, “Anthony McKay? Didn’t he divorce her within two months of that marriage?”

Estelle nods, “Here’s an interesting trend for you, the stricter the dress code at a celebrity wedding the shorter the marriage will last.”

Vincent shrugs, eyes dashing between the conversation and the door, “That was an explosive divorce.”

Dmitri and Estelle begin to talk and their voices slowly fade as Vincent zones out. His eyes unfocus and the lights seem to sparkle and twirl around in his vision. For a moment, he slinks into the background, enjoying the mindless chatter of those around him.

It’s nice.

“Question Vince,” Estelle stays drawing him back to reality, “How is that new show going? You haven’t committed to a show since you moved to your company now?”

“Oh you know…” Vincent starts as his eyes focus around a terrifyingly familiar tan sport coat, “I- sorry. Just liked the director, worked with him before.”

Estelle says something, but Vincent doesn’t hear it. Blond hair, almost matted in tiny places, combed but barely groomed… bile rises in his throat. He can’t move. Every fiber in his body coils in on itself and dies. The room gets too quiet yet far too loud. Please don’t turn around.

With the same nonchalant throw of his shoulder that he did in every laid-back situation he was ever in, he turns a heel, double-taking when he sees Vincent. A smile so harmlessly venomous that Vincent almost pukes right there and then. Owen Grant raises a hand and sends him a tiny wave.

“Vince the procession doors are open,” Estelle chirps, “You two can sit with us.”

“Thank you,” Dmitri says as his gaze wanders back to Vincent, “...Vince?”

Vincent, forcing himself to rip his eyes away from the omen of pain and death across the room, walks behind Estelle, “Coming.”

Dmitri steps up next to him, concern slowly materializing in the crease of his brow and behind his eyes, “You alright?”

“Just a long day.”

Dmitri pierces his lips but, to Vincent’s relief, doesn’t press the matter. They walk through the doors and Estelle sits next to another actress whose name is on the tip of Vincent’s tongue. He and Dmitri sit down next to them.

Vincent is too aware of the hairs rising on the back of his neck. It almost feels like he is existing under his skin, squirming but still simultaneously. His breathing is too loud, it’s almost deafening.

His eyes scan the room, barely glancing at the door. His eyes, for a spiral-inducing second, meet with glazed green. I’m going to puke.

Vincent can feel his presence choke him just as well as he did with his hands. Owen starts to talk and Vincent realizes with increasing horror-

He is sitting less than three feet right behind.

Everyone falls silent as the Procession begins. Vincent stares at the altarpiece and becomes far too apparent of his breathing. The lights are not bright enough anymore and the organ music drowns the sound of him hyperventilating as inconspicuous as possible. Of course, this event was too good to be true. No paparazzi allowed, No wedding crashers. Why wouldn’t he be here?

Time is chained to deadweights in the Procession.

Vincent feels a weight on his shoulder and the smell of a cologne he knew wasn’t Owen’s. His eyes flicker to Dmitri’s face. It’s saturated in concern and he mouths, Are you okay?

Vincent gives him the tiniest of nods and with it the biggest lie he could ever tell.

Dmitri raises an eyebrow. Vincent watches his eyes flick behind him and his face harden by a hair.

Just then, saving a guilty Vincent from Dmitri’s gaze, the doors to the possession room open. Mary Anne, the bride dressed in her gown, begins her walk down the aisle. Vincent spins his head around to watch like the rest of the guests.

Yet, a plague of stale air dries in his lungs when he sees Owen out of the corner of his eye. Not watching the bride. Watching him.

As she makes her way up to the altar, Vincent feels a foot poke at the back of his ankle. I’m not going to look down. The minister begins to speak. The words do not sound like words. Nothing is solid except for the tapping at his ankle.

Vincent’s eyes look down for what feels like years. A single shoe, a shoe he saw so many times thrown to the side when he was tied to the man’s headboard, now rubs at the side of his leg.

Please, Dmitri, don’t notice this. I do not want to explain this.

Vincent falls into the back of his mind, something he hasn’t done in years. The Procession passes like white noise. Nothing feels real to him.

The Procession ends.

Vincent stands.

So does Owen.

“Vince! How have you been? It’s been too long,” Owens asks with a smile that hides a sadistic, vial longing. Vincent freezes, instincts screaming for him to run but his body not knowing where to, “Fine.”

Just as Owen opens his disgusting mouth, Dmitri steps in between them and looks at Vincent, “We need to talk. Now.”

Vincent watches Dmitri’s entire body dwarf Owen in size. Dmitri, a whole ten inches taller and far broader than Owen could ever hope to be, stands like a wall between Vincent and his waking nightmare. Now, with a mountain standing in front of him, Vincent realizes where he is.

“Yeah, sure.”

It is almost to him that his only thought at that moment was Thank you for being mad at me.

Vincent lets Dmitri pull/drag him out of the Procession hall and into a quiet hallway and only then does he let him go.

“Vee, what happened.”

“Nothing happened, it's just nerves.”

Dmitri leans back on a foot and sighs, “There are very few certain things in this life and one of them is that you are a terrible liar.”

“I’m just a little frazzled Dmitri!”

“You were nearly crying!” Dmitri says as he drops his voice to a whisper, “The last time you did that was when you came over to my apartment and we tried to have---”

Vincent slams his hand over Dmitri’s mouth and growls silently, “Shutthefuckup.”

Dmitri pulls the hand off of his face, “If you’re so worked up then we can leave.”

“I can’t leave!” Vincent sputters, despite very much wanting to leave, “You can’t just leave someone’s wedding!”

“Yes you can, the door is less than 100 feet away, we can go if something is freaking you out so much!”

“I don’t---”

“Hey you two,” Estelle says as she whips around the corner, “Dinner’s out in the dining hall.”

Vincent instantly pulls up his acting face and smiles at her, “Just about to go!”

He grabs Dmitri and it’s VIncent’s turn to drag someone. He can’t leave this wedding. He would get ripped apart for it and he’s already done enough tearing at his reputation recently. Just stay near Dmitri and away from Owen.

He immediately regrets that decision

Dinner goes well or as well as it can go with Owen’s back to Vincent and every couple of minutes he looks over his shoulder and smiles at him.

He realizes he should’ve just left.

Toasts go around, the Best Man, the Maid of Honor, a few others. Just as Vincent thinks it’s about to all end, a quiet ringing from someone tapping a crystal glass with a metal knife. The sound vibrates into his head and makes his teeth implants hurt.

Implants that Owen caused him to get.

Owen stands with a smile that curdles Vincent’s blood, “I would like to make a toast to our lovely couple.”

I want to die. Right here. Right now.

“We have all seen our fair share of weddings, some more disastrous than others, but I believe I can confidently say this has been the best that I have attended in a long time.”

It’s because I’m here, isn’t it?

“And from just looking at you two I can tell that your marriage will be a long and prosperous one,” Owen moves his gaze to Vincent’s eyes and he beams a sickeningly hopeful simile, “And I hope that mine is just as prosperous as yours.”

No, never, fuck off.

Owen raises his glass and locks his eyes to Vincent’s, “To our prosperous friends.”

Vincent looks down at the table as he raises his glass, trying to ignore the beating eyes eating at his flesh. The wine, as he drinks, tastes like death.

Dmitri pokes him in the leg and leans down to a whisper, “Do you want to head out, you’re still freaking out.”

He is, he can feel his fingers shake around the glass. Vincent’s vision spins under the weight of Owen’s gaze. It’s almost like he can feel the twisted fantasies building behind Owen’s eyes. A dam of thoughts that Vincent knows all too well what happens when they are released.

He, ripping him out of his stewing, feels Dmitri’s hand on his thigh, “When everyone gets up to dance we can disappear, okay?”

Vincent gives him a tiny nod as he takes the first mouthful of cake. His eyes do not leave his plate. His own thoughts begin to seem distant to him as if he was observing them through thick glass.

Nothing feels real.

Is this real?

People begin to trickle out of the room, smiling as they take people and in hand. The newlyweds beaming as they float across the dining hall to the dance floor, taking everyone’s eyes. Vincent stands and leans into Dmitri, “I’m going to head out, you wait a few minutes and then leave so no one suspects anything.”

“Alright,” Dmitri says, flashing a warm smile, “I’ll be out in a minute.”

Vincent stands and skirts the crowd, heading out towards the empty hallways where he can leave. The weight across his shoulders lifts as the door approaches. He can breathe.

“Vince, Wait!”

The weight comes slamming back into his lungs, knocking the air out. His muscles turn to ice as Owen’s footsteps. Instinctually, and to his dismay, he turns around and faces his banshee.

“It’s been ages, I’m so happy i could catch you here.”

Why?

“Yeah… it has been a while.” Not long enough.

Owen strides up to Vincent with sheer confidence as a guiltless sibling. He chuckles, “Well he kinda stole you away when we were first talking so I’m glad I caught you alone!”

“Um, I-”

“Since you have been so distant since we last spoke. Time’s really flown hasn’t it with all your success,” Owen interrupts, leaning casually back on a leg.

“Yeah,” Vincent says, his vision blurring, “I need to go Owen.”

As Vincent spins around to leave, Owen steps forward and grabs his shoulder. His nails dig into the suit shoulder and pull back slightly, “Just five minutes.”

“I need to go,” Vincent breathlessly says, beginning to shake, “I don’t have five minutes.”

“Really?” Owen chuckles as he leans over Vincent’s shoulder. He can feel the pressure of Owen trying to pull him back ever so gently. The slight figure of Owen’s face curses Vincent’s periphery.

If Dmitri sees you like this you’ll have a lot of explaining to do.

“No,” Vincent states with as firm of a voice as he can muster, “I don’t.”

He pulls away from Owen’s grip and walks out of the venue, feeling Owen’s gaze fade as he walks through the silent parking lot. The air in his lungs finally has the room to move as the finite particles escape into the cool night air. The limousine is silent as he slides onto the velvet seats. Vincent taps the window to the driver’s section and quietly says, “Drive up to the main doors when Dmitri steps out.”

A nod later and Vincent rolls up the divider between the driver and the guest seats. He throws off his suit jacket onto the chair next to him. He feels the vehicle lurch forward and watches as the light spills inside as Dmitri slides in.

“Are you alright?!” Dmitri says with hushed alarm.

Only then does Vincent realize he’s crying. He reaches up and wipes the droplet of salt and fear from his face and just fades. The world is there yet it’s not, Vincent can’t tell what’s changing around him and time just slips through his fingers.

Everything focuses again when he’s home.

Dmitri had wrapped a quilted blanket over his shoulders and they are now sitting on his couch. Vincent feels Dmitri’s body heat and arms wrapped around his torso. He sits forward a little and stares at the clock, 9:03.

“I’m sorry,” Vincent murmurs, his voice hoarse.

“Don’t apologise Vee,” Dmitri whispers back, “But what happened?”

Vincent stands up, wobbling on his legs for a moment. Seeing his jacket and Dmitri’s tossed onto a chair, he sighs, “It’s- complicated.”

Dmitri sits forward, eyes both tired and concerned. “Vee, you… you clocked out of a solid hour and a half. You don’t do that unless.”

“Dmitri.”

Dmitri falls silent, his loosened tie falling off his broad shoulders. He slowly stands, eyes drooping under the weight of sleepiness, “I need to head back home before it gets too late.”

An air of guilt falls between them and Dmitri walks for the door. A longing bleeds in Vincent's chest, to spit it out and get it over with. Those are not the words that leave his mouth.

“Wait- I- Can you just stay tonight. It's- I’m- just- please.”

Dmitri pauses and nods. The silence loses weight as Dmitri steps back from the front door. As Dmitri starts to pass him for the stairs, Vincent pulls him into a hug. Burying his face in Dmitri’s chest, he tries to use his warmth for even a drop of comfort. Dmitri wraps his arms back around Vincent and the two stand there in the dark living room.

Vincent only hopes that the nightmares that will come are short-winded.

#dmitri loves vincent #dmitri o'brian #vincent shield #owen grant #owen grant should be castrated #whump #emotional whump #whump community #hurt and comf #trauma #here you go my lovely degenerates

[byima]

Six Weeks at the Blofis’s pt 1

We back baby, read here or on AO3

pt 1: the mortifying incident

"Cheers to making it through the week," Percy says, his second glass of minty cocktail raised in the air for a toast.

The waiter passes Annabeth her refill and she clinks her glass to his. "Cheers to that."

Both of them knock back their drinks, and maybe the liquor will wash away the worst of the past week.

Gods. Only seven days into their temporary stay at the Blofis townhouse and they're already supplementing with alcoholic beverages.

They hadn't planned on 'moving in with the parents,' but after wires got crossed with the people moving into their old place, and because of some unforeseen delays in the remodeling of their new place, they found themselves out of a home for six weeks and scrambling for somewhere to stay. That place ended up being the Blofis brownstone for a lot of really logical reasons.

Nonetheless, the week had been a miniseries in frustrations. Both of them now had longer commutes, Percy was working extra hours to offset additional costs of moving and wedding expenses (the wedding for which they still hadn't sent out thank you cards), Annabeth was on a deadline to turn in a final report for a state grant that would impact her compensation at the end of the fiscal year, and for some strange reason, U-hauls and storage units had been scarce throughout Brooklyn. Percy had spent the last 48 hours at the station, they had fought several times, and Annabeth had cried more than she would like to admit.

So on Friday night, they went on a date. Just the two of them. And they were going to relax, and they were going to enjoy themselves.

"I found a new bedmate in your absence." Their drinks are empty, plates cleared, and they've just been going back and forth for about an hour, tucked cozily in a corner booth at their favorite sushi spot. She's pressed to his right side and he's got his arm around her shoulders.

"Mmhmm," his left hand finds her leg through the slit of her long dress. It's a pale blue floral number, with capped sleeves and buttons all the way down the front. "Tell me about him. Should I be jealous?"

"Very." She bites her bottom lip when his warm palm settles on her thigh. Her mouth is painted a rich red color and he wants her lips on him. "She doesn't snore."

"Mhmm." He drags his nose along her hairline. "I knew one day you'd toss me over for a girl."

"She pokes me awake, occasionally. Not nearly as often as you do."

"Fair enough." His long fingers are trailing up her thigh, while his other hand, visible to any onlookers, casually toys with her long, loose curls. "What else do I do that your new bedfellow doesn't?"

She doesn't answer, but her red mouth parts and grey eyes lock with sea green when his seeking hand bypasses dinner appropriate territory.

She crosses her legs, effectively trapping his hand. He buries his smile in her hair.

"Come on," he mumbles into the curly, blonde mass. "Don't make this harder than it has to be."

Her right hand travels from his knee to his lap, and her parted lips stretched into a smile when he clears his throat.

"This is a losing battle, babe, you know that." She tilts her head until he lifts his face from her fragrant curls and their foreheads touch.

He does know that. But sparring with Annabeth is one of his favorite pastimes. And the alcohol in his system is only egging him on for this particular war, impending defeat notwithstanding.

She caresses with increased boldness and he blows out a breath. "Woah."

"I'm gonna call for the check," she whispers. "Sounds good?"

"Yup."

One handsy subway ride later, and they are back at the brownstone, so wrapped up in each other they barely remember to shut the door.

He starts pulling her up the upstairs to where the bedrooms are, but she stops him at the second step, stumbling under the burden of his heavier mass.  Her handbag drops to the wooden stairs with a thump.

"We can't." She tries to tugs him down to her, frowning slightly. "Estelle is probably in our bed. Definitely actually." She sways on her feet, kept upright by his hand in hers.

"What?" He sounds distracted. He climbs down, lifting their joint hands, and walks around her, half-twirling her into his arms. He's back in her personal space: hands at the dip of her waist, and mouth seeking the erogenous zone below her ear.

"I told you." She tilts her head with a noise of pleasure. "Estelle's been sleeping with me."

He's walking her backwards, aiming for the couch, and they bump into the coffee table on the way.

"You didn't tell me anything…" he murmurs, trailing off, confused. "Wait, Estelle? You replaced me with Estelle?" His breath, bearing a heady odor of alcohol, fans across her face as he stops walking and drags his face from her neck to study her.

"Uh-huh." Annabeth is unbuttoning his white dress shirt with slightly drunken focus. "You look really good in white."

"No. No no no." He catches her wrists in his hands. "She can't keep doing that. Not when I'm here."

"You're gonna have to tell her that, big brother. Because I can't. I'm her best friend." She frees her hands and is working the last few buttons loose. "I want this, Perce. It's been a week…"

She's cut off as Percy sets into motion once again, dragging her into the kitchen. His open button-up fills like a windward sail as his rapid, long-legged strides take them through the entryway.

"But we can't," she bemoans. "There's no place for us…"

"Yes we can." Percy pulls her to the counter and she draws her hands up his neck; he backs her up and seals his mouth over hers. Her hands skate up and down his bare chest, along his sides, down the warm row of contracting abs. His hands rub over her ass, gripping it through the light blue patterned linen.

She brushes him below the belt, and he groans and lifts one hand to angle her head for a greedier, wetter kiss: suckling her lips and tongue and licking into her mouth.

The kiss ends with a damp noise. "This is a bad idea," Annabeth moans against his beard bristled cheek, drawing in labored breaths. Her fingers twist in the hair at his nape. She has widened her stance so he can stand between her legs and push her into the counter, his hips molded to hers. He's dragging his hands along her body, pausing to palm and massage what he can and she pulls his mouth back down to meet hers. A bad idea that feels so good, she thinks, as she pulls his lower lip into her mouth.

"This is a phenomenal idea, I think." Percy breathes this into her mouth before he grips the back of her thighs and hoists her up. He drops her on the counter, finding her leg through the slit once again to hold it to his hip.

"What are you up to Perseus Jackson?" She winds her arms around his neck and wraps her leg around his, anchoring him to her.

"What do you think I'm up to, Annabeth? Don't call me that." His hands have left her legs and have started working the long line of buttons on her dress free.

He looks edible: prickly jaw, rumpled hair, shirt open to display his tan, broad torso. Her personal Adonis. She massages her hands into the soft hair covering his chest. And he's trying to focus on unbuttoning her dress but he gets distracted too easily; pushing up her skirt to reveal more of her toned legs, meeting her mouth for heated kisses, and dragging his teeth against her chest.

It's dark in the kitchen and it feels so private and removed, because it's just them and their warm, heavy breathing and the rocking and gripping and rubbing and a mutual promise that's felt more than spoken and that promise is passed from mouth to mouth, from skin to skin and it iterates 'I won't take my hands off of you as long as you don't take yours off of me.'

Percy finally gets her dress fully unbuttoned. It's fire that follows, and though for a living he puts out flames, he'll stoke this heat until it consumes her. With my body I thee worship, that's another promise, a vow they made not even two months ago, and Percy covers a trembling Annabeth's cries with his mouth and makes good on that promise, putting an end to the week from hell with the tried and true rhythm of their moving bodies. With my body I thee worship; this is reconnection, and Percy holds her head in his hands as they seal this covenant.

They startle when the lights flicker on and off in rapid beats. Annabeth breaks their kiss in confusion.

"You guys are in my kitchen, and you guys are loud."

It's Sally. In the kitchen entryway. She's in a large gray bathrobe and the expression on her face is a little embarrassed, mostly fatigued, and very annoyed.

Annabeth makes a noise as they separate, and then she's flushing beet red and thinking about vomiting from embarrassment as she frantically pulls the halves of her dress together while Percy fumbles to pull his pants up from around his knees.

"Shit. Mom-"

"Oh my gods. Sally-"

In their uncoordinated movements, they accidentally knock over a vase of roses, which had, up until that moment, narrowly missed out on the action.

Sally reaches reflexively, stumbling forward from the entryway, but it's too late. It hits the tile with a way-too-loud crash.

That, of course, draws a worried Paul down the stairs, thump thump thump, and into the kitchen. Paul takes one look at the scene and leaves, mumbling something about a towel.

Sally is whispering furiously, "You better pray Estelle doesn't wake up, because this is a lot to explain." She's moving to the side of the counter opposite them to bend over and retrieve the roses from the wet, glassy mess and place them on the counter.

Percy has got his zip up and is rebuttoning Annabeth's dress, jaw clenched in discomfort, while she refastens her bra. He's disoriented, still a little drunk and trying to shake the feeling. Annabeth can't stop babbling in apology.

"I can't believe- Sally I'm so so sorry, we got carried away, totally carried away. And we had been drinking and- and, everyone was asleep upstairs-"

Percy pleads, "Annabeth," desperate for her to stop talking. They finish her buttons and he steps back to help her slide down from the countertop so she can turn and face Sally.

Light footsteps pat into the kitchen and Percy's still pounding heart drops to his spleen. Oh gods, he can't catch a break.

"Annabeth. You're back," Estelle says in a sweet, sleepy voice. She's awake. And she's shuffling to the counter to give her a hug, but all three of them yell.

"Stop!"

"Wait-"

"Estelle there's glass!"

She startles at their raised voices and steps back. Annabeth feels a fresh burn of tears and, frustrated, she pushes her palm against her forehead. Estelle is tired and confused and wipes wispy black hair out of her face. "Are you gonna come to bed Annabeth?"

Annabeth looks at Sally, who gestures and says, "Go, she needs to go back to sleep. Stelle-belle, Annabeth is gonna go up with you so you can go right back to sleep, alright?"

Estelle nods, and reaches her hand towards her.

Annabeth hurries to her, realizes she's only got one sandal on, scans the floor and locates her wayward shoe, then jams her foot in quickly and takes Estelle's hand, shocked at Sally trusting her young daughter with the woman she found nailing her son on her kitchen counter.

Sally's eyes follow the two of them out of the kitchen and up the stairs before she rounds on Percy, who's been leaning against the sink, buttoning his shirt.

"I don't have anything to say," she starts. Paul is back with a towel and he underhand tosses it to Percy. One awkward "alrighty then" later and he's out of the kitchen as Sally's rant continues. "You two are married at this point and even if you weren't, I wouldn't care." She bends down to pick up the larger chunks of glass. "But to come back here so late? Drunk?"

She tosses the broken glass into the trash can Percy has grabbed and is holding towards her. "And you're loud enough to wake up the entire house? This isn't some frat house, baby. Did you consider Paul, or Estelle?"

Percy drags his hand over his mouth, speechless. His eyes are drawn to the messy smear of red lipstick on his hand. The same red that had been applied oh-so-enticingly to Annabeth's mouth is now a smudge on his palm, and the full mortification of the moment settles on him so sharply he almost feels angry.

"Hey. Mom. I'm sorry. Look, I've got it. I'm sorry." Sally stands slowly and watches Percy impatiently pick up the remaining shards before he drops the towel over the main splash. The towel unnaturally absorbs the wetness, and it takes her tired mind a couple seconds to realize Percy is causing the fabric to draw in droplets that have spread further along the kitchen floor. Sally blinks when Percy snatches it up and drops the sodden thing into the sink.

He doesn't look at her when he grabs the broom from where it's tucked next to the refrigerator and starts sweeping up the remaining evidence of the mishap.

"Well," she begins. Percy still won't look at her.

"Percy." He looks up from what he's doing, detecting a hint of merriment in her voice.

"Mom-"

It's too late. She's laughing, it's a mix of disbelief and exhaustion and vindication, then she's turning away to walk out of the kitchen.

"In the damn kitchen."

Percy fully stops sweeping and looks down at the broom handle in his hands. "Fuck." He says it so matter-of-factly that Sally starts laughing even harder, and his shoulders shake as even he begins to chuckle.

"My girlfriends will be hearing about this."

"Oh please, Mom, don't..." Percy begs, ears going red as he resumes his task.

"Nope, it's my right as mother and witness." She turns at the entryway to face him, brows raised and with a smile that dares him to argue. "And you seem to have this," she gestures to the remaining mess, "handled, so I'm going back to bed."

She's out of the kitchen, waving her hand dismissively.

He still hears her say, "I mean, you know these things, but lord help me, you never want to see them."

---

Percy walks into their temporary bedroom and finds Annabeth, makeup-less and in his t-shirt and a pair of his sweats, laying with a sleeping Estelle, brushing her hair away from her face. She glances at him when he enters, then her eyes are back on the seven year old.

He starts undressing for bed. "You were really serious about her sleeping with you."

Annabeth nods.

He pulls off his briefs and tugs on a pair of pajama bottoms, only grabbing a t-shirt when she gives him a pointed look.

"So how are we ever gonna finish what we started in the kitchen?"

"We aren't." She stares him down as he joins them in bed. "Not in this house."

His eyes widen. "You can't be serious?"

She purses her lips and her eyebrows draw together. She is serious. "Percy. That was mortifying. In a horrible, sobering way."

He gets under the covers. "Yeah. It was. I get that. But in the end Mom was laughing. She's not exactly a nun." He turns on his side. "Otherwise I wouldn't exist."

"It's one thing to be a happy duo of not-nuns. It's another thing to walk into your son and your daughter-in-law having sex on your kitchen counter." Her hand slowly rubs Estelle's back. "I can't even think about sex with you without recalling her expression."

Percy rolls his eyes. He watches her soothe his sleeping sister.

"This is cute," he comments after a moment. She smiles slightly in answer, eyes still on Estelle. "But, I'm not gonna lie, it sort of turns me on in a thinking-about-making-babies-with-you kind of way."

She looks at him with a frown. "You are horrible."

"Remember who had an orgasm back there? Remember who didn't?"

Her face relaxes out of the frown and she's remorseful enough to blush before her attention goes back to Estelle.

"Come on." He reaches over Estelle to briefly shake Annabeth's thigh. "Where's my best friend, my wife, Annabeth Chase? Daring. Demanding. A sexual deviant."

"She had a too-close encounter with your mom, and will not be available for the next five weeks."

He props his head up with his elbow.

"So you're gonna use my sister as a cock block?"

She doesn't reply, but he sees a smile tug at the corners of her mouth.

He shakes his head, "You are unbelievable."

He balances over Estelle, kisses her forehead, then leans further to kiss Annabeth's mouth. "But I'm irresistible. So you're not gonna last."

"You're very cocky."

"You love me like that. You fake prude."

#six weeks at the blofis's #mypjofic #percy jackon and the olympians #percabeth #percy and annabeth

[bisexualbumblebee-writes]

Lunch- Jasper Badun x OC

Jasper Badun x Angela Young

Description: Jasper takes Angela to lunch, where they learn something interesting about each other. 

Word Count: 2.3k

“The full moon's bright. And starlight filled the evening,” came Elton John’s smooth chorus from the radio hanging on the wall of 2nd Time Around. It would have brought a smile to Angela���s face if that hadn’t been the sixth time she heard it in the past two hours. Artie had recently purchased Elton John’s latest album “Captain Fantastic and the Dirt Brown Cowboy” and he brought it into the shop so Angela could listen to it as well. Only problem is their radio seemed to be having problems with it, that song after every other one. At first Angela thought it was just a hiccup, but this was starting to get ridiculous. 

“Artie, it’s playing that song again,” she complained, leaning against the counter. 

“Hitting it seems to help,” came her boss’s voice from the back room, where he was putting price tags on some new stock. “There’s no one here, just hit it until it skips.” Angela looked around, noting that he was right about both things. She was glad that the store was empty, ever since Cruella revealed that Artie and Angela worked for her at the party she threw, people were more eager to visit their shop. Today was Sunday, no one usually shops on Sundays so today was the first day that Artie and Angela could relax and sort of restock. 

Still, that didn’t make her want to do this any less. The girl groaned internally and grabbed the stepladder, setting it up under where the radio hung on the wall. She carefully climbed the steps until she was face to face with that stupid machine and began hitting it in an attempt to make it work properly, trying to ignore the blaring music going straight into her ears. 

“We wrote it and I played it, Something happened it's so strange this feeling, Naive notions that were childish,” Elton continued to sing, successfully covering up the sound of bells jingling, signaling that someone had walked in. 

“Just skip already you stupid radio,” she grumbled, annoyed. The radio didn’t care about the insult, continuing to play that infernal song. 

“Simple tunes that tried to hide it, But when it comes, We all fall in love sometimes.”  She groaned loudly, getting ready to hit the machine again when a voice came from behind her. 

“I don’t know, I actually found that song quite good,” Jasper spoke, hands going into the pockets of his jacket casually. Angela nearly fell off the ladder, having not heard him enter the store, then faced him. 

“Oh! Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in,” she greeted, climbing down the ladder and straightening out her dress. “Welcome to 2nd Time Around. I’m Angela, or Angel as in: sent from above.” She gestures to her body with a bright smile. 

“That was cute,” Jasper commented with a small smile. “Did Artie come up with that one for you?” Angela nodded. 

“I felt a bit left out since he had that ‘Art, as in: work of’ line so he helped me out,” she explained, moving the ladder. “What can I help you with? We just got new stock from Dior, Chanel, and even Saint Laurent. From casual looks for lunch or suits for going out on the town, we have it all,” she explained, gesturing to several racks around them. Jasper let her do her whole spiel, knowing how much she loved coming up with stuff like that, before shaking his head. 

“Well I didn’t originally come here for clothes but it seems that your customer service has changed my mind,” he said, making her giggle. “That can come later though. It’s nearly time for your lunch break so I figured I’d take you out to lunch.” Angela smiled internally, touched that he remembered such mundane things in her schedule. 

“Well, let me just go click out and I’ll be ready,” she responded happily. He nodded and waited patiently as she walked to the back room, informing Artie that she was going on her lunch break, before clocking out and grabbing her coat. She slipped it on as she walked out. 

“Wow, nice coat,” Jasper complimented, making her blush. 

“Well thank you, I designed it myself.” She spread her arms out and turned to show him the entire thing. 

“Beautiful,” he spoke softly before holding out his hand. “Ready to go?” She took his hand with a nod then called a bye to Artie as they walked out. 

“So, how has it been living at ‘Hell Hall’?” She asked as they began walking down the sidewalk. Of course Artie and Angela stopped by Cruella’s new estate for work, but that’s just what it was. Jasper and Horace didn’t like to interrupt the dressmakers while they were working. There was a fashion show coming up so they had to get everything done as soon as possible. With all the chaos at the shop and at Hell Hall, the new couple had no time to see each other. It was surprising to Angela that her boyfriend had come by in fact. This was the first time in a week and a half that they truly got to see each other, and Angela wanted to make that time count. Jasper wrapped the arm closest to her around her shoulders and his other hand went into his coat pocket while hers went into her jacket’s pockets. 

“Strange,” he answered honestly. “I lived in that cramped house for 23 years, I had the chance to get used to it. Now, I could get an entire floor of this huge mansion to myself if I just say the word. And yes, Cruella has tried.” 

“You’re not used to having so much space,” Angela clarified. The man nodded. 

“Exactly. Horace and Estella were always within arm’s reach in case something happened,” he continued. “Now it takes a commute to find either of them. I just- I don’t know…I kind of wish things were how they were. Before I got Estella the job at Liberty, before Estella became Cruella.” He looked at his girlfriend once he finished his rant. She hummed then gave him a patient smile. 

“Things like this take some getting used to Jas. You’re a creature of habit, of course you’re not going to get comfortable right away. And that’s okay, I know that Cruella and Horace understand. And about Cruella, she’s always been there from what I understand. She was going to come out no matter what, it was only a matter of time when. She was like a ticking time bomb, but we all still love her either way. That’s what matters, right?” Jasper sighed, he had a love/hate relationship with her logical thought process. 

“Besides,” she added. “If you hadn’t gotten her the job at Liberty, she wouldn’t have met Artie and I. Then you would never have met me.” That was enough for Jasper to look at her once more with his usual adorkable smile. 

“You’re right. I’d rather die than to never have met you,” he muttered sincerely. Angela smiled and stretched just enough to kiss his jawline. 

After walking a few more minutes Jasper finally opened the door of a small restaurant in a shopping strip for her and led her inside. Lunch went by rather quickly, and before they realized, the check had been placed in front of them. Angela went to grab it but Jasper handed the money to their waiter without hesitation. Their waiter thanked them and walked away to put it up, leaving Angela to jokingly glare at her boyfriend. 

“Jasper I could have paid, you know,” Angela scolded softly. 

“I wanted to wait for us to go on a date so that I could be the one to pay for it, Angela. Like a gentleman, you know. I have the chance to do that now, so please let me.” The girl quieted immediately. She hadn’t thought about that. Rather than responding, she only thanked him and switched the conversation, much to his relief. 

“Well, I still have twenty minutes left of my lunch break. What do you say to a small stroll?” She questioned as they stood in unison. 

“Sounds great love,” he responded, taking her hand and walking out. They walked a few minutes until they ended up in front of what both of them recognized as Liberty, where a worker was setting up the new display case.  

“Oh man, this reminds me of a few months back before I met you guys,” Angela reminisced with a smile. “I was passing by here on my way to work and there was a girl who got drunk and messed up the display case with trash. Man, did the manager look mad.” She laughed, harkening back to that day. 

It had seemed like a normal day, since Angela lived so close to 2nd Time Around she usually just walked there everyday. She remembered how hot it was, so she wore short overalls on top of a yellow shirt. On her way there, she passed by the Liberty store, but paused when she noticed a few people crowding the display. That, of course, piqued her interest and she pushed her way to the front, apologizing every few seconds. 

There was a woman with red hair who seemed to be asleep on the floor of the display case, empty trash bag in one hand and an almost empty bottle of what looked like whiskey in the other. The man beside her stepped forward and knocked on the window, jolting her awake. 

“Why’d you go and sleep in a window?” Someone on the other side of the knocking man questioned dumbly. Oh, Angela had to show this to Artie. Carefully, she took her camera out of her bag and snapped a few pictures shortly before the manager walked out and grabbed her. Angela took the time to check her watch, and her eyes widened. She was going to be late! Before anyone could do anything else a car came screeching to a halt just outside the store, making everyone turn around. And, that was Angela’s cue to leave. She began pushing past people, knocking someone over almost immediately. 

“Ah! Bloody hell!” The man groaned out upon hitting the ground.

“Sorry!” She called apologetically, though she didn’t turn back as she ran the rest of the way to work. 

While she reminisced, Jasper stopped in his steps, thinking back to when Estella had done that. 

“Wait, were you wearing denim overalls that day?” He questioned. Angela was confused by this, but quickly understood where he was getting at and looked at him with wide eyes. 

“Oh my god, you’re the guy that I ran into after the Baroness arrived!” She exclaimed. 

“You’re the one who snapped a picture of Estella then fell into me!” He responded in the same tone with a toothy grin. 

“Did we seriously meet before we actually met?” She asked with amused disbelief.  Jasper shook his head, feeling the same way as her by the looks of it. 

“I cannot believe this,” he chuckled as they continued their walk. 

“I still have the picture of that,” Angela mentioned. “It’s in my camera roll, I haven’t gotten the film developed though.”

“You know what, I can and will personally go with you to get it developed. That would be wonderful blackmail.” The girl shook her head at that. 

“You’re bad,” she answered, though she couldn’t help but smile. 

“I guess so.” They walked back to the shop, making pleasant conversation. That stopped when they stepped inside and saw Artie talking to someone very familiar. 

“Hello Cruella,” Angela greeted chirpily, unlinking her arm from Jasper’s. “I didn’t know you were coming by. Lots of surprises today.” She took her coat off and began walking to the back room. 

“Thought I’d come see how 2nd Time Around was doing now that you guys have publicity. Artie tells me you two have been working overtime,” Cruella responded, resting on her cane. “You could have told me, I wouldn’t have worked you to the bone after work every night.” 

“Yes, almost two hundred customers a day,” Artie added. Jasper’s eyes widened as Angela walked back out. 

“Two hundred? How are you two still alive?” 

“Lots of determination,” Artie responded simply. 

“And our new coffee machine,” Angela added, leaning against the counter. Jasper rubbed her back soothingly. 

“Well, you guys are closed on Mondays, right? Why don’t you two come over, we’ll have a small sleepover and you guys can sleep in luxury. No offense.” Angela pursed her lips. 

“None taken. I think.” Cruella’s usual smirk settled on her face once more. 

“Great. I’m sure Jasper doesn’t mind driving down here once you close. Until then I have a few more stops to make. Come on Jasper.” She began walking out, pausing in the doorway to wait for him.

“Come back soon,” Angela spoke softly. 

“Of course,” he responded with a sincere smile. “I still have some shopping to do and I heard there was a very cute worker here.” 

“I would say that you’re referring to me, but I think that would ruin the moment, huh?” Artie joked, making the others laugh. Jasper shook his head amusedly and leaned down a bit to give Angela a quick kiss goodbye then began following his friend. The two waved as they watched them walk out, then they heard Elton John’s voice ring out once again. 

“Wise men say, It looks like rain today,” the same song started for the seventh time. 

“Want me to have a go at it?” Artie questioned knowingly. 

“No,” Angela shook her head, surprising Artie though she couldn’t see it as her eyes were still trained on the door her boyfriend just left though. “It’s starting to come around for me.”

#Cruella 2021 #cruella #jasper badun #jasper badun x oc #jasper badun fanfiction #jasper badun fanfic #jasper badun imagine

[andrewmoocow]

Steven Universe Alternate Future chapter 24: Fragments (originally published on August 23, 2021)

AN: The end of the Alternate Future begins here! Or this story at least, I've got a few follow-ups planned after finishing this one, one of which I might set up here. But regardless, here we are at the end of Part 3 and from here on out, things will go downhill for our heroes & uphill for our villains. Can Steven be saved from both himself and Black Rutile? Who knows? Except for me that is, and a very select few as well. But I've had enough keeping you in suspense, let's get straight to the action.

Synopsis: Steven's condition gets worse and he seeks help from Jasper.

Cast:

Zach Callison as Steven

Estelle as Garnet

Michaela Dietz as Amethyst

Deedee Magno-Hall as Pearl

Kimberly Brooks as Jasper

Noël Wells as Black Rutile

Lauren Ash as White Topaz

Della Saba as Aquamarine

Charlyne Yi as Eyeball

Tom Scharpling as Greg

Uzo Aduba as Bismuth

Dee Bradley Baker as Lion

Ron Perlman as ?

--

"Hear me my followers and rejoice!" Black Rutile declared, with Aquamarine perched on her shoulder, as she recorded herself making a grand speech to her remaining minions in her cave lair. "Our day of revengeance is at hand! No more shall that sanctimonious half-breed tyrant enforce his iron-fisted rule over our people! Because despite claiming to be a pure-hearted child, recent intel has confirmed he is far from it."

As an example, Black Rutile played the footage of Steven crashing his father's van that her satellite had gathered. "Look at this absolutely abhorrent act." She stated. "What kind of child would ever dare murder their father without any rhyme or reason?"

"Actually, there have been a few throughout this planet's history that have done just that." White Topaz leaned into view to point out.

"SHUT IT TOPAZ!" Black Rutile angrily commanded before turning back to her viewers. "Anyways, soon he will be exposed as the monster he truly is, and with the army we have regrown from the colonies some of my subordinates have retaken, we shall lay siege to the tyrannical Crystal Gems and strike them at our weakest!"

"You sure about that my Rutile?" Black Rutile's Topaz bodyguard leaned back in, much to her master's anger. "'Cause I've gotten word from Cinnabar's faction that some of your former Black Pearls have formed, like, a little squadron to fight back against her."

"Can you not ruin my speech, you ignoramus?!" Black Rutile shoved her Topaz away. Just as she was about to make a grand conclusion to her speech, Black Rutile quickly declared "End transmission." and shut off the recording. "Now look what you did, I was making a motivational speech to my allies, but you had to keep getting in the way just like you always do!"

"Always?" White Topaz replied while making shadow puppets against the cave wall. "Look, I may spoil your plans some of the time, but your ego is just as much to blame the rest of the time."

"That is indeed true Topaz, but now I must ask," Black Rutile said. "what is with this attitude? Where's the overly polite idiot that always followed my orders without question, no matter how horrible they are?"

"I'm betting she's already having second thoughts about your plans." Aquamarine advised her superior.

"You mind if I," Eyeball suggested before making a slashing noise with her mouth and pulling her chisel from her gem. "put her to rest?"

"I'm being serious you guys!" White Topaz said. "The three of you may think you're Gems of the people, but I don't think Gems like those would ever hyperfocus on ruining the life of one person instead of just focusing on something healthier!"

"Like what, forcing ourselves to join those ingrates and deprive ourselves of our way of life in favor of becoming part of a hive-mind?" Black Rutile asked, menacingly pulling out her bowie knife to threaten her Topaz with. "I have been plotting against the Crystal Gems ever since Steven brainwashed the Diamonds, and I refuse to abandon those plans just because you don't like them! Now, are you going to be a good little bodyguard, or do you want to ditch your best friend in favor of the hypocrite?"

Although White Topaz showed tons of reluctance, she nervously got down on one knee and bowed her head to her three teammates. "No, my Rutile. I am at your beck and call, whenever you need me."

"Very good my Topaz." Black Rutile put away her knife to pat White Topaz on the head with an evil smile, before turning away to tap at her visor. "Now if we have nothing else to discuss, it seems the seeds of doubt I have planted in Steven's mind that fateful night have finally begun to grow." She stated before her visor created a holographic chessboard with pieces resembling herself & her minions on one side, and the Crystal Gems & the Diamonds on the other. "Now all we need is just one last push." On that last word, Black Rutile then spawned a chess piece resembling Jasper that she put squarely in the middle of the board.

--

Far from Black Rutile's lair in the woods, Steven and Greg had finally returned home to Beach City after a father-son outing that turned rather disastrous. Fortunately, the Crystal Gems were already home to be told of what happened and as Steven gazed out over the deck, Bismuth asked Greg what happened.

"So Steven just flew off the handle because of a song?" Bismuth asked while helping Greg put his van back together. "Frankly, I could think of weirder reasons to get angry."

"No, it wasn't because of the song." Greg admitted to the blacksmith. "It was because we drove off to my childhood home in Keystone and he learned that my upbringing wasn't too different from his mom's."

"I don't think you ever told anyone about when you were a kid." Bismuth replied.

"Not that I wanted to until now." Greg stated. "But after that crash, I don't think I ever want to bring them up again. Steven started ranting about how he wished the Gems never found Earth and he had a normal human life like I had."

"Whoa whoa whoa, where did all this come from?!" Bismuth yelled in alarm, raising her hands towards the former rock star.

"That's what I said!" Greg exclaimed before turning to his despondent son. "And now that I think about it, maybe he had good reason for those wishes after all he's been through."

Steven looked down in utter shame and regret before he walked back inside the beach house, clearly avoiding a chance to speak with his father about the incident.

--

As soon as Steven got inside, the other Crystal Gems were there to greet him, but the looks on their faces told Steven things weren't going to be good.

"Sit down on the couch Steven, we need to talk." Pearl commanded the son of her deceased lover, who did as he was told before Pearl began pacing around. "I just can't believe you, Steven! Crashing the van with Greg inside?! You know how fragile humans are, young man! These pink outbursts need to be dealt with!"

"It's not an outburst!" Steven yelled, briefly inflating himself as he turned pink.

"See, this is exactly what I'm talking about!" Pearl exclaimed before Steven got back up and started walking away. "What is happening to you?!"

"It's nothing, just puberty, honest!" Steven cried as he struggled to keep his pink form at bay.

"Whoa no little dude, I've seen enough sitcoms to know that is not what puberty is like!" Amethyst declared. "Right, Garnet?"

"I can confirm, this is not regular puberty." Garnet nodded before Steven put up a literal wall between him and his guardians.

"Steven, drop the wall this instant!" Pearl ordered as she pressed against the pink, hexagonal dome.

"I'm sorry Pearl!" Steven gasped in apology before the wall disappeared. "I just need some space, okay? I'll be in my room." But as Steven walked upstairs, Amethyst rushed to keep him from going any further.

"Not so fast, my dude!" Amethyst declared. "You gotta tell us what's going on!"

"It seems like Steven wants to avoid a serious discussion altogether." Garnet analyzed.

"No, I'M NOT!" Steven yelled, dropping to his knees and pounding his fist on the stairs, creating a shockwave that shook the entire room.

"Steven, either you talk to us about what's going on, or you're grounded until you're able to explain." Garnet firmly declared.

"She's right man, you gotta chill!" Amethyst exclaimed.

"We need to do something about this before anyone else gets hurt!" Pearl stated as Steven continued struggling where he stood.

"Don't let these strange powers control you." Garnet tried desperately to calm the half-Gem down. "You're better than this."

"LEAVE ME ALOOONE!" Steven finally roared, causing a pink shockwave to burst from his body and seemingly force the Gems to move in slow motion. Or rather, he was moving faster than everyone else. "I'm speeding up again!" he muttered while gazing at his equally pink hands. "I gotta get out of here!"

Steven ran out of the house and far away from the Crystal Gems. There was barely anywhere he could go right now. Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl kept enabling these strange new powers, yet Peridot, Lapis, and Bismuth probably barely knew what to do about things. Thus, there was only one Gem left he knew could help him in his time of need.

--

"The Gems tried to help me, but they just kept making things worse." Steven explained to Jasper later that night while the two sat around a campfire in front of her cave. "And that's why I refuse to go back."

"So what you're saying is," Jasper answered before dramatically removing the cloak she was wearing. "you want a rematch?!"

"What?! No!" Steven exclaimed. "I just told you why I came here in the first place. I think my Diamond powers are coming out, and I have no idea how to control them. I just want to be alone so I can't hurt anyone or be super toxic and controlling."

"So, you finally admitted it, eh?" Jasper rolled her eyes as she got up and walked away. "If you want to be alone, your definition of it is horribly wrong!"

"But Jasper, this is the last place anyone would look for me!" Steven explained before running after Jasper. "Wait, don't leave me here!" he begged the bigger Gem. "This thing with my powers is the real problem."

"The only problem you have is your friends." Jasper declared, much to Steven's confusion. "Just like how you keep holding everyone back, they're doing the same to you!"

"Are you sure?" Steven asked. "I definitely believe I'm getting them all worried."

"That's because they're afraid of you." Jasper responded. "And not just of your powers, but your control over others. And you are too! You came out here to hide, but I'm not one to hide myself. I don't need to hide my power or try to stifle it, I let everything out by training!"

"Like this forest?" Steven wondered, looking around the patch of destroyed trees he and Jasper have stumbled upon.

"Exactly." Jasper answered, walking up to a tree and making it fall over with a single punch. "And to control that power, I have to use it. Those so-called friends of yours don't understand because they always want to make you feel bad for being yourself!"

"Yeah, I do feel bad." Steven muttered to himself, gazing at his fist before walking over to punch another tree, turning pink as he landed a blow that created massive cracks on the bark and wounded his hand.

"Yeah, crush that weakling tree!" Jasper cheered Steven on.

"No!" Steven exclaimed before kissing the tree to fix the damage he did.

"Are you kidding me?! That's disgusting!" Jasper gagged at the sight when she looked down to discover that Steven's kiss caused some grass to grow around them. "No, the grass!" she yelled and rapidly pulled out the grass beneath her. "Get out of here!" Jasper then angrily turned to Steven and picked him up by the collar of his jacket. "Quit helping this planet's ecosystem and show me! Show me your power!"

Jasper harshly threw Steven to the ground, causing him to groan in pain. "No way Jasper!" Steven coughed as he got up from the toss. "I can handle myself!"

"Shut up!" Jasper yelled and lunged at Steven, who turned pink on reflex and created a barrier to defend himself from the Quartz's ruthless attack, but it proved ineffective as Jasper punched straight through it, causing Steven to fall to the ground. "This is it; this is all you were worried about?! What a rip-off!"

As Steven helped himself off the dirt, Jasper just kept on yelling. "I am way stronger than everyone you hold back and are holding you back in return!" she bellowed while pointing at Steven. "Because I'm not afraid of this, and you shouldn't be either!"

In response, Steven turned pink again and created another shield to launch at his opponent. "Yeah, that's more like it!" Jasper declared eagerly and prepared to defend herself, smashing the shield with just her arm. "Now tell me, was it good to let your anger out that way?"

"Y-yeah." Steven realized how good it felt to vent his rage on someone who could be a match for him, allowing Jasper to let out a loud laugh. "If I stay here, will you teach me how to control all this?"

"I won't teach you until you fight me!" Jasper refused the offer.

"Well, I won't fight you unless you teach me!" Steven replied.

"Ugh, fine!" Jasper groaned in resignation.

"Really?!" Steven smiled as he returned to his normal color.

"Here's lesson number one," Jasper responded. "No smiling."

"But I've seen you smile." Steven pointed out the goofy smile Jasper wore when he agreed to fight her not too long ago.

"Lesson two, shut up!" Jasper yelled before she kicked Steven into the air, and the boy landed far from where she could see him with a thud.

"Guess my training starts now." Steven declared to himself before he heard footsteps behind him and turned around to find who was behind him. "YOU!"

"Training with Jasper, Steven?" Black Rutile snickered disdainfully. "Wow kid, you're not just one Spinel, you're an entire circus of them!"

"What do you want with me now Black Rutile?" Steven asked his new archenemy as Black Rutile's three minions appeared behind her.

"We just came here to talk." Aquamarine answered. "As much as we would love to kidnap you and hold you for ransom, or maybe even kill you right here and now, we think hanging with a brute like her is much more fitting."

"Besides, we all know you'll just drive her away like you did to everyone else." Eyeball laughed. "Or maybe even something worse!"

"Look, what we're trying to say is that you should just give up now and get the help you really need." White Topaz cautioned Steven, unaware of how angry she made her teammates. "We only want what's best for you, so you won't get in the way of my Rutile's plan!"

"Are you seriously trying to help our enemy here?" Black Rutile growled with eyelids lowered at White Topaz. "I thought you were at my beck and call whenever I needed you!"

"If you're trying to ruin my life again, it won't work." Steven firmly declared as he got up to face the four insurgent Gems. "I know what you really are, Black Rutile. You're no hero to Homeworld, you're just a callous bully who will do anything to get her way."

"GROW UP STEVEN, GROW UP!" Black Rutile abruptly yelled at Steven's face. "Sociopath, hypocrite! Refusing to save a dying pet because of the natural order when he refuses to accept everyone is leaving him! Who's the real villain between us two, my boy, hm?"

"Still you." Steven remained resolute against the Rutile.

"You can't even begin to comprehend my current plans." Black Rutile replied just as resolutely. "Soon, everyone on this accursed rock will see you for the monster you truly are."

"Hey, where are you?!" Jasper bellowed from afar, and Black Rutile saw this as her cue to leave.

"Wouldn't want to keep a certain someone waiting." Black Rutile smirked. "But at least the three of us agree the Crystal Gems are the real problem."

"Aw, but I wanna turn Jasper against Steven too!" Eyeball complained. "Plus it would be an honor to see her in person again. The real deal, not an Amethyst shapeshifting into her."

"Oh, shut up, and let's get out of here." Aquamarine slapped her Ruby partner and dragged her away by the hand.

"Hey, no hard feelings kid?" White Topaz asked Steven, causing Black Rutile to slap her mouth shut.

"We'll see each other again Steven." Black Rutile declared. "But until then, I'll be watching you, just like I've always had since our last fight."

As the four rogue Gems left, Steven was left alone with his thoughts once more. And with those thoughts, a certain voice in his head re-emerged. "You know, she does raise a few good points."

"You again!" Steven said to the voice. "What do you want now? Are you another Gem working for Black Rutile?!"

"Well, kind of." The voice answered. "I'm not directly working for her, but it's thanks to her that I'm even speaking to you now. Remember that night while the Gems were out in Los Diego? She helped me grow."

"I thought so." Steven muttered in a moment of clarity. "But please, just leave me alone!"

"Maybe I'll just sit back and watch while you worry your so-called friends sick." The voice laughed deeply. "Don't you worry, we'll be seeing each other again very soon."

With that foreboding goodbye, the voice once again vanished from Steven's thoughts. Was it true, was that voice even haunting Steven because of what Black Rutile said to him? Or could it perhaps be even older than that?

"Are you dead or something?!" Jasper yelled for Steven. "Come back over here if you aren't, we got training to do tomorrow!"

"I'm coming!" Steven cried and raced back to Jasper's cave. As soon as he got there, Jasper threw her cloak at his face. "What was that for?"

"Think you might need this." Jasper stated while peering out from her cave. "Humans need to sleep, right?"

"Aw, you really do care for me." Steven blushed at the seemingly kind gesture, but Jasper just scoffed and retreated into the darkness of her home. Steven then just shrugged and laid down on the ground with the cloak covering him like a blanket, gazing up at the stars and wondering how the Crystal Gems must be doing.

--

The next morning, the Crystal Gems were now searching across Beach City for the missing Steven. Pearl had placed posters all over town while Greg helped Lion and Amethyst sniff around for him, but so far they found nothing that would help them.

"Whoa, easy Amethyst!" Greg yelled as he tugged on the leash of a purple-furred Dalmatian with an amethyst gemstone on her chest, which then turned into an exhausted Amethyst.

"We're getting nowhere with this!" Amethyst complained. "I mean, I learned how he could slow down time through Smoky Quartz, and even I don't have a clue!"

"I hope we find him soon, I'm getting worried." Pearl whimpered before she found Garnet walking up to them. "Anything from Little Homeworld, Garnet?"

"Nothing, Peridot and Lapis told me they didn't see Steven recently." Garnet answered. "However, Zuli said she did see a pink blur zoom past yesterday."

"That's the same one I saw with Bismuth while we were fixing the van!" Greg declared. "Could that be Steven?"

"It probably is." Pearl said before she began to break down into tears and hug Greg tightly. "I miss my baby!"

"We all do Pearl." Greg sniffed and returned the hug, followed by Garnet, Amethyst, and Lion joining in to comfort the Pearl. "We all do."

However, little did the Gems know, Steven was perfectly fine. But not the kind of fine they want him to be.

--

Far off in the woods, Steven had fallen fast asleep underneath the blanket Jasper had lent him. But his rest wouldn't last long as Jasper emerged from her cave and smashed a wall, shocking him awake.

"Rise and shine, your training begins today!" Jasper barked as she walked up to the half-Gem boy and picked him up by the neck. "Now tell me, what are you here for again?"

"Uh, to get a better control of my powers?" Steven answered.

"Not enough energy." Jasper shook her head in disdain. "Why don't we start with the only way you can talk to people?" she suggested and then cleared her throat. "So you're here because of your mother, kid? Well, whoop-de-doo!" the big Quartz began singing while circling Steven. "You still haven't realized more have suffered than just you! If you wanna get tougher kid, here's a tip. I got three little words for you: get a grip!"

"Shouldn't that apply to you too?" Steven asked his new mentor.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Jasper growled while walking towards some boulders and picked one up.

"I mean, you're stuck here because of me." Steven continued, much to Jasper's anger. "Not to mention closets full of-"

"Do you want my help or not?!" Jasper roared.

"Yes ma'am!" Steven nervously complied before Jasper threw him a boulder.

"That's better." Jasper grinned smugly as she hoisted up more boulders on her back and walked away. "Follow me."

--

"You've been through a lot brat, but let me say something about that." Jasper began singing again as Steven followed her up the mountain with boulders in hand. "As a veteran, I've seen far messier, you should've seen the Clash at the Theater."

"I don't think I've heard of that before." Steven stated while setting the boulders down nearby.

"Doesn't matter, just giving an example." Jasper replied as she dropped her boulders too. "Now come on, throw me some shields!" Steven nodded before he turned pink and summoned multiple barriers to unleash on Jasper, who managed to break through all of them. "The fusion's all high and mighty. Amethyst can be pretty flighty. And the Pearl, wow, she's nuts, you see! They all got experience, but none like mine!"

--

"Maybe when you're done, you'll be feeling just fine." The next day, Steven continued training via splitting logs in half on a stump, while Jasper demonstrated her superior strength by knocking down a tree with just a push. In the meantime, Black Rutile whispered something into Jasper's ear without her knowing the Rutile was even there.

--

"If you wanna get tougher kid, here's a tip." As night began to fall, Jasper challenged Steven to a race, her spin-dash against his pink form's speed. "I got three little words for you: get a grip! Ya hear me!"

"Yeah, those three little words are 'Get a Grip!'" Steven joined in on the song as he began catching up to Jasper.

"Now we're talking!" Jasper cheered triumphantly.

--

"No time for healing!" As the training went on to the day after that, Steven had grown slightly taller and more muscular, and even began growing a beard as he threw another barrier at Jasper. "Who needs feeling?!"

--

"You're still reeling?" Steven caught a fish in the river with a more polygonal bubble that he cooked up to eat, while Black Rutile loomed behind him with another lie to tell him. "Well, my tips are quite appealing! Let's say it again!"

--

"If you wanna get tougher kid, here's a tip." Steven and Jasper harmonized while clashing fists in a forest clearing. "I got three little words for you: get a grip!"

"Yes, for everything to go as planned, get a grip." Black Rutile muttered while watching the two train with an evil smile, eager to see how far Steven has come and how far he'll fall.

--

The next day, thunder began rumbling far from Steven, who knelt in front of a campfire with a more muscular body that made him as tall as Jasper and a wildly different hairstyle.

"I found more rocks!" Jasper called out to her student while tossing over some more rocks for him to train with. "You won't believe how hard it is to find a good rock around here, especially since we broke most of them."

"I'm done with rocks Jasper." Steven declared while getting up to face Jasper. "I'm finally ready. For our rematch." He then put out the fire behind him with one stomp, showing the other Gem how serious he was.

"Took you long enough!" Jasper cackled as she cracked her knuckles and prepared for her long-awaited round 2. "Then come on, show me what you got!"

Steven responded by creating another hexagonal shield to launch at Jasper. However, Jasper jumped over the shield and attempted to punch Steven, but suddenly, she got punched instead. As Steven let out a gasp, Jasper summoned her horned crash helmet and slammed it into Steven's head, sending him tumbling backwards into the ground.

"What are you holding back for Steven?!" Jasper yelled while the resulting smoke began to clear. "You think you can't take it, that I'm just going to coddle you the whole way through, just like the Gems?! You still want to go back to them?"

"No!" Steven coughed from the smoke.

"You still afraid to be strong?!" Jasper continued taunting her foe. "Are you dull?! ARE YOU PITIFUL?!"

"I AM NOT!" Steven bellowed out loud, causing a shockwave that knocked Jasper back, and nearly shook a certain Rutile from a tree she was hiding in as he lunged at Jasper with fury in his eyes.

"Is that all?!" Jasper cackled arrogantly, forcing Steven to create more barriers to strike at her with, which finally landed a hit on Jasper and slammed her into a tree. "That's more like it!"

Steven let out a sadistic giggle before he lunged again, far faster than normal as he started repeatedly punching Jasper while the two soared through the forest and into the air.

"Come on, come on!" Jasper beckoned Steven as their brawl took to the skies. "Show your master what you can really do!"

Steven's maniacal laughter grew louder and louder with each punch before kicking Jasper to the ground. "You were right Jasper!" he declared while summoning more shields to trap Jasper with before forming an even larger one in front of him. "I HAVE BEEN HOLDING BACK!"

With a murderous smile and white diamonds in his eyes, Steven made his barrier grow razor-sharp spikes before launching it at his captive opponent. And for the first time in what felt like ages, as the spiked shield rocketed towards her, Jasper felt one emotion that she barely showed to anyone else.

Pure, unadulterated terror.

What had she done?

--

The cloudy skies gave way to a loud thunderstorm as Black Rutile climbed up to the top of another tree to watch the outcome of the fight, and she was more than happy with what she was seeing.

"Bravo Steven, I never knew you had it in you!" Black Rutile clapped loud enough for Steven to hear as he returned to his senses to realize what he had just done. "If I hadn't planned for that, she would've made a great bodyguard!"

With tears and raindrops staining his face, Steven hid whatever he was hiding in his balled-up fist while glaring at Black Rutile before he raced back to Jasper's cave. When Black Rutile decided to climb down the tree, she was greeted by the nervous look on her Topaz's face. "So, who were you betting on to win?"

"I was betting on Steven to curb his problems more healthily, and you just kept stringing him along!" White Topaz accused her superior, but her accusations were shut down by a bowie knife pointed straight at her face. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! Would a shadow puppet make you feel better?!"

"No need." Black Rutile frowned, hiding behind the tree to watch as Steven, now wearing his jacket again, hid his fist in one of the pockets while running out of the woods. "Nothing makes me happier than seeing him squirm."

"Oh yeah, it's funny how pathetic he is." White Topaz laughed nervously in agreement. "Come on, let's head back to the cave. Don't wanna get wet."

"Indeed," Black Rutile agreed and strolled back to their lair with her arms behind her back. "wouldn't want anyone knowing what we did to him."

--

"I sent so many messages, but he hasn't replied!" Pearl fretted while pacing around the beach house as the storm continued. "Do you think he even had his phone when he ran away?! What if something horrible happened and it's all our fault because he wanted to stay away from us?! What if-" Pearl's panicking soon turned to hyperventilating as she curled up into a ball on the floor and began rocking back and forth when Amethyst stepped in to calm her down.

"Pearl, chill out!" Amethyst literally shook Pearl out of her traumatized state and picked her up off the floor. "Panting and sweating over everything won't bring Steven back! It's not like he's going to just barge in as soon as I finish talking!"

Just then, Steven finally returned home, much to the Crystal Gems' delight and worry. However, he had no time to tell them where he's been as he gunned for the bathroom.

"Steven, where have you been?!" Pearl cried out in fright for her surrogate son.

"No time to talk!" Steven exclaimed before ducking into the bathroom.

"Seriously man, we've been looking everywhere!" Amethyst added just as the door closed in front of her. "Hey, what was that in your hand?"

"Nothing important!" Steven replied, peeking out the door one last time before going back.

"The way he said that makes me get a bad feeling about this." Garnet declared ominously.

--

'This has been a horrible day.' Steven thought to himself while filling up the bathtub and snatching the three Diamond essence bottles from the mirror, taking a moment to find a dark shadow in the exact shape of his muscular self from earlier standing behind his reflection.

"I never knew you had it in you either." The shadow growled before Steven turned to dump all the Diamonds' essences in the bathwater and pulled his fist out of his pocket, unfolding it to reveal Jasper's shattered remains in his palms.

"Please work, you gotta work!" Steven muttered in total panic while piecing Jasper's broken gemstone the best he could and submerging it in the water. "Please Jasper, I'm sorry!" he began sobbing for the deceased Gem, his hot tears streaking against his face and dropping into the water.

"I'm sorry."

END OF PART 3: FRAGMENTED MIND

TO BE CONCLUDED IN PART 4: WE WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR FAMILY

--

Wow. Great googly moogly, it's all gone to shit, just the kind of shit that Black Rutile likes. Is Jasper truly gone? Okay, definitely not since next chapter after the break will be Homeworld Bound. Has Black Rutile won? Maybe. Will the voice in Steven's head take the wheel? Who knows? Find out on the epic final part of Steven Universe: Alternate Future, to perhaps begin after the usual two-month hiatus. Or maybe I should go for a shorter hiatus this time. Or maybe longer? What do you guys think? I mean, by the time I publish this, I'll be getting ready for sophomore year of college so my time will most definitely be filled up. But regardless, there are now only eight chapters left of laughs, tears and adrenaline rush, so don't even try to miss the next arc! Okay, peace!

#steven universe #steven universe future #fanfiction #steven universe alternate future #steven quartz universe #garnet #amethyst #pearl #jasper #black rutile #white topaz #aquamarine #eyeball ruby #greg universe #bismuth